The hall at Mende High School in Maryland, Lagos, buzzed with energy as over 100 teenage girls gathered for the 2025 Red Flag Conference, a space designed for learning and transformation. Held on June 20, the event empowered in-school girls with confidence, knowledge, and leadership skills, leaving a lasting impact on every participant.
Organised by The Girls’ Pride Initiative for Sustainable Development, the event commemorated World Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day. Key partners for the event included Naija Feminists Media (NFM), SALBA Global, the Lagos State Ministry of Education, and Teengress Developmental Foundation.
The conference gathered teenage girls from three participating public schools: Immaculate Senior High School, Mende Junior High School, and Mende Senior High School.
Delivering the welcome address, Fasola Christana, Programmes Officer at The Girls’ Pride Initiative for Sustainable Development, introduced the year’s theme, “Bleed with Confidence, Lead with Purpose.”
She emphasised the event’s goal of normalising menstruation and inspiring young girls to embrace their period experiences as a source of strength, not shame.
Faith Omeje, Executive Director of Teengress Development Foundation, delivered the keynote speech. She spoke from her personal experience of starting her period at 11 without any prior knowledge. She encouraged the girls to break the culture of silence around menstruation and lead with confidence.
“Your period is more than a biological event. It is part of your story. Every great woman out there also experiences her period,” she said, urging the girls to become period champions in their schools and communities.
During the event, Ayobamikale Borisade, Executive Director of The Girls’ Pride Initiative for Sustainable Development, gathered the girls around for an honest conversation about periods, including what they are, how they work, and the many myths surrounding them. She helped the girls understand their bodies better with warmth and clarity, replacing shame with confidence. It was then followed by an interactive Q&A from the previous sessions.
The event also featured breakout mentorship sessions in smaller groups. Simbiat Bakare, founder of Naija Feminists Media, taught a group of girls about gender equality and digital safety.
“At the end of the training, the students learned that they were not inferior or second-class citizens and that they should always report sexual predators or harassment to online platforms and adults,” Simbiat said. “Additionally, they learned how to navigate online platforms safely and use media for good to improve their lives.”
Faith Oluwakemi Olabisi, a Lagos State University Teaching Hospital registered nurse, focused on Mental Health and Self-Worth. She addressed period shame, safe expression, self-esteem, and emotional well-being. She encouraged the girls to embrace their experiences and build confidence.
The session created a safe space for open conversations, allowing the girls to express themselves freely, ask questions without fear, and connect with one another through shared understanding.
The final group explored Leadership, facilitated by Felix Odofin, Provost of Success Activators Leadership and Business Academy. He guided the girls on becoming voices for change in their communities and leading with purpose.
Girls were also inaugurated as the Girls’ Pride Initiative for Sustainable Development Health Champions. The selected girls pledged to be ambassadors of menstrual health in their schools. They received badges, Champion kits, and essential hygiene products, including books and sanitary pads.
Speaking on the impact of the event, Faith Omeje, Executive Director of Teengress Development Foundation, said:
“One thing with menstruation is the shame attached to it. Today, we brought knowledge to help them see their period as a source of power, not shame.”
Ayobami B. Borisade, Executive Director of The Girls Pride Initiatives for Sustainable Development, added:
“The Red Flag Conference was more than just an event; it was a movement. A safe space where we confronted uncomfortable truths, challenged harmful norms, and empowered young minds with knowledge that can save lives.”
She noted that the facilitators’ passion and the girls’ engagement reinforced the purpose of their work, noting that the event not only raised awareness but also set a new standard.
The participants left the Red Flag Conference visibly inspired and equipped with vital knowledge. From navigating the digital world safely to understanding menstrual health, emotional well-being, and the power of leadership, the girls are now better prepared to champion their rights, support their peers, and lead with confidence in their schools and communities.
