By Patrick Titus, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State joined the global community to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day – a day dedicated to raising awareness, breaking stigma, and promoting safe menstrual practices for girls and women.
In the state, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, continues to lead from the front in advancing menstrual health education and dignity for the girl child.
In the days leading up to this year’s commemoration, two impactful outreach programmes were successfully hosted, reaching 1,150 girls across the state:
On Sunday, May 24, 500 girls benefited from the GIFA “Understanding Menstruation” Programme held at Grooves Memorial Methodist Church, Ikot Ekpene where participants from the three LGAs that make up the Federal Constituency – Ikot Ekpene, Essien Udim and Obot Akara, received menstrual education, sanitary materials, and the confidence to manage their menstrual health with dignity.
On Tuesday, May 26, another 650 girls were reached through the RHI “Flow with Confidence” Programme, further reinforcing the message that no girl should be held back because of her period.
These interventions beyond distribution of sanitary products and hygiene items, have provided in-depth knowledge, restored confidence, and challenged harmful myths surrounding menstruation.
Lady Obareki reiterated her commitment to ensuring that every girl in Akwa Ibom State has access to the information, support, and resources needed to manage her menstrual health safely and confidently.
“Together, we can build a period friendly society where menstruation is no longer a barrier, but a normal part of life that is handled with dignity, pride, and understanding, Lady Obareki stressed.
