From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, has sensitized residents on menstrual hygiene and distributed health and hygiene materials to mark this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Sokoto.
The event, held at Unguwar Talakawa community and Government Girls Day Secondary School, Kofar Marke, was organized in conjunction with the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, alongside other stakeholders, including INGOs and CSOs.
Discussions focused on educating participants about menstruation, menstrual hygiene management, and debunking myths, taboos, and misconceptions surrounding the subject.
Students expressed commitment to maintaining proper personal hygiene, in line with this year’s theme: “Together for a period-friendly world.” The campaign also emphasized breaking the silence, eliminating menstrual hygiene poverty, and addressing harmful beliefs and misconceptions about menstruation.
The programme featured educational talks on menstrual health and hygiene management, demonstrations on the use of reusable sanitary pads, and guidance on maintaining proper personal hygiene.
UNICEF and other partners also made donations to Unguwar Talakawa community and Government Girls Day Secondary School, Kofar Marke.
Items distributed included disposable pads, reusable pads, soap, school bags, and notebooks.
The initiative aimed to highlight the importance of menstrual care, raise awareness on the social challenges faced by women and girls during menstruation, and address limited access to sanitary products and hygiene support.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to recognize menstruation as a natural part of life and to eliminate stigma and taboos associated with it.
At Unguwar Talakawa, Pear and Wellbeing distributed 50 disposable pads, AGILE provided 50 reusable pads, Life Helpers Initiative (LHI) donated 50 reusable pads, while Action Against Hunger supplied 10 cartons of soap to out-of-school girls.
At Government Girls Day Secondary School, UNICEF has completed the renovation of WASH facilities and is currently renovating a safe space.
The school also received 200 disposable pads. In addition, Pear and Wellbeing distributed 50 disposable pads, AGILE provided 450 reusable pads alongside 250 school bags and 250 notebooks, while Action Against Hunger donated 10 cartons of soap to in-school girls.
The event was attended by out-of-school girls, women, children, and men from Unguwar Talakawa community, as well as students, teachers, and representatives from relevant ministries, RUWASSA, INGOs, CSOs, and other partners, including the WASH Team Lead and state facilitators.
