The Centre for Human Rights, Health, Ethnic Harmony and Livelihood Development (CHHELD) successfully conducted an advocacy visit to the Secretary of Khana Local Government Area (LGA), Dr. Henry Kpunne, to seek support for the enactment of a bye law with a monthly budget allocation, for the establishment of reusable eco-friendly menstrual hygiene pad banks in 10 public secondary schools in Khana LGA.
This initiative is part of the Advocacy for Legislative Action on Menstrual Health (ALAM-H) Project with support from Rise Up, which seeks to combat menstrual hygiene challenges faced by female students. The ALAM-H project will ensure that female students have access to sustainable menstrual products. Additionally, vulnerable women in the community will be trained on eco-friendly pad-making skills using locally sourced materials, thereby creating economic opportunities while addressing menstrual hygiene concerns.
This advocacy meeting took place at the Khana LGA Secretariat and was attended by CHHELD representatives along with Dr. Henry Kpunne, Secretary of Khana LGA seeking for the following;
- Support for the proposal, adoption, and passage of the Eco Flower Bye-law, ensuring a monthly budgetary allocation to provide reusable menstrual pads in public secondary schools in Khana LGA.
- Request for his presence at the official launch of the eco-friendly reusable pad banks and menstrual health clubs in the 10 public secondary schools.
Response from the LGA Secretary:
- Health and Safety Compliance: Dr. Henry Kpunne emphasized the need to ensure health and safety standards of the proposed eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads by involving relevant regulatory bodies. He acknowledged the importance of due diligence to guarantee the initiative’s successful implementation.
- Support and Endorsement: He expressed his strong support for the ALAM-H project, describing it as “a great initiative for the people of Khana.”
- Commitment to Attend the Launch Event: He stated that he would honor the invitation on the launch date.
The meeting successfully introduced the ALAM-H project to the Khana LGA Secretary, secured the support of the LGA Secretary for the passage of the Eco Flower Bill and the implementation of reusable menstrual hygiene pad banks, enhanced awareness about the health, environmental, and economic benefits of reusable menstrual products.
Through its ALAM-H Project, CHHELD is pioneering menstrual health advocacy, pushing for policy reforms and sustainable menstrual solutions for vulnerable communities.