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By Angela Atabo
A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, has taken menstrual hygiene awareness to the Federal Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Abuja.
Its Founder, Meibaka Nyanabo, said the public awareness was part of activities to commemorate the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day themed “Period Proud: Breaking Silence, Building Confidence”
Nyanabo added that the initiative aimed to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while empowering girls with accurate reproductive health information especially on the changes they experience during adolescence.
“Every May 28 is recognised globally as World Menstrual Hygiene Day and we are here today to help these girls understand that periods are normal. It is a biological process and they should confidently own it.
“We want them to understand what happens inside their bodies beyond just seeing blood and to know that every woman goes through this phase of life.
“There is no stigma, there is no shame. Menstruation is a normal phase of life,” she said.
The foundation’s founder urged girls to speak openly about reproductive health concerns and seek help whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
“Some cultures make girls feel it is shameful to talk about menstruation, but we are encouraging them to be bold enough to seek counsel from parents, aunties or counsellors,” she said.
Nyanabo also advocated free sanitary pads for girls in schools, stressing that many young girls miss classes because they could not afford menstrual products.
“Nigeria is rich enough to make pads free. Girls do not ask to menstruate, it is a natural phase of life,” she said.
Beyond sanitary products, she called for access to clean water, soap and restroom facilities in public places.
“Public places should have water, soap and restrooms where women and girls can comfortably manage their periods,” she stated.
Nyanabo also called for greater empathy and support from men and boys, noting that hormonal and emotional changes during menstruation could affect women differently.
Nyanabo disclosed that over 40 female mentors were on ground to engage the girls in discussions, adding that more than 550 girls would receive sanitary towels and soap to encourage proper menstrual hygiene practices.
Also speaking, Dr Ubiene Nyanabo, a facilitator, encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and embrace their uniqueness.
“My work today is to help them know who they are and then help them know that they are made and created for greatness. We are talking about menstrual period, building confidence.
“If you know who you are and you know that you are created especially for a purpose as a woman, you embrace it gladly.”
The Project Coordinator of Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, Eno Bassey, said many young girls lacked adequate education about their bodies, making them vulnerable to fear, stigma and misinformation.
“So, we want to create a space for them to feel free to learn, to ask questions, and then to have good confidence. At the end of the day, each girl will know about her body.
“This awareness is critical because every girl needs to have an idea about how her body functions, how the hormones affect them psychologically, mentally, physically, and emotionally.
“So, creating this space and giving them this basic education helps them to build confidence and also helps them to express themselves.”
According to Bassey, addressing menstrual health requires collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, NGOs and communities to ensure girls have access to education and sanitary products.
One of the beneficiaries, Peace David, a student from Federal Government Science and Technical College Garki, Abuja, commended the foundation for organising the programme, describing it as enlightening and impactful.
“Some girls have not really been enlightened on menstrual hygiene, so this programme is helping us understand how to take care of ourselves during our menstrual cycle,” she said.
She also appealed to the Federal Government and other organisations to provide free sanitary pads for girls in both boarding and day schools, especially vulnerable students.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
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