Adolescent girls receive guidance on menstrual hygiene, GBV prevention in Ibadan

In a proactive step to address the critical intersection of climate change, menstrual health, and gender-based violence, the International Center for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), in collaboration with the Martins Lydia Foundation (MLF), organised a comprehensive training session for adolescent girls in Olorunda Abba and neighboring communities in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

The forum, titled ‘Climate-Resilient Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management & Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention for Girls’, was supported by the AFRICAC CLIMATE JUSTICE MOVEMENT (ACJM) and funded by the Global Fund for Women (GFW).

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The program aimed to equip young girls with vital knowledge and practices to maintain their health and dignity in the face of climate challenges.

Speaking at the training, Mrs. Hannah Sowemimo emphasised the importance of menstrual hygiene, stating that maintaining proper hygiene during menstruation is essential for overall health.

“Health is wealth, and menstruation is a natural, God-designed process that begins at puberty. Delayed menstruation, often due to stunted growth or poor diet, signals potential health concerns,” she explained.

She also stressed the need for a balanced diet and mental, physical, and social well-being of adolescent girls.

The facilitator on GBV prevention addressed the risks of early sexual activity as a trigger to sexual violence. “Young women must be empowered to value their bodies and protect their dignity. Girls must be able to build positive self-esteem, make the right decisions, set goals, and be assertive,” she stated.

The facilitator advised on how climate change further complicates menstrual hygiene management, especially in flood affected areas, due to water scarcity, inadequate sanitation, and displacement. Such climate induced displacement increases the vulnerability of young girls to gender-based violence.

According to her, these challenges increase the risk of infections and environmental pollution, threatening the health and dignity of adolescent girls.

The organisers noted that by focusing on menstrual health education and GBV prevention, adolescent girls will be able to take control of their health, advocate for their rights, and contribute to climate-resilient communities.

The initiative calls for the urgent need for gender-responsive climate solutions, particularly in vulnerable communities where cultural and systemic barriers continue to limit girls’ access to health and sanitation resources.

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