By Philip Yatai

The Centre for Water and Environmental Development (CWED) has advocated for the provision of adequate hygiene products and services in schools and communities for women and girls.

The Programme Manager, Mrs Doris Zakam, made the call in Kaduna during the sensitisation of women and girls in Bagodo community of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Zakam said that the sensitisation was in commemoration of the 2023 Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHD) with the theme: “Making Menstruation a Normal Fact of Life by 2030”.

She pointed out that in developing countries, women’s choices of menstrual hygiene materials were often limited by the costs, availability and social norms.

She argued that “adequate sanitation facilities and access to feminine hygiene products were very critical to building a world where no one was held back because they menstruate.

“Not having access to menstrual hygiene management products can keep girls home from school during their period each month.

“Though very important, menstrual hygiene is more than just access to sanitary pads and appropriate toilets; it is about the healthy lives of women and girls and vital to their empowerment and wellbeing,” she said.

She explained that menstrual hygiene day was designed to provide a platform to bring together individuals, organisations, social businesses, and the media, to create a united and strong voice for women and girls.

This, according to her, will break the silence about menstrual hygiene management and strengthen the step towards better health.

She explained that the sensitisation was organised to enlighten women and girls on good menstrual hygiene practices for a healthy life and wellbeing.

“This will ensure that no woman or girl is left behind in the drive towards promoting access to hygiene products for good hygiene practices,” Zakam said.

The Women Leader in the community, Mrs Kande Yakubu, commended CWED for the sensitisation and for ensuring that women and girls in rural communities were not left behind.

Yakubu also thanked CWED for advocating for improved access to hygiene products and services for women and girls, especially those residing in rural communities.

the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Menstrual Hygiene Day is an annual awareness day on May 28 to highlight the importance of good menstrual hygiene at a global level.

It was initiated by the German-based NGO, WASG United in 2013 and observed for the first time in 2014.(NAN)