By Isah Esther Bila (YES 2014-2015, Nigeria, hosted by IRIS in Hills, IA)

In Sub-Saharan Africa, girls are faced with widespread killer diseases: from cervical cancer, breast cancer and the maternal mortality rate has been on the rise in Nigeria over the years. A lot of girls in my community don't know what cancer is, how to prevent or treat infections, how to properly use female hygiene products and the overall do’s and don’ts of menstrual hygiene. In spite of all of these facts, I have observed that there is a deafening silence towards these issues by society. Some parents are uncomfortable talking to their children about sex education. The inclusion of this subject is even worse for girls who are physically challenged.

What if we could educate these future mothers about cancer and save 40 lives daily? What if we show girls a healthier way to manage their periods? What if we educate them on how good hygiene can make a big impact? What if we can make the difference and break the silence?

I had the opportunity of attending the YES Digital Storytelling workshop in Dhaka, Bangladesh in October 2018, where I learned about photography, digital storytelling through social media platforms and short films. So I organized the sensitization program themed “Her Health, Breaking the Deafening Silence” for physically challenged girls of ages 12-20 upon my return home. 

The first step to reduce maternal mortality is to educate women, as illiteracy is one of the reasons for high maternal deaths. The KL-YES Alumni Association of Nigeria (KL-YAAN) Gombe State carried out the health sensitization program at a Special Education School. The program aimed to educate girls on contemporary health issues particular to them. We had three volunteers who gave lectures on menstruation, menstrual hygiene, importance of hygiene, contemporary diseases and their symptoms and ways to reduce the risk of contracting them, what to do to reduce the risk of contracting any of these diseases and the need to report to the nearest health facility in certain circumstances. In addition to that, the girls were taught how to use sanitary pads, the importance of disinfecting to prevent infections, drugs and the effects of drug abuse, how to build up self-esteem and to embrace their disabilities. Fun activities were held  for the girls such as a needle and thread race, egg and spoon race, relay races, sack race, etc. A short film was made about the project to tell this story to the society as well.

"We are grateful for your visit! We have never had people come to tell us about these things before nor anyone visit to play with us. We hope you will visit us soon again!” a girl said.

On a visit to the school after the program finished, the vice principal told me that he has personally been inspecting the girls and has noticed a remarkable improvement in the hygiene of the girls and their dorms.

“The society has a carefree attitude towards the physically challenged and we have realized this attitude towards them. Those who visit mostly bring food items and take pictures with the kids, but they forget about their health and emotional needs,” he said. But today I saw how you bond with the girls, how they listened to you keenly and how they bond amongst themselves during the games.”

I felt so happy when I heard this, remembering the energy and smile on their faces. I feel fulfilled because, I know we have impacted the lives of these future mothers. We hope to have such program their again, this time around including issues like abuse and sexual harassment.

I sincerely appreciate Gombe State YES alumni who worked hard to ensure the success of this project. I also appreciate our donors, volunteers, and the Taraba and Bauchi State alumni for their support. Lastly, I want to thank my brother who worked hard and helped me put this video together and everyone who contributed to touch the lives of those girls. Thank you YES program, the U.S Department of State, Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs for the opportunity.