In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has issued a powerful statement urging national action to combat period poverty and promote menstrual health across Nigeria.
The organisation aligned its message with the 2025 theme set by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs: “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls On The Front Lines Of Crisis.”
WARDC emphasised the urgent need to address the challenges faced by girls, particularly in rural communities, where access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and menstrual education remains severely limited.
According to recent reports, one in ten girls in Africa misses school during their periods, and up to 25% of Nigerian schoolgirls lack access to safe menstrual hygiene products.
The Impact of Period Poverty WARDC highlighted the far-reaching consequences of period poverty, including Frequent school absenteeism, shame and psychological trauma, increased risk of reproductive tract infections and early school dropout and child marriage.
The organisation stressed that menstruation should never be a barrier to education or dignity, calling for an end to the culture of silence and stigma surrounding the issue.
WARDC applauded the recent launch of a Menstrual Bank in Bauchi State, a pioneering initiative that provides free sanitary products to girls in schools and underserved communities.
The Centre urged other state governments to replicate and expand this model nationwide.
To mark the day, WARDC issued five key demands: Passage of a National Menstrual Health Policy and Law, Strengthened school protocols to prevent and report sexual violence and Increased budget allocation for girls’ health and hygiene programme.
It also demanded community sensitisation and male engagement, and improved data collection and research on menstrual health.
Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, Executive Director of WARDC, reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to empowering girls through legal advocacy, research, and community engagement. “Girls are not just vulnerable victims of crisis; they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” she stated. “But to truly lead, they must be equipped with the basic tools of dignity: education, safety, and health.”
WARDC’s message is a clarion call to policymakers, educators, and communities to prioritise the rights and well-being of girls, ensuring that no child is left behind due to a natural biological process.
