By Gloria Josiah
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ FCT Chapter, has marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day by calling for greater awareness, wider access to menstrual hygiene products, and an end to the stigma around menstruation.
In a statement released Wednesday, NAWOJ FCT Chairperson Comrade Bassey Ita-Ikpang said menstrual health remains key to the dignity, confidence, education, and well-being of millions of women and girls, especially those in underserved communities.
She said no girl should miss school, feel ashamed, or face discrimination because of a natural biological process.
The association urged governments, development partners, schools, healthcare institutions, and community leaders to prioritize menstrual health education and ensure affordable sanitary products are available to all girls and women.
โAs women journalists and advocates, we remain committed to using the media as a tool to amplify conversations around menstrual hygiene, break harmful cultural taboos, and promote policies that protect the health and dignity of women and girls,โ the statement read.
NAWOJ FCT noted that the annual observance highlights that menstrual hygiene is a matter of health, human rights, gender equality, and social inclusion. It called on stakeholders to invest more in menstrual health initiatives and create safe, supportive environments where girls can thrive without fear or shame.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally on May 28 to promote good menstrual hygiene management and raise awareness about the challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.
The chapter extended goodwill messages to all marking the day.
