As part of activities marking World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment (DeCODE) in partnership with Preserved Childhood Foundation and Pink Health Foundation, has reinforced its commitment to advancing menstrual health and dignity for girls through a comprehensive awareness campaign in Onitsha, Anambra State.
The initiative, which brought together students, educators, healthcare professionals, community leaders, advocates and other stakeholders, focused on breaking the silence around menstruation while promoting access to accurate information, safe learning environments and improved menstrual hygiene management.
The event highlighted the critical role of philanthropy and community partnerships in addressing barriers that continue to affect girls’ health, education and self-confidence. Organisers stressed that menstruation should never be a source of shame, stigma or exclusion.
Participants received education on menstrual hygiene and proper menstrual care, understanding the menstrual cycle, period tracking and preparedness, harmful myths and cultural practices surrounding menstruation, as well as the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools. Discussions also explored the role of parents, teachers, communities and policymakers in supporting girls through puberty and menstrual health challenges.
One of the most emotional moments of the programme was a mime performance by students from the School for the Deaf, which underscored the importance of inclusion and the need to ensure that girls living with disabilities are not left out of conversations on menstrual health and wellbeing.
Students from various schools also participated in a debate on the topic, “Should Menstruation Be Discussed Openly or Not?” While one side cited cultural sensitivities, privacy concerns and discomfort in mixed-gender settings, proponents argued that menstruation is a natural biological process that should be openly discussed.
The students maintained that engaging boys and men in menstrual health conversations is essential to combating stigma, misinformation and discrimination against girls.
Another highlight was the introduction of PeriodReal, a digital menstrual health platform designed to provide girls with reliable information, educational resources and support on menstrual health management.
Special Guest and member representing Onitsha Constituency I, Mimi Okpeazu, encouraged participants to view menstruation as a natural part of life and not a limitation to their ambitions.
Speaking to the girls, Okpeazu addressed issues of body safety, confidence, personal development and career growth, urging them not to allow societal expectations or menstrual-related challenges hinder their aspirations.
The programme also featured a panel session with accomplished women professionals who shared personal experiences and practical lessons on overcoming challenges, building successful careers and maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities.
Speaking during the event, the organisers called for greater investment in menstrual health education, wider access to sanitary products and improved WASH facilities in schools and communities.
They noted that sustained philanthropic support and multi-sector collaboration remain essential to ensuring that girls can manage menstruation safely, confidently and with dignity.
The organisations expressed appreciation to sponsors, volunteers, speakers, partners and advocates whose contributions made the programme possible, including Oma Sweetheart on Radio, Dr. Ofeoma Imeh, Dr. Ngozi Aghadiuno and several other supporters.
According to the organisers, the partnership reflects a shared commitment to localising global efforts aimed at ending period poverty and menstrual stigma while creating a future where every girl has the knowledge, support and resources needed to thrive. “Together, we can build a Period-Friendly World,” the organisations said.
