In a historic move aimed at confronting period poverty and menstrual stigma, Nigeria has held its first-ever National Summit on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM), bringing together a cross-section of stakeholders to build consensus on menstrual equity.

Held under the theme: ‘Empowering Lives, Breaking Barriers, and Building Dignity’, the summit drew over 350 participants from government agencies, civil society groups, international development partners, academic institutions, grassroots organisations, and adolescent girls to chart a sustainable path to tackle period poverty in the country.

According to the Communications Lead for the MHHM Summit, Shakirah Alaga, the event served as a national platform to align policy, research, innovation, and advocacy to ensure that menstrual health becomes a right accessible to all girls and women.

Alaga also noted that discussions at the summit included a push for the adoption of Nigeria’s first National Menstrual Health Policy by the last quarter of 2025.

The Director, Child Development Department at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Ali Madugu, described menstrual health not merely as a public health issue, but as a matter of justice that affects education, dignity, and inclusion. He noted that the gathering marked a shift from awareness to concrete action.

One of the central moments of the summit was the Girls’ Focus Session, where adolescent girls recounted their experiences with stigma, inadequate access to menstrual products, and exclusion from school and social spaces. They appealed to policymakers to prioritise inclusive, safe, and affordable menstrual care, especially within schools and underserved communities.

A parallel partner solutions session featured contributions from organisations such as MSI Nigeria, Femme Health Africa, and Alora Reusable Pads, where the groups outlined strategies for product standardisation, sustainable menstrual waste management, and the use of digital tools to amplify menstrual health advocacy.

Other proposed priorities highlighted at the gathering include: the integration of menstrual health into gender-responsive budgeting frameworks, support for local production of reusable pads, national data collection efforts, the promotion of youth-led pad banks, and the certification of disability-inclusive menstrual products.

WaterAid Nigeria, one of the key partners, reaffirmed its dedication to menstrual equity and announced new projects aimed at strengthening policy development, improving infrastructure, and expanding product access nationwide.

The summit ended with a united pledge by participants to break the culture of silence around menstruation, eliminate shame, and ensure no girl is left behind simply because of her period.