International Women's Day: May & Baker's Female Staff Promote Awareness and Guidance on Menstrual Wellness for Young Female Students

Female staff of May&Baker Nigeria Plc have advocated for enhanced menstrual health education and mentorship for schoolgirls, as a means of empowering them to become confident and healthy women, on this year’s International Women’s Day, IWD.

This call to action was made during an outreach programme organised for students of Murtala Muhammed Secondary School in Lagos, where the company’s women team engaged students in mentorship sessions and health education under the theme: “Give to Gain.”

According to the Head of Human Capital Development at May & Baker Nigeria Plc, Mrs. Sylvia Essien, the initiative aims to inspire young girls to believe in their potential while equipping them with knowledge to make informed life choices.

Essien stated, “We are here to celebrate International Women’s Day with you because it is a special day celebrated across the world to recognise the achievements of women and encourage young girls like you to believe in your dreams and your potential,”

The theme “Give to Gain” underscores the value of generosity, mentorship, and collaboration in building a better society, Essien explained, adding that it means that when individuals give their best to others, they also gain something greater in return.

She elaborated, “When parents give guidance, children gain wisdom, and when students give their best efforts to their studies, they gain a brighter future,”

Essien urged the students to take their education seriously, noting that the choices they make today will determine their future, and added, “Your education is one of the greatest gifts you can have.

She noted that some of the students will become doctors, engineers, lawyers, educators, and business leaders, and that their current efforts are building the foundation for that future.

The outreach programme was also part of the company’s corporate social responsibility, CSR, initiatives aimed at supporting communities and promoting social development, Essien said.

She explained that instead of celebrating within their premises, the company decided to extend the celebration to young girls in schools to educate them about their health, well-being, and how they can empower and support each other to achieve a better future.

As part of the programme, the students received sanitary pads and hygiene kits, while health professionals provided guidance on menstrual health and personal hygiene.

A pharmacist with the company, Pharm. Uche Olekanma, stressed the need for adolescent girls to understand the changes taking place in their bodies and maintain proper hygiene, saying, “You are now adolescents, which mean you are transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Olekanma explained that menstruation is a natural part of growing up and should not be a source of fear or embarrassment for young girls, and stated, “Menstruation is a normal part of adulthood and girls must learn to accept it and take care of themselves during that period.

She advised the students to monitor their menstrual cycles and seek guidance from parents, teachers, or health professionals whenever they encounter challenges, and added, “Your health must be protected at all times.

Also speaking, Dr. Sophia Abiri-Franklin, Director at the Centre for Global Engagement, Non-Government and Industry Partnerships at Caleb University, said empowering young girls early in life is essential to building confident women who will positively impact society.

Abiri-Franklin explained that the theme “Give to Gain” encourages women to support one another and build stronger networks, and added, “We live in a society where many people see giving as transactional.

She stated that programmes such as the outreach help young girls understand their value and prepare them to become leaders of tomorrow, and said, “We are here to empower these girls so that tomorrow they will grow into impactful women.

Organisers said the initiative may be expanded into an annual programme aimed at strengthening awareness on girls’ health, confidence, and leadership potential across schools.