CONYOUTH, Cherry Blossom Foundation Sensitize Kogi Students on Menstrual Hygiene

 In commemoration of the 2025 International Menstrual Hygiene Day, about 300 female students of Army Day Secondary School, Lokoja, were trained on proper menstrual hygiene practices by the Concerned Youths and Teens Forum of Nigeria (CONYOUTH) in partnership with the Cherry Blossom Foundation.

The sensitization campaign, aimed at empowering young girls with vital knowledge on menstrual health, emphasized the importance of good hygiene practices during menstruation to prevent infections and promote overall well-being.

Speaking during the event, the founder of CONYOUTH, Barrister Joy Oluwaseun Akinola, expressed concern over the poor menstrual hygiene practices among adolescent girls, especially in underserved communities.

 "Many girls are unaware of how to properly care for themselves during their menstrual cycle. This lack of knowledge often leads to infections, discomfort, and even school absenteeism," she said. "Education is the first step toward breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensuring every girl has the confidence to manage her period with dignity."

Barr. Akinola emphasized that menstrual health is a key component of public health and must be treated as such.

"Good menstrual hygiene is not a luxury; it is a necessity and a basic human right," she added. "When girls understand how to care for themselves, they are more likely to remain in school, avoid preventable illnesses, and grow up with a stronger sense of self-worth."

Ms. Sarah Ojomah Amanabo the Executive Director of Cherry Blossom Foundation also highlighted the need for increased awareness and accessibility to menstrual products. 

 "We must continue to advocate for free or affordable sanitary pads, particularly in rural areas. No girl should have to miss school because she cannot afford sanitary products."

As part of the activities marking the day, free sanitary pads were distributed to the students. Barr. Joy demonstrated how to use and dispose of the pads properly, while also engaging the girls in interactive sessions on menstrual myths, personal hygiene, and reproductive health.

The Principal of Army Day Secondary School, Mr. Salami Moses expressed gratitude to both organizations for their impactful outreach.

 "This program has opened the eyes of our students to vital information that many of them lacked. We sincerely thank CONYOUTH and Cherry Blossom Foundation for investing in the health and future of our girls and even donating a bag of sanitary pads for our first aid box. This is the second time CONYOUTH will be carrying out a similar program in our school and we have been seeing the impact." he said.

Many of the participating students shared their appreciation, expressing how the session changed their perception of menstruation.

 "Before today, I used to be ashamed to talk about my period. Now I know it's something natural, and I’ve learned how to take care of myself better," said *Blessing*, a JSS3 student.

International Menstrual Hygiene Day, marked globally on May 28, serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges women and girls face due to menstruation and to highlight the importance of good menstrual health and hygiene practices.

With initiatives like this, CONYOUTH and the Cherry Blossom Foundation continue to lead the charge in breaking taboos, empowering girls, and promoting a healthier future for young women across Nigeria.