The first light of dawn had barely broken when Bolanle, a 12-year-old girl, quietly prepared herself for school. Her steps were heavy, not with the usual anticipation for lessons, but with a dread she could not voice.
For weeks, Bolanle had been skipping school, not because of illness, but because of the unspeakable shame caused by poor menstrual hygiene. The uniform she once wore with pride now carried the stains of her silent suffering. More than the physical stains, however, was the emotional burden she carried: the fear of being harassed on her way to school. The eyes that lingered too long, the whispers and sneers from strangers, left deeper marks on her soul than any physical discomfort ever could.
In homes across Nigeria, stories like Bolanle’s remain untold. These narratives are buried under layers of cultural taboos, fear, and shame. Yet, can we, as a society, continue to look the other way while our girls silently bear these burdens? How many more Bolanles must endure these indignities before we ask ourselves the difficult questions we have long avoided?
The Hidden Reality of Poor Hygiene
For countless girls like Bolanle, menstruation is more than a natural milestone, it is a crisis. The limited access to sanitary products, the lack of adequate hygiene facilities in schools, and the weight of cultural stigma conspire to keep girls out of school and, in some cases, deny them their futures. Behind every statistic of absenteeism and school dropouts lies a girl like Bolanle, forced to choose between enduring humiliation or forfeiting her education.
What message are we sending to our daughters when we allow them to suffer in silence? Are we, perhaps unintentionally, teaching them that their health and dignity are secondary to other priorities?
We must face this shameful truth: by neglecting these needs, we are failing our girls. If we continue to ignore their struggles, we are not only failing to protect them, but also complicit in robbing them of the opportunities that education should afford them.
The Unseen Wounds of Harassment and Molestation
Yet, poor hygiene is not the only challenge Nigerian girls face. Whether walking to school, visiting the market, or even staying within their own homes, the threat of harassment looms large. Molestation, often perpetrated by those entrusted with their care—teachers, family friends, and neighbours—has become a grim reality for too many. The scars left by these experiences are not always visible, but they are deep, affecting not only the body but also the psyche and future of the girl.
Is it not a tragedy that the very spaces intended to nurture and protect our girls are often where they encounter their worst violations? When we hear stories of molestation and harassment, do we dismiss them as far-off incidents, or do we pause and reflect: Could this be happening closer to home than we think?
We must look beyond the headlines and confront the reality of our surroundings. Are our girls truly safe? How often have we dismissed their concerns, or failed to recognise the subtle, yet telling, signs of abuse?
The Responsibility of Parents, Guardians, and Society
Parents and guardians must rise to the challenge. The safety and dignity of our girls should be at the forefront of our minds. We must equip our daughters not only with the knowledge of how to care for their bodies, but also with the courage to know their worth and the strength to speak out when their rights are violated. Conversations about hygiene and personal safety must become everyday discussions, not hushed whispers.
Yet, this responsibility does not rest solely on the shoulders of parents. Society as a whole—schools, governments, community leaders—must create safe environments where girls can thrive without fear. What kind of future are we building if the Nigerian girl child continues to live in fear of harassment and abuse? Are we, as a society, not all accountable for the safety and dignity of our girls?
What Must Be Done – A Call to Action
So, what can be done? First, we must commit to raising awareness. It starts with the conversations in our homes, schools, and communities—breaking the silence around menstruation, abuse, and the rights of every girl to live with dignity. Educational programmes that provide girls with the knowledge to care for their hygiene and protect themselves from harm must become widespread.
However, awareness is just the first step. We must also demand concrete actions from our leaders, better hygiene facilities in schools, affordable sanitary products for all girls, and stricter laws that shield them from the threat of molestation and abuse. As a society, are we prepared to ignore these issues any longer, or will we be the generation that rises to protect our girls?
A Challenge to Every Reader
As you read this, ask yourself the following questions:
- How many girls like Bolanle are silently suffering around you?
- Have you had conversations with the young girls in your life about their hygiene and safety?
- Could there be a girl you know who is hiding her pain, afraid to speak up?
- What steps can you take today to ensure the girls in your circle are safe, healthy, and empowered?
We must all strive to be the change we want to see. Whether by supporting policies that prioritise the welfare of the Nigerian girl child, raising awareness in our communities, or simply having that important conversation with the girls in our lives, every action counts.
Our girls are watching. Will we continue to fail them, or will we stand up as their defenders, advocates, and protectors?
The future of the Nigerian girl child is in our hands. The question is, what will we do with it?
As we commemorate the 2024 edition of the International Day of the Girl Child, let us remember that the power to make a difference is within our reach. Perhaps, by looking closely, we will be a blessing to the girls around us.