In Nigeria’s IDP Camps, FAME Foundation creates safe environment for girls and young women
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Grace was scared when she first got her period. She didn’t know what was happening in her body. Nor did she feel comfortable asking for help. “I didn’t tell anyone, not even my family, because I was shy,” she shared.
The 15-year-old is from the Kuchingoro Internally Displaced Person (IDP) Camp in Nigeria’s capital Abuja.
It is one of the many IDP camps where Female Advocacy Mentoring Empowerment (FAME) Foundation hosts various outreach programmes, in particular on menstrual health and personal hygiene.
Too often FAME finds girls and young women in IDP camps like Grace who feel limited, scared or unaware of their periods.
“In the IDP camp, we don’t talk about things like that,” Grace said.
But by educating them about their bodies, teaching proper hygiene practices and encouraging healthy lifestyles, FAME hopes more girls and women feel empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing, and become leaders in their communities.
It is one of the many IDP camps where Female Advocacy Mentoring Empowerment (FAME) Foundation hosts various outreach programmes, in particular on menstrual health and personal hygiene.
Too often FAME finds girls and young women in IDP camps like Grace who feel limited, scared or unaware of their periods.
“In the IDP camp, we don’t talk about things like that,” Grace said.
But by educating them about their bodies, teaching proper hygiene practices and encouraging healthy lifestyles, FAME hopes more girls and women feel empowered to take control of their health and wellbeing, and become leaders in their communities.
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The outreach events bring in female role models to engage with participants. By hearing from high-profile figures in society, FAME hopes to reduce social stigma and create safe spaces to discuss menstruation. The CEO of Adiels Chocolate Ms Yetunde Opeloyeru, for example, met with participants to emphasise the importance of wellbeing and self-care during their menstrual cycles.
She encouraged participants not to remain sedentary during their menstrual cycle. Though they may not feel like moving much during their periods, Ms Opeloyeru explained the benefits of doing light physical activities, such as walking or yoga, which can improve mood and reduce menstrual discomfort. She introduced relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices to manage stress and anxiety.
Together with FAME staff, they addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, aiming to empower participants with accurate information. One tool to demystify menstruation is the voices of girls and women being heard. Ms Opeloyeru encouraged participants to speak up about their concerns and share their experiences, which creates a supportive environment.
After the event, Grace said confidently: “My period doesn’t make me dirty. There is nothing bad about having a period.
“The Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene Outreach taught me that my period is normal. Now, I am not afraid anymore, and I know I am not alone.”
Image credits: FAME Foundation
She encouraged participants not to remain sedentary during their menstrual cycle. Though they may not feel like moving much during their periods, Ms Opeloyeru explained the benefits of doing light physical activities, such as walking or yoga, which can improve mood and reduce menstrual discomfort. She introduced relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices to manage stress and anxiety.
Together with FAME staff, they addressed common myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, aiming to empower participants with accurate information. One tool to demystify menstruation is the voices of girls and women being heard. Ms Opeloyeru encouraged participants to speak up about their concerns and share their experiences, which creates a supportive environment.
After the event, Grace said confidently: “My period doesn’t make me dirty. There is nothing bad about having a period.
“The Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene Outreach taught me that my period is normal. Now, I am not afraid anymore, and I know I am not alone.”
Image credits: FAME Foundation
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FAME Foundation organises its Menstrual Health and Personal Hygiene Outreach as part of the “PLAY it DREAM it” initiative, supported by Laureus Sport for Good. It is one of many several outreach events hosted throughout the year that uses sport and physical activity to reduce inequalities among girls and young women in Nigeria. In 2024, FAME has reached 692 direct participants, with 637 girls and young women reporting increased self-esteem and confidence.
