Education
WELLSPRING Outreach and Support Foundation has stressed the importance of menstrual hygiene education for girls and women, saying proper knowledge and practices are essential for good health and improved school attendance.
The Founder, Mrs Adelayo Ojo-Nkom, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Wednesday.
Ojo-Nkom defined menstruation as a normal biological process that every female should understand and manage appropriately to avoid health complications.
According to her, menstruation typically begins between the ages of eight and 16 and continues monthly until menopause, making menstrual hygiene a lifelong necessity for women.
“Poor menstrual hygiene could expose women and girls to various health risks, including vaginal and urinary tract infections, rashes and other reproductive health challenges,” she said.
The founder expressed concern over period poverty, saying that lack of access to menstrual products and inadequate knowledge continued to affect many girls across Africa.
She cited research showing that many schoolgirls miss classes during their menstrual periods because of limited access to sanitary products, inadequate toilet facilities, and insufficient menstrual health education.
Ojo-Nkom also decried cultural and religious misconceptions surrounding menstruation, describing the practice as a natural part of life that should not attract stigma.
“People need to embrace menstruation and treat it as a normal aspect of human existence because without it, none of us would be born,” she said.
She advised girls and women to monitor their menstrual cycles to better prepare for their periods and avoid emergency situations arising from lack of preparation.
Ojo-Nkom further urged women to change sanitary pads regularly, preferably every six to eight hours depending on menstrual flow, to reduce the risk of infections and discomfort.
She recommended proper washing and drying of reusable menstrual materials and cautioned against the use of tissue paper, polythene (nylon) and other unsuitable materials during menstruation.
The founder also warned against the use of scented products on the genital area, advising women to maintain cleanliness through regular bathing and proper menstrual care.
She called on stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns on menstrual hygiene to safeguard the health, dignity and educational opportunities of girls and women.
Ojo-Nkom stressed the need for continued education of girls not only on menstrual day celebration, but at regular intervals to secure bright future for girls.
The 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated on May 28 with the theme: ”Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”. (NAN)
W.U
June 17, 2026
Tags: Adelayo Ojo-Nkom