By joshua 
Kogi Forum of SSAs launches free sanitary care for girls
In a bid to tackle the challenges of menstrual hygiene among teenage girls, the Forum of Kogi Senior Special Assistants whose portfolio are inclined to youths and Mobilization have launched the ‘Hajia Sefinat Ododo Teens Care Project” which will provide sanitary pads to girls in the 21 local government areas of the state.
This was made known yesterday at the official flag -off of the project named after Kogi Governor’s wife, Sefinat Ododo, held at the Lokoja Local government secretariat.
Spokesperson of the group, Mr. Emmanuel Godwin said the initiative focuses on girls, to teach them about menstrual health, and hygiene, as well as distribution of free sanitary hygiene kits.
Godwin said: “A lot of girls lack self-confidence during menstruation. Most of them face stigma during situations where they are stained. But we are trying to remove that stigma so that every girl in her period will embrace and own it. It is something that must happen to a woman, if you don’t have a period, that is when you should be shy or embarrassed.”
He said the project will be carried out in all the council areas of the state, “The program is germane as regards the demography of those involved – the teens and women gender. It affects their menstrual circle; which is a critical part of their health life.
“The effect of unhealthy sanitary usage has left many shattered and affected their dignity. The program will equip teenagers with sanitary product and knowledge to avoid the stigma.”
Speaking, the Chairman of the Local Government, Comrade Abdullahi Adamu said the council will partner with the forum to ensure the program succeed.
Adamu urged parents to discuss and introduce talks of body changes early to their wards so they can be mentally ready and confident in their body.
He said the program will be carried out under his wife project; which cater for widows and young girls.
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