To commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2020, the Kuro-Wari Global Foundation organized a sensitization outreach in Gosa Community, Abuja, focused on girls between the ages of 11 and 20. The girls were divided into 12 groups and engaged by trained mentors on menstrual hygiene, self-care and healthy practices, followed by one-on-one counselling and consultations with our in-house doctors for girls experiencing symptoms such as itching and infections.
Beyond hygiene education, the sessions created a safe space for girls to share personal experiences, including peer pressure, painful periods, low self-esteem and abuse, with the team reinforcing their worth, dignity and uniqueness while advocating against stigma. Reusable sanitary pads were distributed to support sustainable menstrual hygiene, and the girls enjoyed refreshments in a warm, joyful atmosphere.
We are especially grateful to our dedicated volunteers and counsellors, including Maryanne Dieke, Uchechi Daniel, Vivian Akagha, Barr. Ese Omotayo, Kate Moore, Amara Charles, Ifeoma Ekanem, Mummy Ibiene Nyanabo, Onyinye, Eileen Agu, Happiness and Agatha.
Objectives
- Educate girls aged 11 to 20 on menstrual hygiene, self-care and healthy practices
- Create a safe space to talk about peer pressure, low self-esteem and abuse, and to push back against stigma
Achievements
- Girls were divided into 12 groups and mentored by trained facilitators
- Provided one-on-one counselling and consultations with in-house doctors
- Distributed reusable sanitary pads to support sustainable menstrual hygiene