Abuja: To commemorate Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, Rotary District 9127 distributed reusable sanitary pads to 89 girls on Wednesday at Junior Secondary School, Wuse, Abuja. The initiative is part of Rotary’s ongoing efforts to promote menstrual health and reduce school absenteeism among girls.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ms. Frances Bekey, Chair of the Empowering the Girl-Child Initiative Committee, stated that the initiative aims to combat stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation. She emphasized that menstruation is often misunderstood, stigmatised, and sometimes treated as a disease.
The campaign seeks to educate girls, promote dignity, and ensure their continued school attendance by providing affordable, reusable, and eco-friendly menstrual products, along with improved hygiene facilities. Ms. Bekey explained that educating girls and encouraging them to be proud of themselves helps remove stigma and barriers. The initiative also includes providing proper toilet facilities to manage periods effectively.
District Governor, Mr. Michael Nwannoshiri, highlighted menstrual hygiene education as a key empowerment tool, aligning with Rotary’s global mission to improve youth welfare and gender equity.
Several students shared their personal experiences during the event. Rahab Ezekiel, a JSS 3 student, described menstruation as challenging due to pain, lack of access to sanitary pads, and difficulty finding clean environments to change. Another student, Victoria Onyekwu, recounted her first menstruation as an embarrassing experience until her mother educated and encouraged her. She urged girls not to feel ashamed and stressed the importance of proper hygiene during menstruation.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed globally on May 28, aims to raise awareness about the persistent inequalities surrounding menstrual health and hygiene. The 2025 theme, ‘Together for a Period Friendly World,’ calls for collective action to ensure that menstruation does not hinder girls’ education, health, or opportunities.