Girls to Women with Ease Foundation (G2W) Hosts Annual Symposium on Menstrual Hygiene in Ibadan

The Girls to Women with Ease Foundation (G2W) convened its annual symposium on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at Queen’s School, Apata, Ibadan.

The event brought together girls from various secondary schools to emphasize the importance of using clean and appropriate menstrual products and maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation, as well as the distribution of sanitary towel to each student.

Speaking at the symposium, G2W Team Lead, Dr. Olufunmi Adegbile, highlighted the need for increased awareness of menstrual hygiene. She noted that the advocacy stems from the high rate of infections and infertility among women, often caused by unhygienic menstrual practices passed down through generations.

Dr. Adegbile explained that the Foundation has been actively visiting schools and markets to discourage the use of unsafe materials such as rags, newspapers, and tissues during menstruation. She further revealed that the Foundation trains girls in two schools per term on proper menstrual hygiene practices, secures a year’s supply of sanitary pads for students from indigent families, and educates them on avoiding practices that could harm their reproductive health.

One of the guest speakers, Deputy Director Nursing, Public Health UCH, Mrs Bode Oguntoke, outlined key menstrual hygiene practices. She emphasized the importance of washing hands before and after changing sanitary pads, disposing of used products properly, washing the genital area with clean water, and avoiding scented soaps or chemicals. She also advised the girls to change their pads every 6-8 hours to prevent infections.

Deputy Director Medicals, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr. Chisom Fajimi, warned against the excessive use of strong analgesic drugs during menstruation. Instead, she recommended increasing fluid intake, wearing cotton underwear, consuming vegetables, and frequently changing pads to prevent urinary tract infections. For menstrual cramps, Dr. Fajimi suggested using a hot water compress and mild pain relievers. She also cautioned against consuming junk food with refined sugars, which can negatively affect menstrual flow.

As a dentist, Dr. Fajimi also emphasized good oral hygiene, encouraging the girls to brush their teeth twice daily.

In addition to the discussions, the symposium featured a debate on the topic, “Are eco-friendly products more sustainable than traditional menstrual products?” Liberty Academy, Ibadan, emerged as the winner, receiving a cash prize of ₦50,000. Queen’s School, Ibadan, secured the second position with a cash prize of ₦25,000.

The G2W Foundation, a non-governmental organization, also advocates against child marriage and teenage pregnancy while promoting the overall well-being of girls and women.

 

Kesh Awefada

Kesh Awefada

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