The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has called for increased awareness on menstrual hygiene, improved access to sanitary products, and an end to the stigma surrounding menstruation, especially among women and girls in underserved communities.
Key Highlights:
- NAWOJ FCT called for improved menstrual hygiene awareness and access to sanitary products.
- The group said many girls still face stigma and lack of menstrual support.
- It stressed that no girl should miss school because of menstruation.
- NAWOJ urged stakeholders to support menstrual health education and affordable sanitary products.
- The association described menstrual hygiene as important for health, dignity, and gender equality.
The call was made in a statement signed by the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Bassey Ita-Ikpang, to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day observed annually on May 28.
According to the association, menstrual health remains a critical issue affecting the dignity, confidence, education, and overall wellbeing of millions of women and girls across Nigeria.
NAWOJ FCT noted that many girls continue to face discrimination, shame, and limited access to sanitary materials due to poverty, cultural taboos, and inadequate awareness.
“No girl should miss school, feel ashamed or suffer discrimination simply because of a natural biological process,” the statement said.
The association urged governments, development partners, schools, healthcare institutions, and community leaders to prioritise menstrual health education and ensure affordable sanitary products are accessible to all women and girls.
It further described menstrual hygiene as not only a health concern but also a matter of human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion.
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“As women journalists and advocates, we remain committed to using the media as a tool to amplify conversations around menstrual hygiene, break harmful cultural taboos and promote policies that protect the health and dignity of women and girls,” the group stated.
The association maintained that sustained investment in menstrual health initiatives would help create safe and supportive environments where girls can thrive without fear, shame, or limitations associated with menstruation.
Also, it stressed the need for greater public awareness and stronger policy support to address the challenges faced by women and girls, particularly in rural and low-income communities where access to sanitary products and reproductive health information remains limited.
The group therefore called on stakeholders to intensify efforts toward promoting menstrual dignity and ensuring that no girl is left behind because of her menstrual cycle.
