UNICEF advocates for increase of hygienic facilities in public places. support for women menstrual cycle

Following insufficient hygienic facilities in many public places in Nigeria, the United Nations Children’s Fun (UNICEF) has advocated for menstrual support for adolescent women, girls to avoid stigmatizing them for something that is natural and normal.

Mamita Bora Thakker Wash Manager UNICEF, Nigeria who dropped this on the occasion to mark menstrual Hygiene day, May 28 2020, with the theme “menstrual hygiene Management”
solicited support from policy makers, Opinion moulders, government, organizations, parents and other stakeholders, to address the issue on a proper way to enable adolescent women and girls have safe menstrual cycles, specially those in schools

He advocated for a global platform to leverage attention and to raise awareness on the issue of menstruation, pointing out that woman’s basic rights should not be undermined because of myths and false beliefs.

He explained ,that one of the difficulties faced by young girls, especially during school hours was their inability to access hygienic menstruation, which he said was a major contributor to some of the girls refusing to attend classes during their menstrual periods and such lead’s to school drop out.

UNICEF emphasized that provision of water, sanitation and other menstrual facilities would help the girls child gain confidence in staying at schools during their periods and advocated that all traditional inhibitions against women and girls during menstruation be stopped.
“Stigmatizing adolescent girls and women for something that is natural and normal, because of myths and false beliefs undermines a woman’s basic rights.” Thakker noted.

He stated that an appropriate MHM programme in schools would require a multi-pronged strategy, involving the commitment of several Ministries, stakeholders like Unicef, civil societies and others.

“A good Menstrual Hygiene Management, MHM, programme means that girls have appropriate information and knowledge on the scientific aspects of menstrual health and hygiene, so that they are empowered through this knowledge, become confident to address this. Alongside this, there is a compelling need to address the issue of lack of WASH infrastructure in schools, on

“It’s Time for Action. Important of addressing menstruation, we must realize that Menstrual hygiene is fundamental to the dignity and wellbeing of women and girls and an important part of the basic hygiene, sanitation and reproductive health services to which every woman and girl has a right. Good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, education, and dignity of girls and women.” Thakker said.