Anambra forms Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition to drive policy adoption
By Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Stakeholders in Anambra State have resolved to establish the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition to drive the adoption and implementation of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Policy in the state.
The resolution was reached on Friday, at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop convened by the Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE) through its Menstrual Ease for Girls, (ME4Girls) Project, with funding support from Rise Up Together.
The workshop brought together representatives of the Ministries of Education, Health, and Women Affairs and Social Welfare, the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), education authorities, development partners, civil society organisations, schools, the media, youth groups and other key actors.
Participants reviewed findings from the ME4Girls Situation Assessment, examined the National MHHM Policy, and mapped out practical steps for domestication in Anambra.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, stakeholders resolved to support the adoption and domestication of the National MHHM Policy in Anambra State and to strengthen collaboration among relevant ministries for coordinated implementation.
The communique stated: “We resolved to establish the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition to coordinate advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and policy implementation. We will also advocate for the integration of menstrual health education, gender-responsive WASH facilities, and school support systems into public secondary schools across the State.”
Participants called on the state government to develop and adopt an implementation framework for menstrual health in public secondary schools. They also resolved to promote evidence-based planning, monitoring, research and accountability to strengthen menstrual health programming.
To achieve this, stakeholders expressed commitment to mobilise technical, financial and institutional support from government, development partners, civil society organisations, communities and the private sector.
Speaking on the commitments, participants agreed to advocate for policy adoption within their respective institutions, participate actively in the newly formed coalition, promote menstrual health awareness and stigma reduction, and support agreed advocacy activities.
“Participants are committed to strengthen collaboration and information sharing among stakeholders to ensure that no girl is left behind,” the communique added.
On next steps, the workshop agreed to finalise the workshop report, commence implementation of the Advocacy Roadmap, engage identified government decision-makers to advance policy adoption, and continue technical consultations towards developing a State Implementation Framework for Public Secondary Schools.
Participants expressed appreciation to DeCODE and Rise Up Together for convening the workshop and to the Anambra State Government and other partners for their commitment to improving menstrual health and hygiene management for girls and women in the state.
They reaffirmed their collective resolve that no girl in Anambra State should be denied her right to education, health, dignity, and full participation in society because of menstruation.
“We pledged to work together to advance the adoption and effective implementation of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy and to build a sustainable partnership that will improve menstrual health outcomes across the State,” the stakeholders stated.
