Break the Silence About Menstruation

Group Photo of Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), Shades of Us, Shield Them, SuS Pads, Women Community in Africa, Tabitha Empowerment Centre Girls Vanguards, and Teachers and Students of LEA Kpeyegyi, Abuja

By Florence Shadrack and Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

On June 2, 2026, we partnered with Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), Shield Them, SuS Pads, Women Community in Africa, and Tabitha Empowerment Centre Girls Vanguards to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day at the Local Education Authority (LEA) School in Kpeyegyi, Abuja. This was supported by the Office of the Pioneer Mandate Secretary for Women and Children, FCT Women Affairs Secretariat (FCT WAS). 

The theme of the event, “Break the Silence About Menstruation,” was our opportunity to bring together 115 students, advocates, and development partners to promote menstrual health and hygiene awareness, challenge stigma, and empower girls with the knowledge and resources needed to manage their periods with dignity.

The event commenced with messages by Madam. Christina Uzo-Okamgba (Founder of Tabitha Empowerment Centre), Barr. Gladys Emmanuel (Advocacy Officer and In-house Lawyer at Tabitha Empowerment Centre), Boluwatife Olorunfemi (Founder of SuS Pads), Modupe Adelanwa (Shield Them), Lovett Michael and Treasure Segun (Tabitha Empowerment Centre Girls Vanguards), and our founder, Ramatu Ada Ochekliye.

The goodwill messages emphasized the importance of breaking the silence around menstruation and ensuring that girls are supported throughout their menstrual journey.

Ramatu shared a personal story about why menstrual health matters to her, drawing on an experience from when she was a secondary school student, inspired by someone who visited her school and educated them, as she was doing at this event. She highlighted the importance of using storytelling to make complex issues more relatable and understandable. She referenced our film on menstrual health, hygiene, and period poverty – Flow – and encouraged students to see menstruation as a natural part of life that should be openly discussed. She got the students to reiterate that, “I matter. My health matters. My menstrual health matters.”

Madam. Christiana emphasized that menstruation should never hold girls back from pursuing their dreams and aspirations. Participants were encouraged to reject shame and embrace confidence during their menstrual periods.

Boluwatife reinforced the message of menstrual dignity with the statement, “I am a girl, I am proud of myself. My period is natural, so is my dignity,” reminding students that menstruation is a normal biological process that should be embraced without fear or embarrassment.

Treasure, through spoken words, stressed that no girl should ever be mocked, stigmatized, or discriminated against because of her period. Students were encouraged to prioritize their hygiene, build their confidence, and support one another. Gladys described menstruation as a blessing and encouraged participants to ask questions, seek accurate information, and remain confident throughout their menstrual journey.

The session on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) was facilitated by Lovett, who spoke on the importance of menstrual hygiene and proper disposal of sanitary products. She emphasized that menstruation is normal and should not be treated as a taboo subject. Students were encouraged to view menstruation as a conversation that should continue openly, even in the presence of boys, and to ensure that periods are managed with dignity.

Boluwatife later led an interactive session on menstrual hygiene management. She explained the importance of access to menstrual products, such as sanitary pads, soap, and other hygiene supplies. Participants learned about different menstrual products, including disposable pads, reusable pads, and menstrual cups. 

During the session, she explained that disposable pads should be changed every three to six hours, depending on menstrual flow, while reusable pads can last between three and five years when properly washed, dried, and stored. She also educated participants on menstrual cups and highlighted the importance of maintaining proper hygiene before and after handling menstrual products.

The discussion further explored menstrual health practices, including proper body care during menstruation, pain management techniques, stress reduction, and the importance of seeking medical attention when menstrual periods extend beyond the normal duration. Through a question-and-answer session, students actively participated by answering questions about menstruation and sharing practices that support menstrual well-being, including drinking enough water and avoiding excessive stress.

Shades of Us facilitated a practical demonstration session, conducted by Vivian Peter, who taught participants how reusable menstrual pads can be made and used. Vivian Peter led a practical demonstration on reusable pads. She introduced the reusable pad to students, explained what it is, how it works, how people wear it, and how it differs from disposable sanitary pads. The session also highlighted why reusable pads can serve as a safe, sustainable, and affordable menstrual hygiene option when users handle and care for them properly.

Students saw how reusable pads can be made using sample materials. Vivian used carbon paper to demonstrate cutting patterns, and students observed the process of preparing reusable pad materials. Some students also participated directly in learning how to make the pads. The demonstration gave students practical knowledge they could remember and possibly share with others. It also helped them understand that menstrual hygiene management does not depend only on disposable pads. Reusable pads can reduce long-term costs, support girls who may not always be able to afford disposable products, and contribute to ending period poverty.

The event concluded with the distribution of 100 sanitary pads to students, ensuring that participants left not only with knowledge but also with resources to support their menstrual health. 

Why is all this important?

Menstrual health remains a sensitive and often misunderstood issue in many Nigerian communities. Misconceptions, limited access to menstrual hygiene products, social taboos, silence, and shame continue to affect the confidence, dignity, health, and school participation of girls and young women.

Period poverty also remains a serious concern. The rising cost of menstrual hygiene products makes it difficult for some girls and women to manage their periods safely and comfortably. When sanitary products become unaffordable or inaccessible, girls may use unsafe alternatives, stay away from school, or feel ashamed about a natural process.

We partner with organizations annually for Menstrual Hygiene Day as our way of contributing to a significant reduction in menstrual stigma by challenging the culture of shame, fear, and silence that often surrounds menstruation within the school community. We envision a world where adolescent girls are empowered to become advocates and peer leaders, strengthening their confidence and capacity to influence positive change among their peers. It is also never too early for girls to gain practical and actionable knowledge on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) and proper menstrual hygiene management, improving their understanding and ability to make informed decisions.

Together, these interventions contribute to ending period poverty, expanding menstrual health choices, and ensuring that more girls can remain confident, informed, and engaged in their education. 

At Shades of Us, we believe that every girl deserves access to accurate menstrual health information, safe menstrual products, and the confidence to thrive without stigma or discrimination. By supporting conversations that challenge harmful stereotypes and encourage menstrual health education, we continue to contribute to a future where no girl is held back because of her period.