In a groundbreaking move, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed a bill for a law to provide free menstrual products to girls in public schools for a second reading.
This landmark legislation aims to promote menstrual health and hygiene, tackle period poverty, and ensure that no girl is left behind due to lack of access to essential sanitary products.
According to the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, “This bill will be committed to the House Committee on Health, Education, and Women Affairs, excluding the Chairman of the House Committee on Women Affairs. The committees are expected to work on the bill and submit their report by August 6, 2024.”
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The bill’s sponsor, Hon. Hajarat Danyaro, emphasized the significance of this legislation, stating that it will “greatly enhance the sanitary conditions and general health of schoolgirls.”
She further highlighted the importance of promoting hygiene and preventing cervical cancer and womb blockage among female students.
The bill received overwhelming support from other members of the House, including Hon. Larry Ven-Bawa, Hon. Daniel Ogazi, Hon. Mohammed Omadefu, Hon. Yusuf Chunbaya, and Rt. Hon. Muhammad Oyanki, who all recognized its potential to improve girls’ education quality and reduce stigmatization related to menstruation.
As the bill moves forward, it is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of thousands of girls in Nasarawa State, ensuring that they have access to the resources they need to thrive and reach their full potential. In the words of Hon. Hajarat Danyaro, “This bill is a significant step towards promoting menstrual health and hygiene, and I am confident that it will make a real difference in the lives of our girls.”
