Happy International Menstrual Hygiene Day, 2024.

Celebrating International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024: Empowering Girls and Young Women for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld

To mark the 2024 International Menstrual Hygiene Day, forher Organization hosted a dynamic roundtable conversation aimed at educating and empowering girls and young women under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld.” This event also sought to influence gender-sensitive policies in Nigeria, starting with Akwa Ibom State.

The event kicked off with an icebreaker activity, inviting participants to share their initial thoughts and expectations for the Roundtable Conversation Series 2.0. This session provided an opportunity for participants to express their hopes for the discussions on menstrual health and hygiene.

Our keynote speaker, Ms. Joy Ubong, a dedicated Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Program Officer at Policy Alert, delivered an insightful session on the necessity of strengthening advocacy for gender-sensitive policies and inclusive menstrual best practices. She delved into existing policies and rights pertaining to sexual and reproductive health, emphasizing the fundamental right to non-discrimination.

Ms. Ubong’s session highlighted the importance of cultural sensitivity and the shift from sympathy to empathy, empowering girls and women through knowledge. Her expertise provided a comprehensive understanding of the need for inclusive and empathetic approaches to menstrual health.

Our second keynote speaker, Ms. Edidiong Enang, Public Health Expert and Program Manager at Vitonia Lead Foundation, led a captivating session on menstrual hygiene and education. She explored topics such as the onset of menstruation, factors influencing its timing, and the intersection between early sexual stimulation and menstrual cycles.

Ms. Enang emphasized the critical importance of Menstrual Hygiene Day and the severe health implications of inadequate menstrual care. She debunked prevalent myths surrounding menstrual pain alleviation through sex, stressing the necessity of promoting accurate information and inclusive sexual education, including its relevance for boys.

Participants engaged in a breakout session focused on policy and solutions brainstorming. Divided into two groups, the discussions were facilitated by the two speakers. Ms. Enang led this session, encouraging participants to brainstorm and address various questions related to policy, menstrual challenges, and solutions.

The forher Roundtable Conversation Series 2.0 successfully marked International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2024 by fostering meaningful discussions, debunking myths, and advocating for comprehensive sexual education and gender rights. The event’s outcom

The event  was concluded with the formation of the “forher Menstrual Health Network,” a collaborative initiative aimed at advancing and amplifying girls’ and women’s voices in developing a sustainable policy framework for menstrual hygiene. This network will ensure these critical conversations continue and lead to tangible changes.

Join us in creating a #PeriodFriendlyWorld and advancing menstrual health and hygiene for all.