The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by girls and women in managing menstruation with dignity, citing inadequate access to resources and widespread stigma as major barriers.
Speaking at a media dialogue held on Thursday in Ibadan, in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, emphasized the social isolation and rights violations many women experience during their menstrual cycles.
The event coincided with the annual Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed every May 28 to promote awareness, break taboos, and advocate for better menstrual hygiene worldwide. The theme for 2025, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” envisions a society where every woman can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and confidence.
Mr. Johnson called for the integration of comprehensive menstrual education into schools and community programs to dispel myths and normalize open conversations about menstruation. He stressed the importance of making menstrual products accessible and affordable, urging collaboration between governments, NGOs, and the private sector to provide free or subsidized supplies to those in need.
“By educating both girls and boys, we foster supportive environments where menstruation is understood and respected,” Johnson said, further noting that many schools lack adequate water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities necessary for managing menstruation.
Highlighting the role of families, he particularly called on fathers to support their daughters during menstruation, stating that research shows their voices have been noticeably absent in this critical area.
UNICEF’s Social Behavioral Specialist, Mrs. Aderonke Adewole, also urged community leaders and influencers to actively promote menstrual health education through supportive networks that ensure no girl or woman feels isolated or ashamed.
“Menstruation should not be a taboo topic. We need open dialogue where people can discuss menstrual health without fear of ridicule or shame,” she emphasized.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mr. Dotun Oyelade, praised UNICEF’s commitment to advancing menstrual hygiene in Nigeria and reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration’s support for UNICEF initiatives in Oyo State.
