A global intersectional feminist Organisation, Fòs Feminista, on Monday inaugurated the menstrual dignity project in Nigeria.
During the inauguration, Ms Kemi Akinfaderin, of the Sang Pour Sang Project, Fòs Feminista, said that a staggering 27 million women and girls in Nigeria were unable to access or afford basic menstrual products.
Fòs Feminista, focused on advancing the sexual and reproductive health and rights of women, girls, and gender-diverse people, launched the Sang Pour Sang project as a transformative effort.
The project is led by Fòs Feminista in collaboration with Equipop, PSI, and the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation.
In Nigeria, the Sang Pour Sang initiative is aimed at engaging local communities, policymakers, and stakeholders in implementing sustainable solutions to tackle menstrual stigma and improve access to menstrual products.
It is also aimed at integrating menstrual health into broader health and social programmes.
Akinfaderin shared alarming statistics, revealing key challenges faced by Nigerian women and girls, citing a recently concluded survey.
“We have about 27 million women and girls unable to access or afford menstrual pads.
“Additionally, 57 per cent of girls lack adequate knowledge about menstrual health, and 25 per cent of women report insufficient privacy when managing their menstrual health,” she said.
She said that the survey also found that 24 per cent of girls had missed school due to their inability to afford sanitary products or access essential water and sanitation facilities.
According to her, this sheds light on the ongoing barriers to education for girls, directly affecting their opportunities for growth and development.
She stressed the need to dismantle menstrual taboos.
“Euphemisms like “it is that time of the month” perpetuate stigma and reinforce shame.
“What is this time of the month? Is it time to go dancing, to go to church or the mosque?
“We need to focus on what menstruation truly is and avoid euphemisms, as they reimpose these taboos. Being direct and clear helps break the silence and challenge stereotypes,” Akinfaderin said.
She said that the societal embarrassment surrounding menstruation contributed to shame and called for the normalisation of the conversation.
She further positioned menstruation as a fundamental human right, advocating for increased access to diverse menstrual products and comprehensive education.
“In schools, we observed girls expressing discomfort at the idea of boys becoming confident about menstrual health.
“We need to change this attitude, even among women and girls, who sometimes reinforce this stigma. We must recognise and normalise the menstrual experience for everyone.
“Menstrual education and a variety of products should be widely accessible particularly in humanitarian settings where the need is even greater,” she said.
She also addressed misconceptions, rejecting the notion that menstruating individuals are suffering.
“We manage the complications and pain that can come with menstruation, but we are not suffering.
“We need to move beyond labeling it as ladies’ stuff. Men and boys must be part of the solution. They should feel comfortable buying pads for their sisters, girlfriends, or mothers without shame,” she said.
Akinfaderin said that the menstrual dignity project was focused on the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue, and Adamawa states.
She said that it was aimed at creating an enabling environment for “menstruators” by promoting equity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for policy changes that support menstrual health.
She called on the media to play a critical role in this transformation.
“We need you to help break the silence, challenge stereotypes, and highlight the diversity of experiences and contexts within Nigeria.
“Menstrual health is not a monolithic issue. Education and advocacy are essential, and policy change must be supported to ensure that menstruation is treated as a human rights issue,” she said.
Sang Pour Sang Project Lead at PSI Europe, Ms Henriette Ceyrac, said that the menstrual dignity project marked a significant step towards addressing menstrual discrimination.
Ceyrac expressed hope for a future where menstruation was no longer stigmatised, and all individuals have access to the necessary resources to manage their health with dignity.
She said that the project was part of a global consortium of four organisations led by Fòs Feminista, aimed at tackling menstrual discrimination in Nigeria and eight other countries.
“The project seeks to address the structural drivers of menstrual discrimination that limit opportunities for women and girls.
“Through capacity building and collaboration with local experts, the project hopes to empower women and girls globally by providing access to menstrual products, information, services, and supportive environments,” she said.
According to her, The initiative spans Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean, covering countries like Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Pakistan, the Philippines, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
She said that, though diverse in culture and religion, these countries shared common challenges related to menstrual health.
NAN
