PROJECT OVERVIEW

Supporting and Sensitizing Adolescent Girls on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR): An initiative by Citizen Diplomat Society's Group 35

The commitment towards the actualization of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), People's Accords appreciates the recent project undergone by Group 35. 

Their project, titled SRHR Supporting and Sensitizating Adolescence Girls on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, also the distribution of sanitary pads, contributes to SDGs 3. Good Health and Well Being, a goal that advocates healthy living for all adolescent girls and good sensitization for all.

The Set Back of SRHR and SDG 3

In many remote communities around the world, adolescent girls face numerous challenges when it comes to understanding and managing their sexual and reproductive health. 

Lack of access to information, cultural taboos, and limited resources always hinder their ability to maintain proper menstrual hygiene. 

The project carried out by Group 35 aims to highlight the importance of supporting and sensitizing adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in two schools (Ambassador Primary & Secondary School, and Shinning Treasure Primary & Secondary School) located in Sotubo a remote community in Ogun State Nigeria, the workshop specifically focused on Menstrual Hygiene.

The Menstrual Cycle and Hygiene

Menstruation is a natural and essential part of a girl's reproductive cycle, yet it is often surrounded by stigma and misinformation. Early adolescent girls (at ages 10 to 15) need accurate information about their menstrual cycle and proper hygiene practices to ensure their well-being and prevent potential health issues.

Promoting Awareness and Education Based on Findings

In the Sotubo community, access to comprehensive SRHR education is limited. Group 35  made an effort to raise awareness about menstruation and the importance of menstrual hygiene. 

Also, community leaders, schools, healthcare providers, and NGOs need to collaborate to develop educational programs that empower girls with knowledge about their bodies, menstrual cycles, and hygiene practices.

Group 35 project was divided into two sections, SRHR sensitization and provision of sanitary pads to the girls.

Focusing on education, Group 35 covered topics such as:

📌The biology of menstruation.

📌Proper hygiene practices, 

📌Menstrual hygiene products, and 

📌Debunking myths and misconceptions 

The second part of their project involves the distribution of Sanitary Products to 300 hundred adolescent girls in the two schools.

Giving them access to affordable and hygienic menstrual products for the first time because many adolescent girls resort to using unhygienic materials such as rags, leaves, or even mud, puts their health at risk. 

Engaging Local Stakeholders of the schools

They also sensitize and involve the principal and class teachers, this involvement was crucial to the success of their initiative in the Sotubo community. 

Community leaders, religious leaders, parents, and teachers play vital roles in shaping attitudes and behaviors related to SRHR. Engaging them in dialogues and workshops will help overcome cultural barriers and address misconceptions surrounding menstrual hygiene.

We recommend that local initiatives, NGOs, and government organizations work together to ensure the availability of affordable and sustainable menstrual products, such as reusable and disposable menstrual pads.

Conclusion

Supporting and sensitizing adolescent girls on sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly menstrual hygiene, in remote communities is crucial and will be impactful to their well-being and empowerment. Promoting awareness, education, access to sanitary products, and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation will help these adolescent girls lead healthier lives and fulfill their potential.

Collaborative efforts between governments, organizations, communities, and individuals are vital in ensuring that no girl is left behind regarding SRHR in remote communities.

Thank you to the People's Accords Citizen Diplomat Society. The team truly believes their effort will leave a lasting impact on these girls and contribute significantly towards achieving Goal 3 of the SDGs.

We express our heartfelt gratitude to this great organization for its generous sponsorship, which was instrumental in the successful execution of this project. We also commend the tireless efforts and dedication of our team members, whose commitment to making a difference truly drove this project forward.

Generally, Group 35 project was a great success, reaching out to these young adolescent girls with this crucial education and providing sanitary pads to girls in need of it, makes it a milestone.