Period poverty is putting the health, education and dignity of many girls at risk, particularly those from low-income households who struggle to afford sanitary products and access basic menstrual hygiene facilities.
Dr Chukwubundom Nwobodo, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology Medical Officer at General Hospital, Ebute-Metta, described period poverty as inadequate access to menstrual products, clean water, private toilets, waste-disposal facilities and information needed to manage menstruation safely and with dignity.
He said girls who cannot afford sanitary pads often resort to rags, tissue, newspapers, leaves, cotton wool or reused cloth, exposing them to irritation, rashes and infections. He added that inadequate facilities and fear of leaks could also cause anxiety, embarrassment, low self-esteem and social withdrawal.
Nwobodo said many girls miss school during menstruation because of inadequate products, pain or fear of embarrassment, while others struggle to concentrate or participate fully in class.
The gynaecologist called for free or subsidised menstrual products in public schools and health centres, improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, and menstrual-health education for both girls and boys. He also urged teachers, parents and communities to discuss menstruation openly and challenge cultural taboos that portray it as shameful.
He further advocated tax relief on menstrual products, teacher training, access to counselling and pain management, and community-based programmes to support vulnerable girls. According to him, menstruation is a normal biological process, and ensuring that girls can manage their periods safely and with dignity should be treated as a health and education priority.
Leave a comment