As the world prepares to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28, Hon. Aishat Hamzat, the representative of Oyo Central at the Nigerian Youth Parliament, has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at promoting menstrual health awareness and supporting underprivileged girls and women across the senatorial district.
In a press briefing, Hon. Hamzat emphasized the urgent need to address the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation, particularly among vulnerable groups in rural communities. According to her, too many young girls and women continue to face menstrual poverty, lacking access to sanitary products, basic hygiene facilities, and accurate information about their reproductive health.
“Menstruation is a natural process, not a taboo. Unfortunately, many girls bleed in silence due to shame, misinformation, or poverty. It is our duty to break this silence and ensure that every girl can manage her period with dignity,” she stated.
To commemorate this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Youth Parliament representative announced a series of impactful activities, including:
• Outreach Programs in rural and underserved areas, including public secondary schools and special needs institutions.
• Distribution of Free Sanitary Products to hundreds of vulnerable girls who lack the means to afford them.
• Capacity-Building Workshops and Health Talks facilitated by experts in menstrual hygiene, mental health, and adolescent development.
• Peer Education Training to create a sustainable support network among young girls for open discussion and learning.
The program would be complimented by a network of committed volunteers, public health professionals, and gender advocates who are passionate about creating lasting change in menstrual hygiene awareness.
Hon. Hamzat called on government agencies, NGOs, health institutions, and community leaders to partner in this initiative and prioritize menstrual health in their development agendas.
“We must invest in the wellbeing of our girls. Menstrual hygiene is not a luxury—it’s a right. When we empower girls with knowledge and access to proper sanitary care, we improve their health, education, and future prospects.”
Special attention will also be given to communities with high concentrations of women and girls, including those with limited access to healthcare and education.
Menstrual Hygiene Day, celebrated globally on May 28, is an annual platform to raise awareness, challenge taboos, and advocate for policies that ensure every girl and woman can manage her period safely and with dignity.
