Menstrual Health Day: Bauchi Stakeholders Want Stronger Action Against Stigma

Stakeholders in Bauchi State have clamoured for stronger collaboration among government institutions, schools, civil society organisations (CSOs) and development partners to address menstrual stigma and improve access to menstrual hygiene support for adolescent girls in the state.

The call was made yesterday during the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Health Day organised by the Bauchi State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development in partnership with some civil society organisations and donor agencies.

The event featured awareness and advocacy sessions, as well as the distribution of sanitary pads, T-shirts, caps, and hijabs to students and other participants. It also provided a platform for dialogue on menstrual hygiene management and the need to break long-standing cultural taboos surrounding menstruation.

The participants emphasised the importance of coordinated action to ensure that girls can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and confidence.

Speaking at the event, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, Mrs Lydia Haruna Tsammani, described the initiative as timely and impactful.

Represented by the special adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on women’s affairs and child development, Hajiya Halima Ibrahim Maigari, the Commissioner noted that menstruation remains a global issue affecting millions of women and girls, many of whom continue to face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to accurate information.

Representatives from the State Ministry of Justice, Plan International, WaterAid Nigeria, and other civil society organisations stressed that the programme would promote awareness and education on menstrual health issues that are often difficult to discuss openly.

The speakers urged participants to become advocates for menstrual health within their communities, emphasising the need to challenge harmful social norms and misconceptions surrounding menstruation.

They also called for sustained awareness campaigns in schools across the state to improve knowledge of menstrual hygiene management and reduce stigma.

As part of the event, sanitary pads were distributed to students and other participants, providing practical support for adolescent girls and reinforcing efforts to promote menstrual dignity.

Earlier, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Child Development organised a road walk to commemorate the 2026 World Menstrual Health Day. The awareness campaign attracted participants from civil society organisations, development partners, and community groups.

The walk commenced at the Wunti Flyover and passed through major streets of Bauchi before terminating at the Abubakar Umar Secretariat Complex.

It was aimed at raising awareness about menstrual health management, combating period poverty, and eliminating the stigma associated with menstruation.

Speaking during the road walk, the Commissioner, represented by the Director of Women Affairs, Hajiya Khadija Isa, reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to sustained advocacy on menstrual hygiene and ensuring that no girl is left behind due to stigma or lack of access to menstrual hygiene products.

Representatives of participating organisations commended the strong partnership between the government and civil society.

They particularly praised the ministry for consistently involving CSOs in its programmes, noting that such collaboration enhances community participation and impact.

They also called on parents and guardians to play a more active role in supporting adolescent girls during menstruation, stressing that such support is essential to promoting a healthier and more inclusive society.

The activities were guided by this year’s theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” with various civil society groups actively participating in the sensitisation campaign to promote menstrual health awareness and dignity for all girls and women.