By Justina Auta
Stakeholders have stressed the need for increased awareness and improved practices around menstrual hygiene, particularly to support better health outcomes and dignity for girls in underserved communities.
They made the call on Wednesday in Abuja ahead of the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, commemorated globally every May 28 to address inequalities in menstrual health and hygiene.
The event was organised by Tabitha Cumi Foundation (TCF) under its Always Keeping Girls in School (AKGIS) project, with support from Charities Aid Foundation (CAF America).
Mrs Tayo Erinle, Executive Director of TCF, said menstrual hygiene remained a critical yet often overlooked aspect of reproductive health, especially among adolescent girls.
“Many girls live in households where no one provides sanitary pads or pays attention to that part of their lives.
“It happens monthly, and every girl deserves dignity and support,” she said.
Erinle added that more than 1,600 marginalised girls across 32 junior secondary schools in the FCT, Lagos, and Benue states were empowered through puberty education and menstrual hygiene management under the AKGIS project.
She said beneficiaries also received a one-year supply of Always sanitary pads and emergency kits.
“The project has boosted the girls’ confidence.
“Menstruation was once shrouded in secrecy, stigma, and confusion for many. Now, with access to correct information and education, they feel empowered,” she added.
Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, emphasised the importance of educating youths on reproductive health.
Represented by Dr Ruqayya Wamakko, Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, she called for more sensitisation efforts to encourage young people to use health services in primary health centres.
“We give health talks, visit schools, form school clubs, and teach students how to care for themselves, maintain personal and menstrual hygiene, and stay safe,” she noted.
Mrs Nwakonye Onyirechi, Assistant Chief Investigative Officer in the Women and Children Department of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), reiterated the commission’s commitment to protecting the rights of the girl child.
“We go to schools to sensitise girls to their rights and encourage them to speak up when their rights are violated,” she said.
Dr Safiya Tamanuwa, Deputy Director of the Placement and Gender Unit at the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), commended TCF for its support toward improving the health and well-being of schoolgirls.
Highlights of the event included the distribution of sanitary pads and kits, a literary presentation, and expert-led health talks. (NAN)
