A Non-Governmental Organisation, Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, has taken its menstrual hygiene awareness campaign to the Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Abuja.
Speaking to students during the outreach on Saturday, May 23, the Founder of the organisation, Miebaka Nyanabo, said the initiative formed part of activities marking the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day with the theme: “Period Proud: Breaking Silence, Building Confidence.”
Nyanabo explained that the campaign was designed to tackle the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation while empowering girls with accurate reproductive health information, particularly on the physical and emotional changes associated with adolescence.
She stressed the need for continuous education and open conversations on menstrual health to help young girls build confidence and manage their hygiene properly.
“Every May 28 is recognised globally as World Menstrual Hygiene Day and we are here today to help these girls understand that periods are normal. It is a biological process and they should confidently own it.
“We want them to understand what happens inside their bodies beyond just seeing blood and to know that every woman goes through this phase of life.
“There is no stigma, there is no shame. Menstruation is a normal phase of life,” she maintained.
Nyanabo urged girls to speak openly about reproductive health concerns and seek help whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
“Some cultures make girls feel it is shameful to talk about menstruation, but we are encouraging them to be bold enough to seek counsel from parents, aunties or counselors,” she said.
Nyanabo also advocated free sanitary pads for girls in schools, stressing that many young girls miss classes because they could not afford menstrual products.
In her words; “Nigeria is rich enough to make pads free. Girls do not ask to menstruate, it is a natural phase of life”
Beyond sanitary products, she called for access to clean water, soap and restroom facilities in public places to enhance good hygiene practices among girls
Nyanabo also called for greater empathy and support from men and boys, noting that hormonal and emotional changes during menstruation could affect women differently.
The organisation disclosed that over 40 female mentors were on ground to engage the girls in discussions, stating that more than 550 girls would receive sanitary towels, soap to encourage proper menstrual hygiene practices.
Also speaking, Dr Ibiene Nyanabo, a facilitator, encouraged the girls to believe in themselves and embrace their uniqueness.
“My work today is to help them know who they are and then help them know that they are made and created for greatness. We are talking about menstrual period, building confidence.
The Project Coordinator of Kuro-Wari Global Foundation, Eno Bassey, said many young girls lacked adequate education about their bodies, making them vulnerable to fear, stigma and misinformation.
“So, we want to create a space for them to feel free to learn, to ask questions, and then to have good confidence. At the end of the day, each girl will know about her body.
“So, creating this space and giving them this basic education helps them to build confidence and also helps them to express themselves.”
According to Bassey, addressing menstrual health requires collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, NGOs and communities to ensure girls have access to education and sanitary products.
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One of the beneficiaries, Peace David, a student from Government Science and Technical College Garki, Abuja, commended the foundation for organising the programme, describing it as enlightening and impactful.
“Some girls have not really been enlightened on menstrual hygiene, so this programme is helping us understand how to take care of ourselves during our menstrual cycle,” she said.
She also appealed to the Federal Government and other organisations to provide free sanitary pads for girls in both boarding and day schools, especially vulnerable students. (NAN)
By Angela Atabo; Edited by Julian Adetinuyo
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