The Kanawa Educational Foundation for the Disabled marked 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day by organizing a lecture in Kano to educate women with disabilities on menstrual hygiene and its importance.
The event focused on the necessity of menstrual hygiene management and aimed to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation, especially among disabled women.
In his opening remarks, the foundation’s chairman, Malam Ibrahim Baffa Madu, stressed the need for menstrual hygiene education. “Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental aspect of women’s health, and it is crucial that we provide the necessary education and resources to ensure all women, including those with disabilities, can manage their menstrual health with dignity and safety,” he said.
Mrs. Bridget of Zenith Bank Plc highlighted the role of financial institutions in supporting health initiatives. “Menstrual hygiene is a key area where we can make a significant impact, and we are proud to support this important cause,” she stated.
Usaina Umar, Project Manager of SABI Woman Kanawa, also spoke at the event. “Our goal is to ensure that women with disabilities are not left behind in the conversation about menstrual hygiene. By providing education and resources, we can help them manage their periods more effectively and with greater confidence,” she said.
Malam Amina Ado, one of the participants, expressed her gratitude for the initiative.
“This lecture has been incredibly enlightening. I now understand better how to manage my menstrual hygiene, and the provision of sanitary pads is a huge relief. We are thankful to Kanawa Educational Foundation and their partners for this support.”
At the end of the lecture, the Kanawa Educational Foundation, with support from the Women’s Health Empowerment and Emancipation Initiative (WHEELS), distributed sanitary pads to the participants, aiming to alleviate the financial burden of menstrual products.