Yemisi Dada
Stakeholders have canvassed inclusivity in the review of the zero draft National policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, MHHM, for effective implementation in the six geopolitical zones of the country.
This was the consensus of stakeholders at the South West consultative meeting in Lagos, to harmonize the MHHM policy for acceptability by all State governments when fully ready.
The consultative meeting organized by an NGO WaterAid Nigeria and Population Service International, PSI, was to constructively criticize and
garner more inputs according to each geopolitical zones cultures and religions to promote good hygiene during menstrual flows by girls to reduce out of school children.
Deputy Director, Child Development and Head of Health Desk at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Mariam Shuaib, maintained that menstruation is a natural phenomenon which should not be seen as a thing of shame, hence the need for the national policy as a transformative tool for change in the society.
“We are here in the South West for inputs as the cultural and religious beliefs about menstruation differs from one geopolitical zone to the other, so that all stakeholders can have input for a robust and comprehensive menstrual hygiene framework policy for all State governments to implement when operational”
In a remark, Head of WaterAid Nigeria Lagos Program, Dr Alao Adebayo, emphasized the need for clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene, WASH, facilities as well as Pad banks in all schools and offices for effective hygiene practices for a healthier environment.
“I want to encourage all participants here to put in their best in harmonizing this national policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management, you may think it does not concerns you as a man but it does because the impacts on your girl child, mother or wife will also affect you, so let us put ourselves in the shoes of those affected to come up with something concrete as framework for menstrual hygiene across the country”
Participants were divided into three groups to read, critique and input each chapter of the policy to achieve a robust National Policy on MHHM from the South West using Lagos as a pilot scheme, while the next move will be in Bauchi, North Eastern part of the country.
The meeting which will end tomorrow had in attendance representatives from relevant Ministries, Agencies, Civil Society Groups, Developmental Partners and the Media including the General Manager Radio One 103.5FM, Mr Korede Ogunbunmi.