The African Immigrants Resource Centre (AIRC), USA, through its Give a Girl a Pad (GAGAP) initiative, has renewed its call for collective action to eradicate menstrual poverty and improve menstrual hygiene among teenage girls across Nigeria.
The appeal was made during the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.
Speaking at the event, the convener of AIRC, Engr Chimezie Oji-Kalu, represented by the organisation’s Rivers State Coordinator, Doris Nwakuna, said this year’s theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World”, underscores the need for shared responsibility to ensure that no girl is disadvantaged because of menstruation.
She stressed that menstruation is a natural and healthy aspect of womanhood and should never be a source of shame, discrimination, or exclusion.
“Every girl deserves dignity, confidence, education and access to proper menstrual hygiene support. No girl should feel ashamed, isolated, unsafe or denied opportunities because of her menstrual cycle,” she said.
Nwakuna disclosed that the organisation’s menstrual hygiene outreach programme has positively impacted thousands of girls across the country in 2026 through the distribution of sanitary pads and menstrual health education.
According to her, more than 5,000 girls benefited from the initiative in Imo State, while 600 girls each were reached in Abia and Lagos states.
She added that 1,780 girls benefited in the Federal Capital Territory, 580 in Nasarawa State, and over 2,800 girls in Rivers State.
“Behind every number is a real story of a girl whose confidence has been restored, whose future has been strengthened and whose voice is now heard,” she stated.
She encouraged teenage girls to embrace their womanhood with pride, describing menstruation as a symbol of growth, strength, and femininity rather than a limitation.
Nwakuna noted that menstrual hygiene advocacy extends beyond the distribution of sanitary products. It also involves educating girls, promoting healthy practices, boosting self-esteem, and dismantling harmful myths and cultural stigmas associated with menstruation.
Expressing concern over the challenges faced by girls in rural and underserved communities, she said many continue to miss school due to a lack of access to sanitary products and menstrual health information.
She warned that some girls resort to unsafe alternatives that pose serious health risks.
She therefore called on government agencies, corporate organisations, development partners, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora to partner with AIRC in addressing menstrual poverty across the country.
According to her, menstrual poverty is not only a public health concern but also a matter of dignity, equality, education, and fundamental human rights.
“No girl should be denied opportunities because of her menstrual cycle. Governments at all levels must strengthen policies and increase investment in menstrual health programmes that will ensure girls have access to the support they need,” she said.
She further appealed to individuals and organisations to support the initiative through sponsorships, donations, advocacy campaigns, and participation in community outreach programmes.
In his remarks, the Venerable Okechukwu Owhonda of St. Simon’s Anglican Church, Okporo District, commended Oji-Kalu and her team for their commitment to empowering girls through the provision of sanitary pads and menstrual health education.
Owhonda described the programme as highly impactful and beneficial to young girls.
He urged participants to prioritise personal hygiene, self-respect, and healthy living, while encouraging them never to feel ashamed of their womanhood.
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the African Immigrants Resource Centre for the awareness campaign and distribution of sanitary products, noting that the programme has improved their understanding of menstrual health and boosted their confidence.
The event formed part of global activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day and highlighted growing efforts by stakeholders to ensure that every girl can manage her menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity
