In a significant move towards addressing menstrual health challenges in public schools, the Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony, and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) has secured a strategic partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education. A high-level meeting was recently held at the Ministry’s office to discuss CHHELD’s menstrual health advocacy project, which is set to benefit young female students in 10 public secondary schools across Khana Local Government Area (LGA).
The meeting was attended by representatives from CHHELD, alongside key officials from the Secondary Education Department of Rivers State Ministry of Education, such as Mrs. Bertha Alalibo and Mrs. Ibifaka Idasefiema, both Assistant Directors in the Secondary Education Department. This focused on CHHELD’s ongoing intervention to pioneer menstrual health advocacy and environmental sustainability in Khana Local Government Area (LGA) of Rivers State, addressing challenges faced by adolescent girls
During the session, CHHELD presented an overview of its project, including conducting surveys to assess the condition of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, as well as establishing a pad bank to provide reusable ecofriendly sanitary pads. The organization emphasized that these efforts would help reduce absenteeism and improve the overall well-being of young female students.
CHHELD presented its findings, highlighting the severe challenges that young girls in public schools face due to inadequate menstrual hygiene resources. Surveys conducted in Khana LGA revealed alarming trends: many female students struggle to access sanitary pads and often resort to using unsafe materials. These unhygienic practices not only expose them to serious infections but also contribute to low self-esteem and frequent school absenteeism. These challenges underline the urgent need for intervention to support adolescent girls and their education.
According to CHHELD, many students miss several school days each month due to their inability to manage their periods with dignity. This menstrual-related absenteeism has long-term effects on their academic performance, limiting their opportunities and reinforcing gender-based educational inequalities.
Recognizing the gravity of this situation, CHHELD has developed a structured intervention that includes:
- Conducting in-depth assessments of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in selected schools.
- Establishing pad bank within schools to provide free ecofriendly reusable sanitary pads to students in need.
- Implementing awareness and education programs to demystify menstruation, break cultural stigmas, and empower young girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage their menstrual health effectively.
- Engaging community stakeholders to ensure a sustainable and inclusive approach to menstrual health management.
CHHELD explained that, to ensure equal impact, schools were selected from all four districts in Khana LGA, following consultations with local community stakeholders. The organization then requested the Ministry’s approval to access public schools for project implementation, emphasizing the critical role of institutional support in ensuring the success and sustainability of the initiative.
In a pivotal decision, the Rivers State Ministry of Education embraced the project and committed to assigning a supervisor to oversee school visits and data collection processes. This collaboration marks a crucial step in fostering institutional support for menstrual health and promoting gender-inclusive education in Rivers State. The Ministry further expressed willingness to expand the initiative beyond Khana LGA, acknowledging the need for similar interventions in other Local Government areas where menstrual health remains a barrier to girls’ education.
Speaking on the outcome of the meeting, CHHELD Representative stated:
“For too long, young girls have suffered in silence due to the lack of proper menstrual hygiene support in schools. This partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Education is a major breakthrough in our efforts to ensure that menstruation is no longer a barrier to education for girls in public schools. We are optimistic that this initiative will not only transform lives in Khana LGA but also serve as a model for menstrual health interventions across the state.”
With this partnership and the support of Rise Up, CHHELD continues to ensure menstrual dignity and education for all young girls. The Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony, and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting human rights, health, education, and sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria. With a strong focus on marginalized and underserved communities, CHHELD implements impactful projects that foster social inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment