World Menstrual Hygiene 2024 Commemoration in Cross River State

Inline with His Excellency Sen. Prince Bassey Otu\’scommitment for effective and efficient educational system in Cross River State, The Special Assistant on Student Advocacy to the Governor of Cross River State, Comr. Abasiofiok Akpabio in collaboration with the Office of the Wife of the State Governor of Cross River, Her Excellency, Mrs EyoanwanBassey Otu, in partnership with Save the Children International and Ministry of Education, Cross River State sponsored a highly impactful 3-day focused event on menstrual hygiene management. This event included a 2-day technical workshop for facilitators and rounded up with a grand finale commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day in secondary schools within the state between 22nd of May and 31st of May, 2024.

The first day was dedicated to a comprehensive technical workshop aimed at equipping facilitators with essential knowledge and skills on menstrual hygiene management. Key activities included an opening ceremony featuring an address from the Special Assistant on Student Advocacy to the Governor of Cross River State, Comr. Abasiofiok Akpabio.

There was an intensive educational session where the presentation covered the biological aspects of menstruation, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication strategies presented by Mrs Felicity Bessong (Independent consultant of Menstrual hygiene management at Water And Sanitation Hygiene, WASH). There were also practical demonstrations where facilitators were trained in the use of menstrual hygiene products and the creation of reusable menstrual pads. The Facilitators also engaged in interactive breakout sessions and Q&A segments with health professionals, sharing best practices and strategies.

The second day of the technical workshop was in collaboration with the child protection technical working team. The event was centered on setting up discussions and policies that will support both child protection and menstrual hygiene.

In attendance were key dignitaries and representatives of the government and NGOs including Representatives of the State Ministry of Women Affairs, Ministry of Health, Cross River State, Ministry of Education, Cross River State, Rural Water Supply And Sanitation Agency (RUWASA), Save the Children International, other MDAs, CSOs, Media partners and more.

Data updates and Key Action plans to better the wellbeing of children and support menstrual health in Cross River State were highlighted.

Commemoration of World Menstrual Day in Secondary Schools

The D – day, 28th May, 2024 centered on celebrating World Menstrual Day with secondary school students with the theme “Together for a; #PeriodFriendlyCRS, aiming to raise awareness and educate them on menstrual hygiene. Activities included School engagements where Facilitators visited multiple schools, conducting interactive sessions on menstruation and hygiene practices, and distribution of menstrual hygiene kits.

There were Inspirational Presentations by Health experts and dignitaries, including the The Special Assistant on Student Advocacy to the Governor of Cross River State, Comr. Abasiofiok Akpabio delivered talks emphasizing the importance of menstrual hygiene and health. Some Schools hosted art competitions, as well as drama activities, which will help

reduce the stigma around menstruation. Students, teachers, and health professionals discussed challenges and solutions for managing menstrual hygiene in schools.

During the course of the event, there were interactive sessions with the Principals and other administrative team Members where

the school administrators highlighted their challenges. The Special Assistant on Student Advocacy to the governor assured them of the commitment of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Otu together with the Commissioner of Education, Cross River State, Sen. Stephen Odey are working tirelessly in ensuring the people\’s first agenda in regards to Education in the state.

Among the schools visited were Government Secondary School (GSS), Akim, Government Migrant Technical School, Calabar south, West Africa Students\’ institute (WAPI), Highway, Calabar and Special Education Secondary School, Calabar. In addition, through the sponsorship of the Office of the Special Assistant on Student Advocacy to the Governor, Facilitators and some partners visited GSS Odukpani and GSS Akamkpa

Impact and Outcomes

The event significantly raised awareness about menstrual hygiene and health, empowered over 1000 young girls, and provided facilitators with the tools needed for ongoing education efforts. It also fostered stronger partnerships between government bodies, NGOs, and schools, ensuring a sustainable approach to menstrual hygiene and health management in the state.

It is our desire that no adolescent female student should stay from school and other activities because of  menstruation. Thus, this event marked a significant step towards improving menstrual hygiene and health education and reducing stigma, ultimately contributing to the health and well-being of young girls in the state.