Jigawa Government, SFH Sensitise Adolescent Girls on Personal Hygiene, Menstrual Health

Writing

Jigawa Government, SFH Sensitise Adolescent Girls on Personal Hygiene, Menstrual Health

By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse

The Jigawa State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, in collaboration with the Society for Family Health (SFH), has organised a health awareness and sensitisation programme for adolescent girls in the state, focusing on personal hygiene, menstrual health and healthy living.

The programme, held at Unity Girls Secondary School, Malam Madori, and in Kafin Hausa, was designed to equip adolescent girls with essential health knowledge and encourage practices that promote their physical well-being.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Hadiza T. Abdulwahab, represented by a director in the ministry, Hajiya Aisha, said the initiative was part of the Jigawa State Government’s efforts, in partnership with SFH, to educate adolescent girls on various health-related issues.

She explained that the sensitisation programme aimed to improve the girls’ understanding of personal hygiene, menstrual health and other practices essential to their overall well-being.

Speaking during the programme, the Director of Planning in the ministry, Hajiya Amina, advised the students to maintain proper personal hygiene, wash their hands regularly and observe good menstrual hygiene practices.

She urged the girls to use sanitary pads during menstruation and change them regularly, recommending that they do so at least four times a day, depending on their needs and the flow of their periods.

Hajiya Amina also encouraged the students to eat nutritious food, maintain healthy lifestyles and engage in physical activities to support their growth and overall health.

In a presentation, Hajiya Nafisa Halliru, a Gender Officer with the Network of Jigawa Civil Society Organisations, highlighted the importance of mentorship and positive role models in helping adolescent girls realise their ambitions.

She encouraged the students to identify and emulate successful women professionals, particularly those working in gender-related fields, noting that such role models could inspire them to pursue their chosen careers and contribute meaningfully to the development of Jigawa State.

Nafisa further urged the girls to remain focused on their education, develop their talents and build the confidence needed to achieve their future aspirations.

One of the beneficiaries, Amina Sani, commended the Jigawa State Government and the Society for Family Health for organising the programme, describing the sensitisation as an important initiative for educating adolescent girls, particularly students, on health and personal hygiene.

Earlier, the Director of Unity Girls Secondary School, Malam Madori, Hajiya Amina Ya'u, welcomed participants from the various organisations involved in the programme and wished them success in their deliberations.

The initiative underscores the importance of health education, menstrual hygiene awareness and mentorship in empowering adolescent girls to make informed decisions about their health and future