CASFOD, CATAI, and BOWDI Demand Empowered Rights and Practices for Girls and Women by 2030 to Revolutionize Menstrual Hygiene
CASFOD, in collaboration with the Center for Advocacy, Transparency, Accountability Initiative (CATAI) and the Borno Women Development Initiative (BOWDI), jointly organized a highly significant press conference at CATAI conference hall to mark the commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day. This momentous event aimed to shed light on the critical issue of menstrual care, fostering awareness, and advocating for essential policies that ensure the fundamental rights of individuals and communities regarding menstrual hygiene.
The press conference provided a platform to address the multifaceted aspects of menstrual hygiene and the challenges faced by menstruating individuals, particularly in underserved communities. The overarching objective was to draw attention to the importance of comprehensive menstrual care and to galvanize efforts towards enacting policies that would make a lasting impact on the lives of millions.
During the conference, representatives from CASFOD, CATAI, and BOWDI, along with esteemed experts and influential voices in the field, took the stage to share their insights, experiences, and recommendations. They emphasized the urgent need for improved access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools, public spaces, and households, recognizing that inadequate sanitation infrastructure disproportionately affects the well-being and educational opportunities of girls and women.
One of the core advocacies of the press conference was the provision of free sanitary pads to menstruating individuals, especially those from economically marginalized backgrounds. The participants underscored that access to affordable and quality menstrual products is not only a matter of hygiene but also an issue of human rights and dignity. They highlighted the positive impact such initiatives can have on empowering girls and women, enabling them to lead healthy, productive lives, and breaking down barriers that impede their full participation in society.
Additionally, the press conference focused on the need to establish quality standards for menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that they are safe, reliable, and meet the diverse needs of menstruators. It called for robust regulatory frameworks and effective monitoring mechanisms to ensure the availability of trustworthy products in the market. Moreover, the conference stressed the significance of subsidized distribution channels to reach vulnerable communities, ensuring that no one is left behind due to financial constraints.
The event culminated with a collective demand from CASFOD, CATAI, BOWDI, and the attending stakeholders to achieve the normalization of menstrual hygiene practices by 2030. This ambitious goal reflects the shared commitment to creating a future where menstruation is not stigmatized or treated as a taboo subject, but rather openly discussed and adequately supported.
The press conference garnered significant media attention, reaching millions of people through both traditional and digital platforms.
