By Philip Yatai

The Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) on Wednesday, mobilised residents of the territory to support the girl child during menstrual period.

The Mandate Secretary, Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, made the call in Abuja, at an event organised to commemorate the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Benjamins-Laniyi called on residents to support the Administration quest to make the FCT period-friendly.

According to her, it is time to prioritise educating the girl child on biological makeup which should not be a hindrance to accessing quality education.

She said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was already prioritising the development of the girl-child through impactful education, psycho-social interventions.

She added the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud was equally mobilising relevant stakeholders to ensure the optimal development of the girl-child in the FCT.

“When you come across a girl with menstrual stains, please do not mock or shame her, support her the best you can,” she pleaded.

The mandate secretary described the theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World”, as “a call to action” for everyone to ensure that menstruation did not limit girls’ access to education, healthcare and other opportunities.

She said WAS would continue to partner with non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to ensure that schoolgirls had access to sanitary resources.

She identified some of the resources as menstrual pads, towels, deodorants, body Sprays and other materials that would make girls confident during their monthly flow.

Benjamins-Laniyi also called on school administrators and managers to ensure adequate supply of water, stressing that a lot of girls stayed away from school during their monthly flow due to lack of water.

“Girls need resources that will make them comfortable during their menstrual period.

“They also need a conducive environment to change and dispose of used sanitary pads,” she said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru