…..as NGO Launches Initiative
A Non Governmental Organization, NGO, FEBI Development Initiative has launched a project for the benefit of girl child to have stress-free Menstrual Period.
This is coming as no fewer than 200 secondary schools in Ekiti were targeted by the NGO to receive free distribution of Sanitary pads to keep them in school.
The Executive Director of FEBI Development Initiative, Abimbola Ajaja said the initiative became necessary to enable the girl child conquer associated Challenges of menstrual period without affecting their education.
She added it’s critical that majority of school girls shun school during their monthly period.
The Foundation gave the submission at an official launch of FEBI Development initiative Ekiti Office Building .
The Ekiti state high court Judge, Hon. Justice Blessing Ajileye at the event disclosed that the objectives of the program include “having a steady supply of menstrual hygiene products, helping young girls who are unable to afford sanitary materials and ensure that young girls don’t stay away from school because of their monthly cycle.
“Others include, promoting good menstrual hygiene amongst young girls, providing training on the use of menstrual hygiene products and providing opportunities for young local entrepreneurs to learn how to produce reusable and safe sanitary products”
She urged support from relevant stakeholders and other NGOs who champion the cause of girl child in the society to make her dream of ending period poverty come into reality.
In her keynote address, Hon. Justice Blessing Ajileye, said “Period poverty may result in absenteeism, reduced level of concentration in class and low participation in school activities like sports and other extra-curricular activities”
She stressed that the initiative would help vulnerable girls in the state have access to disposable and reusable sanitary pads, and a sustainable way of menstrual hygiene management.
She equally established that period poverty needs a proper attention because it had been neglected and ignored for too long which had in-turn cut off the rights of every woman.
She therefore maintained that this initiative aligns with what the law states about human rights because menstrual poverty has affected some women to exercise their right to education.
The Judge admonished every attendee and citizen of Nigeria to support the cause by making it easy for the organisation to actualize their purpose.
The Vice Chairperson of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, Dr Banke Olagbegi-Oloba lauded the initiative promising that the association would support and partner with the initiative to ensure that Period poverty is reduced to it barest minimum in the state.
The event had in attendance other Non Governmental organisations like: Triple G, Gender Relevance Initiative Promotion, GRIP, Gender Mobile, former Vice Chairperson, FIDA, Mag. Titilayo Ogunsina, amongst others, and they equally pledged their support for partnership.