Period Poverty: A Global Challenge and Local Solutions
Period poverty, the lack of access to menstrual products, education, and sanitation facilities, is a pervasive issue affecting millions of girls and women worldwide. This challenge not only impacts their health and well-being but also hinders their education and economic opportunities. Globally, period poverty perpetuates gender inequality and stigmatization, making it a critical issue that demands urgent intervention.
The Global Effects of Period Poverty
- Health Implications: Without proper menstrual products, many girls and women resort to using unsafe materials, leading to infections and other health complications.
- Educational Barriers: Girls often miss school during their menstrual periods due to the lack of sanitary products and inadequate facilities, resulting in significant educational setbacks.
- Economic Impact:The inability to manage menstruation effectively can limit women's participation in the workforce, affecting their economic independence and contributing to broader economic disparities.
- Social Stigma: Menstruation is often shrouded in stigma and taboo, leading to shame and isolation for many girls and women, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
The Need for Interventions
Addressing period poverty requires a multifaceted approach that includes providing menstrual products, improving sanitation facilities, and delivering comprehensive menstrual education. Interventions must also work towards dismantling the stigma associated with menstruation and advocating for menstrual health as a fundamental human right.
Bridging-Health International's Efforts in Africa
Bridging-Health International, through its affiliate Ascending Health Foundation in Nigeria, has launched a pioneering campaign to combat period poverty in rural public schools. The Adadia Secondary Pilot Period Poverty Reduction Campaign in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, marks a significant step in this direction.
Campaign Highlights:
- Educational Outreach: Dr. Imabong from the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital led a crucial lecture on menstrual hygiene, emphasizing the need to demystify menstruation and eliminate associated stigma. She also addressed the importance of boys being supportive and understanding, urging them not to mock girls who might get stained.
- Inclusive Health Education:To engage both genders, Dr. Imabong also provided a lecture on oral health hygiene, ensuring that the boys felt included and valued in the health education process.
- Distribution of Supplies: Girls received sanitary pads, while boys were given toothbrushes and toothpaste, promoting overall health and hygiene.
- Data Collection: The team distributed questionnaires to gather data, ensuring that future interventions are evidence-based and tailored to the specific needs of the community.
- Advocacy and Leadership:School champions were identified to continue advocacy and campaign efforts within their schools and communities, led by Executive Director Engr Nsisuk Owoh and other team members.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has emphasized that menstrual health should be framed and addressed as a health and human rights issue, not merely a hygiene issue. This campaign aligns with WHO's call, aiming to create a sustainable and supportive environment for girls and women in rural Nigeria.
Gratitude and Future Steps
The success of this campaign is a testament to the dedication of the Ascending Health Foundation team, the support of donors, and the leadership of Dr. Paulinius Essien, the Chief Medical Director. As the journey continues, the team is committed to expanding their outreach to other rural public schools across Akwa Ibom State, ensuring that no girl is left behind due to period poverty. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that menstrual health is recognized and addressed as a fundamental human right, paving the way for a more equitable and just world.
Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) at Secondary school Okat, Onna LGA, Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria 2024.
Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) at Atakpo Community Secondary school Mbiaya Uruan, Uruan LGA, Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria 2024.
Celebrating International Day of the Girl Child - October 11, 2024.
Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) at Apostolic Seconday School Nsit Ibom Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria 2024.
Period Poverty Reduction Campaign (PPRC) at Community Seconday School Ikono Uyo Akwa Ibom State - Nigeria 2024.
