The African Immigrants Resource Centre (AIRC), based in the USA, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing challenge of menstrual poverty that continues to impact thousands of girls across Nigeria. The organization is calling on governments, corporate entities, development partners, and individuals to ramp up efforts in providing menstrual hygiene products and education.
Event in Port Harcourt Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day
The call was made on Sunday in Port Harcourt during events commemorating the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, organized under AIRC's "Give a Girl a Pad" (GAGAP) initiative. Speaking at the event, the Convener of AIRC, Engr. Chimezie Oji-Kalu, represented by the Rivers State Coordinator, Mrs. Doris Nwakuna, highlighted that many girls, especially in rural and underserved areas, continue to miss school and face health risks due to inadequate access to sanitary products and menstrual health information.
Menstrual Poverty as a Barrier to Education and Dignity
Nwakuna noted that menstrual poverty remains a significant barrier to education, health, dignity, and equal opportunities for girls. She emphasized that the 2026 theme, "Together for a Period-Friendly World," underscores the need for collective action to eliminate stigma and ensure menstruation does not hinder girls from reaching their full potential.
"No girl should feel ashamed, isolated, unsafe, or denied opportunities because of menstruation. Menstruation is a natural and healthy part of womanhood, and every girl deserves dignity, confidence, education, and access to proper menstrual hygiene support," she said.
AIRC's Outreach and Impact
Nwakuna disclosed that through its menstrual hygiene outreach programme this year, AIRC has reached thousands of girls across several states with sanitary pads and menstrual health education. The organization distributed sanitary products to over 5,000 girls in Imo State, 600 in Abia, 600 in Lagos, 1,780 in the Federal Capital Territory, 580 in Nasarawa, and more than 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.
Advocacy Beyond Distribution
She stressed that menstrual hygiene advocacy should not be limited to the distribution of sanitary pads but should also focus on education, confidence-building, and dismantling long-standing myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. The AIRC convener further described menstrual poverty as a human rights issue that demands urgent attention from policymakers and stakeholders.
She called on governments at all levels to strengthen policies and increase investments in menstrual health programmes while encouraging corporate bodies, philanthropists, non-governmental organisations, and Nigerians in the diaspora to support interventions aimed at ending period poverty.
"Menstrual poverty is not only a health issue; it is also about dignity, equality, education, and human rights. No girl should be denied opportunities because of her menstrual cycle," she added.
Support from Religious Leaders
Also speaking, the Venerable in charge of St. Simon's Anglican Church, Okporo District, Ven. Okechukwu Owhonda, represented by the church's Teenage Coordinator, Miss Monica Iwezor, commended AIRC and its leadership for sustaining efforts to support adolescent girls through the provision of sanitary products and menstrual health education. He described the initiative as impactful and urged beneficiaries to maintain good hygiene practices and take pride in their womanhood.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Some of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisation for the sensitisation programme and the distribution of sanitary products, saying the intervention would help them manage their menstrual health with greater confidence. The event formed part of ongoing efforts by AIRC to promote menstrual health awareness and advocate for a society where no girl is disadvantaged because of menstruation.
