The Greater Kosofe Students’ Union, under the leadership of its President, Comr. Alao Temitope Bamidele, organized a Menstrual Health and Hygiene Awareness Program tagged “Her Body, Her Power” in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The union, which serves as the apex body connecting and representing students from secondary to tertiary institutions across Kosofe, continues to create programs that support students and positively impact the community.

The event took place at Ikosi High School, Ikosi–Isheri, Lagos, and was convened by the Vice President Administration of the Union, Comr. Anjorin Desire Ayotemide. The program brought together female students to learn more about menstrual health, hygiene, and confidence in understanding their bodies.

While addressing the students, the President of the Union, Comr. Alao Temitope Bamidele, spoke about the purpose of the union and why initiatives like this are important. According to him, the goal of the Greater Kosofe Students’ Union is to support students, create opportunities for learning and development, and organize programs that positively impact the community.

He explained that the International Women’s Day program was one of the ways the union is giving back by creating awareness about menstrual health and hygiene, while also encouraging young girls to feel confident, informed, and proud of who they are. He reminded the students that every girl deserves the right information, dignity, and support to succeed in school and in life, which is why the union organized the program.

One of the speakers at the event, Omoloye Oluwatoni, educated the students on the importance of understanding menstrual health. She explained that menstrual health is an important part of every girl’s wellbeing, but in many communities it is still surrounded by silence, myths, and embarrassment.

She reminded the students that menstruation is a natural biological process and nothing to be ashamed of.
She also explained that the menstrual cycle is more than just the few days of bleeding each month. It is a continuous process that affects energy levels, mood, and overall health. Understanding these changes helps girls take better care of themselves and build confidence in their bodies.

She encouraged the students to always practice proper menstrual hygiene by changing sanitary products regularly, maintaining cleanliness, disposing used products properly, and keeping an emergency menstrual kit. According to her, when girls understand their bodies and are educated about menstrual health, they become more confident, healthier, and more active in school and social activities.

The Vice President Administration and convener of the program, Comr. Anjorin Desire Ayotemide, also spoke to the students about the importance of International Women’s Day. She explained that the day, celebrated every year on March 8, is set aside to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women and girls in different areas such as education, leadership, business, science, politics, and community development.

She also mentioned inspiring women such as Funke Akindele and Folorunsho Alakija, who have made great impact in their respective fields. She reminded the students that the day is also a time to reflect on the progress made in women’s rights while acknowledging that more work still needs to be done to achieve full equality and opportunities for girls and women.

Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain,” she encouraged the students to always practice kindness, support one another, share knowledge, and help others grow. According to her, when people give positively to others, they also gain something meaningful in return.

As part of the program, the union distributed menstrual hygiene kits to the students and the school. The kits included sanitary pads, wipes, and hand sanitizers, helping the students maintain proper hygiene during their menstrual cycle.

The Principal of Ikosi High School expressed appreciation to the Greater Kosofe Students’ Union for choosing the school for such an impactful initiative. The school also showed interest in partnering with the union for more programs that will benefit the students in the future.

The President of the Union also extended his deep appreciation to the individuals who supported the program. Special thanks were given to Hon. (Chief) Kafilat Ogbara, Member of the House of Representatives, Kosofe Federal Constituency and Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs; Hon. Princess Samiat Abolanle Bada, Executive Chairman, Ikosi–Isheri LCDA; Hon. Abubakar Adetola, Executive Chairman, Agboyi–Ketu LCDA; Barr. Busari Damilola for her continuous support to the union; Comr. Salau Rukayat Ayomide; as well as other anonymous sponsors who contributed to the success of the program.

The Greater Kosofe Students’ Union remains committed to creating programs that support students and empower young people within the community. The union also stated its readiness to partner with both public and private organizations in the community to organize more impactful initiatives that will benefit students across Kosofe.