A non-governmental organisation (NGO), MaryMine Mother’s Care Initiative Network, has stepped up efforts to promote menstrual hygiene and eliminate stigma among schoolgirls in Benue.
In collaboration with Cheerful Hands Initiative (CHI), Arboot Global Services Ltd, Moskay Consulting Hub, and with support from Zenith Bank, the NGO organised a sensitisation programme on Friday in Makurdi.
Held at Tilley Gyado College under the theme “Dignity in Class: Let’s Build a Period-Friendly World,” the event attracted students from various schools across Benue’s capital.
Speaking at the event, Mrs. MaryMine Hyembe, founder of the organisation, said the campaign aimed to educate young people about menstruation as a natural biological process.
Hyembe added that they also sought to discourage discrimination against girls during their periods.
Boys were intentionally included to foster understanding and support for menstruating girls among peers.
“Most believe menstruation is a topic for women alone, but we involved boys because they have important roles in supporting their sisters, classmates, and future families,” she explained.
Hyembe stressed that lack of knowledge often leads to teasing, embarrassment, and isolation for girls in schools, highlighting the need for ongoing awareness to help girls manage their periods with confidence and dignity.
She urged schools to include sanitary pads in their first aid kits to assist girls with unexpected menstrual flow.
Hyembe also expressed concern over low menstrual hygiene awareness among some parents, noting it affects guidance for adolescent girls.
The organisation has expanded its outreach to rural communities, providing education on proper menstrual care and access to sanitary pads.
However, Hyembe identified funding as a major challenge and called on corporate organisations, development partners, and individuals to support the initiative.
Mrs. Caroline Omeka, representative of the Benue State Ministry of Education and Knowledge Management, praised the organisers for a timely intervention that would raise awareness among students.
Miss Becky Banker, Executive Director of Cheerful Hands Initiative, said her organisation partnered with the campaign to address menstrual poverty and improve access to hygiene products and information for girls.
Banker expressed confidence that the initiative would change negative perceptions about menstruation and promote healthier practices among youth.
Miss Kehemen Comfort of UBE St Mary’s North Bank, Makurdi, said the programme improved her understanding of menstruation and hygiene.
Ms. Garba Vera, a teacher at Tilley Gyado College, described the event as enlightening and urged parents to prioritise menstrual hygiene education.
