By John Attah
Alumnae of St Mary Magdalene Anglican Girls’ Seminary, Ubakala, Abia State, have stepped up efforts to promote menstrual health awareness and protect schoolgirls from human trafficking, stressing the need to safeguard their dignity, confidence and educational future.
The intervention, led by the SMMAGS Old Girls Abuja Chapter and Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni, featured a menstrual-care outreach at the school, during which sanitary pads, menstrual-care materials and food packs were distributed to students.
The programme also featured sensitisation sessions on menstrual hygiene, self-confidence, safe disposal of sanitary materials and the importance of remaining in school.
Speaking on behalf of the presidents of the two alumni associations, Chinezerem Agbakuru urged the students not to allow menstruation to undermine their confidence or interfere with their education.
Mrs Chinyere Amajor, who delivered a lecture on menstrual health, described menstruation as a natural biological process and counselled the girls on proper hygiene practices and the safe disposal of sanitary materials.
She encouraged the students to approach menstrual health with confidence and seek appropriate information whenever they had concerns.
Also speaking, Mrs Ijeoma Udeagha advised the girls to seek guidance from trusted adults whenever they needed support on issues affecting their wellbeing.
In a related intervention, the Abia State Ministry of Women Affairs warned the students against human trafficking, particularly deceptive employment offers that could expose them to exploitation and abuse.
The ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Becky Oguama, who represented the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr Maureen Aghukwa, said the sensitisation exercise formed part of the ministry’s school outreach activities associated with the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.
The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of Mrs Florence Odii, President of the SMMAGS Old Girls Abuja Chapter, and Mrs Nnenna Osi-Anugwa, President of Diamond Ladies Class of ’93 Alumni.
The school’s Principal, Mrs Chinyere Ezemandu, commended the alumnae for supporting their alma mater and investing in the welfare of the students.
Similarly, the alumni association’s Vice President, Mrs Ebere Ogbuagu, urged the girls to pursue their educational ambitions without allowing their gender to limit their aspirations.
Responding on behalf of the students, Senior Prefect Favour Chigo expressed gratitude to the alumnae and representatives of the Ministry of Women Affairs for the donations and awareness programme.
The outreach highlighted the importance of access to menstrual-health information and sanitary materials, alongside sustained education to protect girls from trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
The organisers said the intervention was aimed at empowering the students with knowledge and support to protect their wellbeing, remain focused on their education and pursue their future ambitions with confidence.
