CSOs, Gov’t Unite To Prioritise Menstrual Health In Nigeria

Civil society organisations (CSOs) and relevant government agencies have come together to place menstrual health on the national agenda, a move toward ending menstrual stigma and improving menstrual health and hygiene management in Nigeria.

This was the focus of the inaugural National Menstrual Health Summit held in Abuja, where over 350 participants gathered to drive inclusive policy, access to menstrual products, and systemic change.

Organised by Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, the summit, themed “Empowering Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Dignity”, brought together key stakeholders from government, civil society, academia, development partners, and the private sector, all united in a shared commitment to improve menstrual health outcomes for women and girls across the country.

The Summit Communications Lead, Shakirah Alaga, in a press statement, emphasised the need for inclusive policies and accessible facilities to support menstrual health and hygiene.

“We knew this movement needed more than passion, it needed powerful storytelling. From every visual to every caption, our goal was to make dignity visible and menstruation unshameful. This summit was about using media to move hearts, shift minds, and drive policy. The conveners have shown that when women lead with purpose, advocacy becomes policy, and silence gives way to systemic change. With sustained collaboration, inclusive policymaking, and the collective will of government, civil society, and the private sector, menstrual dignity is no longer a dream, it is an achievable national priority,” Alaga added.

The founder, AWA Initiative and Alora Reusable Pads, Sarah Kuponiyi, said, “We have moved from handing out pads in underserved communities to influencing national conversations and policy. That is what people-powered advocacy can do. This summit is the result of years of grassroots advocacy that demanded national attention. We have created a national platform where menstrual health is now a national priority.”

Founder of Wonder Woman Nigeria, Edith Augustine, reflected on the deep emotional and structural challenges surrounding menstrual health, saying “This issue is personal. Many of us have lived the pain of silence and stigma. Convening this summit wasn’t just about policy, it was about creating a national space for dignity and justice.”

Gender Focal Point at GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Toni Osinubi, emphasized her commitment to advancing menstrual health, stating: “We look forward to the outcomes of this summit and to continuing our partnership to ensure that menstrual health is treated not as a peripheral issue, but as a core component of health, education, and human rights.”

“We are done treating menstruation like a taboo. The summit proves that if we want systems that protect dignity, we must build them, boldly, locally, and collectively. We not only convened a summit, but sparked a national reawakening,” the vice president of Wonder Woman Nigeria, Anne Dirking stated.

The summit featured a dedicated session for abstract presentations which covered critical themes such as: Adoption of biodegradable menstrual products in underserved communities amongst others. It brought together over 350 participants from across the country and diaspora, including government officials, academic researchers, youth leaders, development partners, private sector actors, and community stakeholders.

The Summit featured goodwill messages from key ministries including Health, Education, Water Resources, and Budget & National Planning. International organizations such as GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Plan Nigeria, UNFPA, UNICEF, WaterAid and UN Women. The MHHM Nigeria Summit 2025 concluded with concrete commitments, including the Finalisation of the National MHH Policy by Q4 2025 and integration of MHH in gender-responsive budgets and the National Development Plan (2026–2030).