OCDI Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day with Period-Friendly Outreach for Adolescent Girls in Ajase-Ipo

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI) carried out a targeted community sensitization outreach at Ajase-Ipo Comprehensive High School, reinforcing this year’s global theme: “Together for a Period-Friendly World.” The intervention was designed to provide a safe, confidential, and empowering space for 115 adolescent girls to engage in open conversations around menstruation, reproductive health, personal dignity, and physical safety. The session offered foundational guidance on body anatomy, menstrual health, and hygiene management, equipping participants with practical knowledge needed to navigate menstruation with confidence and dignity. Discussions emphasized the importance of proper hygiene practices, including regular full-body washing to reduce the risk of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), as well as the safe wrapping and disposal of used sanitary pads. Beyond menstrual hygiene, the outreach addressed issues of safety and protection. Participants received practical guidance on recognizing early signs of harassment, understanding personal boundaries, and using available reporting channels to respond to and prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The Program Officer also delivered a powerful message on body autonomy, encouraging the girls to protect themselves, assert their boundaries, and understand that their “No” must always remain an absolute “No.” She further emphasized the importance of prioritizing education as a pathway to long-term independence and empowerment. To break communication barriers and challenge the shame often associated with reproductive health discussions, the Program Officer shared relatable personal experiences from her own growth journey. This honest and human-centered approach fostered trust and openness, encouraging several students to seek private counseling after the session. A significant focus of the outreach was dysmenorrhea (severe menstrual cramps)—a major but often overlooked contributor to school absenteeism and reduced academic performance among adolescent girls. Participants were reminded that severe menstrual pain should not be normalized or silently endured. While basic pain-management strategies such as heat therapy, hydration, gentle stretching, and dietary adjustments were discussed, the facilitator strongly advised that girls experiencing severe or disruptive pain should seek professional medical evaluation from a gynecologist. This recommendation was also extended to mothers and caregivers. The outreach successfully strengthened menstrual health literacy, improved self-protection awareness, and fostered a more supportive foundation for a period-friendly environment among participating students. To sustain these gains, OCDI recommends establishing a structured follow-up counseling system within the school’s guidance unit to continuously support the physiological, psychological, and social well-being of adolescent girls. Together, we can build a world where no girl is held back by her period.