Sodiq Ojuroungbe A recent report from U-REPORT Nigeria, a digital community for young people supported by UNICEF, has revealed a relatively low level of fatherly support for girls during their menstrual cycle. According to the report unveiled at the 2024 World Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in Ibadan, Oyo State, 48 per cent of young girls feel their fathers lack an understanding of menstrual-related difficulties. Speaking about the finding, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene specialist, Mr Monday Johnson, said the report on what young women think about the support that they get from their parents revealed that 28 per cent said they don’t feel listened to by their fathers.
He added that 25 per cent said their fathers dismissed issues around menstruation, while 36 per cent admitted using menstrual hygiene packs. Johnson explained that menstruation is a normal process that happens to every woman, and called for the support of the government, NGOs, donor organisations, and parents, especially fathers and boys during menstruation. He said, “A lot of taboos exist, and a lot of myths exist.
Everybody must be involved in supporting girls during menstruation. We need to have a situation where, during the period, everybody is friendly and supportive, and they are able to have access to the products at an affordable price.” The Oyo State Health Commissioner, Dr Oluwaseresimi Ajetunmobi, lamented that an estimated 500 million women lack access to menstrual products and ade.