NAN-AE-10
Women
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, March 8, 2017 (NAN) A group, Society for Water and Sanitation (NEWSAN) has urged all tiers of government to make access to water and sanitation a priority for women and girls.
NEWSAN’s National Coordinator, Mr Benson Attah, made the remark in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja on the sidelines of the celebration of the 2017 International Women’s Day.
According to him, water and sanitation are basis for development, and making it a priority is a great step toward disease and deaths’ prevention.
He said the importance of Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) was necessary, as it was a leading cause of absenteeism in girl-child school attendance.
Attah said the group would continue to advocate for improved welfare for women and girls, describing them as the future of the country.
He said that any nation that failed to plan for improved Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) would spend more to manage illnesses and diseases emanating from lack of water and hygiene.
According to him, the lack of adequate sanitation, water and waste systems presents a considerable challenge for Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
He called for the collaboration of NGOs with schools, government, the private sector and local community leaders including religious authorities, to provide much-needed menstrual hygiene management education.
This approach, Attah said, would bring together the right people, facilitate open discussions and increase understanding of menstrual hygiene management among women and men of all age group.
Attah said NEWSAN would continue to carry the message of breaking all taboos, associated with menstrual hygiene management and overall well-being, through deliberate advocacy to relevant stakeholders.
NAN reports that March 8, set aside by the UN in 1977, is celebrated as the International Women’s Day, to honour the women.
The theme for the 2017 celebration is: “Be Bold for Change’’. (NAN)
TAK/FLP/MO
=========Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Morayo Omolade