Office of the Wife of the Abia state Governor In conjunction with the Ministry of Women Affairs today commemorated the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a renewed call for improved menstrual health management, dignity, equity and access for all girls and women.
The event, held in Umuahia under the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World: Dignity, Equity and Access for All,” brought together government officials, development partners, educators, students and other stakeholders to raise awareness on the importance of menstrual health and hygiene while addressing the myths and stigma surrounding menstruation.
In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa, said the event was organized to join millions of people across the world in celebrating World Menstrual Hygiene Day and to raise awareness about menstrual health while breaking the myths and stigma that often surround menstruation.
According to her, menstruation is a natural and healthy part of life, yet many women and girls continue to face challenges in accessing menstrual hygiene products, accurate information and adequate sanitation facilities.
She noted that these challenges negatively affect the education, health, self-esteem and overall well-being of girls and women.
“We remain committed to creating an environment where every girl can thrive without discrimination or disadvantage because of her menstrual cycle,” she stated.
Dr. Aghukwa further revealed that the Ministry of Women Affairs has continued to advocate policies and programmes that support the health and welfare of women and girls through collaboration with civil society organisations, healthcare providers, community leaders and development agencies.
She encouraged the young girls present to be confident and committed to maintaining good hygiene practices.
The Commissioner also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to continue supporting girls by creating safe spaces for open discussions on menstrual health.
“Together, we can eliminate harmful misconceptions about menstruation and build a society where every girl can achieve her full potential,” she added.
Dr. Aghukwa commended the visionary leadership of Governor Alex Otti for prioritizing the welfare of women and girls in the state.
In her address, the Wife of the Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, called for collective action to ensure that no girl is denied education, opportunities or dignity because of menstruation.
She highlighted the challenges many girls and women face due to limited access to affordable menstrual products and inadequate water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.
According to her, poor menstrual hygiene management exposes girls and women to health risks and contributes to school absenteeism, thereby affecting their academic performance and confidence.
She urged governments, development partners and stakeholders to invest more in menstrual health education, quality and affordable sanitary products, and improved sanitation facilities.
Mrs. Otti also called on parents, teachers, religious and traditional leaders, community influencers and the media to help break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation through open and honest conversations.
She reaffirmed the Abia State Government’s commitment to promoting the health and dignity of women and girls through advocacy, menstrual hygiene awareness campaigns, sanitary pad distribution programmes and the provision of improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in schools.
Encouraging young girls, she stressed that menstruation is a natural sign of health and strength and should never be a barrier to achieving their dreams.
She urged all stakeholders to work together to build a period-friendly world where every girl and woman can live with dignity, confidence and equal opportunities.
Delivering the keynote lecture on the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World: Dignity, Equity and Access for All,” social policy and social protection expert, Dr. Theodora Igboaruka Uchenna, called for inclusive menstrual health services and products for all menstruating persons.
Drawing from her experience working with international organisations such as UNICEF, USAID and the World Bank, she emphasized that every girl and woman deserves access to menstrual products, clean water, sanitation facilities and accurate information.
She noted that poor menstrual hygiene contributes to absenteeism, health challenges, stigma and discrimination among young girls
Dr. Uchenna lamented that many girls still struggle due to a lack of menstrual products, education and support, stressing that no girl should miss school or lose her dignity because of menstruation.
She linked menstrual health to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including gender equality, quality education, good health, human rights, water and sanitation, and economic productivity.
According to her, more than 800 million women and girls menstruate daily across the world, while over 500 million lack adequate menstrual hygiene facilities.
Speaking on the Nigerian situation, she disclosed that over 40 million adolescent girls and young women face poor menstrual education, limited access to affordable sanitary products, inadequate water and sanitation services, and persistent stigma.
She further revealed that 77 percent of schools lack basic water services, 45 percent lack sanitation facilities, while only 11 percent have access to all three essential services.
She therefore urged policymakers, educators, traditional leaders and development partners to prioritize girl-friendly sanitation facilities, menstrual education and affordable sanitary products, while promoting positive attitudes towards menstruation.
In his goodwill message, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, Hon. Kelechukwu Nwosu, commended Mrs. Priscilla Otti for her compassionate and visionary leadership as well as her commitment to improving the lives of women, children and other vulnerable groups in the state.
He praised her humanitarian interventions, noting that they continue to provide hope and support to those in need.
Hon. Nwosu stressed the importance of prioritizing the welfare of women and children as critical components of sustainable development.
He also highlighted significant improvements in the education sector, including the provision of clean water, improved sanitation facilities and functional toilets for boys and girls in retrofitted schools across the state.
According to him, teachers are being trained on adolescent health education and menstrual hygiene management to empower girls, boost their self-esteem and improve academic performance.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive learning environment where every child can thrive.
Among the schools represented at the event were St. Theresa’s Girls Secondary School Olokoro,Girls secondary School Uzuakoli, , Icon Builders Academy Umuahia, Government Technical School, Afaraukwu; Afugiri Girls Model School; Olokoro Girls Junior Secondary School; Okwuta Community Primary School; Amakama Community High School; Masters Vessel Classical Academy; University Demonstration School and School of the Blind Afaraukwu .
A major highlight of the event was a drama presentation on menstruation by students of Girls Secondary School, Uzuakoli, while St. Theresa’s Girls Secondary School, Olokoro, entertained guests with a colourful traditional dance performance.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Nwaobilor Ananaba; Commissioner for Creative Economy, Dr. Matthew Ekwuribe; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Ogechi Oguama;
Others include the Chairman of Umuahia North Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Eddie Ibeabuchi of Afaraukwu Ancient Kingdom; wives of local government mayors; heads of parastatals and agencies; and other government appointees
