Mrs Ifeatu Soludo, Anambra State Woman Leader of the City Boy Movement, has urged young girls and women to prioritise menstrual hygiene, health and education for personal development and confidence.

Soludo, also the Founder of Gloria Foundation, made the call on Friday in Awka during a Menstrual Hygiene Sensitisation Programme held at the ASUU Secretariat of Nnamdi Azikiwe University.

She described menstruation as a natural part of womanhood that should never be treated with shame or embarrassment.

According to her, many young girls still face challenges during their menstrual cycle due to lack of access to sanitary products, proper information and support.

“Some girls miss school, classes and important activities simply because of menstrual-related difficulties.

“Menstrual hygiene is not just about the use of sanitary pads. It is about cleanliness, self-care, confidence, proper health education and ensuring that no girl feels limited because of a natural biological process,” she said.

Soludo encouraged girls to take personal hygiene seriously, stressing that their health, dignity and dreams matter.

She also called on women and leaders in society to support young girls and create an environment where they could freely seek information and guidance on menstrual health issues.

“No girl should feel ashamed to ask questions. No girl should feel alone. And no girl should have to choose between her education and her menstrual health,” she said.

The founder of Gloria Foundation further urged eligible students to participate actively in the democratic process by registering and obtaining their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

According to her, young people, especially women, have significant roles to play in shaping the future of society.

“Your vote is your voice, and your voice is your power. Be informed, be responsible and be involved,” she advised.

Soludo also encouraged young women not to underestimate themselves, describing them as strong, intelligent and capable of greatness.

She appreciated the management of Nnamdi Azikiwe University for supporting the initiative and urged students to continue striving for academic excellence and positive impact in society.

Dr Ikenna Uba, Coordinator, Tertiary Institutions for Renewed Hope Initiative, described menstruation as a symbol of strength, growth and womanhood.

Uba said men had important roles to play in ensuring that women and girls were supported and comfortable during menstruation.

Dr Onyeka Ebelebe, Deputy Coordinator of the City Boy Movement in Anambra, appreciated Soludo for the initiative aimed at promoting a healthy society.

Ebelebe urged men and boys to be at the forefront of building a period-friendly world by supporting women and girls during menstruation to boost their confidence and eliminate stigma.

He also encouraged students to join the City Boy Movement aimed at improving the wellbeing of residents.

In her lecture, Dr Chikosoro Oforbuike, a medical expert, emphasised the importance of proper menstrual hygiene in promoting the health, confidence and overall wellbeing of girls and women.

Oforbuike said good menstrual hygiene practices helped to prevent infections, reduce discomfort and enable girls to participate actively in school and other social activities during menstruation.

She identified regular changing of sanitary pads, proper disposal of used sanitary materials and personal cleanliness as key aspects of menstrual hygiene management.

Speaking on behalf of the students, Chikodi Eze said the programme provided an opportunity to discuss menstruation openly, eliminate stigma and boost the confidence of girls.

Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says more than 25,000 packs of sanitary pads have so far been distributed to school girls across the state through the Healthy Living Initiative.

Soludo said the initiative had also established pad banks in more than 350 schools across Anambra to promote menstrual hygiene, restore confidence among girls and reduce absenteeism during menstrual periods.

She made the disclosure on Thursday in Awka during the commemoration of the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day organised by her pet project, Healthy Living Initiative.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked every May 28 to break taboos surrounding menstruation and raise awareness on the importance of proper menstrual hygiene management globally.

The theme for this year’s commemoration is: “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”.

According to Soludo, the pad banks established in schools are periodically refilled based on needs and usage.

“So far, over 25,000 packs of sanitary pads have been distributed through this initiative to support our school girls.

“These pad banks have not only improved personal hygiene among girls, but have also restored confidence, reduced absenteeism, and created a more comfortable environment for learning and concentration in schools,” she said.

The governor’s wife described menstruation as a natural part of life that should never attract shame, stigma or discrimination against women and girls.

She decried harmful cultural misconceptions surrounding menstruation, noting that many girls still suffered isolation, mockery and restrictions during their menstrual cycle.

“Menstruation is not a curse. It is not a taboo. It is not something any girl should be ashamed of.

“Every girl deserves to experience her womanhood with dignity, confidence and pride, not fear or humiliation,” she said.

Soludo said the Healthy Living Initiative had continued to promote cleanliness, proper hygiene, nutrition, physical wellness and preventive healthcare in homes, communities and schools across the state.

She explained that hygiene remained one of the six cardinal pillars of the initiative because healthy habits formed early in life helped to build healthier homes and communities.

According to her, the initiative, through Healthy Living School Clubs, has continued to educate and empower children on the importance of cleanliness, self-care and environmental responsibility.

She urged parents, schools, communities, religious bodies, corporate organisations and development partners to support efforts aimed at breaking the silence around menstruation and providing safe spaces for girls.

The governor’s wife also encouraged young girls in the state not to allow their menstrual cycle to hinder their dreams and aspirations.

“You are strong. You are valuable. You are beautifully created.

” Your dreams are valid, and nothing, not even your monthly cycle, should stop you from becoming the best version of yourselves,” she said.

Also speaking, Dr Chikosoro Oforbuike, a medical expert, urged girls to take menstrual hygiene seriously to prevent infections.

She advised girls to change sanitary pads regularly, maintain proper personal hygiene and avoid the use of unclean materials during menstruation.

Narrating their experiences with the pad banks in schools, Mrs Chidinma Ekesiri, a teacher at Community Secondary School, Achalla, in Awka North Local Government Area, said the initiative had boosted the confidence of students and reduced absenteeism among menstruating girls.

“Achalla is a rural community where most parents and guardians cannot afford to buy sanitary pads for their girl-child.

“The pad bank has increased access for our girls, saved cost and the girls no longer use rags or tissue paper.

“The initiative has also helped us to talk about menstruation, create awareness, dispel myths and assure our girls that menstruation is not something to be ashamed of,” she said.

The wife of Ebonyi Governor, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has launched the ‘Pad a Girl Initiative’ aimed at providing free sanitary pads to over 10,000 teenage girls across the state.
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‎Mrs Nwifuru said during the launch, at the community secondary school, Ndiuruku Amagu in Abakaliki Local Government Area that the initiative was in collaboration with the first lady of the federation’s offhce.

The Ebonyi governor’s wife said the initiave was also in collaboration with the federal ministries of education, health, women affairs and social development including her Better Health for Rural Women (BERWO) foundation.
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‎”This initiative was designed to promote hygiene, dignity, confidence, and school attendance among girls, particularly those in rural communities.
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‎”Many young girls miss classes during their menstrual periods over lack of access to sanitary pads.as menstruation should not be a barrier to education or self-esteem.
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“The initiative will provide sanitary pads and menstrual education to thousands of girls while also breaking the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation’.

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‎She noted that girls deserve opportunities to grow, learn and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
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‎”Menstruation is natural and with the right information and support, every girl can manage it confidently.
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“Girls should believe in themselves, maintain personal hygiene and avoid negative influences capable of limiting their potentials.
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“I appreciate the Ebonyi governor for implementing policies that support women and the girl-child in achieving their full potentials.
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The Chairperson of BERWO, Mrs Nkechi Echiegu cautioned girls against misconceptions linking menstruation with sexual activity, warning against abuse associated with such false beliefs.
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“Girl must be encouraged at all times to achieve their life ambitions and any obstacle to such reakisation should be checked.

The Coordinator of Abakaliki Development Centre of Abakaliki LGA, Mr John Nwofoke ,commended the state government for promoting hygiene and ensuring girl-child development.

The traditional ruler of Amagu Autonomous Community, HRH Fidelis Nwonumaru said that the traditional institution would assist relevant authorities to enhance the well-being of the girl-child.
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Miss Martha Olughu, one of the beneficiries thanked Mrs Nwifuru for the gesture and promised to be a worthy ambassador of the initiative.

Abakaliki, Nigeria – The Wife of the governor of Ebonyi state, Mrs Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, said she will empower 80 adolescent girls on how to navigate the rigours of life while growing up.

Mrs Nwifuru made this known on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the 2025 edition of Adolescent Girls Boot Camp programme.

The programme was organised by her pet project, Better Health For Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The governor’s wife who was represented by Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, the Team Lead of BERWO, said the participants were drawn from the 13 Local Government Area (LGSs) of the state.

She stated that the participants would be educated on the evils of gender-based violence, female genital mutilation, their rights and other life skills for survival.

She said other sessions involve discussions, case studies, interactive exercises to explore the meaning and application of these values to correct some emotional unstable ones.

She explained that the sessions would help to train the minds of the girls at their adolescent stage on some of the things to expect in life and the importance of believing in themselves.

“During holidays, a lot happens and parents are quick to return children back to school. But we are using the bootcamp exercise to encourage and empower the girls to understand themselves better.

“We are going to educate them on happenings in the society and things will change a lot better in our society,” Nwifuru said.

She appreciated the UNFPA for funding the innovation.

Mr Godwin Nwogha, member of the Technical Team at BERWO, maintained that skillful patenting and molding a child’s character should begin at home.

The state Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mrs Chinwe Okah, represented by Mrs Chinyere Ituma, Director in the ministry, expressed confidence that the innovation would equip and impact positively on participants when concluded.

She commended Mrs Nwifuru for paying the counterpart fund for the initiative, and urged participants to take advantage of the exercise to learn and educate other peers to reduce any form of violation in the society.

In their messages to the participants Mrs Felicia Nwamkpuma, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, and Mrs Elizabeth Ogodoali-Nome, Wife of Ezza-North Council Chairman, encouraged them to take advantage of the exercise and extend to others.

Benedicta Umeh, on behalf of the participants, thanked organisers of the programme and described it as an outstanding innovation.

Dr Nkiru Ezeama, a Public Health Physician has said that about 44 per cent of women and girls in Nigeria are experiencing menstrual poverty as they could not afford N500 sanitary pads.

Ezeama made the assertion at a symposium for school girls organised by Zobam Charity Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, to mark Menstrual Hygiene Day, on Thursday in Awka.

Menstrual Hygiene Day is marked every May 28, to highlight the importance of menstrual hygiene and raise awareness of issues faced by women and girls who do not have access to sanitary products.

She said that menstrual poverty made many women and girls resort to unhygienic materials to absorb menstrual blood which could cause reproductive infections, and urinary infections among others.

Ezeama described menstruation as the monthly expulsion of blood and cellular fragments from the uterus that starts at puberty.

According to her, menstruation is a normal biological process and part of a woman’s life and not something to be ashamed of or to be stigmatised.

“It is sad that many women and girls have their confidence eroded for the mere fact that they menstruate. They feel ashamed when they are in their periods which most times causes mental stress and could  lead to anxiety and depression.

“Approximately 1.2 billion women and girls across the world do not have sufficient access to menstrual hygiene products due to poverty.

“Several are deprived of facilities where they can treat menstrual pain, change their pads and access to dispose pads in good facilities. 

“According to statistics, one in 10 girls in Africa miss school because of their periods and about 44 per cent of women and girls in Nigeria are experiencing period poverty, they cannot afford N500 sanitary pads,” she said.

The Public Health physician said that poverty, gender inequality, cultural abuse and lack of access to basic services contributed to why menstrual hygiene needs were unmet.

Ezeama urged manufacturers of menstrual hygiene products to consider biodegradable friendly, hygienic and cheaper products that could be easily absorbed in the soil, as a way of addressing menstrual poverty in the country 

Also speaking, Prof. Stella Okunna, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul’s University, Awka said that menstruation was not a taboo or abomination.

“In rural areas, many women grew up believing that menstruation is a taboo or something unclean and till date they still feel embarrassed when in their periods.

 “Menstruation shows you are developing appropriately as a young woman and you should be happy because you are on the right part to adulthood,” she said.

In her remarks, Mrs Chizoba Okolieukwu, the Convener, said the symposium was to sensitise students on importance of good menstrual hygiene to restore the confidence of the girl-child.

“We need to sensitise our girls on personal hygiene, and how to make reusable pad as an alternative way of procuring menstrual pad as most of them were from low-income families and can not afford disposable pads.

“This is also an avenue to donate sanitary pads to girls in about 30 secondary schools in the state under the ‘One Girl One Pad Initiative’. We are calling on government, individuals, and foreign donors to key into this project,” she said