Under the Youth Development Program, AFAWI has launched the Sexual Maturation Program.
Sexual Maturation and Menstrual Management Practices associated with school girls focuses specifically on public management of school girl’s sexual maturation and menstrual hygiene practices. It has been observed that while many factors contribute to girls dropping out of school, the incidence of the drop out is high around the age of puberty suggesting that, there might be a connection between girl’s dropout rate and the management of the complexities of puberty and maturation. A multi stage sampling technique was used.
These included purposive, simple random, accidental sampling techniques. Although not all beliefs are reflected in practices, in many places, cultural and religious beliefs prevent girls from participating in worship, sex, domestic chores and many social activities, most of these restrictions reflect the mistaken belief that menstruation is unclean and therefore a menstruating girl should limit her contact with others.
Given that menstruation can cause inconvenience and pain, and limit women activities, it is not surprising that many girls see menstruation as discomfort and not a sickness, and does not also prevent them from attending school as many thought. The onset of menstruation during puberty evokes general negative reaction perhaps because many girls are not prepared ahead for it on time, though majority are aware that it is a normal part of growing up and that it is preceded by other changes in their bodies. Many manage the flow but the items used are more often than not, unhygienic. This is as a result of poverty.
Education, institution of meaningful programs and provision of adequate sanitary facilities, might be enough to change the attitude of girls about sexual maturation and menstrual management practices.
