By Onwa Ekor
As the global community marks Menstrual Hygiene Management Day, the Female Mentors in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (FEMinWASH), Cross River Chapter, recently embarked on hygiene awareness and sensitisation campaign at the Calabar Correctional Centre, Afokang.
The team also used the opportunity to donate sanitary pads, beverages and other essentials to support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives within the facility.
The FEMinWASH members who focused on the promotion of healthy hygiene practices among inmates and staff in a bid to improve health outcomes and foster a more dignified correctional environment, were received by the Gender Desk Officer of the Calabar Custodial Centre, DSC Atana Edet, who took delivery of the items on behalf of the management.
Edet applauded the organisation for extending its advocacy and humanitarian efforts to the Facility, informing that such interventions significantly contribute to the welfare and rehabilitation of inmates.
Earlier, the Cross River Chapter Chairperson of (FEMinWASH), Sanitarian Ikwo Eyo, remarked that good hygiene remains fundamental to both physical and mental health.
She disclosed that the event was part of activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day, a development she argued, was aimed at raising awareness on the importance of clean environment and healthy practices that seek to enhance self-esteem, dignity, and overall well-being, particularly for female inmates.
According to Eyo, “correctional centres are important institutions that should not be left behind in public health campaigns especially those aimed at improving sanitation and hygiene standards.”
She further highlighted FEMinWASH’s commitment to advancing WASH advocacy across all segments of society, including the vulnerable and underserved populations.
The team, as part of the event also engaged female inmates and facility personnel in discussions on menstrual and personal hygiene, environmental cleanliness, disease prevention, and the role of sanitation in fostering positive mental health outcomes.
