YEF, USAID move to address menstrual hygiene challenges in Lagos
By David Akpolo and Lilian Okoro
The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), in partnership with USAID, is developing “My Period App” initiative, aimed at empowering young women and girls through education and economic opportunities.
Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, YEF Executive Secretary, made the assertion at a Stakeholders Engagement Meeting organised by YEF in partnership with the Lagos Urban Water Sanitation and Hygiene Activity (LUWASH) in Lagos on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event focused on addressing menstrual hygiene, water and sanitation challenges in Lagos schools, communities and markets.
Akin-Jimoh said that the empowerment was particularly in the area of production and sale of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) commodities.
According to Akin-Jimoh, the initiative aligns with YEF’s mission to improve the quality of life for youths especially girls, through mobilisation, empowerment and partnership programmes.
She underscored the significance of addressing menstrual health challenges in Lagos.
According to her, “My Period App” initiative represents a significant step forward in promoting menstrual health management in Lagos.
She explained that by addressing the unique challenges faced by young women and girls, YEF and USAID would be helping to create a brighter, healthier future for all.
Akin-Jimoh outlined the project’s objectives to include research, gender-sensitive interventions, multi-media campaigns, advocacy for People With Disabilities (PWDs), improved access to safe water and menstrual hygiene management facilities.
“The project is expected to improve access to sanitation and safe water supply, increase access to affordable, locally sourced MHM commodities, reduce incidence of hygiene-related health risks in schools and communities, and enhance knowledge on MHM among women and young girls.
“As “My Period App” initiative continues to roll out, YEF and USAID are poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of Lagos youths; fostering a healthier and more empowered community.
“Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of healthcare, and the Foundation is committed to providing accessible solutions by creating awareness. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all,” she said.
Akin-Jimoh explained that with the multi-faceted approach and strategic partnerships, the initiative would serve as as a model for addressing menstrual health challenges in other regions.
“Our objective is to improve access to safe water and sanitation, increase availability of affordable menstrual hygiene management commodities, enhance knowledge on MHM, and reduce hygiene-related health risks.”
According to her, training will commence on Oct. 4 for students in selected schools in District four, followed by investigations in schools, markets, churches, and mosques across the district.
The Youth Empowerment Foundation is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation, founded in 1995.
YEF works with young people in Southwest and Northcentral Nigeria and has extensively partnered
government agencies, corporate organisations and key stakeholders across locations in Nigeria.
It has the mission is to empower youths through strategic partnerships and programs in Health, Livelihoods, Sports, Education and Leadership, Child Protection, and Financial Literacy.
The project, which began in July 2024, targets six communities: Surulere, Yaba, Ikeja, Mushin, Oke-Afa and Akoka, as it aims to train 100 students in each school, market women, and members of religious organisations on menstrual hygiene.
Speaking also, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Segun Ogboye, lauded the initiative, saying that interventions of such kind assist governments in serving the people in the right way.
Ogboye pledged the government’s continuous support to the Foundation’s initiative, which he said, demonstrated its commitment to prioritising menstrual health.
NAN also reports that another stakeholders engagement took place at the Gbaja Senior High School in Surulere, Lagos.
Mr Tony Eleme of YEF, said the foundation’s collaboration with USAID demonstrated its commitment to prioritising menstrual health in Nigeria.
“We believe that every girl and woman deserves access to quality menstrual health service”.
“Some of the stakeholders that will be part of this project include, school authorities, community leaders, and religious organisations.
“They have been tasked with roles and responsibilities to ensure the success of the project
“The “My Period App” initiative is expected to make a significant impact on the lives of young women and girls in urban communities, promoting a healthier and more empowered future,” Eleme said. (NAN)
Edited by Vivian Ihechu
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