By Doris Obinna
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has encouraged Nigerian girls to embrace menstruation as a proud and natural part of womanhood. This was stated on Wednesday in Lagos during the commemoration of Menstrual Hygiene Day (MHDay), in partnership with the Nigerian Girls’ Guild and the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board.
With theme, “Together for a Period Friendly World,” the event brought together students from public and private schools to celebrate menstruation as a significant milestone in a girl’s journey to adulthood.
Speaking, Social and Behavioral Change Specialist, UNICEF, Aderonke Akinwole urged girls to see menstruation as a moment of pride, symbolizing their role in human sustainability. “When a girl starts menstruation, it should call for celebration. The period shows that she has progressed to a woman who can bring forth children to continue to make the world sustainable.”
She emphasized the need for girls to access accurate information to help them stay clean, safe, and healthy, encouraging them not to be shy about menstruation but to embrace it with pride as part of their dignity as women.
Akinwole also called on the Lagos State Government to intensify efforts in raising awareness about menstrual hygiene. She advocated for the integration of menstrual education into school curriculums, religious institutions, and community programs.
Addressing the issue of stigma, especially from boys, she emphasized the need for boys to be educated to respect and support girls during menstruation. “Girls should have knowledge of the menstrual cycle even before it begins,” she said.
On her part, Director of Education at the Lagos State Primary Education Board, Mrs. Honfor Adesola, commended UNICEF’s support for menstrual hygiene and other girl-centered initiatives. She highlighted the opportunity to also sensitize girls about the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. According to her, the vaccine, which is free and available across health facilities in Lagos, is essential in protecting girls aged nine to fourteen against cervical cancer.
“We are here to commemorate MHDay and also engage girls on HPV. They need to talk to their parents about it, as parental consent is required for vaccination.” She noted that while the vaccine is accessible and safe, many girls remain unvaccinated, underlining the need for continued awareness efforts.
Students who attended the event expressed gratitude for the enlightenment. Ethagah Divine, head girl of New Estate Baptist Secondary School in Surulere, called on non-governmental organisations to empower girls with sanitary pads to help them maintain proper hygiene during their periods. She encouraged more public campaigns and rallies to distribute free menstrual products.
Emmanuella Azubuike, also a student at New Estate Baptist Secondary School, praised UNICEF and its partners for the program, saying it expanded her understanding of menstrual hygiene and the importance of the HPV vaccine. “This sensitization program is very impactful, and I think more NGOs and establishments should support it so more girls can benefit,” she said.
The event highlighted the ongoing need for awareness, access to menstrual products, and vaccination to ensure the health and dignity of young girls across Nigeria.