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By Kelechi Nwaucha
With the slogan ‘Keep Girls in School,’ emphasizing the importance of education to the development of the girl-child, non-governmental organization, OLEGH Centre for Community Development, led students of Government Girls’ Secondary School, Oromineke, in Rivers State, to mark this year’s International Day of the Girl Child.
The theme for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, which is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future,’ emphasizes the “urgent need for action and the hopeful aspirations of girls globally amidst various challenges,” according to the United Nations.
Speaking in Port Harcourt on October 11, 2024, OLEGH’s Program Officer, Dornwile Rebecca Apenu, noted that the aim of the International Day of the Girl Child is to empower girls across the world, and amplify their voices to share their experiences and the support they need to develop themselves and contribute to the society.
She said the event organized by OLEGH at Government Girls’ Secondary School, Oromineke, sought to empower the girls with practical skills, while raising awareness about menstrual hygiene and the environment. “It was a workshop where the girls were taught to make eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads,” she said.
While giving a talk, Apenu urged the students to learn to “support and celebrate the success of other girls. Believe in yourself. Remember that you are capable of achieving anything you want to achieve. Believe in your abilities.”
She urged the students to “keep learning,” adding that “education is a powerful tool. Take every opportunity to learn and grow, and encourage other girls to do the same. Share the knowledge you will get here today with other girls around you.
“Speak up – Your voice matters. Remember to speak up about issues that are important to you. Speak to your parents and your teachers when you are being abused. Do not let people ruin you.
“Be proud of who you are – Embrace your individuality and be proud of who you are. You are unique and special, just the way you are,” she said.
Executive Director, Centre for Creative Development Strategies, Dr. Nancy Iheduru, who was resource person at the event,, drew attention to period problems girls face.
This was as she engaged the girls in a practical session on how to make eco-friendly reusable sanitary pads. Our reporter said materials were given to them and they were taught on how to sewing the pads
Dr Iheduru said teaching the students how to make sanitary pads will not only end period poverty, but will benefit the girls’ health, self-confidence as well as the environment.
She noted the economic benefits of the skill to the girls, pointing out that they can be make money from sewing pads during holidays
She said they could sell to or teach other girls and make money from it. Since it is reusable, it will help them save cost of having to always buy sanitary pads. All they need to do is wash it, dry and reuse, Dr. Iheduru added.
OLEGH”S Kelechi Uzoma said the girls were excited to learn, and it was inspiring to see them so engaged.
“This celebration focused on giving the girls confidence and knowledge that they can carry with them, helping them feel more independent and capable,” she said.
Home Economics teacher at Oromineke Girls’ Secondary School, Mrs. Patience Osilo, said, “The training was amazing; very interesting and I would love the children to continue with this. I would like it to be included in our scheme. It will be good for the girls to continue in it because it is a very good one.”
