The Nasarawa State House of Assembly is on the brink of passing a bill that will mandate the state government to provide free menstrual hygiene products to girls in public schools.
The initiative, led by Hajara Danyaro, the first female member in the state’s legislative history, promises to reshape the educational landscape for girls across the state.
“Menstrual hygiene is a right of every girl child,” Danyaro asserted during the public hearing on the proposed legislation. “This bill will address the stigma associated with menstruation and ensure girls can attend school without distractions during their periods.”
The legislation is particularly significant as Nigeria grapples with alarming educational statistics. According to UNICEF, 7.6 million Nigerian girls are out of school, representing 15% of the global out-of-school population. Of this, 3.9 million are in primary school and 3.7 million in junior secondary school. While poverty, child marriage, and cultural beliefs contribute to the crisis, the overlooked factor of menstruation often forces girls to stay home, exacerbating the issue.
The proposed law aims to provide menstrual hygiene products to the over 54,000 girls in Nasarawa’s public schools. The Assembly has fast-tracked the bill, which has already gone through critical legislative stages and awaits final passage.
“This is not just about products,” a community advocate stated. “It’s about dignity, safety, and creating equal opportunities for all girls. If passed, this law could drastically reduce school absenteeism among girls and improve academic outcomes.”
Globally, countries like Canada and provinces such as Manitoba have set the standard by mandating free period supplies in schools and workplaces. Nasarawa’s initiative mirrors these efforts, recognizing that menstruation, if inadequately addressed, negatively impacts the lives and futures of young girls.
However, experts caution that simply passing the law is not enough. “Concrete measures are needed to prevent corruption and ensure the products reach those who need them,” Danyaro emphasized. “We must also guarantee the quality of the supplies and engage stakeholders for sustainable implementation.”
This groundbreaking legislation could become a blueprint for other states to follow, addressing menstrual poverty and ensuring the inclusion of girls in Nigeria’s education system. Beyond menstrual hygiene, stakeholders urge the government to tackle broader issues such as inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of qualified teachers, and a lack of learning materials.
With this bill, Nasarawa lawmakers have the opportunity to transform education for girls and pave the way for a more inclusive future. As the legislation nears its final hurdle, the call for action is clear: a brighter, equitable future for girls begins with breaking the barriers menstruation imposes.
