SA Gender Mainstreaming meets MDAs,CSOs and others

As part of the global efforts to commemorate 2024 Menstrual Hygiene Day, The Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Cross River State, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke held a one day interactive session with various Ministries, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), persons living with disabilities, religious and traditional groups on how a “period friendly Cross River State” can be achieved.
The event took place at the State Ministry of Women Affairs Hall, on the 23rd of May, 2024.

The objectives of the event were:
To highlight the importance of menstrual hygiene management and its impact on health, education, and gender equality.
Advocate for Policy Change.
Share successful initiatives and innovative solutions in menstrual hygiene management.

Foster Collaboration and create a platform for stakeholders to share knowledge and collaborate on sustainable solutions.

To begin with, the SA Gender Mainstreaming, Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke stated that in addition to the distribution of sanitary and hygiene products to women and girls, policies and action need to be taken to ensure proper and sustainable menstrual hygiene management.

Utibe-Abasi highlighted the importance of all stakeholders coming together to make a joint statement regarding sustainable menstrual hygiene management.
This led to various stakeholders who attended the meeting making suggestions to the joint statement on how Cross River can improve menstrual hygiene management.

Mrs. Komomo Obeten, from the Ministry of Social Welfare and Community Development stressed the need for sex education in communities, schools and religious institutions.
Also speaking, Iquo Mkpang from Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative suggested that pads should be provided in schools clinics and part of the first aid kit.
Mrs. Adie Angela from the Ministry of Education suggested that there be provision of clean toilets and running water in secondary schools to meet the needs of female students menstruating.
Sir Otuekong Frank Edet, the Special Adviser to the Governor, Chieftaincy Affairs emphasised that we need to break the stigma and stereotypes associated with periods and see it as a gift.

Arit Bassey Ukpong representing Girls\’ Power Initiative stated that safe spaces for counselling and education should be created to help women and girls cope with menstruation.

Representing the Ministry of Women Affairs Agnes Idaka stated that women and girls need to be educated on menstrual hygiene.
Mrs. Felicia Ayim from the Ministry of Health highlighted that to adequately address stigma associated with periods, boys, men, parents need to be sensitized.
Chief Umo, the State Coordinator WOWICAN laid emphasis on the need to remove taxes on sanitary pads.

At the end of the event, all attendees commended The SA Gender Mainstreaming Cross River State Ms Utibe Abasi Bassey Duke for this initiative and encouraged her to keep up the good work.