In Nigeria, access to menstrual hygiene products and education remains a challenge, especially for marginalized communities like adolescent LBTQ+ women. The Council for Affirmative Action (COFAA) recognizes the urgency of addressing this issue to ensure the health, dignity, and empowerment of all women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet it is often stigmatized and overlooked in many societies. For adolescent LBTQ+ women in Nigeria, the lack of access to sanitary pads and proper hygiene facilities exacerbates the challenges they face due to societal discrimination and exclusion. Without adequate resources, these young women are forced to manage their menstruation in unhygienic and potentially harmful ways, risking their health and well-being.
COFAA advocates for the provision of free sanitary pads and comprehensive menstrual hygiene education to adolescent LBTQ+ women across Nigeria. This initiative aims to break down barriers to accessing menstrual hygiene products and empower these women to manage their periods safely and confidently.
By providing free sanitary pads, COFAA addresses the economic barriers that prevent many adolescent LBTQ+ women from accessing essential menstrual hygiene products. Additionally, comprehensive menstrual hygiene education ensures that these women have the knowledge and skills to maintain proper hygiene practices during menstruation, reducing the risk of infections and other health complications.
Moreover, COFAA recognizes the intersectionality of gender, sexuality, and socioeconomic status in shaping experiences of menstruation. Adolescent LBTQ+ women in Nigeria often face compounded discrimination and marginalization, making it crucial to adopt inclusive approaches to menstrual hygiene support. COFAA’s initiative emphasizes inclusivity and recognizes the unique needs and challenges faced by LBTQ+ individuals in accessing menstrual hygiene resources.
Furthermore, COFAA collaborates with local communities, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups to promote acceptance, inclusivity, and support for adolescent LBTQ+ women. By fostering dialogue and awareness, COFAA aims to challenge stigma and discrimination surrounding menstruation and LBTQ+ identities, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals.
In conclusion, COFAA urges stakeholders at all levels to prioritize the menstrual hygiene needs of adolescent LBTQ+ women in Nigeria. Providing free sanitary pads and comprehensive menstrual hygiene education is not only a matter of health and dignity but also a fundamental step towards empowering marginalized communities and advancing gender equality and LBTQ+ rights. Together, we can create a future where all women, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, have access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
Charity G. Jibrin ,
Pronunce: (She/They)
For: Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA)
The Council For Affirmative Action (COFAA) West Africa 