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Naija Feminists Media (NFM) hosted an X Space titled “Towards Ending Period Poverty: Solutions and Pathways to Affordable Care” on May 29, 2026, as part of activities marking Menstrual Hygiene Day.
About 37 million women and girls in Nigeria experience period poverty, with many young girls forced to miss school due to the high cost of sanitary products. The 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day theme, “#PeriodFriendlyWorld,” calls for an end to period poverty, the elimination of menstrual stigma, and universal access to safe menstrual products, clean water, and adequate sanitation facilities for women and girls.
The discussion, which had over 450 listeners, featured a panel of experts and advocates. It included Chizoba Ogbeche, journalist and Vice President (North Central) of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ). Lydia Mark, media and communications specialist and founder of Zyra Global, and Janet Assibi Sawalbil, educator, menstrual hygiene advocate and philanthropist, were also in attendance as speakers.
Moderating the session, NFM founder Simbiat Bakare emphasised that the conversation was focused on discussing practical solutions to period poverty and addressing the stigma surrounding menstruation. Speaking during the discussion, Lydia Mark described menstruation as the foundation of human reproduction and the continuation of human existence. She noted that despite ongoing efforts to improve menstrual health, period poverty remains a reality for millions of women and girls.
According to her, period poverty extends beyond the inability to afford sanitary products. She explained that it also includes a lack of access to menstrual health information, support services and professional medical care for menstrual-related complications. While many organisations distribute menstrual products, she noted that young girls who benefit from receiving little education on proper usage or understanding their bodies.
Lydia further highlighted the need for increased awareness of what period poverty entails and called for stronger policies and public education to address the issue. She urged greater collaboration between media professionals, healthcare providers, and gynaecologists to ensure menstrual health conversations are linked to broader health support systems.
Janet Assibi Sawalbil stressed the importance of menstrual health education, noting that many girls lack accurate information about menstruation. She said misconceptions and societal taboos often prevent girls from seeking help or discussing their experiences openly.
She also emphasised that closing the gap in menstrual health awareness is a long-term effort that requires continuous engagement. According to her, conversations about menstruation should be normalised, while awareness campaigns should be expanded to foster understanding and empathy within communities.
Janet also identified affordable menstrual products, access to clean water, and improved sanitation facilities in schools as critical long-term solutions. She noted that menstrual health should be treated as a basic necessity rather than a privilege.
Chizoba Ogbeche described period poverty as not only a health or gender issue but also a social justice concern. She noted that this broader dimension is often overlooked in media coverage.
She also called for sustained public discussions on menstrual health and urged journalists to actively challenge misinformation surrounding menstruation. Chizoba emphasised the importance of engaging religious and traditional leaders in efforts to promote menstrual health awareness and acceptance.
In addition, she advocated for policies that guarantee access to menstrual products, clean water, and sanitation facilities in schools. She stressed that beyond developing policies, governments and stakeholders must ensure their effective implementation and enforcement.
The discussion concluded with a collective call for increased awareness, stronger policies, and greater collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, educators, media practitioners and community leaders. Everyone agreed that ending period poverty requires sustained action to ensure that every girl and woman has access to affordable menstrual products, accurate information, and safe sanitation facilities.
