Access to menstrual hygiene products and education is a fundamental right, yet it remains a significant barrier to girls’ education across Nigeria. For International Women’s Day 2021, the Young Professionals in Policy & Development team took direct action to address this issue with an outreach at the Mairo Tijjani Girls Science and Technical College in Kano.
As documented by organizations like UNICEF, girls in Nigeria can miss up to a week of school every month due to a lack of access to sanitary products and adequate facilities. Our outreach was a practical intervention designed to combat this reality. We distributed over 500 sanitary pads to students and, just as importantly, held a vital pep talk on menstrual hygiene to destigmatize the topic and provide accurate information.
Beyond providing essential supplies, our team encouraged the girls to be active and confident in both their academic and extracurricular pursuits, reinforcing the message that their education and ambitions should not be hindered by biological realities. These moments reflect our deep commitment to empowering girls, breaking down systemic barriers, and ensuring every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
“The girls were also encouraged to be active in both academic and extra curricular activities.”
Gallery: International Women’s Day Outreach in Kano
Explore more photos from our impactful day with the students in Kano.
References
- UNICEF Nigeria: “Ending period poverty in Nigeria.”
