The Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) held a pivotal advocacy visit with members of the Khana Legislative House, to deliberate on the necessity of legislative action in tackling menstrual health challenges among schoolgirls in Khana Local Government Area (LGA).
CHHELD sought the commitment of the Khana LGA legislators to enact a bye-law within the next 12 months, allocating a monthly budget to support the establishment and sustainability of reusable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene pad banks in 10 public secondary schools within the LGA. The project aligns with the Advocacy for Legislative Action on Menstrual Health (ALAM-H) initiative with support from Rise Up, which aims to improve menstrual hygiene management, reduce school absenteeism, and create economic opportunities for local women through pad production training.
The advocacy meeting was attended by prominent members of the Khana Legislative House and CHHELD representatives, including the Committee Chairman on Health and Development: Hon. Rita Obani – Representing the good people of Ward 5.
CHHELD representatives introduced the ALAM-H project, sharing findings from a recent survey conducted in Khana LGA, which exposed the alarming menstrual hygiene challenges faced by female students. Due to the high cost of disposable sanitary pads, many girls resort to unsanitary alternatives such as rags and plantain leaves, leading to severe health risks, increased absenteeism, and heightened vulnerability.
CHHELD outlined the core components of the ALAM-H project, emphasizing:
- The establishment of eco-friendly reusable pad banks in 10 mapped-out public secondary schools.
- Training vulnerable women in the community on eco-friendly pad-making skills, thereby fostering economic empowerment.
- The historical significance of the project, as it would be the first of its kind in Nigeria.
- Media coverage to highlight the impact and the crucial role of legislators in driving sustainable menstrual health initiatives.
CHHELD made the following requests:
- Legislative Partnership & Technical Support – Seeking the support of the legislators in advocating for the ALAM-H project.
- Proposal, Adoption & Passage of the Eco Flower Bye-Law – Urging the Legislative House to pass a bye-law with budgetary allocation for establishing and maintaining eco-friendly pad banks across Khana LGA, setting a precedent for other LGAs in Nigeria.
- Inviting lawmakers to attend and support the official launch of the eco-friendly reusable pad banks and menstrual health clubs in the 10 selected public secondary schools.
The legislators applauded the initiative, recognizing the critical role it plays in improving the health, dignity, and education of young girls in Khana LGA. Their key responses included:
- Expressing readiness to partner with CHHELD to ensure continuous education, orientation, and periodic evaluation of the project’s success.
- Recommendation for CHHELD to establish a local office in Khana LGA to oversee the project and ensure its long-term sustainability.
- Hon. Rita Obani, representing Ward 5 and Chairperson of the Health and Development Committee, pledged to champion the proposal within the Legislative House, advocating for further deliberation and support among her colleagues.
- Commitment from the legislators to honor CHHELD’s invitation to the launch of the eco-friendly reusable pad bank
CHHELD reiterated its commitment to the long-term sustainability of the ALAM-H project, highlighting:
- Plans to establish Menstrual Health Clubs in schools to provide ongoing education on menstrual hygiene and personal care.
- Existing partnerships and operational presence in Khana LGA to facilitate project implementation and monitoring.
- Follow-up engagements with legislators to ensure the successful passage of the Eco Flower Bill.
The advocacy visit yielded immediate positive outcomes, securing a commitment from the Khana Legislative House to:
- Actively support the Eco Flower Bill and advocate for its passage within the 10th Legislative Assembly.
- Strengthen legislative engagement on menstrual health issues and prioritize sustainable policies that benefit young girls in the LGA.
The advocacy visit marks a critical step towards securing legislative backing for the bye law, which, once passed, will transform menstrual health management for female students in Khana LGA. CHHELD remains dedicated to working collaboratively with the legislators, the community, and other stakeholders to ensure a future where no girl misses school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products.