A non governmental organisation, the Centre for Children’s Health Education, Orientation and Protection (CEE-HOPE) has donated sanitary products to schoolgirls in at least 10 schools across Lagos and Ogun states to mark this year’s Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The organisation also held a one day conference to sensitive girls on menstrual hygiene and mentor them on life empowerment at the Dr. Nnimmo Bassey Conference Hall, CEE-HOPE’s House in Lagos.
CEE-HOPE’s executive director, Betty Abah, highlighted the challenges faced by schoolgirls facing period poverty, saying many of them skip schools during monthly flow.
She said: “We have met brilliant girls in places like Makoko, Monkey Village, and across several states—girls who dream of becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers—but who miss school every month, fall behind, and sometimes drop out completely… just because they can’t afford a pad. This is not just a public health issue. This is a human rights emergency.”
She appealed to the government to make available free pads to at least women in prison, IDP camps, and public schools and consider granting tax waivers for sanitary products as a way of pushing down the price.
She said: “It is heartening to see countries like Scotland, Kenya, and Rwanda making bold moves—providing free menstrual products, scrapping unjust taxes, and integrating menstrual health into their education systems. Nigeria must do the same. Not as a favor to our girls, but as a moral and constitutional obligation.This is why we at CEE-HOPE are calling—loudly and clearly—for:Free sanitary pads in public schools, prisons, and IDP camps; A national menstrual health policy to coordinate and sustain action across sectors; Comprehensive menstrual education for all, including boys, to end the shame and myths; And support for local pad producers and women-led cooperatives to make this sustainable and empowering.”
She added: “We are grateful for the small steps already taken—like the VAT exemption on sanitary pads—but we need bigger strides. We need political will that matches the urgency of this moment. Let us remember: menstruation is not a choice. Period poverty is a form of injustice, and silence around it is complicity.”
In her intervention, Life Coach, Mrs Anka Amurawaiye, condemned the marginalisation of the girl child, saying lack of pads should not be a concern to them.
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 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.
Other speakers at the event included; activists Ms Kris Oziofu Ekuafeh, Mrs.Ajoke Adunbi, Miss Oluebube James and actor, musicians and advocate, Willie Workman Oga
About The Author
More Stories
ADC will not tolerate imposition of candidates, indiscipline – Mark
US govt takes indirect jab at Nigerian governors for spending billions on luxury houses while urging citizens to tight their belts
American plane with 179 passengers aboard catches fire during takeoff