INTEGRATING RELIGIOUS NARRATIVES AND ACTIONS TO COUNTER MENSTRUAL DISCRIMINATION IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES
In Bobboi community (Yola North – Adamawa State) a Pastor is mobilizing religious leaders to mainstream menstrual health and dignity topics in religious discourse to challenge and address religious based myths and discri minatory practices on menstruation. Prior to the start of our engagement with community stakeholders, Pastor Hamza was one amongst the religious and faith-based leaders at the fore-front of the backlash against the attempt to push for public discourse and kick against long-standing menstrual traditions. Today Pastor Hamza who doubles as a renowned religious leader and community stakeholder is currently championing the spread and integration of MHD topics and discussions in all of his church and religious activities, comprising of seminars, counselling sessions for women and girls, men’s retreat, youth gathering and general sermons; where he is using these fora to not only create awareness, but also to correct misinformation, and dispel harmful religious and cultu...