Menstrual Hygiene Day: NGO Urges Support For Displaced Women, Girls In Nigeria

A non-governmental organisation, Embracing the Girl Child Initiative, has called for stronger government intervention and collective action to tackle menstrual poverty among displaced women and girls in Nigeria, warning that many remain without access to basic menstrual hygiene support in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.

The appeal was made during an outreach programme held at the IDP Camp, Area One, Abuja, to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Speaking at the event, the Founder and Executive Director of the organisation, Barr. Nneamaka Onyema, said the intervention was aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene education while distributing sanitary materials and postnatal supplies to vulnerable women and girls.

She said the IDP camp was selected because displaced women and girls are among the most neglected groups, often lacking access to menstrual health education, sanitary products, and basic hygiene facilities.

“These people are easily forgotten or sidelined in society, and it is important for them to understand the basic knowledge surrounding menstrual hygiene,” she said.

Onyema explained that since 2019, the organisation has carried out similar outreach programmes across Nigeria, reaching thousands of girls in secondary schools and vulnerable women in states including Akwa Ibom and Kogi.

She stressed that menstrual poverty extends beyond the lack of sanitary products to include poor access to information, awareness, and education on menstrual health.

“Period poverty is not only the lack of period protection. It is also the lack of information, awareness, and education surrounding menstrual hygiene, and this is the gap Embracing the Girl Child Initiative is committed to bridging,” she added.

The outreach included the distribution of over 400 sanitary pads, underlay pads, and postnatal medical supplies for pregnant women and nursing mothers, reaching more than 400 beneficiaries in the camp.

She described the materials as “symbols of knowledge, dignity, and empowerment,” expressing hope that beneficiaries would share the knowledge within their communities.

Onyema also called on other non-governmental organisations to support similar interventions in IDP camps and underserved communities across the country.

She further urged the federal government to improve sanitation facilities and consider the provision of free sanitary pads for vulnerable women and girls, especially those in displacement camps.

“Sanitary pads are essential for women and girls. This is something we use every month. I look forward to a future where the Federal Government will distribute pads for free in Nigeria to help curb menstrual poverty,” she stated.

The outreach featured educational sessions on menstrual hygiene, body changes during menstruation, cycle tracking, and proper care practices before, during, and after periods.

Beneficiaries were also trained on alternative menstrual protection methods, including reusable pads and locally available solutions, aimed at promoting sustainability beyond the intervention.

The event formed part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, focused on promoting dignity, health, and empowerment for women and girls.