The Big Drum Africa, in partnership with mentors and supporters, has successfully concluded a Menstrual Health and Personal Growth Outreach at Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS), Minna. This is a stride toward improving adolescent health and personal development.
By Anna Moses
Held under the theme “Empowered Girls, Stronger Tomorrows,” the event drew over 1,000 students, addressing persistent taboos and knowledge gaps surrounding menstruation and female health.
The outreach featured comprehensive menstrual hygiene education, equipping participants with accurate information on safe practices, proper product use, and the biological changes that occur during puberty. Sessions were led by experts and trained facilitators who spoke on understanding the female body, boosting self-esteem, and developing personal worth—topics often neglected in traditional school settings.
Participants were also guided through sessions on emotional wellness and mental resilience, with an emphasis on maintaining dignity and confidence during menstruation.
Speaking at the event, Darlington Eze Onah, CEO of The Big Drum Africa and one of the lead facilitators, emphasized the transformative power of education.
“Menstrual health is not just about hygiene—it’s about dignity, confidence, and education. When girls are informed and supported, they are better prepared to focus, lead, and thrive,” she said.
To provide practical support, the organizers distributed free sanitary pads to all attendees, helping to eliminate one of the major barriers to menstrual dignity for girls from underserved backgrounds.
The event also included an interactive Q&A session with female mentors, where students candidly discussed topics they are often too shy to bring up at home or in class. Many participants described the experience as “liberating” and “life-changing.”
“I used to be afraid to talk about my period because people laugh or say it’s shameful,” said one student who requested anonymity. “Today, I feel proud of being a girl. I learned so much.”
The outreach aligns with both national and global efforts to end period poverty and integrate menstrual health management into broader adolescent health programs. With millions of girls in Nigeria still affected by taboos and a lack of access to menstrual products, initiatives like this remain vital.
The organizers also used the opportunity to call on policymakers and stakeholders to recognize menstrual hygiene as a basic right, not a privilege.
The Big Drum Africa pledged to continue its advocacy and outreach across Niger State and beyond, calling on educators, community leaders, and parents to actively support menstrual health education.
Following the success of this outreach at GGSS Minna, expectations are high that more schools will open their doors to similar programs, fostering a generation of confident, informed, and empowered girls.
