The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University, LASU, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has emphasised the profound impact of menstrual health on not only physical well-being but also academic performance, mental health, and social participation.
This statement was made during the International Menstrual Hygiene Day event organised by the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV) in collaboration with Smile With Me Foundation.
The event, with the theme: “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” took place on Tuesday, 27th May 2024, at the 3-in-1 Conference Hall, main campus, Ojo, Lagos.
In her welcome address, Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, who was represented by Director, DICT, Prof. Oluwatoyin Enikuomehin expressed gratitude to SMILE WITH ME FOUNDATION, LAM Health, and Girls Pride (Blooming flow) for their collaboration with CRPSGBV in making the programme a reality.
The Vice Chancellor also commended the young champions from LASU INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL and their educators for their presence in celebrating International Menstrual Hygiene Day, a global awareness day dedicated to promoting menstrual health and hygiene.
She further stated that the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” aligns closely with the university’s commitment to inclusivity, equity, and student well-being. The university recognises the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment for all. Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello reiterated that menstrual health affects not only physical well-being but also academic performance, mental health, and social participation.
The main aim of the event, as emphasised by the professor of Physiology, is to debunk myths and negative attitudes towards menstruation, promote education and awareness about menstrual health, support innovation and research in menstrual health and hygiene, and involve males in understanding the necessary care and needs of females during their period.
The Acting Director of CRPSGBV, Dr. Igot Ofem, expressed gratitude to the management and the Executive Director of Smile With Me Foundation, Dr Chioma Nwakanma-Akano, as well as other sister organisations (LAM Health and Girls Pride) for their support in bringing the event into the spotlight.
She emphasised that poor menstrual health and hygiene undermine fundamental rights for women, girls, and people who menstruate, exacerbating social and economic inequalities. Insufficient resources to manage menstruation, along with exclusion and shame, erode human dignity. Gender inequality, extreme poverty, humanitarian crises, and harmful traditions can further amplify deprivation and stigma.
Dr. Ofem encouraged all the girls and women present at the programme to pay close attention to the Menstrual Hygiene Fireside chats, which were the main highlight of the day.
Executive Director, Smile With Me Foundation, Dr. Chioma Nwakanma-Akanno, addressed the audience on the topic: “Period Simplified and Myth Busting”, the Programme Director of Smile With Me Foundation, Dr. Bola Owate discussed “Period Shaming and the Role of Boys/Men in Supporting Period Health, while the Founder of LAM Health,”* Ms. Layota Adeniyi, spoke about “Sustainable Period Care and our Planet.”
The Menstrual Hygiene Fireside chats were a highly engaging session with participants asking intellectual questions. In return, they received sanitary pads and a copy of the book titled *”BLOOMING FLOW,”* which is a young girl’s guide on puberty written by Dr. Abosede Lewu.