Stakeholders in Bauchi State have renewed calls for collective action against menstrual stigma as PLAN International and the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) commemorated the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a sensitization campaign.
The programme, held at the Special Education School in Bauchi under the theme “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld,” focused on breaking myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation and promoting healthy hygiene practices among adolescents.
Senior Project Manager of PLAN International, Nasiru Mohammed Musa, said combating menstrual stigma requires education, access to menstrual products, and supportive environments for girls.
According to him, boys were deliberately included in the sensitization sessions to foster understanding and encourage support for girls during menstruation.
NAWOJ Chairperson in Bauchi State, Rashida Yusuf, said menstrual hygiene education plays a critical role in improving school attendance and academic performance among girls.
She emphasized the need to challenge harmful cultural beliefs and ensure that menstruation is discussed openly and positively.
The event featured practical demonstrations on menstrual hygiene management and reusable sanitary pad production, while participants received hygiene kits to support menstrual care.
Some of the girls and boys pupil’s expressed their gratitude to donors for the knowledge and support.
They also promise to disseminate same knowledge to their peers groups at home on how to protect and prevent themselves before, during and after menstruation.
