Helen Alabi Youth Development Initiatives (HAYDI), has called on federal and state governments to provide free or subsidised menstrual products in public schools, warning that period poverty and inadequate menstrual health facilities continue to put girls’ education and wellbeing at risk.

The Founder, Helen Funmilayo Alabi made the call as the group distributes reusable sanitary pads to 296 students from 12 public secondary schools in Lagos State, as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child.

Alabi explained that access to menstrual products should not be limited to donations and occasional outreach programmes, urging governments to establish sustainable funding and procurement systems that would ensure girls, particularly those from low-income households, manage their periods without compromising their education.

Speaking on the challenges confronting girls, she identified poverty, menstrual stigma and limited access to reliable health information as barriers to their confidence, education and personal development.

“For many girls, especially those in underserved communities, poverty, menstrual stigma, inadequate menstrual products, and limited access to reliable health information can become barriers to education, confidence, and personal development,” she said.

Alabi called for age-appropriate menstrual health education in schools, covering the menstrual cycle, personal hygiene, period tracking and signs that require medical attention.

According to her, adolescent-friendly healthcare services are also necessary to enable girls seek professional advice about menstrual concerns without fear, shame or discrimination.

According to her, HAYDI has reached more than 2,500 girls with menstrual health education and reusable sanitary pads, stressing that the organisation’s objective was to ensure menstruation did not become a barrier to education, dignity or future opportunities.

Speaking at the event, Founder of She Builds Africa, Faith Sampson urged the students to develop a clear vision for their lives and take deliberate steps towards achieving their ambitions.

HAYDI urged individuals, corporate organisations, particularly those with health-related CSR programmes, and the Lagos State Government to support efforts in reducing period poverty and menstrual-related school absenteeism.

According to Alabi, these collaborations are essential to ensuring that girls manage their periods safely and confidently while pursuing their education and future ambitions.