What do boys know about Menstruation and Hygiene? How can this help to promote the eradication of period shaming in Nigeria and Africa? Why should we even get them involved? How can we empower them to become effective role models in championing effective hygiene practices? Do boys hygiene matter at all?
These and many more were questions answered and discussed during our Twitter Chat on the topic 'Empowering Boys to be Role Models Towards Hygiene and Menstruation' in commemoration of The Boy-Child Day with Eloviano Afakpe of Elovia Initiative - An NGO in Nigeria that advocates for the Boy Child.
It was indeed a very enlightening session as she spoke on delicate matters and provided solutions to involve boys in menstruation matters. Below are the transcripts from the discussion
Kindly tell us more about you, and what your organization is doing to for the Boy Child.
My name is Eloviano Afakpe, Team Lead for Elovia Initiative “BoysMatter” Elovia Initiative started is a duly registered under the Laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria (CAC/IT/No 131740) as a Non-Governmental Organization to Advocate for the BOY CHILD. The Initiative also gives opportunity to young BOYS to learn new skills, have mentors that will help sharpen their creative minds, while imbibing the Culture of love, good morals, entrepreneurship, selflessness and dedication. We further help the BOY CHILD in the area of MENTAL HEALTH and EDUCATION. We believe empowering one gender should never be synonymous to stifling the other sex. We realize that we need a functional BOY who will grow into a MAN for a functional SOCIETY.
How do you define a Role Model, and how do you think the Boy Child can be adequately groomed to become one?
A role model is a person whose behaviour, example, or success is or can be emulated by others, especially by younger people. Grooming BOYS to become ROLE MODELS start with the parents (The Home) especially the FATHER who is his first ROLE MODEL. First , Your SON will learn what respect means by observing how you treat other people. Make respect a permanent way of dealing with people, whether you're talking to customer representatives, waiters at restaurants, or with your family at the dinner table. Learning to respect people is Key. Allow him Accept responsibilities, Teach him the house rules, Teaching a SON that no one else is responsible for maintaining his things makes life easier on both his mum and future life partner.
Boys are usually not encouraged to develop qualities such as compassion, sensitivity and warmth, but this neglects their emotional needs. Teach them Empathy. Encourage him to recognize and express how he feels, whether the feeling is good or bad. Listen to what your son tells you, and look for messages even in silence or outbursts.
What are the potential implications when a boy child isn’t groomed properly?
When a Boy Child isn’t groomed properly, It creates a toxic environment to cohabit. One gender should not be overlooked because we are pulling or bringing up another. The Negative effect of not grooming a SON can last a long time. The Home and Society becomes vulnerable.
Do you think there are adequate measures put in place to equip the boy child on proper hygiene practices?
I would say this is gradually springing up and more awareness is beginning to suffice as Parents and Boys Advocacy now see the need to help boys in the area of hygiene. THINGS TO NOTE WHEN TEACHING HYGIENE
1. Do Not Scold – Do not scold your Son as it will only worsen the situation. Some children take more time to learn something new. Be patient, but persistent when teaching hygiene to your son.
2. Do Not Compare – Comparing your son with someone else will make him little one feel inadequate. Let him take some time while learning to adjust to the new way of living and avoid comparing him with anyone else.
When it comes to hygiene, sometimes the boys ‘don’t bother much’ how can this be stopped?
They must start young and must be gradual. With consistency it becomes a part of them. We must also inculcate these habits of hygiene through the help of parents/wards and further teachings from school and the society.
What good hygiene measures should boys adopt and how can they be ambassadors of good hygiene?
Certain habits can be practiced as a foundation to ensure health and hygiene for BOYS. The best way to get your son to understand this is by teaching him ways to practice from an early age. The following hygiene is important in the grooming and proper hygiene methods to adopt - (Food hygiene, Hand hygiene, Sleeping hygiene, Vocal hygiene, Oral hygiene, Hair care, Nail hygiene, Bathing hygiene, Foot hygiene, Toilet Hygiene, Home hygiene, Coughing and sneezing hygiene)
Coming down to the topic of menstruation, how aware is the boy child on this, and do you think more adequate measure are needed to educate them on menstruation?
Boy-Child awareness on Menstruation is not adequate, and yes effective measures are needed in creating awareness.
1. BOYS need to be included in classes on PERIOD EDUCATION. Not having these conversations with the BOYS at an early age can have a large impact on the world and the girls in particular who go through this menstruation.
2. Boys must learn female sexual health which will promote good communication, lessen stigma, and creates more empathy.
In what ways can boys be more enlightened on periods?
1. Home and School Teaching... Let them know and learn all the basics of Periods.
2. Let them know Periods are for women and girls which has been for thousands of years it’s the reason they are even here.
3. Let them know Menstruation can be associated with smells, mess, blood, sore, etc.
4. Let them know all the symptoms associated with Periods like; (Acne, Headache, Bloating, Tiredness, Mood change, Breast Soreness, Food Craving, Diarrhea, Pains in the lower abdomen).
How would you encourage boys to be role models in the areas of Hygiene and Menstruation?
1. Boys can support girls to manage menstruation effectively across different social domains including household, community, school, and work when they have been given proper education and enlightenment on Periods. 2. Boys will influence girls’ on menstrual hygiene management through many roles, including as husbands, fathers, brothers, students, peers, teachers, community leaders, entrepreneurs, employers, development and humanitarian practitioners, and policymakers.
What final words would you like to leave on this topic?
Conversation is a catalyst to change and the more we sensitize boys to talking about menstruation, the easier it will be to get them onboard with dismantling the societal stigma around it. To help end the stigma around girl’s periods, start to live with transparency and start conversations with the BOYS in your life - your sons, brothers, partners, friends, and peers
Eloviano Afakpe is a Blogger, Project Manager, Mental Health & Education Enthusiasts & the founder of Elovia Initiative “Boys Matter”. She’s a very passionate humanitarian who’s into Teen/Youth & Boy Child Advocacy. She strongly believes in “Humanity before Gender”
We believe that for the concept of menstruation to have a global impact, boys need to be fully involved and enlightened properly about periods. They need to speak up for girls and avoid shaming them. What are your thoughts?
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