NAWOJ Trains Adolescent Girls on Menstrual Hygiene, Distributes Sanitary Pads in Plateau

Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting 

THE Plateau State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has launched an awareness campaign on menstrual hygiene, training adolescent girls as part of efforts to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.

The training, which was held on Thursday at the NUJ Secretariat in Jos, coincided with the distribution of sanitary pads to participants as Plateau NAWOJ executive members marked one year in office.

Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Plateau State Council, Comrade Ayuku Pwaspo, said NAWOJ, as one of the strong pillars of the NUJ, has demonstrated resilience and steadfastness on issues concerning women and girls in society.

“Plateau NAWOJ over the years have been at the forefront advocating for gender equality, kicking against human rights violations, encouraging women’s participation in politics and governance, among others,” Pwaspo stated.

Emphasising the significance of mentorship, the NUJ chairman charged participants to take advantage of the training in pursuing their future careers.

Highlighting the rationale behind the training, Chairperson of NAWOJ Plateau State chapter, Mrs Grace Gotip, revealed that the aim was to break the silence, shame and misinformation around menstruation, as the association intends to address how stigma has cost girls their confidence, education and health.

“As women journalists leveraging the power of information, NAWOJ commits to promoting menstrual health education, advocating for safe and accessible menstrual products, challenging harmful myths and stereotypes, amplifying the voices of girls and women, and ensuring media coverage that supports gender equality,” Gotip said.

“Menstruation is not a curse, not taboo, not something to hide. It is a sign of health, strength and womanhood,” she added.

The NAWOJ chairperson assured that the association would not rest on its oars towards educating communities, supporting girls, advocating for better policies and providing safe spaces for open conversations going forward.

Training facilitator, Longret Laurentia, a programme manager with the Women and Girl Child Rescue Development Initiative, alongside her counterpart Jemima, tasked participants to always be alert in counting their menstrual cycle.

The tutors also charged them not to be ashamed and to seek help whenever they have issues, saying as women they should consider “menstruation as their pride and dignity.”

The interface climaxed with positive responses in grey areas where participants raised concerns.