By Amarachi Jim-Nwoko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Federal Capital Territory chapter, has called for urgent action to tackle menstrual stigma and improve access to sanitary products for women and girls across the country.
Marking this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the association urged stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns and prioritise menstrual health as a critical issue of dignity, education, and gender equality.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT, Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang, said millions of women and girls, especially those in underserved communities, continue to face challenges linked to poor menstrual hygiene management.
She stressed that menstruation is a natural biological process that should never be a source of shame, discrimination, or a barrier to education.
“No girl should be forced to miss school, feel ashamed, or be discriminated against because of her period,” she said.
The association called on governments, schools, healthcare institutions, development partners, and community leaders to strengthen menstrual health education and ensure that affordable sanitary products are made available to all.
NAWOJ FCT reaffirmed its commitment to using the media as a platform to amplify conversations on menstrual hygiene, challenge harmful cultural taboos, and advocate policies that protect the health and dignity of women and girls.
According to the association, the annual observance serves as a reminder that menstrual hygiene is not merely a health issue, but also one of human rights, social inclusion, and women’s empowerment.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally every May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management and the challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.
