SPECIAL ADVISER TO GOVERNOR BAGO ON PRINT MEDIA HOLDS SECOND AISHA WAKASO PAD-UP SYMPOSIUM
Governments at all levels have been called upon to take action and make sanitary pads accessible to all for free. The call was made at the 2nd Aisha Wakaso pad a girl symposium symposium, organized specifically for girls and women with special needs, providing important insight into menstrual hygiene and distributing free sanitary pads to the attendees.
Lina TV correspondent Harajana Umar Ragada reports that the thoughtful initiative aimed at tackling the issue of menstrual hygiene for girls and women with special needs, took place at IBB Pen House Minna.
The Pad a Girl Symposium proved to be an empowering and informative event, addressing the often-overlooked needs of girls and women with special needs regarding menstrual hygiene management.
The Organiser of the symposium, Aisha Wakaso who is the Special Adviser to Governor Bago on print media, known for her dedication to promoting inclusivity, highlighted the urgent need for accessible sanitary products during the symposium and stressed the importance of providing support to the target audience.
In an interview with Lina TV, the Special Adviser on Women and Affirmative Action Mrs Mary Noel Berje who was the special guest of honour commended the organiser, promised to dialogue with the state Government for pad to be accessible to all, and also gave the girl child a motherly advice.
During the symposium, Dr. Valda Martins delivered an impactful presentation on menstrual hygiene, covering a range of topics such as proper pad usage, disposal techniques, and the potential health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene management. The informative session aimed to educate and empower girls and women with special needs, ensuring they have the knowledge to maintain good menstrual hygiene while also breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Moreover, the symposium set a commendable example of community engagement by providing attendees with free sanitary pads. By making these essential products available for free, Aisha Wakaso helped alleviate the financial burden associated with menstrual hygiene management for girls and women with special needs.
As the Pad a Girl Symposium drew to a close, some of participants have this to say.
With increased attention on this matter, it is hoped that the government will take proactive steps to ensure the availability of sanitary pads for both school girls and girls/women with special needs. By doing so, they can actively contribute to creating a more inclusive society, where menstrual hygiene is no longer a barrier but a fundamental right for all.
Harajana Umar Ragada,
26/09/2023.