In commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, a foundation has empowered over 100 adolescent girls in Abuja with sanitary products, menstrual hygiene education, and conversations aimed at breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.
The outreach, held as part of activities marking this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, focused on promoting menstrual dignity, improving access to menstrual health information, and encouraging girls to manage their periods with confidence rather than shame.
Speaking during the event, the foundation’s representatives stressed that menstruation should never be a reason for girls to miss school, lose confidence, or feel excluded from opportunities.
They noted that many girls across Nigeria still struggle with period poverty, limited access to sanitary products, poor menstrual hygiene facilities, and misinformation around menstruation — realities that continue to affect school attendance, confidence, and wellbeing.
According to the organisers, the initiative was designed not only to distribute sanitary pads but also to create safe spaces where girls could openly ask questions about their bodies, menstrual hygiene, puberty, and reproductive health without fear or embarrassment.
The session featured interactive discussions on menstrual hygiene management, proper use and disposal of sanitary products, body confidence, and debunking harmful myths associated with menstruation.
The foundation also called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, schools, parents, and private organisations to improve menstrual health support systems for girls, especially those from low-income communities.
Representatives further advocated for increased access to affordable sanitary products and gender-sensitive facilities in schools, emphasizing that menstrual health is directly connected to education, dignity, and equality for girls.
One of the beneficiaries described the programme as impactful and reassuring, noting that many girls often navigate menstruation without adequate guidance or support.
“I learned that menstruation is normal and not something to hide or feel ashamed about,” she said. “A lot of girls need programmes like this because many people still don’t talk openly about periods.”
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to continuing menstrual health advocacy and supporting vulnerable girls through education, awareness campaigns, and sanitary support initiatives aimed at ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her period.
