A public health worker, Patricia Nkem-Innocent, has initiated a campaign aimed at educating young girls on personal hygiene and sexual health.
Patricia emphasized the importance of this campaign amidst the prevailing economic challenges in the country, which have led many young girls to resort to using rags and other unhygienic materials as menstrual pads.
As the incumbent student president at Communication and Democracy, Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, United Kingdom, Patricia launched the “Menstrual Hygiene and Sexual Health Initiative” during the recent International Women’s Day. This initiative reflects her commitment to giving back to young girls in society.
Patricia lamented the high cost of female sanitary products due to Nigeria’s rising inflation rate, leading to the use of unhygienic alternatives by young girls and older women alike. She expressed concerns that this practice could result in future health issues and diseases.
Driven by her passion for supporting and educating young girls on personal hygiene, especially during menstruation, Patricia distributed free sanitary pads to 227 young girls in Warri, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. These pads are expected to sustain them for a minimum of three to four months.
In her own words, “With the International Women’s Day 2024 theme being ‘Inspire Inclusion’ and the United Nations theme being ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ what better way to celebrate than to give back to our young girls.” Patricia sees this initiative as an investment in the future of young girls, relieving a significant burden on their families.
She encourages everyone to join this campaign and pledges to continue her efforts in the future. Her ultimate goal is to create a society where girls have access to menstrual pads without financial constraints, similar to the situation in Scotland and other developed countries.
