An advocacy group has called on the Federal Government to introduce policies that would make sanitary pads free and affordable for young girls in order to promote menstrual health awareness.
Speaking during an event to mark this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Programme Coordinator of Q-Spice Initiative, Ruth Obi, said the initiative was aimed at empowering women and girls with information on proper menstrual hygiene.
Also speaking, the Convener of the Non-Governmental Organization, ThatAfricanMom, Dr. Hafsat Akande, said the rising cost of sanitary products has forced many girls to adopt unsafe alternatives during menstruation.
Akande noted that several countries across the world have already implemented policies providing free sanitary products for women.
Hygiene kits made up of sanitary pads, soaps, deodorants and other toiletries were distributed to young girls during the event to encourage menstrual hygiene practices.
