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As the world commemorates Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, WaterAid Nigeria is calling for urgent recognition of menstrual health as a fundamental human right.
The organisation urges governments, schools, and communities to break the silence around menstruation, challenge harmful taboos, and ensure every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, safety, and confidence.
Millions of menstruating individuals across Nigeria face daily challenges rooted in stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. This neglect not only endangers their health but also limits their ability to attend school or participate fully in society.
According to the 2021 WASHNORM survey, only 46% of Nigerians have access to basic sanitation, and just 13% use improved sanitation facilities with proper handwashing stations. For girls and women, these gaps often lead to shame, isolation, and increased risk of infection—consequences that can last a lifetime.
“It is unacceptable that menstruation continues to hinder the potential of millions of girls and women in Nigeria,” said Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria. “No one should miss school, feel ashamed, or be unsafe simply because they are menstruating. A period-friendly world is one where dignity, access, and rights are protected—regardless of age, location, or income.”
This year’s theme, “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, aligns with WaterAid’s mission to eliminate barriers to menstrual health. Globally, over 500 million people still lack access to adequate menstrual products and facilities—an issue that calls for urgent and collective action.
WaterAid Nigeria is working in partnership with schools, health institutions, communities, and all levels of government to implement menstrual health and hygiene interventions. These include:
Installation of WASH facilities in schools
Creation of hygiene clubs to educate and empower students
Production and distribution of reusable menstrual pads
Community sensitisation to normalise menstruation and dispel myths
These initiatives aim to create supportive environments where no girl or woman has to choose between managing her period and living her life with dignity.
To mark Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, WaterAid Nigeria is renewing its call to action by urging stakeholders to:
Integrate menstrual health into national and sub-national WASH, health, gender, and education policies
Prioritise inclusive, climate-resilient WASH facilities and menstrual services in schools and public spaces
Tackle menstrual stigma through advocacy and community engagement
Invest in behaviour change campaigns to transform harmful norms
WaterAid invites the public, policymakers, and development partners to join this movement and help build a Nigeria where menstruation is not a barrier to education, opportunity, or safety. Together, we can ensure a period-friendly future for all.
