The Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in Lagos State has sensitised girls and women to the importance of embracing menstrual hygiene.
This was as it urged them to manage their menstruation with dignity and without shame.
The ministry stated this in a statement signed by its Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Oluyemi Kalesanwo, during an event to mark the 2023 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
“It is in our best interest to realise as women that our monthly blood flow is not a malady but rather, a nature endowed way of getting rid of what our body does not need. Particularly, we must consider that this global celebration, which is being observed annually every May 28, emphasises the importance of menstrual hygiene management in order to break the taboo around menstruation for qualitative women’s reproductive health.
“It is imperative, therefore, to promote menstrual hygiene management amongst women and girls, especially those in low-income communities, as it can significantly expose them to greater vulnerabilities being aggravated by their education and level of productivity,” the ministry stated.
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It noted that lack of hygiene during menstruation could lead to infections, absenteeism from school and work, and social stigma.
“If hygiene is considered the least phenomena, due to lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and sanitation facilities, it can lead to infections, absenteeism from school and work, as well as social stigma.
“In lieu of this, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation implores our women and girls to manage their menstruation with dignity and without shame.
“You are enjoined to live a qualitative lifestyle whilst breaking the stigma which is prompted by a pain-free hygienic life by using menstrual hygiene products, clean water, and sanitation facilities, for that time of the month,” the statement added.
