At a gathering held by Youth Advocacy Group in Port Harcourt, a strong call rang out for menstrual health to be taken more seriously in Nigeria’s education system. The appeal came during the launch of “Periods, Pads and Proud”, a new book that seeks to break silence and stigma around menstruation.
Elizabeth Odukoya, founder of The EmpowerHer Project, urged federal, state, and local authorities to formally integrate menstrual health into school curricula, stressing that many girls still skip classes or suffer shame because of their periods.
“In just over a year, we’ve reached more than 3,000 girls across 11 schools and communities, distributing free menstrual products and promoting reusable pads,” Odukoya said. “But our mission goes beyond pads. We want a future where no girl misses school or feels less because of her period.”
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The Rivers State Ministry of Education also weighed in, with Dr. Chinedu Nwaodu, Director of Quality Assurance, noting that menstrual health is already part of the curriculum but often under-taught. She challenged teachers, parents, and school principals to play a more active role in educating girls and normalizing conversations around menstruation.
Nwaodu emphasized, “It is not only the teachers’ responsibility; parents must also speak openly to their daughters. Menstrual health is natural, and our girls should be proud of it.”
Reviewing the book, Prof. Kaladada Korubo, a Haematologist at Rivers State University, described it as a powerful resource that simplifies the science of menstruation for young readers. “Knowledge is power,” she said, adding that the book helps girls understand their bodies earlier, breaking cycles of ignorance and stigma.
With initiatives like EmpowerHer pushing the conversation forward, advocates believe schools can become safe spaces where girls are empowered with knowledge, confidence, and dignity.
