By Goodluck Ikiebe
A Non Governmental Organization, Global Youths Skills Acquisition & Poverty Eradication Organization, (GYSAPEO), has embarked on community campaign against menstrual discrimination.
The program, which took place at Utako Village in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, had participants drawn from different gender and age strata.
The founder, Ambassador Ozegbe Chuks Emmanuel, who spoke with Newsmen at the event, emphasized on the need for the African society to see menstruation as a natural occurrence.
He urged men not to perceive menstruation as lack of physical hygiene but maintained that women can still mingle with the society while experiencing their menstrual flow.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the organization, Mr. Femi Fakayejo, said: “A lot of women go through difficulties when it comes to menstruation. They don’t get the needed support of men even in our homes, offices and schools.
“This is just the part 1. So we are here at Utako village to talk to men and women. A lot of men here today have learnt about the specific menstrual products women should use instead of rags, tissues and the likes, rather they should be using pads, menstrual cup and tampons.”
Speaking further on the hygienic perspective, he noted, “Our men should do a lot in contributing to hygienic practices during menstruation. It should not be something mundane to them.”
Shedding light on the aim of the event, Fakayejo remarked, “Women shouldn’t go through menstruation alone.”
The Research Associate, Doffi Agatha, stressed on the need to support women during menstruation.
“This program is to destigmatize the concept of menstruation. Women should feel good about it. They shouldn’t be ashamed or afraid. Men also to normalize it. They should buy those menstrual products, drugs and pain relief for their women.”
Dr. Kossy, in her speech said, “Menstruation is not only a woman’s problem. Men and women should work together to ensure women have safe and comfortable periods.”
