Group urges Lagos, FG to provide free sanitary products

Serene Early-Trobb Concept, an inclusive initiative focused on child protection and rights, especially for girls, has called on the Lagos state and Nigerian government to provide free sanitary pads for menstruating individuals.

The appeal was made during the organization’s “End Period Poverty/Pad A Girl” campaign held over the weekend in the Isheri-Ketu community.

The founder and convener of Serene Early-Trobb Concept, Rhoda Olorunfemi, emphasized that the initiative aims not only to end period poverty but also to urge the government to reduce the cost of sanitary products and the tax burden on manufacturing companies if free distribution is unsustainable.

“This exercise is our way of giving back to society while calling on the Lagos state and Nigerian government to make free sanitary products available to women and girls,” Olorunfemi stated.

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She further stressed the need for the government to ensure access to clean water, hygiene facilities, and menstruation management services at public health centers and other public places.

Olorunfemi also highlighted the importance of educating girls on maintaining personal hygiene before, during, and after menstruation. The campaign included sessions on infection prevention, understanding the menstrual cycle, and addressing myths and stigmatization surrounding menstruation.

She warned against the dangers of girls engaging in sexual activities due to the inability to afford sanitary products, which could lead to increased reproductive and urinary tract infections.

Eyitayo Omotolola, Founder of PNEUMA Foundation, also spoke at the event, highlighting the serious impact of period poverty on the emotional, psychological, and social well-being of young girls. “Period poverty affects how girls think, feel, and act, determining how they handle stress, relate to others, and make choices,” she said. Omotolola emphasized the need for equipping girls with information about the challenges and solutions related to period poverty and its effects on mental health.

She urged everyone to maintain their psychological well-being, which encompasses factors such as self-acceptance, positive relationships, personal growth, autonomy, environmental mastery, and a sense of purpose in life.

“Period poverty and lack of proper menstruation management can significantly impact your mental and emotional state if not properly addressed,” Omotolola added.

Serene Early-Trobb Concept is committed to providing emotional and psychological support to girls on issues related to menstruation management.