Rotary Club Initiative Empowers Abia Students with Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene Solutions

In a groundbreaking initiative focusing on menstrual hygiene, the Rotary Club of Umudike Central, District 9142, Nigeria, in conjunction with the North Cobb Rotary Club, District 6900, USA, has distributed reusable sanitary pads to more than 400 female secondary school students in Abia State.

This significant effort marks the third installment of their collaborative annual event, aligning with the international club's "Rotary Year of Service" post-2022, extending support to the state's educational sector.

The distribution events were conducted across various schools in Abia State, including Community Secondary School, Ihim Ibere; Methodist High School, Oboro; and Michael Okpara University Demonstration Secondary School, Umudike, among others, spread across Ikwuano and Umuahia North local government areas.

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Rotarian Seline Ilochi, the president of the Central District, emphasized the program's theme, "Pad a Girl," stressing its dual purpose of advocating for menstrual hygiene awareness while supporting the girl-child. She highlighted the pivotal role of these reusable pads in ensuring safe menstrual practices while reducing environmental waste, a significant departure from disposable alternatives.

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Rotarian Onyinye Ralph-Nwachukwu, the public image maker, delved into the educational aspect of the project, enlightening students on self-care practices and maintaining optimal menstrual hygiene. She underscored the importance of gentle washing and sun-drying the pads after use to mitigate bacterial infections, offering crucial advice to safeguard the girls' health.

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Moreover, the event saw the active involvement of past assistant governors Njoku Uche and Obuora Okoye, alongside assistant governor Vince Asor and governor Chinonyerem Obinwa, who provided hands-on demonstrations on pad usage, empowering students with practical insights.

Expressing gratitude, both students and teachers lauded the initiative, pledging to adhere to the prescribed guidelines for optimal pad usage, thereby ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of the menstrual hygiene program.

This collaborative effort between Rotary Clubs not only addresses a critical aspect of female health and hygiene but also underscores the significance of community-driven initiatives in fostering sustainable development and empowerment. With continued support and awareness, such endeavors hold the promise of transforming lives and promoting dignity among young women in Abia State and beyond.

Stay tuned to myschoolnews.ng for more updates from Abia State education system.