Abia Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Calls for End to Period Stigma

The Office of the Wife of the Governor of Abia State, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, commemorated the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene and Management Day in Umuahia, with a call for increased access to menstrual hygiene products and an end to the stigma associated with menstruation.

The event, held at the Ministry of Women Affairs Complex, was themed “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”

Speaking at the event, the wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, said the celebration provided an opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene and promote the rights and well-being of girls and women.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu, Mrs. Otti stressed the need to create a society where no girl is disadvantaged or discriminated against because of her menstrual cycle.

“We want a world where no girl is denied opportunities or stigmatized because of menstruation. Many girls still miss school during their periods, and this should not be the case,” she said.

She called on governments and stakeholders to invest in better sanitation facilities and remove barriers that prevent girls from managing their menstrual health with dignity.

Addressing young girls, Mrs. Otti encouraged them not to allow menstruation to limit their dreams and aspirations.

“As we work together to build a better and stronger Abia, no girl should be ashamed or disadvantaged because of her menstrual cycle,” she added.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, described the day as an important reminder of the challenges many girls face in accessing menstrual hygiene products and services.

She said the state government remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve menstrual health and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to thrive.

“Today, we join the global community in raising awareness about menstrual hygiene. Many girls still struggle to access sanitary products, and that is unacceptable. We are determined to bridge that gap and create an environment where every girl can reach her full potential,” Dr. Aghukwa said.

She also urged individuals and organizations to work together to end harmful cultural practices and support efforts that promote menstrual hygiene and dignity for girls and women.

In her keynote address, Dr. Theodora Ngozika Igboaruka highlighted the health risks associated with poor menstrual hygiene, noting that lack of access to sanitary products can lead to infections and other health complications.

She called on governments and policymakers to establish pad banks in schools and public places, encourage local production of sanitary products, and educate girls on the use of reusable sanitary pads.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Becky Ogechi Oguama, and Barrister Adieze Orji Okoronkwo of the African Women Lawyers Association reaffirmed their commitment to promoting menstrual hygiene, protecting the rights of women and girls, and preserving the dignity of womanhood.

The event featured awareness activities aimed at encouraging open conversations about menstruation and promoting a more supportive environment for girls and women across Abia State.

By Chibunna Ikeokwu

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