Every year, for the past 10 years, the world celebrates World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a day to
raise awareness and promote the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. This year,
Beyond the Classroom Foundation collaborated with Abiding Ladies Fellowship, The Chayil
Lady Initiative, The Ashake Foundation, Ableforth Initiative, Mother of May Foundation,
Eminent Minds Empowerment Foundation, Girls Dignity Foundation, and Omidan Health
Initiative for a three-day event visiting schools to educate girls on menstrual health and hygiene.

They also distributed free menstrual books and sanitary pads.
Following the theme of this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, “Together for a Period Friendly
World,” these NGOs decided to collaborate rather than work individually. By pooling their
resources, manpower, and time, they aimed to reach more girls than ever before.

The schools visited during this event included The KNOSK – 100-a-day Charity School in
Kuje, Junior Girls Secondary School in Damangaza, and Junior Girls Secondary School in
Kuchingoro. The activities included educational sessions on menstrual hygiene, book readings,
Q&A games, a menstrual board game called FLOW, and teaching girls how to use menstrual
trackers and menstrual beads to track their periods.

Speaking on the importance of the collaboration, Raquel Kasham Daniel, Founder of Beyond
the Classroom Foundation, emphasized, “It is better to work together than alone. By joining
forces, we can make a greater impact and reach more girls with our message.”
Mrs. Irene Bangwell, Executive Director of the KNOSK Charity School, expressed his
gratitude, stating, “We are grateful for giving our girls the opportunity to participate in your event this year.”

Despite these efforts, it is still disheartening to learn that many girls continue to use rags, newspaper, and even mattress foam to manage their periods due to a lack of access to safe and hygienic menstrual products. This highlights the ongoing need for initiatives like these.

Eniola Peters of The Chayil Lady Initiative, who was present at the event, said, “Through our
campaign, we educated girls on the dangers of using rags for their periods and provided free pads to ensure they go through their periods with dignity. It’s crucial that we empower our girls withthe knowledge and resources they need.”

Jennifer Mike-Alicha, Founder of Abiding Ladies Fellowship, echoed this sentiment, adding,
“By working together, we can break the stigma around menstruation and ensure that no girl has
to face her period unprepared or ashamed.”

Other founders and executive directors in attendance throughout the project included
Ayomiposi Ogundipe of Ableforth Initiative, Mayowa Adegbile of Ashake Foundation, Ebere
Ojadua of Egunec Foundation, and Aderonke Olisa of Omidan Initiative. Their presence
underscored the collective commitment to making a positive change in the lives of young girls.

As the world continues to celebrate women and girls across the globe, it’s crucial to recognise the importance of menstrual hygiene and work towards ensuring that every girl has access to the knowledge and products she needs to manage her period with dignity and pride.

Through collaboration and dedication, we can create a period-friendly world for all.