Menstrual hygiene is a silent but crucial battle that female students are fighting at the University of Port Harcourt, a citadel of learning, in addition to their academic endeavors.
Since sanitary pads are becoming more and more expensive during the recession, many young women are being forced to make tough decisions.
Checks show a small pack of sanitary pads which cost N500 earlier this year now sells between N1,000 to N1,200 while the big pack which sold for N1,200 now sells N1,900.
The sharp rise in prices of such goods and services, have forced some female students to adopt unhygienic measures for their monthly flow.
Udu Wisdom Ojochei, a 200-level student studying human physiology, says, “It is a constant worry. Whenever it is that time of the month, I frequently have to decide between purchasing food or sanitary pads. Because I cannot afford the pads, I occasionally even have to skip classes when I am menstruating.”
Many students now find it almost impossible to maintain appropriate menstrual hygiene due to the price increase. Girls are now forced to use unsanitary substitutes like tissue paper or even newspapers because the once-affordable sanitary pads have become a luxury.
Ukandu Jessica Chinazaekpere, a 300-level student of microbiology asserts that using tissue paper is dangerous in addition to being uncomfortable. “It may result in infections and additional health issues,” she said.
Another final year student, Blessing Maxwell recalls the days when sanitary towels cost less than ₦500. “During my first academic year, the smallest pack which now costs 900 naira used to be N400. With my allowance, how can I pay for that?” she asked rhetorically.
The effects of the economic crisis have taken a toll on students’ lives. Blessing and other students were struggling as prices soared continuously.
The unavailability of sanitary pads has also been impacted by the economic crisis, forcing students to look for other sources because many shops and pharmacies are either out of stock or have limited supplies.
A number of students have turned to innovative ways to deal with the growing expenses. The pads they use are shared, used for extended periods of time, or even cleaned, dried, and used again.
Some students have called for better menstrual health education and better sanitary facilities, while others have pushed for subsidized sanitary pads on campus.
– By Bibi Victoria , Port Harcourt
“This story is supported by the Step-Up for Women In Journalism Initiative (SWIJ) and Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its Report women champion building project with funds from Gates Foundation.”
The reporter is a female student journalist under the SWIJ programme sponsored by WSCIJ
