As part of activities marking Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the Oyo State Ministry of information in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) held a media dialogue in Ibadan on Thursday, calling attention to menstrual hygiene as a fundamental human right and advocating for inclusive reforms to ensure access to menstrual health services for girls and women across Nigeria.
Held under the global theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” the dialogue convened journalists, media practitioners, government officials, and UNICEF experts to spotlight the pressing issues of stigma, misinformation, and limited access to menstrual hygiene products and services, particularly in schools and rural communities.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information, stressed the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation.
“We can no longer afford to keep menstruation in whispers. The media must lead the change in dismantling harmful taboos and pushing for policies that protect the dignity and health of girls,” he said.
Hon. Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, described menstruation as “a natural biological process that should never be a barrier to education or opportunity.”
He commended UNICEF for its continuous support in promoting health and dignity among women and girls and encouraged the media to use its influence to advocate for better access, affordability, and public awareness of menstrual health.
Delivering his presentation, Mr. Monday Johnson, UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist from the Lagos Field Office, pointed out that menstruation is still under-prioritized in public discourse and policymaking, despite its close ties to health, education, and gender equality.
“Menstruation is not a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue. We are all products of menstruation. Yet only 24% of girls in Nigeria have access to basic menstrual hygiene,” Johnson stated.
“About 23% lack access to clean water, and between 1% to 10% of girls miss school during their periods. In fact, one in ten African girls doesn’t attend school while menstruating, not out of choice, but because of systemic neglect.”
He emphasized that menstrual health also involves environmental dignity, highlighting how inadequate sanitation facilities in schools, lack of privacy, and the high cost of menstrual products contribute to absenteeism and poor self-esteem among girls.
“If we want girls to succeed, the government must subsidize menstrual hygiene products and provide functional water and sanitation infrastructure in schools,” he said.
“We must also work with communities to shift harmful cultural narratives and ensure that girls are not ashamed of their bodies.”
Mrs. Blessing Ejiofor, UNICEF’s Communication Officer (Lagos Field Office), echoed the call for media advocacy, emphasizing the media’s crucial role in challenging stigma and influencing policy change.
Also, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Specialist, addressed prevalent cultural misconceptions around menstruation.
“From being told they’re unclean to being excluded from daily activities, many girls grow up seeing menstruation as a curse. These harmful beliefs damage self-worth,” she said.
“Menstrual needs are not a luxury, they are essential. We must equip girls with knowledge and access while engaging boys and men in the conversation.”
She urged for the expansion of community education programs and emphasized the need for male engagement to break the cycle of silence and shame.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, Health Specialist at UNICEF Lagos Field Office, spoke on the critical connection between menstrual hygiene and public health.
“Everyone has a role to play, parents, schools, health workers, and policymakers. Girls must have access to hygiene education and clinics when needed,” she said.
“Every school should be a safe and inclusive space where girls don’t have to hide their periods or miss classes. This is a matter of health, equality, and respect.”
The dialogue ended with a united call for stronger government commitment, increased budgetary allocation for menstrual health, and integration of menstrual hygiene into school health programs and national policy frameworks.
