Menstrual Hygiene: GLEA Network empowers girls in Mele Muku

 

In celebration of this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the GLEA Network, in partnership with the JayTee Fayemi Foundation and the Center for Teens Health and Development, held a community outreach program in Mele Muku community, Akinyele Local Government with the theme; “Empower Her Glow: My Body and I” the initiative aimed to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene and sexual purity, a step towards achieving a period friendly world.

The event featured enlightening talks from guest speakers Miss Fauziyah and Mrs. Diya Omowonuola (King of Gorls). Miss Fauziyah delivered a comprehensive session on menstrual hygiene, providing valuable insights and practical advice while Mrs. Omowonuola focused on sexual purity, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and bodily autonomy.

To address the practical aspects of menstrual hygiene, each participant received a three-month supply of disposable sanitary pads and reusable pads. This distribution ensures that the girls have the necessary supplies to manage their periods with confidence and dignity.

An interactive question and answer session followed, creating a safe and supportive space for the girls to ask questions and receive expert guidance on their concerns. The program also included uplifting talks and positive affirmations aimed at empowering the girls with self-belief and confidence. One powerful quote, emphasizing self-respect and bodily autonomy, resonated deeply with the participants.

Oluwayemisi, a participant, shared her experience: “This is the first time I’ve had a proper education on menstrual hygiene,” she said. “Thanks to GLEA Network, I now know better.”

The outreach demonstrably improved the girls’ understanding of menstruation, allowing them to manage their periods with confidence and continue actively participating in school and daily life.

Wakilah, a first-time GLEA Network volunteer, expressed that the outreach was a humbling experience for her. Witnessing the challenges of the not-so-accessible road to the community and the positive impact the program had on the participants further solidified her commitment to giving back to society.