- The Tabitha Cumi Foundation, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),
- says it has empowered no fewer
- By Collins Yakubu-Hammer
- The Tabitha Cumi Foundation, a faith-based Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO),
- says it has empowered no fewer than 1, 350 schoolgirls on menstrual health in Abuja, Kwara and Lagos in its Always Keep Girls in School (AKGIS) project.
- The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mrs Adetayo Erinle, made this known at the AKGIS Endline Dissemination Meeting on Wednesday in Abuja.
- According to her, the aim of AKGIS is to ensure that girls remain in school in spite of menstruation experience.
- The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that menstruation, also known as period, is the regular discharge of blood
- and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina, characterised by the rise and fall of hormones.
- Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels and a sign that pregnancy has not occurred.
- The executive director of the foundation, therefore, said that the group provided sanitary pads to more than 1,350 schoolgirls in Abuja,
- Kwara and Lagos for one year in its efforts to ensure that the girls did not miss school.
- Erinle, who was represented by the foundation’s Programme Manager, Ms Nendirmwa Ohah, said “we also provided correct information on
- mensural hygiene management to build the girls’ confidence and self-esteem.
- “The AKGIS has also enhanced the girls’ academic performance because they no longer stay away from school during their period.
- “We had the programme in 15 schools in Kwara, nine schools in Lagos and three schools with special needs in the Federal Capital Territory,
- to support the girls.”
- She reiterated the foundation’s determination to continue to support schoolgirls.
- Mr Michael Ogbonna, the Desk Officer oordinating NGOs in the Department of Health and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, commended the foundation for the efforts.
- He assured that the ministry would continue to support the foundation, noting that menstruation is natural and normal part of women’s
- lives.
- He added that “we treasure the Tabitha Cumi Foundation’s initiative on the AKGIS programme. It has taken the lead and able to break
- the silence and open communication on menstruation for our girls in schools and various communities.
- “As we strive for gender equality and empowerment, it is important that we priotise menstrual health as a fundamental right for girls and women.
- “Access to menstrual health, inclusion and support should not be a luxury, but a basic necessity that every woman deserves.”
- On his part, Mr Victor Opeyeme, from the NGO PPP Unit, Department of Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Education, also
- commended the foundation “for the creativity and innovation on girl-child education.
- “I want to commend you for your dedication in empowering young girls through education. It is quite inspiring. I appreciate and encourage you.”
- One of the students that benefitted from the programme, Miss Zainab Ibrahim, also thanked the foundation, as well as Procter and Gamble company that provided
- the sanitary pad to the girls.
- NAN reports that gifts were given to students of the school with special needs in the FCT. (NAN)
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