How Female Students Struggle to Meet Sanitation Needs Amid Economic Woes – Features – The Guardian Nigeria News

Menstrual hygiene is a silent but crucial battle that female students are waging at the University of Port Harcourt, a citadel of learning, in addition to their academic endeavors.

As sanitary pads become increasingly expensive during the recession, many young women are forced to make difficult decisions.

Checks show that the small pack of sanitary napkins, which cost N500 earlier this year, now sells for between N1,000 and N1,200, while the large pack, which sold for N1,200, now sells for N1,900.

The sharp increase in prices of such goods and services has forced some female students to take unhygienic measures for their monthly flow.

UDU WISDOM OJOCEI, a 200-level student studying human physiology, says: “It is an ongoing concern. When it’s that time of the month, I often have to choose between buying food or sanitary pads. Because I can’t afford the sanitary towels, I sometimes even have to skip classes when I’m on my period.”

Many students now find it almost impossible to maintain good menstrual hygiene due to the price hike. Girls are now forced to use unhygienic substitutes such as tissue paper or even newspapers as the once affordable sanitary pads have become a luxury.

Ukandu Jessica Chinazaekpere, a 300-level microbiology student, claims that using blotting paper is not only dangerous but also uncomfortable. “It can lead to infections and additional health problems,” she said.

Another final year student, Blessing Maxwell, remembers the time when sanitary napkins cost less than ₦500. “During my first academic year, the smallest package, which now costs 900 naira, was N400. How can I pay for that with my allowance?” she asked rhetorically.

The consequences of the economic crisis have taken their toll on the lives of students. Blessing and other students are struggling as prices continue to rise.

The unavailability of sanitary pads has also been hit by the economic crisis, forcing students to look for other sources as many shops and pharmacies are out of stock or have limited stock.

Some students have turned to innovative ways to deal with growing costs. The sanitary napkins they use are shared, used for extended periods of time, or even cleaned, dried and reused.

Some students have called for better menstrual health education and sanitation, while others have pushed for subsidized sanitary pads on campus.