The Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), in partnership with Lagos Urban Water Sanitation and Hygiene Activity (LUWASH), has launched an innovative initiative to empower young girls and promote menstrual hygiene management in urban communities.

“My Period App” project, unveiled at a two-day programme at Agidingbi Senior High School, Ikeja, seeks to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure that communities, schools, and stakeholders recognise the importance of menstrual hygiene.

The programme which was held at the Agidingbi Senior High School, Ikeja on Wednesday, September 18, brought together stakeholders, including students, teachers, and community leaders.

Mr. Martins, representing the Ministry of Basic Education, delivered the opening remarks, while Mrs. WWE Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, Executive Secretary of YEF, presented an overview of the LUWASH project.

To address the challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene, the “My Period App” project will begin by conducting formative research to understand the root causes of poor menstrual hygiene in Lagos communities. This research will inform the design of gender-sensitive inclusive interventions tailored to local contexts.

The project will also implement multimedia campaigns and peer education programmes to raise awareness and empower young girls. Through these initiatives, the project aims to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and provide girls with the knowledge and confidence to manage their menstrual health.

Additionally, the project will advocate for improved access to gender-segregated disability-friendly toilet facilities in schools and communities. This effort will be complemented by initiatives to improve access to safe water supply, a critical component of menstrual hygiene management.

During the programme, stakeholders addressed questions and concerns, including language accessibility and the provision of sanitary products. According to Mrs Akin-Jimoh, the project will provide young girls with a platform to access information, resources, and support, helping to break the stigma surrounding menstruation.

The “My Period App” project is expected to benefit young girls in Lagos, particularly those in Junior Secondary School 1 and Senior Secondary School 1, promoting menstrual hygiene management and contributing to a healthier, more supportive community.

The project’s success relies on collaboration with stakeholders, including schools, churches, mosques, and community leaders. By working together, YEF and LUWASH aim to create a lasting impact on menstrual hygiene management in Lagos.

The “My Period App” project aligns with the Nigerian government’s efforts to improve menstrual hygiene management and promote gender equality. By addressing the challenges surrounding menstruation, YEF and LUWASH are contributing to a broader agenda of promoting girls’ education and empowerment.

In the coming months, the project will roll out its interventions, including the launch of the “My Period App” and the implementation of peer education programmes. Stakeholders will be engaged through community outreach and sensitisation programmes.

One of the key challenges facing the project is ensuring accessibility for girls with disabilities. To address this, YEF and LUWASH will work with disability advocates to ensure that the app and educational materials are inclusive and accessible.

As the project progresses, YEF and LUWASH will monitor its impact and adjust strategies as needed. The ultimate goal is to create a sustainable, community-led initiative that promotes menstrual hygiene management and empowers young girls to reach their full potential.

With the “My Period App” project, YEF and LUWASH are taking a critical step towards promoting menstrual hygiene management and empowering young girls in Lagos. By working together, they can create a brighter future for generations to come.

The project’s impact will be evaluated through regular assessments and feedback from stakeholders. This will ensure that the project remains responsive to the needs of the community and achieves its intended objectives.

By supporting the “My Period App” project, stakeholders can contribute to a significant improvement in menstrual hygiene management and girls’ education in Lagos

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