May 28, every year, is a day set aside to mark World Menstrual Hygiene. Menstruation (also known as a period) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred. Every month, about 1.8 billion people across the world menstruate. The method this menstruation is orchestrated to occur, (blood), therefore needs special awareness and teachings especially to young girls in primary and secondary schools, for them to take proper care of themselves while menstruating.
On Wednesday, May 29, 2024, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and the Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON), Imo State branches, took this menstrual hygiene awareness to Imo Housing Estate Primary school, Aladinma, Owerri, Imo State, where the female students were lectured on the need and possible ways of maintaining menstrual hygiene. Dr. Maryjane Opara told the students to always change their sanitary pads every four to eight hours whether they are having light or heavy flow.
The students were told not to use tissue paper or dirty clothes while menstruating, and to always wash their hands immediately after changing their sanitary pads if they are not in a good position to bathe among other points. Highpoint of the occasion was the sharing of free sanitary pads to the students.
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