Nature and Empower Her Initiative (NEHI), a girl-centered civil society organization, has launched its Bleed with Pride project to promote menstrual health education in public junior secondary schools across Bauchi State.
The initiative was unveiled during a stakeholders’ inception and alignment meeting in Bauchi, with a focus on integrating menstrual health education into school curricula.
Speaking at the event, NEHI Executive Director Florence Uzoanya described Bleed with Pride as a school-based programme aimed at equipping girls with knowledge, confidence, hygiene, and dignity.
“Menstrual health is not just about understanding menstrual flow. It is about building confidence, knowledge, and dignity so girls are better prepared emotionally, socially, and academically,” Uzoanya said.
She emphasized the project’s holistic and sustainable approach, noting that true empowerment addresses all aspects of a girl’s well-being—physical, social, mental, and economic.
“Development begins by meeting the basic needs of girls and creating opportunities for them to make informed decisions. Supporting girls is not charity—it is a strategic investment in stronger families, resilient communities, and a sustainable future,” she added.
The project also seeks to break the stigma around menstruation, ensuring no girl feels ashamed of a natural biological process. NEHI plans a pilot phase in selected schools to test and adapt the programme to different school environments.
During the meeting, NEHI presented the Bleed with Pride Handbook, a practical guide for teachers and students, providing structured tools for classroom engagement. Stakeholders—including representatives from government ministries, civil society, and religious organizations—reviewed the handbook and offered recommendations to ensure it aligns with the context and needs of Bauchi State.
“This handbook forms the foundation of the project, guiding discussions and classroom implementation,” Uzoanya said.
