Breaking the barriers for menstrual health equity: WaterAid calls for urgent action on menstrual health this Menstrual Hygiene Day
Abuja, Nigeria – 28 May 2025
As the world marks Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, WaterAid Nigeria is calling for national recognition that menstrual health is a human right, not a privilege, therefore urging Governments, schools and communities to break the silence around menstruation and challenge harmful taboos to ensure that every girl and woman can manage her period with dignity, confidence and in a safe manner.
Every day, millions of people who menstruate face stigma, shame and health risks due to a lack of basic menstrual hygiene facilities and knowledge. Despite being an education and gender equality issue, millions of women and girls in Nigeria still lack access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services, as well as accurate information and safe spaces to manage their periods. This reality contributes to keeping girls out of school and preventing women from participating fully in daily life.
According to the 2021 WASHNORM survey, only about 46% of Nigerians have access to basic sanitation services, and just 13% use improved sanitation facilities with proper handwashing stations. For menstruating girls and women, this gap means exposure to shame, infection, and stigma, often with lifelong consequences.
Evelyn Mere, Country Director of WaterAid Nigeria, said:
“It is unacceptable that menstruation continues to limit the potential of millions of girls and women in Nigeria. No one should miss school, feel ashamed, or be unsafe simply because they are menstruating. A period-friendly world is one where dignity, access, and rights are protected for everyone, regardless of age, location, or income.”
This year’s theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld”, resonates deeply with WaterAid’s mission. Periods should never be a barrier to education, livelihood or dignity. Yet, 500 million people globally lack access to adequate menstrual products and facilities.
In partnership with schools, health institutions, communities and government at national and sub national levels, WaterAid Nigeria is implementing menstrual health and hygiene management (MHHM) interventions that include the provision of WASH facilities in schools, setting up of hygiene clubs, production and distribution of reusable pads, and community sensitisation efforts. These initiatives are designed to foster supportive environments where menstruation is normalised, and no one is left to choose between managing their period and living their life with dignity.
This Menstrual Hygiene Day, WaterAid Nigeria is renewing its call to:
- Integrate menstrual health into national and sub national WASH, health, gender and education policies
- Prioritise inclusive and climate resilient WASH facilities and menstrual services in schools and public spaces
- Challenge menstrual stigma through community engagement and advocacy
- Invest in behaviour change and community education to tackle harmful norms
WaterAid invites the public, policymakers, and partners to join the movement and help create a world where no one is held back by their period. Together, we can create a Nigeria where menstruation is no longer a barrier to opportunity, safety, or dignity.
/ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Zainab Mukhtar, WaterAid Nigeria Communications Officer,
[email protected], +234 707 115 8421
Notes to Editors:
WaterAid
WaterAid is an international non-profit with one goal: to change the world through water. Along with decent toilets and good hygiene, a reliable supply of clean water is essential for health, dignity and a life full of opportunity. Since 1981, WaterAid UK and its Country Programmes have reached 28.9 million people with clean water, 29.2 million people with decent toilets and 28.7 million people with good hygiene.
For more information, visit www.wateraid.org, www.wateraid.org/nigeria; follow @WaterAidNigeria or @WaterAid on Twitter, or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wateraid, www.facebook.com/wateraidnigeria, www.facebook.com/wateraidnigeria
* In Nigeria:
- Only 10% of the population has access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
- 68 million people (33% of the population) lack access to basic drinking water services.
- 113 million people (55% of the population) lack decent toilets.
- 48 million people (23% of the population) practice open defecation.
- 171 million people (83% of the population) lack basic handwashing facilities.
- Only 11% of schools have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
- Only 6% of healthcare facilities have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
- Only 4% of parks and markets have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services.
