By Nasir Shuaibu (Bauchi State Correspondent)
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi State Chapter, has urged stakeholders to expand menstrual health education and support programmes to reach more adolescent girls in rural communities.
The call was made during a menstrual hygiene advocacy and skills acquisition programme organised in collaboration with the Bauchi State Government in Liman Katagum community.
Addressing participants, NAWOJ Chairperson Hajiya Rashida Yusuf said no girl should be left behind in efforts to improve menstrual health awareness and access to hygiene products.
She stressed the need for regular sensitisation campaigns and practical training sessions, especially in remote communities where girls often face barriers to information and essential menstrual hygiene materials.
Yusuf commended the Bauchi State Government for establishing adolescent-friendly corners in schools to promote menstrual hygiene and reproductive health education.
She also encouraged participants to transfer the knowledge acquired during the training to other girls and women in their communities.
The Village Head of Liman Katagum, Alhaji Yakubu Abubakar Ghani, praised the initiative, noting that it would contribute to poverty reduction by creating economic opportunities through the production of reusable sanitary pads.
He said expanding such programmes to more rural communities would improve health outcomes and strengthen economic empowerment among girls and women.
The training featured advocacy sessions and by practical demonstrations aimed at promoting menstrual dignity, health education and community development.
Speaking during an interview, Aisha Muhammad and Jummai Musa thanked the organisers, saying, "This initiative will help us start small businesses through the production of reusable sanitary pads. It will provide us with an opportunity to earn income and support our livelihoods, even after marriage. NNL.