The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has called on stakeholders from all sectors to come together in the fight against period poverty and the stigma surrounding menstruation.
This was contained in a message commemorating the International Menstrual Hygiene Day on Wednesday.
She said no girl should be denied education or dignity because of her menstrual cycle.
Senator Tinubu aligned with the year’s theme: Together For A #PeriodFriendlyWorld#, emphasising 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,” she said.
Mrs. Tinubu 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.
The First Lady noted that fostering a #PeriodFriendlyWorld# requires dismantling long-standing taboos and social stigmas surrounding menstruation.
She wrote: Today, on International Menstrual Hygiene Day, we are reminded of our duty of care to our daughters, sisters and every girl around us.
This year’s theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld” reminds us of our responsibility to educate our girls about menstruation from an early age and provide support to help them during their menstrual cycle.
“We can do more to eliminate period poverty and stigma to enable every girl live with dignity.”
“Happy International Menstrual Hygiene Day,” she added, reminding Nigerians that the journey towards menstrual equity is a collective one that requires sustained commitment and action.
