SISDEV Holds Health Talk On Menstrual Hygiene For Schoolgirls In Bauchi

By Sani Adamu Hassan

In a bid to boost young girls’ confidence in attending school during their menstrual period, the Savannah Institute for Sustainable Development (SISDEV), a Non-Governmental Organization, has organized a one-day health talk on menstrual hygiene for secondary school girls.

The event, which held at Government Girls Day Secondary School, Games Village, Bauchi, brought together students to mark International Women’s Day, which is globally observed in March. The program focused on menstrual health and the safe use of sanitary pads under the theme “Accelerate Action”, aimed at ensuring that no girl is left behind in education due to menstruation.

Speaking during the event, Munira Dalha Umar, the Desk Officer of SISDEV, emphasized the need to empower girls with proper knowledge and support to manage their menstrual period with dignity. She stressed that menstrual hygiene is crucial in promoting girls’ education, especially in challenging environments.

“Considering the environmental and societal factors, it is necessary to educate these young girls on how to care for themselves and handle menstrual challenges confidently,” Munira said.

Also speaking, Mahfuza Adamu Yayaji highlighted that SISDEV focuses on key areas such as good governance, climate and environment, peace and security – all aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.

In her remarks, the Vice Principal (Administration) of the host school, Zainab Abbas Shehu, lauded the initiative as timely and essential. She noted that many girls, and even some parents, lack adequate knowledge about menstrual hygiene and how to properly guide their daughters through it.

She further called on other organizations to emulate SISDEV by organizing similar programs that equip secondary school girls with vital knowledge about menstrual health and personal hygiene.

Some of the students who spoke during the event expressed gratitude to SISDEV for choosing their school for the health talk. They also appealed to the government to assist in constructing more toilet facilities in their school to enhance their comfort and academic experience.