The women living in the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Durumi camp in Abuja, were on Saturday beside themselves with joy when
Fame Foundation in collaboration with the French Embassy in Nigeria, surprised them with kits for menstrual health and hygiene.
Timesreporters reports that the workshop under the foundation’s ‘Play it Dream it’ initiative, was aimed at promoting the well-being and dignity of women and girls at the camp.
It not only addressed the practical aspects of hygiene during the menstrual period, but also raised awareness about the broader socio-economic implications.
The women and girls were given buckets, parkers, reusable sanitary pads, panties and washing soaps among others.
Briefing newsmen on the sidelines of the event, the Executive Director, Fame Foundation, Aderonke Ogunleye-Bello said: “In Nigeria today, the period of poverty is on the high side. Also, the economic situation of the country is affecting women like in IDP camps and in underserved communities.
“We thought it wise to help by teaching them how to escape period poverty and also to ensure that they don’t contract diseases through the practice of unsafe methods during their menstrual period.
“So, our intention is basically to curb period poverty and also teach them how to make reusable sanitary pads for their use, as we know that these people don’t really have money to buy sanitary pads every month.”
Liyatu Ayuba, woman leader of the IDP camp, while commending FAME foundation for the gesture, promised judicious application of the knowledge learnt from the workshop.
Also expressing her joy over the exercise, Mrs Blessing Isiyaku, a beneficiary of the sanitary pack said Foundation had become a saviour of some sort, adding that the gifts go a long way in helping them get by.
Mrs. Isiyaku, who hail from Gwoza in Borno State described the sanitary pack as a huge favour to the young girls in the community as many barely can feed let alone budgeting for pads on monthly basis.
She expressed profound gratitude to Fame Foundation for always remembering them and prayed that other organizations would take a cue from what the foundation is doing.
