Cee-Hope urges action against menstrual poverty
By Lilian U. Okoro
The Cee-Hope Foundation Nigeria, a non-governmental organisation, has urged the Federal Government to implement effective policies aimed at ending period poverty in the country.
The organisation’s Founder and Executive Director, Ms Betty Abah, made the appeal during a conference held to mark ‘2025 Menstrual Hygiene Day’ on Wednesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is marked annually on May 28 to break taboos and raise awareness on menstrual hygiene’s importance.
This year’s theme is: ‘Together for a Period-Friendly World.’
Ms Abah expressed concern that many women and girls suffer from period poverty, resorting to rags, toilet paper, and unsafe materials during menstruation.
She highlighted how this affects education, noting many girls miss school for up to five days monthly to avoid shame from potential menstrual stains.
She urged the government to introduce policies providing free sanitary pads to schoolgirls across the country.
“Government must do more to combat widespread period poverty.
“Period poverty affects millions of girls in both rural and urban areas, making them skip school to avoid stigma and embarrassment from menstrual stains.
“We are urging government to learn from other nations. Kenya, since 2014, distributes sanitary pads monthly to public schools.
“As a result, school absenteeism due to lack of menstrual products has drastically reduced in Kenya.
“In Rwanda, the government has removed all taxes on menstrual hygiene products,” she added.
Speaking also, Life Coach, Mrs Anka Amurawaiye, condemned the marginalisation of the girl child, saying lack of pads should not be a concern.
She stressed that every girl deserves the chance to realise her full potential, without menstruation being a barrier.
She urged the government to eliminate all taxes on menstrual products, stating this would significantly reduce period poverty nationwide.
Mrs Aderonke Oyelake, State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network, called for joint action against gender-based violence, especially sexual abuse.
She said the government, teachers, parents, and religious leaders must intensify awareness campaigns and reporting on gender-based violence.
According to her, many still do not know that laws and penalties exist for sexual abuse against children.
“There must be more awareness. Many people don’t realise child sexual abuse attracts life imprisonment with no option,” she stated.
Ms Adedoyin Amurawaiye, a registered nurse, educated students on proper menstrual hygiene and correct sanitary pad usage.
She advised girls to maintain high hygiene standards during menstruation, including bathing two to three times daily.
The event included distribution of menstrual packs and was attended by about ten students from various Lagos schools. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo
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