Kogi/ Menstrual Hygiene Day

As Nigeria joins the global community to mark the 2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day, there have been renewed calls for the government to provide free sanitary pads in public schools to promote menstrual hygiene and reduce school absenteeism among female students.

Some Individuals who made the call when Radio Nigeria sampled their opinion in Lokoja, Kogi State, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention to support girls during their menstrual cycle.

A retired principal of a government school in Lokoja, Mrs. Jacinta Ataru, appealed to the government to include the distribution of free sanitary pads in public schools as part of education policy reforms.

She noted that many female students often stay away from school during their periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products.

Supporting this view, Mr. Udaba Allen, a teacher in a public school, who expressed concern over the embarrassment some girls face during their menstrual cycle stressed that the inability to afford appropriate sanitary materials not only affects their confidence but also their attendance and performance in school.

Mr Allen called on the government and concerned individuals to provide sanitary materials to public schools on a monthly basis.

Speaking on the matter, a student, Atima Teke, said many girls struggle to maintain proper hygiene during their menstrual periods because they cannot afford sanitary pads.Another student, Tijani Teerker, who described how some girls get stained during class, causing embarrassment and ridicule, urged the government to come to the aid of students by supplying free pads.

A female secondary school student who spoke anonymously noted that while they have been educated on menstrual hygiene, many cannot afford even a single sanitary pad per day, let alone the recommended three changes daily.

This year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28, is themed “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, highlighting the need for collective action to ensure menstruation does not hinder access to education, health, or opportunitThe day aims to raise awareness and break taboos surrounding menstruation while advocating for policies that support menstrual hygiene management for all.

INT./Ajifa Ainoko