Health
THE Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Bauchi state chapter, has introduced pad banks in its schools.
This gesture is to promote girls inclusion in academic activities during menstrual cycles.
The action was to mark the 2022 International Day of the Girl Child (IDG) on Tuesday in Bauchi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Day of the Girl Child is marked annually on Oct. 11 and the 2022 celebration commemorates the 10th anniversary of the IDG.
NAN also reports that students were sensitised on menstrual health and against all forms of bullying among others..
Unveiling the pad banks, the Chairperson of FOMWAN Health Committee in Bauchi, Mrs Fatsuma Mohammed, said the facility would be domiciled and sustained in the schools clinics.
She said that the association had two separate schools from nursery to secondary, hence the need to support girls to complete secondary education.
According to her, the bank will ensure that girls remained in school during their monthly cycles thereby having equal opportunity to learn.
“FOMWAN has two schools in the metropolis; hence the bank will be inaugurated simultaneously.
“Girls are not comfortable in school during their menstrual cycle; FOMWAN established this bank to ensure that during this period they attend classes and access the sanitary pad while in school,” she said.
In her keynote address, Hajiya Habiba Sa’ad, Chairperson of the association, said that FOMWAN would champion the girl-child celebration, adding that Islam had honour for the girl-child.
“We should be at the forefront of celebrating girls because Islam has honour for the girl child and offer Janna to anyone who trains two girls to maturity,” she said.
Sa’ad implored the students to access the facility to ensure that all girls remained in school for equal academic opportunities.
While sensitising the students on menstrual health, Mrs Halima Maigari, a resource person, said that the students should disregard any myths and misinformation on menstruation.
She said that personal hygiene should be practised during menstrual cycle.
Ibrahim said that menstrual cycle should not be a barrier in academic engagement or a means to remain out of school.
“There are several myths and misinformation on menstruation; seek information from parents, teachers and authorities.
“Utilise the bank provided while in school and remain comfortable during classes,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Ms Fatima Musa, appreciated FOMWAN for such a giant stride to ensure that girls remained in school.
She further urged the association to ensure that water, sanitation and hygiene facilities were adequately provided for the girls to maintain personal hygiene during school hours.(NAN)
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Tags: Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN)
