By: Amos Aar
The Okaha Women and Children Development Organization (OWACDO) has commemorated the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene and Dignity Day in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, under the theme, “Voices of Change,” graduating 880 women trained in menstrual and menopausal health education.
OWACDO is a non-governmental organization committed to empowering women and promoting menstrual and menopausal health awareness in Benue State and beyond.
The event, held at the Father Alia Conference Hall of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in Makurdi, attracted women groups, civil society organizations, government officials, health practitioners, and development partners.
Delivering her keynote address, the Executive Director of OWACDO, Dr. Joy Ijuwo, expressed satisfaction with the impact the organization has made through its menstrual and menopausal health education programmes.
She disclosed that 880 women from Makurdi and Guma Local Government Areas successfully completed a 11-month training programme and are expected to further sensitize women and girls in their communities while serving as advocates for menstrual and menopausal health awareness.
Dr. Ijuwo noted that women and girls across the world still suffer stigma, shame, and discrimination associated with menstruation and menopause, stressing the need for sustained education and open conversations to break harmful stereotypes and misconceptions.
She appreciated AFD for funding them through FOS FEMINISTA on the Sang Pour Sang Project, as well as the Consortium partner organizations namely, First Step Foundation, HAPI and GWERIE, for their commitment towards advancing the dignity, health, and wellbeing of women.
According to her, the partnership has continued to inspire meaningful conversations and practical actions around menstrual and menopausal health, helping many women gain confidence in managing their reproductive health challenges.
She also commended civil society organizations, community leaders, and media practitioners for amplifying awareness and promoting positive social change, urging them to sustain advocacy efforts so women would no longer suffer in silence.
Others who spoke at the event included Rachel Ityozunghul of the Civil Society of Nigeria and Doreen Elisha Idu of the Sang Pour Sang Consortium, who urged men not to stigmatize women and girls during menstruation or menopause but to support them emotionally and socially, noting that the conditions are natural phases of life.
Speaking of inclusion, Hon. Daniel Igbe Ajoga of JONAPWD emphasized the need to intentionally include women living with disabilities in menstrual and menopausal health programmes to help address their unique challenges.
Also speaking, Dr. Victoria Daaor of the Elohim Development Foundation (EDF) highlighted the difficulties faced by women experiencing prolonged menstruation, excessive bleeding, severe pain, and menopausal complications.
She advised women not to hesitate in seeking medical attention or discussing their conditions openly with health professionals in order to receive proper care and support.
Dr. Daaor further urged husbands to show understanding, patience, and empathy towards their wives during such periods instead of reacting negatively, stressing that supportive family relationships would promote healthier homes and communities.
She described the initiative by OWACDO as a life-changing intervention capable of positively impacting many women and girls facing menstrual and menopausal health challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the graduating participants, Mrs. Dorcas Edu of the Precious Women Group, Welfare Quarters, Makurdi, described reproductive health management as one of the major challenges confronting women, especially in rural communities.
She called for increased awareness targeted at men to enable them to better understand and support women experiencing menstrual and menopausal difficulties.
In their goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Martha Edor; the Reproductive Health Coordinator in the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mr. Apinega Aondowase, represented by Tersoo Gaadi; the Director General of BICD, Dr. Leo-Angelo Viashima, represented by Adaaku Beauty; and the Director General of the Bureau for Arts, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Shadrach Teryila Ukum, represented by Dorcas Targba, all commended OWACDO for the initiative and its contribution to women’s health education.
Some of the graduates, including Bature Hembafan, Rosemary Mnyam, Enda Iorfa, and Rose Agu, appreciated OWACDO for equipping them with knowledge on how to manage menstruation and menopause without fear, stigma, or discrimination.
The event attracted over 1,000 participants, including women groups, NGOs, civil society organizations, and government agencies, and featured a road walk from Tito Gate to BSEMA headquarters, documentary presentations, discussion sessions, cultural dance performances, and entertainment.(Skynewslink)
