By Adeola Badru

The Olaoye Muibat Adesewa Child Care Foundation (OMASCCF), led by its founder Muibat Olaoye, has launched an awareness campaign on menstrual hygiene aimed at educating female students and addressing the stigma surrounding menstrual health.

As part of this initiative, the foundation visited Oreyo Junior Grammar School in Lagos to educate young students on the importance of menstrual hygiene. About 76 students from Junior Secondary School levels (JSS1 to JSS3, both female and male) participated in the program.

In her address, Olaoye highlighted the need for better understanding of menstrual health and personal hygiene among young girls. She explained that many girls lack adequate knowledge about their bodies and menstrual cycles, which often leads to misconceptions and unhealthy practices.

“It is crucial to break the silence around menstrual health. Many girls feel embarrassed or ashamed to discuss their periods, which leads to misinformation and fear. Our goal is to create a safe space where they can learn openly and without stigma,” she said.

Olaoye further stressed that education is key to empowering girls to manage their health confidently. “By providing accurate information and resources, we aim to create a supportive environment where young girls can thrive and discuss these issues openly with peers and family,” she added.

Since its establishment less than a year ago, the foundation has empowered over 1,560 students both directly and indirectly. “Our mission is to ensure every girl has access to accurate information and necessary resources about menstrual health. Informed girls will grow into informed women who contribute positively to their communities,” Olaoye said.

She also called for community involvement, emphasizing that menstrual health is a collective issue. “Parents, teachers, and community leaders must join these conversations to dismantle barriers and change the narrative around menstrual health,” she urged.

The event featured keynote presentations from notable speakers, including Dr. Yetunde Odusolu, a Consultant Public Health Physician. Dr. Odusolu provided a comprehensive overview of menstrual health, hygiene, and management, highlighting the importance of understanding the menstrual cycle and managing physical and emotional symptoms.

“Menstrual health is a public health concern. Educating girls about proper menstrual hygiene helps prevent infections and supports overall health,” she noted. She also demonstrated safe usage and disposal of sanitary pads, advising against flushing them down toilets and recommending proper disposal wrapped in paper, along with handwashing after handling.

Chief Nursing Officer Aina Vivian also spoke on personal hygiene, defining it as essential for preventing infections and improving quality of life. She led an interactive session on effective handwashing techniques, stressing its role in disease prevention.

The visit concluded with the distribution of sanitary pads, detergents, hand sanitizers, and soaps to female students, while male students received detergents, hand sanitizers, and soaps. This distribution underlines the foundation’s commitment to promoting health and hygiene for all students, ensuring access to essential resources for well-being.