From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
In recognition of World Menstrual Hygiene Day and Children’s Day 2025, the Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child organised a sensitization and education programme at the Federal Government Girls’ College (FGGC), Imiringi, bringing together over 300 female students for an impactful and empowering session on menstrual health and hygiene.
The school principal, in her opening remark acknowledged the efforts of the organization in promoting menstrual health awareness and commended their commitment to supporting the wellbeing of young Ijaw girls. Describing the initiative as timely and essential for adolescent development.
Mrs. Timipre Tobi Ebiringa, Executive Director of the Voice of the Ijaw Girl Child, in her address, expressed her appreciation to the school for hosting the event and reiterated the organization’s mission to break the silence around menstruation and ensure that no girl is left behind due to period stigma or lack of menstrual education.
Present at the event was Miss Ijaw 2025, Miss Doubrah Samuel, who kickstarted the educative sessions by teaching students the meaning of menstruation, the phases of the menstrual cycle, and how the body changes during each stage.
The session continued with Miss Praise Charles, who addressed the topic of menstrual disorders. She explained conditions such as dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, amenorrhea, and premenstrual syndrome, using real-life examples and encouraging students to speak up and seek help when necessary.
Students also participated in a drama performance that creatively addressed menstrual myths and highlighted the challenges girls face when managing their periods in silence.
Miss Laye Otobo followed with a session on debunking common menstrual myths. She corrected harmful misconceptions such as the belief that menstruating girls are unclean and emphasized the need for accurate knowledge rooted in science and health.
Miss Nwamenim Blessing Ewere led a practical demonstration on how to properly use and dispose of menstrual products such as pads and tampons. She also introduced the girls to different menstrual hygiene options, including reusable pads and menstrual cups, and explained how to choose what works best for individual comfort and safety.
In a follow-up session, Mrs. Timipre Tobi Ebiringa spoke on the importance of menstrual hygiene and its direct link to physical health, emotional wellbeing, and school attendance among adolescent girls.
A live demonstration session followed, where three students, under the guidance of Miss Tama and Miss Ewere, demonstrated how to correctly wear and dispose of a sanitary pad, reinforcing the lessons in a practical and engaging way.
The Q&A session brought up thoughtful questions from the students. One student inquired about how to calculate her menstrual cycle, and Miss Ewere explained the process clearly—counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. Another question centered around the use of menstrual cups with underwear, to which she responded that menstrual cups are worn internally and do not interfere with wearing regular pants.
The event ended on a high note with a unifying call-and-response song titled “Flow with Pride,” led by Miss Stella. The closing remarks were delivered by Miss Ijaw, who encouraged the girls to embrace their menstruation with pride and confidence, and to spread the knowledge they had gained.
The programme marked a significant step towards ending period shame and building a community of confident, informed girls in the Niger Delta region.
