Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, in partnership with Arise for Girls and other stakeholders, has called on the Federal Government to strengthen the implementation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management to improve the wellbeing, education, and dignity of girls across Nigeria.
The call was made during the launch of the “Dignity for Every Girl” initiative, organised to commemorate the 2026 End Period Poverty Campaign and World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Pero Community, Agege, Lagos State.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. This year’s theme, “#PeriodFriendlyWorld,” advocates collective action to end period poverty, break menstrual stigma, and improve access to safe menstrual products, clean water and sanitation facilities for women and girls.
The “Dignity for Every Girl” initiative was supported by Naija Feminists Media (NFM), BO News, Glorious Hearts Foundation, National Wire, Sarah’s Heart Foundation, Children and Community Network and other organisations committed to advancing the rights and welfare of girls.
The initiative focused on key advocacy areas, including increased access to free sanitary pads for schoolgirls from low-income households, the removal or reduction of taxes on menstrual products, improved investment in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, enhanced menstrual health education, and stronger accountability mechanisms for implementing the national menstrual hygiene policy.
The programme provided girls with menstrual health education, dignity kits, and life-skills training.
Speaking at the event, Executive Director of Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, Rhoda Olorunfemi, stressed the importance of addressing period poverty and its impact on girls’ education and overall development.
“The implementation of this policy will help more girls remain in school, improve their confidence, and ensure better menstrual health outcomes. We call on the Nigerian government to move beyond policy formulation and ensure effective implementation, just as we have seen in other countries,” she said.
Olorunfemi reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to promoting menstrual health management, mental wellbeing, child protection, self-esteem, and gender equality through advocacy, education, and community based interventions.
“The organisation has consistently played its part in addressing menstruation related challenges, mental health concerns, and other issues girls face as a result of period poverty and inequality. We will continue to contribute our quota towards ensuring the safety, dignity, and wellbeing of every girl” she added.
In a session dedicated to mental wellbeing, Olorunfemi encouraged participants to speak up about challenges affecting them and seek support from trusted adults, including parents, guardians, teachers, counsellors and representatives of civil society organisations.
She noted that open communication plays a vital role in preventing emotional distress and promoting positive mental health.
The event also featured sessions on girls rights, gender based violence and menstrual hygiene management. Founding Director of Naija Feminists Media, Simbiat Bakare, educated participants on their rights to dignity, safety and education, urging them to challenge stereotypes and societal narratives that undermine their potential.
Also speaking, Gloria Matthew of the Child Protection Network trained the girls on issues relating to gender based violence, consent, and child protection. She encouraged participants to report any form of abuse and seek assistance from trusted adults and relevant authorities whenever their rights are violated.
Founder of Sarah’s Heart Foundation, Sarah Anuoluwapo Owoseeni, educated the girls on proper menstrual hygiene practices and encouraged them to view menstruation as a natural biological process rather than a source of shame or stigma.
The organisers said the “Dignity for Every Girl” initiative forms part of broader efforts by Rhoda Serene Care Foundation and its partners to create a society where every girl can manage her menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity while enjoying her rights to education, health, protection and equal opportunities.
