By Perpetua Onuegbu
Abuja: Adolescent girls in the FCT under the aegis Teenage Network an NGO have called on the Federal Government to ensure sanitary pads are made available for all girls in Nigeria.
The girls made the call during a sensitisation walk on Wednesday in Abuja to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme ‘Together for a Period Friendly World’.
The girl advocates call on the government, policymakers, and the private sector to prioritise menstrual hygiene management and to implement policies that address period poverty in the FCT and across Nigeria.
They urged for increased investment in menstrual health education, subsidized sanitary products, and improved water and sanitation facilities in schools and public spaces.
:Speaking at walk, Esther Ombe one of the girls said no girl should have to choose between her education and managing her period safely.
“We are calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria to make sanitary pads free for school girls.
“This is not just about hygiene—it’s about dignity, education, and equal opportunity for girls across the country.”
She said studies have shown that one out of 10 girls miss classes every month because of period poverty.
According to her, the girls walk is to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene management and advocate for policies addressing period poverty.
She said period poverty, the lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and adequate education, affects countless women and girls in Nigeria.
“This year’s theme highlighted by girls showcases the urgent need to break the silence surrounding menstruation and ensure access to safe and affordable menstrual products for all girls and women.
“A period-friendly world is necessary to attract attention and spark conversations about the stigma and challenges surrounding menstruation in Nigeria.
“The walk emphasises the importance of making pads free for school girls and part of essential school supplies. The government should establish pad banks to ensure there are sanitary pads for every girl in school.
“Combating Period Stigma: Challenging societal norms and misconceptions surrounding menstruation to create a more supportive and understanding environment
“Investing in Menstrual Hygiene Education: Promoting comprehensive and age-appropriate education in schools and communities.”
Ombe explained further said about the project said one of the major challenges to girls’ advancement identified by girl researchers was unaffordable menstrual hygiene products.
“Hence, the need to break the stigma surrounding menstruation, educate the public about the importance of menstrual hygiene management, and urge policymakers to take concrete action to alleviate period poverty in the FCT.
“The Girl-led action project is the second part of the ActionAid UK Shifting Power Initiative Phase II.
“The first part of the project was the Girl-led research which involved girls in Nigeria (FCT and Jigawa state) and Sierra Leone carrying out research on the root causes of girls’ challenges.
“This culminated in the global launch of the research where the girls shared their findings with the world,” .
Another participant Francisca Chukwuma, said that girls in both rural and urban communities should be allowed to have free access to pads and other essential hygiene products.
She was optimistic that the sensitisation would help break the barriers, negative myths and religious beliefs about menstration circle.
On her part, Favour Jombo, another of the adolescent girls said the sensitisation would help to build the girl-child confidence and dignity during her period.
Iklima Mohamad in the same vein said the girl-child needed the assistance of the government and urged the government to make budgetary provisions for free distribution of sanitary pads to schools.
Mohamad commended the Teenage Network and ActionAid for the support and called on government to assist such organisations to be consistent in the programmes aimed at promoting hygiene for girls.
The walk, which commenced at Jahi, Abuja, featured participants carrying placards with messages such as “A gender responsive school has pads, not excuses,”
“Don’t just talk about equality, budget for it,” “Girls shouldn’t have to choose class or period” and “Funding Education? Fund the Whole Girl.”(NAN)
