Wife of the Oyo Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde has decried that several factors still make the attainment of menstrual hygiene for girls and women difficult.
Speaking during an event to commemorate the 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day held at the Oyo State Secretariat, Ibadan, Makinde bemoaned that women and girls continued to face the challenges of lack of access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, cultural taboos, limited education on menstrual health.
As a result of improper menstrual hygiene, she said women continue to be prone to infection, unhealthy physical and mental well-being, and restricted ability to fully participate in daily activities without shame or discomfort.
To improve menstrual hygiene, Makinde represented by the Oyo Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, said the society must ensure all women and girls have access to affordable and environmentally friendly menstrual products.
She stressed the need for the provision of safe and private sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, to enable proper menstrual hygiene management.
She also called for concerted efforts to raise awareness, break taboos, and promote good menstrual hygiene practices for the well-being of women, and girls.
Makinde said: “Despite its importance, menstrual hygiene remains a challenge for many women and girls globally. Menstrual hygiene is crucial for preventing infection, maintaining physical and mental well-being, and ensuring women and girls can fully participate in daily activities without shame or discomfort.
“Factors such as lack of access to sanitary products, inadequate sanitation facilities, cultural taboos, and limited education on menstrual health contribute to the difficulties faced by millions of individuals every month. Improper menstrual hygiene can hinder a woman’s daily activities both personal and professional.
“The fear of leakage or embarrassment may prevent women or girls from engaging fully in their regular routine. It can lead to shame, embarrassment, and low self-esteem.
“Let us commit to taking action to address these challenges. We must work towards it. We must ensure all women and girls have access to affordable and environmentally friendly menstrual products. If you don’t have money to buy sanitary towels, you can get clothes that are cotton to use from time to time.
“Providing safe and private sanitation facilities in schools, workplaces, and public spaces, to enable proper menstrual hygiene management needs to be addressed.
“Promoting comprehensive menstrual health education to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, we must create awareness among ourselves, our families, relatives, friends, and classmates in our various schools, neighbours, customers, and communities.
“Empowering women and girls to make informed choices about their menstrual health and wellbeing is also important. Let us continue efforts to promote menstrual hygiene, and support women and girls in their menstrual health journey.
“We should work towards a future where menstruation is no longer a barrier but a natural and respected aspect of women’s lives. We can ensure every woman has a right to manage their menstruation safely, hygienically, and with pride.”
In his remarks, the Oyo Commissioner for Education, Professor Soliu Adelabu said harmful beliefs about menstruation must be challenged, silence must be broken to create an inclusive and supportive environment for all and sundry.
Permanent Secretary/Inspector General of Education, Ibadan zone 2, Mrs Iyabode Ojo prayed for a period-friendly world where women and girls are comfortable during menstruation and not stigmatized in any way.
Making a presentation, Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr Anifa Ibrahim harped on cleanliness during menstruation, noting that women and girls could be at risk of infection that could even lead to infertility.
She also admonished females to be quick to report disorders in their monthly flow to a medical practitioner.