Idris Bilyaminu, the visionary behind YAPD4Africa, fearlessly shattered barriers, championing the cause of menstrual hygiene with unwavering passion, and challenging deeply rooted societal norms in the hushed landscapes of the Northern region of Nigeria.
“It was very challenging because I came from a northern region in Nigeria”
Driven by a personal life experience, Idris embarked on his journey as a menstrual hygiene advocate, propelled by research findings that exposed the dire consequences of girls’ limited access to sanitary pads, which deprives them of their fundamental rights to engage fully in education and other essential social endeavours.
Through his groundbreaking research, Idris shed light on the pressing issues of financial inequality, stigma, taboos, and discrimination surrounding menstruation, particularly within local communities, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and change.
With an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, Idris’s organisation has successfully empowered and made a significant impact on the lives of over 2000 girls and women across more than 15 rural communities, IDP camps, and secondary schools in Nigeria, equipping them with vital knowledge and essential skills to navigate menstrual health and hygiene with confidence and dignity.
MENSTRUAL HYGIENE: THE STATISTICS
The statistics provided by UNICEF paint a stark reality: every month, 1.8 billion people worldwide experience menstruation. Unfortunately, many girls and women face immense challenges in managing their menstrual cycle with dignity and in a healthy manner.
These numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that address the global issue of menstrual health and hygiene.
Extensive research conducted in Nigeria has revealed a multitude of insights into the diverse perceptions, beliefs, knowledge, attitudes, and practices surrounding menstrual health and hygiene. These findings have shed light on a prevailing notion that menstruation is an unclean and secretive matter that should remain unspoken.
The ability of girls to effectively manage their menstrual cycles is significantly hindered by a lack of accessible and affordable hygienic sanitary materials, as well as inadequate infrastructure such as proper disposal options for used materials, clean water supply, sanitary toilets, hand washing facilities, and designated changing rooms.
Regrettably, when these essential facilities are absent or insufficient within educational institutions, numerous girls are compelled to endure the challenges of menstruation with immense discomfort and under unhygienic conditions. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive interventions that address the systemic issues impeding menstrual health and hygiene in Nigeria. It is imperative to prioritise the provision of necessary resources and infrastructure to ensure that girls can navigate their menstrual journeys with dignity, comfort, and optimal hygiene.
CHARTING THE COURSE
Assurance Oyilara, driven by a passion to combat period poverty and dismantle the stigma surrounding menstruation, is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at dispelling misconceptions and promoting menstrual health. Motivated by her own personal experiences and the desire to reshape societal mindsets, Assurance embarked on her “one pad” initiative with unwavering determination.
Reflecting on her journey, she recalls, “I was unaware that the monthly abdominal pain I experienced was one of the symptoms of ovulation. The lack of education in schools left me seeking medication and constant worry.”
Through her initiative, Assurance has made a tangible impact on the lives of girls in River’s state. Equipping them with invaluable knowledge and skills, these girls are taught how to create reusable pads, addressing both financial concerns and ensuring their continued well-being.
Assurance shares a touching story, saying, “When we visited Ife’s school and provided them with pads, it was the first time this 13-year-old girl had access to something other than tissue or makeshift clothing during her period.” Such encounters highlight the profound difference Assurance’s initiative is making in the lives of young girls.
Recognized for their groundbreaking work, Assurance and her team have garnered attention on various platforms, including blogs, and BBC Pidgin, and have secured essential grants. Most notably, they have been selected to participate in the esteemed Mandela Washington program, further amplifying their impact and reach.
Assurance Oyilara’s unwavering commitment to empowering girls and challenging societal norms surrounding menstruation serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of grassroots initiatives. Through her dedication, she is not only improving the lives of individual girls but also igniting conversations and driving positive change in menstrual health and hygiene.
