By Kelechi Achukwu-Jide
Storyteller, growth coach and brand builder, Dr Ella Chioma Ezeadilieje, has initiated a programme aimed at helping adolescent girls better understand menstruation, womanhood and the changes that come with growing up.
Ezeadilieje said the programme, scheduled for Oct. 11 in Awka to mark the International Day of the Girl Child, would bring together girls aged 12 to 19 and their mothers.
She said the initiative was rooted in her personal experiences growing up, which she described as a period marked by restrictions, expectations and feelings of shame associated with being a girl.
According to her, menstruation made those experiences more difficult, as adults around her made her feel that she could easily bring shame or disgrace to her family.
Ezeadilieje recalled an incident in which female teachers called her into a staff room after seeing her talking to a boy and questioned her over allegations she said she knew nothing about.
She said such experiences eventually affected how she viewed menstruation, which she came to associate with constant scrutiny and the fear of making mistakes.
“Now that I am a mother of girls, I want them and other girls to have a different experience,” she said.
Ezeadilieje said the programme would provide an opportunity for mothers and daughters to have open conversations on menstrual health and hygiene, body awareness, relationships, sexuality, life skills, future aspirations and purpose.
She said the event would also feature games and other activities designed to encourage interaction between mothers and daughters.
According to her, the organisers expect between 200 and 300 participants, while participating girls would receive care kits.
She added that support was being sought for sanitary pads, roll ons, toothbrushes, lip gloss, affirmation cards, T shirts, event branding, sound, music and backdrop.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on Oct. 11 to highlight the rights, opportunities and challenges affecting girls globally.
Kelechi Achukwu-Jide is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
#EndPeriodShame
#MenstrualHealthAndHygiene
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