By Ishaq Dan-Imam.
A Non Governmental Organization, Global Youths Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication Organization (GYSAPEO) has embarked on community campaign against menstrual discrimination.
The program which took place at Utako Village of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja had participants drawn from different gender and age groups.
The founder of the organization, Ambassador Ozegbe Chuks Emmanuel, says there is the need for African Societies to see menstruation as a natural occurrence. He advised men not to perceive menstruation as lack of physical hygiene. Ambassador Emmanuel maintained that women can still mingle with men in the society during their menstrual flow.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the organization, Mr. Femi Fakayejo, said, “A lot of women go through difficulties when it comes to menstruation. They don’t get the needed support of men even in our homes, offices and schools. This is just the part 1. So we are here at Utako village to talk to men and women. A lot of men here today have learnt about the specific menstrual products women should use instead of rags, tissues and the likes. they should be using pads, menstrual cup and tampons.
“Our men should do a lot in contributing to hygienic practices during menstruation. It is not something mundane to them,” Fakayejo, explained.
Shading light on the objective of the menstrual health campaign, Mr. Fakayejo adds, “Women shouldn’t go through menstruation alone.”
The Research Associate, Doffi Agatha, stressed the need to support women during menstruation.
“This programme is to destigmatize the concept of menstruation. Women should feel good about it. They shouldn’t be ashamed or afraid. Men also normalize it. They should buy those menstrual products, drugs and pain relief for their women.”
Dr. Kossy, in a speech said, “Menstruation is not only a woman’s problem. Men and women should work together to ensure women have safe and comfortable periods.”
