Help a Child: Provide Access to Water in Nigeria

Dear Friends, Family and Supporters of Serendipity,

During our projects in providing access to water for our children in our communities in Kano Nigeria, we found out some cross cutting issues which is a thing of concern for us and thus we decided that part of our WASH project we would inculcate this particular aspect to our goals which we started on World Menstrual Hygiene Day, 2023.

Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life for most people who menstruate. However, in many countries, menstruation is stigmatized, taboo or riddled with myths. This affects the well-being, dignity and rights of women and girls who face challenges such as:

• Pain, cramps and discomfort during their periods
• Inability to attend school, work or social activities because of lack of sanitary supplies or facilities
• Exposure to infections, diseases or violence because of poor hygiene practices
• Loss of income or livelihood opportunities because of missed work days due to menstruation
• Discrimination, exclusion or violence because of their menstrual status

Another area that affects women above the age of 40 that our campaign will cover, is Menopausal women as they face discrimination due to urine incontinence, mood swings and hot flushes. 

According to UNICEF, more than 500 million women and girls worldwide lack access to affordable and quality menstrual products. Many more do not have access to clean water, toilets or waste disposal systems where they can safely manage their periods. These gaps have serious consequences for their health, education, empowerment and human rights.

That’s why we are focusing in this aspect of WASH to raise funds for a project that would improve menstrual health and hygiene in Nigeria. Menstrual Health Hygiene for Vulnerable Girls and Menopausal Women aims to provide menstrual products such as pads, or reusable cloth to women and girls who need them, safe spaces for menopausal women. It also aims to educate communities about the facts of menstruation and break the myths and taboos that surround it. It also aims to advocate for policies and practices that ensure menstrual health as a human right.

Menstrual Health Hygiene has already made an impact in Kano, Nigeria by distributing over 200 of menstrual products to 200 of women and girls in need. It has also trained over 10 of community volunteers who act as menstrual health ambassadors. It has also partnered with local businesses such as pharmacies, supermarkets or hotels that sell sanitary products at discounted prices.

However, there is still a lot more work to be done. We need your help to reach more women and girls who are suffering from period poverty. We need your help to scale up our impact and reach more communities in need. We need your help to create a lasting change in the way we think about menstruation.

You can follow us on our social media pages to learn more, follow us, like, comment and share our pages, https://www.facebook.com/serenhealthcare https://www.Instagram.com/serendipityHea1 https://www.twitter.com/serendipityHea1 https://www.LinkedIN.com/company/serendipity-healthcare-foundation and also our website http://ww.serendipityhealthcare.org.in

Best Regards,

Samirah Faruk

Links:

• Pictures and Reels
• Story on menstrual health
• Menstrual Health