In a landmark effort to confront menstrual stigma and promote health equity, the Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), hosted a media dialogue in Ibadan on Thursday to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. The event brought together journalists, government officials, and health experts to champion menstrual hygiene as a fundamental human right and call for policy reforms that ensure access to menstrual health services for girls and women across Nigeria.
Held under the global theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” the dialogue underscored the urgency of tackling misinformation, stigma, and limited access to sanitary products—particularly in schools and underserved rural areas.
In his opening address, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information, called on the media to be agents of change.
“We can no longer afford to keep menstruation in whispers. The media must lead the change in dismantling harmful taboos and pushing for policies that protect the dignity and health of girls,” Babalola said.
Echoing his sentiments, Hon. Dotun Oyelade, Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, emphasized that menstruation should never be a barrier to education or opportunity. He praised UNICEF for its ongoing support in advancing girls’ health and dignity and encouraged media professionals to advocate for affordable and accessible menstrual health solutions.
UNICEF’s Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Specialist, Mr. Monday Johnson, highlighted stark statistics on menstrual health in Nigeria, noting that only 24% of girls have access to basic hygiene resources.
“Menstruation is not a women’s issue; it’s a human rights issue. About 23% of girls lack access to clean water, and between 1% to 10% miss school during their periods,” Johnson said.
“Government must subsidize menstrual products and ensure schools have clean, private sanitation facilities.”
Johnson also called for cultural reform, emphasizing the need to shift harmful narratives that shame girls for menstruating.
UNICEF’s Communication Officer, Mrs. Blessing Ejiofor, stressed the role of media in breaking silence and influencing change.
UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change Specialist, Mrs. Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, addressed deep-seated cultural myths that portray menstruation as a curse.
“Menstrual needs are not a luxury, they are essential,” she said.
“We must equip girls with knowledge and access while engaging boys and men to foster a supportive environment.”
The event also featured a call for expanded community education programs, increased male involvement, and policy integration of menstrual health into national health and education frameworks.
In her closing remarks, Dr. Ijeoma Agbo, Health Specialist at UNICEF Lagos Field Office, stressed the intersection of menstrual hygiene and public health.
“Every school should be a safe, inclusive space where girls don’t have to hide their periods or miss out on education,” she said.
“This is not just a health issue—it’s about equality and respect.”
The dialogue concluded with a collective resolution urging stronger government commitment, budgetary support, and the inclusion of menstrual hygiene in school health programs and national policy.
As Nigeria pushes forward, Oyo State and UNICEF’s partnership signals a growing movement to end period poverty and create a future where no girl is held back by menstruation.
