A
abujagirl
Guest
On January 15, 2017 with a tweet, Oghenekaro Omu [@duchesskk] started 'Sanitary Aid For Nigerian Girls' – a movement to provide less-privileged girls with sanitary pads.
''Going to put together funds to buy girls in public secondary schools& IDP camps sanitary pads for next month. Hit me up if you want to help, ‘’ Ms. Omu tweeted. The tweet went viral almost immediately as some declared support for the cause while others said Sanitary pad for girls was not such a big deal.
In many low income countries such as Nigeria, young girls face serious challenges in gaining access to Sanitary pads. The recession in Nigeria has further worsened the crisis as families struggle to feed and consider sanitary pads a luxury item. Also, the price of sanitary pads - both local and foreign has almost tripled. Because discussion menstruation in public is almost a taboo in Nigeria, a lot of young girls are left to silently carry their bloody cross.
A UNESCO report estimates that one out of ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle. Many girls drop out of school altogether once they begin menstruating. Over 10 million Nigerian Children, mostly girls are already out of school; inability to access Sanitary pads may further increase that number.
Keeping girls in school is important —not only for the girls but for their communities and Nigeria. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of universal education, as UNICEF points out, “it creates a ripple effect of opportunity that influences generations to come”.
The education of the girl-child is not the only factor that suffers from poor access to sanitary pads as their health and general well-being is also affected. A UNICEF research has shown that when girls lack access to sanitary products, they’re more likely to suffer from health issues such as vaginal and urinary infections. It can even affect maternal mortality.
Ms. Onu’s campaign for free sanitary pads now known as ''Sanitary Aid For Nigerian Girls'' has raised N1million and distributed free pads in schools around Lagos and IDP Camps in Jos, the Plateau state capital. So far, the campaign has been supported by well-meaning Nigerians and organizations who understand the plight of the Nigerian girl child. The work is a long way from over as the campaign needs to be sustained and spread to several other states across of the country.
More funds and volunteers are required. If you’d like to help contact [email protected] .
For donations : Account Name : Omu Oghenkaro.
Account Number : 2022428963
Bank: First Bank.
Be your sister’s keeper – Support Sanitary aid for Nigerian Girls.
See photos from distribution of Sanitary Aid in Lagos and Jos:
''Going to put together funds to buy girls in public secondary schools& IDP camps sanitary pads for next month. Hit me up if you want to help, ‘’ Ms. Omu tweeted. The tweet went viral almost immediately as some declared support for the cause while others said Sanitary pad for girls was not such a big deal.
In many low income countries such as Nigeria, young girls face serious challenges in gaining access to Sanitary pads. The recession in Nigeria has further worsened the crisis as families struggle to feed and consider sanitary pads a luxury item. Also, the price of sanitary pads - both local and foreign has almost tripled. Because discussion menstruation in public is almost a taboo in Nigeria, a lot of young girls are left to silently carry their bloody cross.
A UNESCO report estimates that one out of ten girls in Sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their menstrual cycle. Many girls drop out of school altogether once they begin menstruating. Over 10 million Nigerian Children, mostly girls are already out of school; inability to access Sanitary pads may further increase that number.
Keeping girls in school is important —not only for the girls but for their communities and Nigeria. Research has demonstrated the positive effects of universal education, as UNICEF points out, “it creates a ripple effect of opportunity that influences generations to come”.
The education of the girl-child is not the only factor that suffers from poor access to sanitary pads as their health and general well-being is also affected. A UNICEF research has shown that when girls lack access to sanitary products, they’re more likely to suffer from health issues such as vaginal and urinary infections. It can even affect maternal mortality.
Ms. Onu’s campaign for free sanitary pads now known as ''Sanitary Aid For Nigerian Girls'' has raised N1million and distributed free pads in schools around Lagos and IDP Camps in Jos, the Plateau state capital. So far, the campaign has been supported by well-meaning Nigerians and organizations who understand the plight of the Nigerian girl child. The work is a long way from over as the campaign needs to be sustained and spread to several other states across of the country.
More funds and volunteers are required. If you’d like to help contact [email protected] .
For donations : Account Name : Omu Oghenkaro.
Account Number : 2022428963
Bank: First Bank.
Be your sister’s keeper – Support Sanitary aid for Nigerian Girls.
See photos from distribution of Sanitary Aid in Lagos and Jos:
