Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on May 28th, serves as a platform to break taboos and raise awareness around the importance of good menstrual health. To mark this year’s commemoration, OIOF organized a tailored outreach at the Special Education Centre, Enugu State, a government-supported institution catering to students living with disabilities—specifically those who are visually impaired, deaf, and/or non-verbal.
This intervention aimed to support girls with disabilities, an often marginalized and underserved population in health education, by providing clear information, accessible support, and practical resources to help them manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity and confidence.
A core part of the programme was the menstrual hygiene education session, carefully adapted to the communication needs of the students. Visually impaired students were engaged through verbal explanations using clear and age-appropriate language. They were guided with tactile demonstrations where appropriate (e.g., Sanitary pads were physically touched by students to understand their shape, and texture). A qualified sign language interpreter facilitated the session for the deaf and non-verbal students, ensuring full communication of key concepts. Visual aids and gestures were used where appropriate, and the entire session was supported by the presence of dedicated school staff.
The session covered topics such as: understanding menstruation and the menstrual cycle, personal and menstrual hygiene practices to avoid infections, addressing stigma and myths about menstruation especially those that affect persons with disabilities, and a practical demonstration of the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads.
Despite the communication barriers, the students were attentive, responsive and showed strong interest with many asking insightful questions through the interpreter or aides. It was evident that many of them had not previously received targeted menstrual health education, further emphasizing the need for continued advocacy in inclusive settings.
As part of efforts to promote practical menstrual hygiene and reduce the impact of period poverty, sanitary pads were distributed to all the students. Each girl received a pack of quality sanitary pads. The teachers and school caregivers also received theirs.
Following the hygiene session, the students were encouraged to harness the power of education. They were reminded that disability is not inability, and were encouraged to stay focused, embrace their unique abilities, and pursue their dreams with confidence. This message was received with smiles, applause, and visible engagement, especially from the senior girls.
The students were very elated and expressed their gratitude to the Foundation for the teachings and gifts. The school staff showed strong support and expressed gratitude to the Foundation for including their students in such a relevant and empowering programme. They also requested ongoing support, as menstrual health is rarely discussed openly in inclusive school environments.
Conclusion
The Menstrual Hygiene Day programme at the Special Education Centre, Enugu, was a deeply meaningful experience. It was a profound reminder that menstrual health is a right, not a privilege, regardless of physical ability. By creating a safe, respectful, and empowering space, this outreach bridged a critical gap for a group often excluded from public health conversations.
At OIOF, we believe that true inclusivity in education must also include access to dignified health. This programme marks an important step in that direction and lays the groundwork for sustainable impact. Let’s all join hands to create a period friendly world for all.
