On May 28, 2025, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Governor of Anambra State, commemorated World Menstrual Hygiene Day with a powerful statement addressing the pressing issue of period poverty in Nigeria.
The event, held in Awka, the state capital, drew attention to the ongoing challenges surrounding menstrual hygiene and access to essential products, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts to address these barriers.
In a compelling statement, Mrs. Soludo cited official data revealing that approximately 37 million women and girls across Nigeria lack access to basic menstrual materials.
“This alarming figure stresses that period poverty remains a serious issue, impacting the dignity, education, and well-being of millions of girls and women nationwide,” she said.
She described the statistic as a “clarion call” for government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private sector stakeholders, and communities to prioritize solutions that ensure the availability and affordability of menstrual products for those in dire need.
Mrs. Soludo also addressed the pervasive cultural and social stigmas surrounding menstruation, which often exacerbate the challenges faced by women and girls. “It’s imperative that we work to dismantle these stigmas,” she urged.
“Menstruation is a natural process, and no one should face discrimination, shame, or exclusion because of it. We must nurture open conversations and create supportive environments to normalize menstrual health.”
As part of her commitment to tackling these issues, Mrs. Soludo highlighted the success of her Healthy Living Pad Bank program, an initiative under her Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo platform. The program, currently operational in over 100 secondary schools across Anambra State, provides free menstrual pads to schoolgirls, addressing hygiene challenges and emergencies that often lead to absenteeism.
“Our goal is clear: no girl should be forced to stay away from the classroom because of her menstrual cycle,” she stated. “Hygiene is a fundamental part of our mission, and through the Pad Banks, we are empowering thousands of schoolgirls to manage their periods with confidence, pride, and dignity not shame or fear.”
Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo have featured a series of activities, including a menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in select schools, where students were educated on proper menstrual health practices and the importance of hygiene.
Community leaders, educators, and health advocates joined Mrs. Soludo in distributing menstrual pads and engaging in discussions to promote menstrual equity. The initiative has been lauded for its practical approach to addressing period poverty, with plans to expand the Pad Bank program to additional schools and communities in the state.
Mrs. Soludo also called for increased investment in sustainable menstrual health solutions, such as reusable pads and menstrual education programs, to ensure long-term impact.
“This is not just a women’s issue; it’s a societal issue that demands collective responsibility,” she emphasized. “By ensuring access to menstrual products and education, we are investing in the future of our girls, their education, and their ability to contribute meaningfully to society.”
The Anambra First Lady’s advocacy aligns with global efforts to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day, observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual hygiene management and to break the silence around menstruation. Her initiatives have positioned Anambra State as a leader in addressing period poverty, setting a model for other states to emulate in the fight for menstrual equity.