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Civil Society Champions National Conversation on Menstrual Health, Hygiene
Mary Nnah
Nigeria marked a significant milestone in promoting menstrual health by hosting its inaugural National Menstrual Health Summit in Abuja, which brought together experts to drive awareness on menstrual health and hygiene management, emphasizing the importance of inclusive policies and accessible facilities.
According to a statement by the Summit Communications Lead, Shakirah Alaga, the Summit, themed: “ Empowering Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Dignity”, held under the aegis of Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs as Chief Host, emphasized the need for inclusive policies and accessible facilities to support menstrual health and hygiene.
Speaking at the event , the founder, AWA Initiative and Alora Reusable Pads, Sarah Kuponiyi, said : “We’ve moved from handing out pads in underserved communities to influencing national conversations and policy. That’s what people-powered advocacy can
do. This summit is the result of years of grassroots advocacy that demanded national
attention. We have created a national platform where menstrual health is now a national priority.”.
Echoing her, Edith Augustine, Founder of Wonder Woman Nigeria, reflected on the deep emotional and structural challenges surrounding menstrual health, saying “This issue is personal. Many of us have lived the pain of silence and stigma. Convening this summit wasn’t just about policy — it was about creating a national space for dignity and justice.”.
Toni Osinubi, Gender Focal Point at GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, emphasised their commitment to advancing menstrual health, stating: “We look forward to the outcomes of this summit and to continuing our partnership to ensure that menstrual health is treated not as a peripheral issue, but as a core component of health, education, and human rights.”
“We’re done treating menstruation like a taboo. The summit proves that if we want
systems that protect dignity, we must build them—boldly, locally, and collectively.We not only convened a summit, but sparked a national reawakening,” said Anne Dirking, Vice President of Wonder Woman Nigeria.
Communications Lead for the Summit and Founder of KAM VERSE, Alaga, added: “We knew this movement needed more than passion—it needed powerful storytelling. From every visual to every caption, our goal was to make dignity visible and menstruation unshameful. This summit was about using media to move hearts, shift minds, and drive policy.
“The conveners have shown that when women lead with purpose, advocacy becomes policy, and silence gives way to systemic change. With sustained collaboration, inclusive policymaking, and the collective will of government, civil society, and the private sector, menstrual dignity is no longer a dream — it is an achievable national priority.”
The summit featured a dedicated session for abstract presentations which covered critical themes such as: Adoption of biodegradable menstrual products in underserved communities amongst others.
The Summit, brought together over 350 participants from across the country and diaspora, including government officials, academic researchers, youth leaders, development partners, private sector actors, and community stakeholders.
The MHHM Nigeria Summit 2025 concluded with concrete commitments, including the
Finalisation of the National MHH Policy by Q4 2025 and integration of MHH in gender-responsive budgets and the National Development Plan (2026–2030).
The Summit, featured goodwill messages from key ministries including Health, Education, Water Resources, and Budget & National Planning. International organizations such as GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Plan Nigeria, UNFPA, UNICEF, WaterAid and UN Women.
