Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, Arise for Girls, NFM Mark Menstrual Hygiene Day with “Dignity for Every Girl” Initiative

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Over thirty girls in Lagos State converged at The Potter’s House Christian Fellowship Teen Church in Agege and received menstrual health education, dignity kits, and life skills training on May 30, 2026, in commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026.

The programme tagged “Dignity for Every Girl” was organised by Rhoda Serene Care Foundation in partnership with Arise for Girls. It was also supported by Naija Feminists Media (NFM) and other organisations, such as BO News, Glorious Hearts Foundation, National Wire, Sarah’s Heart and Children and Community Network.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about menstrual health and hygiene. In Nigeria, around 37 million women and girls face this challenge, often skipping school due to unaffordable sanitary products. The 2026 theme, “#PeriodFriendlyWorld,” calls for collective efforts to end period poverty, break menstrual stigma, and ensure access to safe menstrual products, clean water, and adequate sanitation facilities for girls and women.

The event trained the girls on their rights, mental well-being, gender based violence, and menstrual hygiene. Speaking on the importance of the initiative, Rhoda Olorunfemi, founder of the Rhoda Serene Care Foundation, said it is to reduce period poverty among young girls in Nigeria. 

“Girls should not have to stay back at home whenever they are on their period. Secondly, why should discussing periods among girls be seen as a stigma?” Rhoda said. 

Rhoda trained the girls on mental well-being, saying it is important for them to communicate with their school counsellors, teachers, or guardians about anything that bothers them. She noted that a lack of communication could lead to depression. 

She also urged the girls to ask for anything they need for their menstruation from their parents or entrusted guardian rather than a stranger who could take advantage of them. She assured the children that the Rhoda Serene Cares Foundation is working to ensure accessible pads in all schools in the state. 

Naija Feminists Media Founding Director, Simbiat Bakare, trained the girls on their rights. She impressed on them that they are equal to their male counterparts, and to not allow anyone to make believe that their dreams are not valid or that they are inferior. She also encouraged the girls, saying they can be feminists even at a young age, as long as they stand up for themselves.

She emphasised that they have the right to dignity, safety, and education; as such, they must not internalise shame for menstruating. She also urged them to report violators of their rights to the Lagos State Domestic Violence Agency or the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons.

Expert at Child Protection Network, Gloria Matthew, further taught the girls on gender-based violence, urging them to speak up if anyone touches them inappropriately. She taught them to recognise different forms of abuse, including from relatives, understand consent, and identify trusted support systems they could turn to when in need of help. She further warned them about teenage pregnancy and urged them not to act on their hormones at a tender age.

The Founder of Sarah’s Heart Foundation, Sarah Anuoluwapo Owoseeni, trained the girls on menstrual hygiene. She encouraged them to view menstruation as a natural biological process rather than a source of shame or stigma. 

Sarah also taught them proper menstrual health management, hygiene practices, and the importance of using safe menstrual products. Sarah provided clear and practical responses, helping to address misconceptions and increase the participants’ understanding of the topic. 

Through interactive discussions, Esther Olaifa-Joseph, a trustee at Rhoda Serene Cares Foundation, encouraged the girls to speak up, ask questions, seek support when necessary, and advocate for their well-being and dignity. She introduced the girls to the Arise for Girls Club, an initiative aimed at providing ongoing mentorship, education, and support for young girls. 

At the end of the session, the girls learned that they have the ability to become feminist leaders in society, where they can express themselves confidently and understand that they can occupy space and head any sector in society. They also learned to become confident about their menstruation and received a child protective information booklet.

The girls were also given menstrual pads. The distribution was met with excitement and appreciation from the girls, who were grateful for both the educational sessions and the practical support received. The event concluded with fun games, with winners receiving credit cards for their mobile phones. 

Ultimately, the initiative highlighted the need for collective efforts to address period poverty and support the health, well-being, and education of girls.