The need for girls to inculcate hygienic habits during their menstrual cycle and high morals formed the Crux of the presentation made today, at Community Secondary School Nkpolu Orowurukwu, by members of the National Council for Women Societies, NCWS, Rivers State Branch, to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child.
The President of NCWS Rivers State Branch, Princess Jetiba Soberekon, admonished the students to discuss anxieties experienced during puberty with their parents, especially their mothers. She said it is important for young girls to be close to their mothers who they should consider as their best friend.
Speaking on the importance of the International Day of the Girl Child, she said: “International Day of the Girl Child began as part of the international, non-governmental organization, Plan International’s campaign “Because I am a Girl.” Plan International is a non-government organization which works in around 70 countries worldwide.
“It spearheaded the campaign in 2007 which was aimed to spread awareness on the need of nurturing girls globally and especially in developing countries where conditions are poorer.
“The campaign was designed to nurture girls — especially in developing countries, promote their rights, and bring them out of poverty. International Day of the Girl Child was born as an idea during the campaign and grew into practice when its representatives requested the Canadian federal government to seek a coalition of supporters. Eventually, the United Nations became involved.
“In the 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, countries adopted an action plan to support women rights and to safeguard the future of young girls internationally. With the initiative of Plan International, and other bodies also raising their voice in support of girls and women protection, it gained greater traction.
“It was then formally proposed by Canada to be passed as a resolution in the United Nations General Assembly. Consequently, on December 19, 2011, the U.N. General Assembly successfully adopted the resolution of recognizing October 11, 2012, as the inaugural day of International Day of the Girl Child, which was specifically centered around the grave issue of child marriages.
“Each year, this day is observed with a unique theme. The inaugural theme was ending child marriage. Since then, this day has been celebrated around the world and different initiatives for girl and women empowerment have gained momentum, and each year’s theme highlights issues girls face.
”Its verdict beautifully describes the true empowerment of the girl child who is as critical to economic growth as boys. It recognizes that the meaningful participation of girls in decisions that affect their lives is the key to break the cycle of discrimination and violence and empower young ladies to become inspirited, free women of tomorrow.
“With the background properly established on what today stands for, NCWS Rivers State Branch will want to speak on two very sensitive and important topics, which are personal Hygiene during menstrual cycle and Dangers in unprotected Sex. While the two topics might sound isolated, they are infact intertwined.”
On her part, the Vice President, Rivers West Senatorial District, Gloria Boma Harry, reiterated the need for girls to imbibe personal hygiene habits during their menstrual cycle. Harry said: Poor menstrual hygiene can pose serious health risks like reproductive and urinary tract infection which can result in future infertility and birth complications.
“Neglecting to wash hands after changing menstrual products can spread infection such as hepatitis B and thrush. Hence there is need to take personal hygiene seriously during menstrual cycle.”
She encouraged the students to Change their sanitary pads regularly, Stay clean, this is a key to good Hygiene, wash themselves properly to avoid body odour, Wear clean underwear eg pants, tights,and boxers, Dispose sanitary pads properly -Do not dispose it publicly, Consume a balanced diet during the menstrual period and Consult a specialist, when they experience menstrual pains or any problems.
She stressed that a girl could get pregnant if she does not abstain from engaging in sexual activities and tasked the students to focus on their studies, to avoid unwanted pregnancies that could lead to rejection, depression and the disruption of their academic pursuits.
The State Secretary, Bar. Ibiso Erekosima Briggs, outlined the dangers in engaging in unprotected Sex. She said Unprotected sex could lead to pregnancy which can lead to Abortion which most times àre done shabbily.
She recalled stories about some prominent women who had destroyed their wombs as teenagers. These women she said are filled with regrets as they are unable to have children.
She further noted that Unprotected sex can lead to risk of sexually transmitted infection such as Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Genital wart, Genital herpes, Hepatitis A, B and C, HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia and Mycoplasm genitalium.
Immediate Past Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs. Ify Nwankpa, Assistant Secretary NCWS Rivers State Branch, Hon. Abiotonwa Sanipe, Nominated President for PHALGA, Hon. Mrs Ngozi Amadi, were amongst dignitaries who made speeches at the event.
Highpoint of the event was the presentation of sanitary pads, writing materials and other toiletries to students.
