Deborah Uzoma
A Non-Governmental Organisation , NGO, Equity Watch Initiative has organised a sensitisation programme on ‘Menstruation and Menstrual Hygiene Management’ for young ladies and mothers in Nsukka area of Enugu State to mark the 2022 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Every 28th day of May is set aside to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day and to create awareness on the importance of good menstrual hygiene management at a global level. It was initiated by the German-based NGO WASH United in 2013 and observed for the first time in 2014.
However , this year’s theme is tagged ‘making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030’ and Equity Watch Initiative started with a public sensitization on radio. The live talk on Voice Fm, 96.7 stereo Nsukka, kicked off in the morning of May 28th which had the founder of the organisation, Dr Mrs Chiemezie Atama lecture extensively on handling menstruation and ovulation .
Following, was the sensitisation for young girls and teenagers on Monday 30th of May which had the following facilitators , Dr Ngozi Osadebe, Dr Ogbonna Ijeoma and Dr Chiemezie Atama speak on menstrual hygeine management , as well share experiences and personal encounters. The session was interactive as many young girls opened up their conceptions about menstruation. Questions and personal experiences were entertained.
The last was the sensitization for Mothers on May 31st tagged ‘Mothers converse’.
In her speech, the convener, Dr Atama stated that the organisation tends to reach out to both young ladies and mothers , including males so that misconceptions about Menstruation can be better discussed and resolved.  She disclosed that the organization is cut out for Gender equality programmes which is inclusive among the seventeen goals of Sustainable Development Goals , SDGs.  Dr Atama called on volunteers to sign up for free trainings and skills acquisition in their social media platforms. She revealed that the organisation would be moving to rural areas to train young people in skills, make cloth pads which can be used for menstruation. Also, she mentioned various ways women can have proper menstrual hygiene especially the teenage girls without being abused or molested.
Dr Atama appreciated God Almighty for the success of the event, her team members, sponsors and the University of Nigeria Community for the assistance they have rendered to the organisation etc.
In the course of the sensitizations, light refreshments were served and free sanitary pads was given to every participant.
