By Mary Ekere
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has marked the association’s 37th anniversary with a menstrual hygiene awareness session and distribution of sanitary packs to schoolgirls at Onward Secondary School, Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area.
The outreach, held on Monday, September 21, 2026, was led by the Chapter Chairman, Comrade Nsikak Okon, as part of activities marking NAWOJ @ 37.
Addressing the students, Okon said NAWOJ, established on September 29th, 1989, had continued to use its platform to give women and other members of society a voice through journalism, advocacy and community interventions.
She said the Chapter chose to share part of its anniversary with the students as a demonstration that the Association’s commitment to women and girls extended beyond advocacy to practical community engagement.
Also on the team was the South-South Zone member of the Board of Trustees, Comrade Uduak Utip Ekong, who represented the National Chairperson at the outreach.
Ekong encouraged the girls to uphold their dignity, make responsible choices and avoid actions that could undermine their future, urging them to see themselves as valuable and deserving of respect.
She used the imagery of “sparkling water in a sparkling glass meant only for royalty” to encourage the students to value themselves and guard their dignity.
The menstrual hygiene education was delivered by the Senior Medical Officer, Akwa Ibom State Health Management Board and Publicity Secretary of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Akwa Ibom State Branch, Dr Rhoda Asuquo.
Asuquo explained the meaning of menarche, the first menstrual period, and educated the students on appropriate menstrual hygiene practices before, during and after their menstrual cycles.
She advised the girls to maintain personal hygiene during menstruation, change sanitary materials appropriately and wash their hands properly before and after handling menstrual products.
The Medical Officer also encouraged the students to seek appropriate medical attention when they experience unusual menstrual symptoms rather than resorting to unsafe practices or misinformation.
The Secretary of NAWOJ, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, Comrade Mary Ekere, complemented the health education with a practical demonstration on the proper use and handling of sanitary products.
The Head Girl of the School appreciated NAWOJ for the lessons shared, the gifts presented and promised to imbibe the lessons from the menstrual hygiene education.
The girls received sanitary packs containing sanitary pads, pocket wipes, pocket tissues, shaving sticks, bathing soap, detergent and deodorant.
The outreach was part of the NAWOJ National Secretariat’s decision to celebrate the association’s 37th anniversary through community impact, with Akwa Ibom among selected State Chapters supported to provide sanitary products to schoolgirls.