From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), joins millions of voices across Nigeria and the world
in celebrating the power, resilience, and leadership of girls.
This was contained in a statement signed by the founding Director of WARDC Dr Abiola Akiyode Afolabi and made it available to news men to celebrate International Day Of Girl Child.
The statement said, WARDC align with the 2025 theme by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs: “THE GIRL I AM, THE CHANGE I LEAD: GIRLS ON THE FRONT LINES OF CRISIS,” as we spotlight the urgent need to tackle period poverty, promote menstrual hygiene, and protect the dignity and
rights of girls, especially in rural communities.
WARDC continues to champion gender equality and the rights of women and girls through legal advocacy, research, policy influence, and community engagement.
“Our work focuses on advancing girls’ access to education, healthcare, and protection from
all forms of violence. We believe that every girl deserves to grow up with dignity, free from discrimination and stigma, especially around menstruation and sexual violence.
“Despite progress in health and education, millions of Nigerian girls still face period poverty — the inability to access sanitary products, proper hygiene facilities, and comprehensive menstrual education” the statement.
According to the statement, Reports show that 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school during their periods, and up to 25% of Nigerian schoolgirls do not have access
to safe menstrual hygiene products. The situation is even more dire in rural communities, where water and sanitation facilities are often non-existent.
The statement said, Period poverty leads to: Frequent school absenteeism, Shame and psychological trauma Increased risk of reproductive tract infections and Early school dropout and child marriage.
“We must break the culture of silence and stigma surrounding menstruation and ensure
no girl is left behind simply because of a natural biological process” the statement said.
The Centre applauds the recent establishment of a Menstrual Bank in Bauchi State—a
first-of-its-kind intervention that provides free sanitary products to girls in schools and underserved communities.
The statement then called for
Passage of a National Menstrual Health Policy and Law, Strengthened School Protocols to Prevent and Report Sexual Violence, Increase Budget Allocation for Girls’ Health and Hygiene Programs, Community Sensitization and Male Engagement and Data Collection and Research.
