By: Sulayman Waan
Create Your Own Story Africa- Gambia chapter (CYOSA) over the weekend sensitized women and girls on menstruation in Jareng Passi village in Lower Saloum District , Central River Region North.
The program aimed at enlightening women and girls on menstruation and usage of sanitary kits and reproductive health which coincided with donation sanitary kits to the village.
Speaking to the participants, Tida Ndure, founder and executive director of CYOSA, said the forum geared towards sensitizing women and young girls of the community on hygienic for pride and dignity and to ensure the participants tell their challenges to her organisation.
“When we listen to their stories we [the organization] will decide how best we can help them. I believe that there are lots of factors that develop a nation but in the area of youth education, enlightenment and empowerment are key,” She said.
She added: “When we talk about education it means that we are going to promote different type of education from the grassroots level. I belief not everyone can be University graduate, President or director. There are people without education but they are helping their society, therefore, the organization is making sure to promote all forms of education.”
She also said that her organization is enlightening the village on the consequence of violence on young people, adding that violence can affect the development of any country.
Youth are most vulnerable to violence, therefore, enlightenment is important to any development, she said.
She said source stories is a prime concern to her, saying her organization would like to know the challenges affecting the a particular community before their (organisation) help
She added that the sensitization is relevant for the community as it will enable the young girls to be able to care themselves citing that some people may not know how to use the kits but with this forum they will know how to utilize it.
Mrs Ndure urged the girls to continue educating themselves about their health condition and their surroundings to ensure their good health, saying youth as the future leaders they need to keep themselves clean and healthy so as contribute in nation building immensely.
Sakou Niang, coordinator of CYOSA in Senegal described the forum as significant in rising the women’s understanding on health matters especially menstruations, adding it will further help them know the usage of kits during menstruation period so as to avoid utilizing pieces of cloths during menstruation. He advised the participants to practical the knowledge gained.
Jey Ceesay, participant commended CYOSA for enlightening the community on health matters and for providing them with sanitary equipment, adding that she learnt more regarding health and usage of kits during the sensitization, she urging the organization to continue the initiative. While Ousman Sowe, health personnel enlightened the women and young girls on Menstruation, (FGM) among other issues that affect the women.
