First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged stakeholders across all sectors to unite in the fight against period poverty and menstrual stigma, stressing that no girl should be denied education or dignity because of her menstrual cycle.
In a message commemorating International Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, Tinubu aligned with the year’s theme: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” emphasizing the collective responsibility to empower girls through access to menstrual health resources and education.
“Menstruation must not limit a girl’s access to education, health, and equal opportunities. Let us ensure that our girls have access to clean water, sanitary pads, and proper hygiene practices so they do not miss school days,” the First Lady declared.
She stressed the importance of early education about menstruation, not just for girls but within families and communities, to create a culture of openness and understanding.
She noted that fostering a #PeriodFriendlyWorld requires dismantling long-standing taboos and social stigmas surrounding menstruation.
“We can do more to eliminate period poverty and stigma to enable every girl live with dignity,” she stated, calling for enhanced partnerships between government, civil society, schools, and the private sector to ensure that menstrual hygiene products are available, affordable, and accessible to all Nigerian girls and women.
The First Lady’s message comes amid growing national efforts to integrate menstrual health into broader public health and education policies.
Advocates have long warned that inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities in schools—especially in rural areas—contribute significantly to absenteeism among adolescent girls.
Tinubu has championed several social welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting women and girls, through her pet-project, the “Renewed Hope Initiative,” which has incorporated menstrual hygiene support into its adolescent girl empowerment programs.
“Happy International Menstrual Hygiene Day,” the First Lady concluded, reminding Nigerians that the journey toward menstrual equity is a collective one that requires sustained commitment and action.
