A public health physician, Dr Nkiru Ezeama, says menstruation is a natural sign of health and womanhood and not something to be ashamed of.
Ezeama told schoolgirls at a symposium organised by ZOBAM Charity Foundation and Creative Ladies Global Resources to mark world Menstrual Hygiene Day.
She called for the normalisation of menstruation to break cultural taboos and stigma.
She highlighted that over 1.8 billion women and girls menstruate globally and urged those without regular periods to seek medical advice.
Ezeama raised concern over period poverty, noting that over 500 million women and girls lack access to sanitary products.
She said period poverty can lead to infections, missed school snd reduced academic performance.
She advocated for free or subsidised sanitary products and improved facilities in schools.S
he also urged the inclusion of menstrual health education in school curricula.
According to her, it will empower girls with knowledge about hygiene, puberty and reproductive health.
Prof. Stella Okunna described menstruation as a mark of pride.
ZOBAM Foundation founder, Mrs Maureen Okolieukwu shared how her initiative helps girls make reusable pads to reduce costs.
The event also included free distribution of sanitary products.
Dr Nkiru Ezeama
