Menstrual Health and Hygiene Training holds in Jos.

Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, in collaboration with the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs have trained stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to be Menstrual Health and Hygiene Champions in Plateau State.

The 3-day intensive training held at Crispan Hotel in Jos, was funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.

Speaking to the participants, Winifred Kwaknat, PSI Program Manager, said the training is for the State Master Trainers, who will be responsible for carrying out training sessions on menstrual health and hygiene as well as community mobilization in the selected communities where they will work and even beyond the project.

According to her, “the Ministry of Women Affairs is our partner and we believe that if they organize any training on menstrual health and hygiene they will utilize the people we trained.

” So the Master Trainers beyond being trained, are MH Champions, that stimulate discussion around menstrual health and hygiene management in their communities and within their networks to ensure that menstrual health and hygiene become an open discussion. This is to address stigma and misconception around menstrual health and hygiene.”

She noted that if myths and misconceptions around menstrual health and hygiene are addressed, most women and girls in the society will live healthy lives with more confidence, resilience -accessing healthy menstrual products.”

Furthermore, Winifred stated that “parents have a role to play, emphasizing that if parents are engaged and have a good understanding, they will be the ones to give comprehensive menstrual health education to their daughters and families.

Participants were engaged during the training on different sessions which were taken by Winifred Kwaknat and Temitope Alfred (Technical Specialist, Communication and Training) that included practical and discussion sessions, demonstration on the use of menstrual products and community mobilization and engagement.

According to Temitope Alfred, “community engagement and dialogue for both girls and boys, men and women is one of the effective strategies for addressing menstrual stigma. She averred that this approach with improve girls’ and women’s access to healthy menstrual products.”

Effective communication was said to be central to improving menstrual health and hygiene as it enhances understanding, reduces stigma and ensures access to comprehensive information and services.

Earlier in a welcome address, the PSI Nigeria’s Country Representative, represented by Temitope Alfred, the PSI Nigeria’s Technical Specialist, Communication and Training, appreciated the participants and the state for accepting the project with an open mind, and urged the participants to be deliberate in learning and contribute to the discussion sessions for better understanding.

At the end of the training, the participants were equipped with the comprehensive knowledge, skills and resources required to auppet and promote women’s and girls’ menstrual health with dignity and confidence.