Lagos sounds alarm, highlights inaccessibility of menstrual products for schoolgirls

The Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation has sounded the alarm on the persistent challenges faced by women and girls worldwide in accessing menstrual products.

At a recent event held at the Ministry’s Vocational Centre in Isheri, Berger, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Bolaji Dada, underscored the importance of menstrual hygiene as a matter of health, human rights, dignity, and equality.

During the event, which marked World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Dada announced the distribution of 6,000 packs of sanitary pads to women across Lagos.

This initiative is part of the state’s efforts to promote menstrual health and hygiene among its female population. The theme for this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day is “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

Addressing students from Isheri Senior Grammar School and the vocational centre, Dada emphasised the critical need for proper menstrual hygiene education.

She pointed out that many women and schoolgirls lack access to sanitary products, clean water, and appropriate facilities, leading to adverse health outcomes, missed educational and work opportunities, and perpetuating stigma and shame around menstruation.

“Menstrual hygiene is not just a health issue but a fundamental matter of human rights and dignity,” Dada stated.

“On this Menstrual Hygiene Day, let us empower women and girls by providing them with the tools and knowledge they need to manage their periods safely and confidently. Together, we can make a positive impact and transform the landscape of menstrual health and hygiene for generations to come.”

Keynote speaker Amaka Aniekwe also addressed the gathering, urging girls to maintain cleanliness and use sanitary pads during menstruation. She highlighted the importance of washing hands before and after using sanitary products and called on the Nigerian government to reduce the excessive taxes on menstrual products, which currently include a 20% duty rate and a 7.5% VAT.

“The cost of menstrual products is high,” Aniekwe noted. “Manufacturing companies can reach out to girls, which will help curb period poverty. Reducing the tax burden on these essential products is crucial.”

Students who attended the event expressed their gratitude for the valuable information shared. Mary Odutola, a student at Isheri Senior Grammar School, described the event as highly educative, while Sumayah Ojeola mentioned that she often buys pads at N1,800 and keeps some for friends who cannot afford them.

Permanent Secretary Oluyemi Kalesanwo, in his vote of thanks, reiterated the state’s commitment to periodically distributing sanitary pads to schools and markets.

Following the event, the ministry extended its outreach efforts to several communities, including Ipodo Market in Ikeja, Agboyi Riverine, Agbalata Market, Ikeja Ilaje Community, Kosofe, and Oko Agbon.