Interactive Conference In Unizik Promotes Good Menstrual Hygiene
By Amarachukwu Callistus
A remarkable event that enlightened students was held yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Academic Staff Union of University Hall (UNIZIK-ASSU), to celebrate world menstrual day, it featured distinguished speakers who boosted the morale of girls who had felt a bit anxious on their monthly cycle, and also discussed Menstrual hygiene with both genders, a prominent body; Gloria Foundation eased the financial burden on student by giving each attendant free pack of pad.
The event kicked off with an interactive session between the Master of Ceremony (MC) and the audience followed by the National Anthem, Anambra State Anthem, Unizik Anthem, opening prayer, announcement of distinguished dignitaries who were present at the event and a biography of the conveyer, Adaora Soludo; Daughter of the Governor of Anambra State, MVCO of Gloria Foundation.
Dr. Chikaosoro Oforbuike; the wife to the chairman of Aguata Local Government Area in her speech enlightened students on Menstrual Cycle and Menstrual hygiene because every young girl is carrying the nation.
‘Every Woman is strong, because we have had to use cramps to attend lectures, menstruation does not just come with bleeding, it comes with the cramps, bloating, weight loss, loss of appetite, emotional turmoil, pains, some women takes drip because of the loss of blood they experience’.
Moreso, She asked the audience if the have the knowledge of calculating their cycles, where a student from the department of marketing suggested a 29 day period, Dr. Chikaosoro agreed with her response but stated ‘research shows a woman cycle should be between 21-35 days period, though we have some with small period cycles like 18 days or less, test are the individuals who might end up seeing their period twice month which is absolutely normal’.
Furthermore she educated the girl child on the phases each girl is bound to experience ‘the ovulation phase which comes after your menstrual phase Which comes 14days after you mensturate and lasts for 5 days, the 5th day is the day where the egg is leaving the uterus, if there is no sperm the body breaks it down and turn it to blood that flows slowly till it reaches the cervix during these period women experience leuthal phases which can come with lot of mood swings, also during your menstrual phase do not forget to maintain good menstrual hygiene by bathing 3 times a day, eat well, drink water, take fruits, because women during their period are an open book where any bacteria can access’.
A Student Union Government representative, Comrade Esther Adaeze; Deputy Secretary President in her speech stated ‘today remind us that menstruation should be something to be proud of, i appreciate the conveyer Miss Adaora Soludo for hosting such a powerful event an also everyone who supported this event from the hostilities to the Governors to the the student from various Faculties and Departments and this platform opens platforms for future conversations about the girl child’.
Engr. Dr. Ikenna Ubah; a prominent academic and engineer in Anambra state in his speech greeted the dignitaries and stated ‘Menstrual cycle is a symbol of strength as it is perfectly healthy to mensturate as the last speaker stated ensure you practice personal hygiene during your period, as for the male, ensure you be present in such an event so as be educated’.
Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim; the Deputy Governor of Anambra State in his speech appreciated Miss Adaora Soludo for her sacrifice and advised the male gender to be the main advocate of women issues as theu should be leading to build a period Friendly world he stated his interest in free period and urged student to be part of city boys movement.
Miss Adaora Soludo in her speech stated ‘today is a very exceptional day for the girl child in Unizik. I appreciate the vice chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe and other dignitaries, being an advocate of women. Menstrual hygiene day is a day that reminds us of health, sadly many young girls face challenges during their menstrual cycle’.
‘Menstrual hygiene is about cleanliness , your dreams matters as women we are actually leaders of change as women we should be able to support one another, i am here today not just to speak about menstrual hygiene but to educate students, i also encourage students to get their PVC so as to be responsible and involved. Never underestimate yourself you are strong and full of greatness. Pursue your dreams and never allow anyone to make you feel small. I pray students will continue to excel. Take care of your health and take care of your dignity’.
Precious Chukwuka; a 200lvl student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University Stated the confrence impacted her so much as she is no longer an illiterate girl child when it comes to calculuting her monthly cycle. ‘We can make use of tampons and menstrual cups apart from pads which really caught my attention this knowledge impacted my life, i pray God will continue to bless Soludo’s Daughter for hosting such a wonderful conference’.
Blessing Nwafor a resident of Awka in an interview, stated ‘i love this kind of event as it is very interactive unlike other event that i go for that is more of lectures, the speaker that caught my attention was Dr Chikaosoro who thoroughly explained cycles and phases every girl child must experience, this conference would be a reminder that every girl is carrying the nation’.
