Let’s talk periods, Nigeria! It’s time to ditch the shame and embrace open conversations about menstrual health. A new app has been launched to help women manage their cycles and break down the stigma. Here’s what you need to know:
- New App Alert: “Her Pride” aims to empower Nigerian women by providing a safe space for period talk.
- End the Silence: The app encourages open discussions about menstrual health issues, which are often kept under wraps.
- Cycle Tracking Made Easy: No more surprises! The app helps women track their periods and prepare for their cycle.
- Government Support Needed: Stakeholders call for government partnership to amplify this important work.
Breaking the Taboo: Period Positivity Takes Center Stage
In a bold move to tackle period stigma, “Her Pride,” a menstrual wellness app, was launched in Abuja. The event, themed “Empowering Menstrual Wellness: Healthy Cycle, Healthy Lives,” gathered stakeholders who are committed to changing the narrative around menstruation in Nigeria.
Her Pride App: A Safe Space for Nigerian Women
The mastermind behind the app, Ms. Anjolaoluwa Odunaike, shared her vision of creating a community where Nigerian women can freely discuss their menstrual health without shame. According to her, many women face menstrual health issues and are often too embarrassed to talk about them, adding, “with ‘Her Pride’, we are giving women the space and the opportunity to be able to talk about their issues, their problems and empowered as the problems are being solved.”.
The app doesn’t just provide a platform for discussion; it is also a practical tool, sending notifications to users to help them prepare for their upcoming period, ending the period surprise.
Government, Step Up!
Ms. Lois Amele, Executive Director of Good Tides Philippian Mission Foundation, emphasized the need for government involvement. She calls for partnerships and donations to further the reach and impact of this initiative. Ms. Amele noted that the organisation doesn’t just focus on rural communities, but also assists in the urban areas, therefore, government support would be beneficial.
This collaborative effort between government and organizations is crucial to break the barriers that prevent women from accessing menstrual health information and support.
Personal Stories and the Need for Change
One participant, Ms. AbdulKareem Silifat, a corp member, shared her experiences of growing up in a Muslim home where discussions about menstruation were taboo, even among women. She highlighted the importance of open conversations and education about menstrual health. The fact that people were coming together to support menstrual cycles, shows that society is finally waking up to the problem.
What’s Next?
The launch of the “Her Pride” app marks a significant step in empowering women’s menstrual health in Nigeria. The app’s features include tracking menstrual periods, mood and cycle flow. This app is not just about managing cycles; it’s about building a community that supports women.
The Big Picture
Menstrual health is a fundamental aspect of women’s overall health and well-being. By addressing the stigma and providing practical tools and support, initiatives like the “Her Pride” app can improve women’s lives. Here’s a look at some of the other ways we can support menstrual health:
- Education: Schools should provide comprehensive menstrual health education for both boys and girls.
- Affordable Sanitary Products: Access to affordable and safe sanitary products is vital for all women.
- Open Dialogue: Families and communities should foster an environment where menstrual health can be discussed openly and without shame.
Let’s keep the conversation going and work towards a future where every woman has the freedom to manage her menstrual health with confidence and dignity.