Young girls, educators, and health advocates gathered at Millennium Park in Abuja on Thursday to mark this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day with calls for greater awareness, education, and support for menstrual health.
Observed globally every May 28, Menstrual Hygiene Day seeks to promote open conversations about menstruation and address challenges such as period stigma, misinformation, and limited access to sanitary products.
The date symbolically represents the average 28-day menstrual cycle and five-day menstruation period experienced by many women.
The awareness event, held in Maitama district, focused on menstrual hygiene education, myth-busting, and promoting dignity for girls and women.
Participants were educated on proper menstrual hygiene practices, including the safe use of sanitary products, personal hygiene, and proper disposal of used sanitary pads.
Health educators also stressed the importance of avoiding the sharing of personal menstrual items to prevent infections and maintain healthy hygiene standards.
Practical demonstrations were conducted to show participants how to properly wear, use, and dispose of both reusable and disposable sanitary pads.
Speakers at the event highlighted the emotional and social challenges many girls face during menstruation, including embarrassment, stigma, and silence surrounding periods.
Some participants shared experiences of being shamed or misunderstood because of menstruation, while others called for stronger menstrual health education in schools and communities.
Health advocates described period poverty as a serious public health issue, noting that limited access to menstrual products and accurate information can affect girls’ confidence, education, and overall wellbeing.
The event also featured quiz sessions, games, and interactive activities designed to create a safe and engaging learning environment.
Organizers said ending period stigma requires sustained education, improved access to sanitary products, and creating safe spaces where girls can openly discuss menstrual health without fear or shame.
