ASVIOL Advocates Menstrual-inclusive Workplaces

The Anti-Sexual Violence Lead (ASVIOL) Support Initiative has convened a one-day workshop titled “Building Menstrual-Inclusive Workplaces “ to dismantle stigma and promote workplace menstrual health dignity.

The workshop is part of ASVIOL’s ongoing Flow with Dignity Project, supported by Fòs Feminista and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).

The project focuses on transforming workplace policies and social norms around menstruation by collaborating with three private-sector organizations in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, Nafisa Atiku, Executive Director of the NAF Foundation for Young Women and Mandela Washington Fellow 2024, stressed the need for organizations to adopt inclusive policies that support menstruating staff. She stressed the importance of identifying menstrual health challenges early and cultivating environments where women can speak openly about their experiences without shame.

“Menstruation should be normalised in staff wellness conversations. Organisations need to develop responsive HR policies, provide safe spaces for menstrual management, and foster empathy among team members,” she stated.

Mrs. Atiku, who also serves as the Nigeria Country Representative to the African Union for the Nalafem Feminist Coalition, urged companies to incorporate menstrual wellness into their organizational culture as a form of workplace support.

Also speaking, Tochi Odele, a gender and development expert with over 15 years of experience in sexual and reproductive health and policy advocacy, described menstruation as a fundamental health right and a cornerstone for achieving gender equity. She called for the inclusion of menstrual health in workplace health policies and stressed the urgency of ending the silence and stigma surrounding it.

“Promoting menstrual dignity in the workplace is not only about access to products but about recognising and respecting women’s bodily autonomy and health needs,” she noted.

The workshop featured robust dialogue on integrating menstrual health into workplace wellness, advocating for policy reforms, and empowering participants to serve as menstrual health champions within their organizations.

ASVIOL Support Initiative, a women-led organisation, continues to champion innovative approaches to addressing gender-based violence and promoting the dignity and well-being of women and girls in Nigeria.