Abia Governor’s Wife Launches Technical Committee on Menstrual Health to Support Girls’ Hygiene

The office of the Wife of the Governor of Abia State has inaugurated a technical working committee on Menstrual Health & Hygiene Management in Umuahia, the state capital.

Inaugurating the Technical Working Group, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidimma Otti, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa stated the need to support and ensure the hygienic condition of our girls during menstruation as many innocent girls have fallen victim to various myths and deception concerning menstruation.

She encouraged stakeholders and all members of the technical working group to spread the information to their various publics, adding that menstruation is a normal biological process and nothing to be ashamed of.

Outlining the functions of the group members, the West African Policy & Advocacy Manager, Water Aid, and Technical Adviser to Imo state Governor on Water Sanitation and Hygiene Mrs. Theodora Ngozika Igboaruka stated that the technical group, led by the Ministry of Women Affairs is saddled with the responsibility of domesticating and validating bills in this regard for approval by the state exco, develop implementation framework, and support the ministry in carrying out other related activities.

The Lead Facilitator of the Technical Working Group Mrs. Nneka Udensi, who listed members of the Group to include ministries of Women Affairs, Health, Information & Strategy, Local Government & Chieftaincy Affairs, Faith based organisations, Abia State Commission for the welfare of Diabled persons, the media, the academia, Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps among others, stressed the need to break the silence and raise conversations around menstruation in different circles to support our girls.

The Technical Working Group, which has the Commissioner for Ministry of Women Affairs as Chairman, SSA on Women Affairs as Co-chairman, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs as Secretary, Mrs. Nneka Udensi, as Lead Facilitator, had in attendance the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health Dr. Ifeyinwa Uma-Kalu, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Information & Strategy Sir Chris Onwuegbu, the Okwu of Okwulaga Afara Ukwu/Chairman Emeritus, Umuahia North Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Eze Eddy Ibeabuchi JP who are also members of the TWG, some students among others; and witnessed a road walk to create awareness on the need to support Abia girls during menstruation.