The Lola Cater Foundation has set a target to reach 5,000 girls across Nigeria with menstrual health education, books and hygiene support by May 28, 2027, as part of efforts to promote girls’ health, confidence and dignity.

‎The foundation’s chief executive officer, Ololade Ogunnubi, announced the initiative at the She Is Ready 2026 event held in Abuja on Wednesday to commemorate the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child.

‎The event also featured the launch of a book titled My First Period: A Young Girl’s Guide to Confidence, Courage and Growing Up, designed to equip girls with essential knowledge about menstruation and puberty.

Ms ‎Ogunnubi said the initiative was aimed at ensuring that girls approached menstruation with adequate knowledge, confidence, and dignity, without fear, confusion or embarrassment.

‎She explained that many girls experienced anxiety and shame during their first menstrual period because they lacked reliable information, access to menstrual hygiene products and trusted adults to guide them through the experience.

‎“Some lack reliable information. Some struggle to access menstrual products and appropriate facilities. Others have no trusted adults to turn to when they need reassurance,” she said.

‎The foundation’s chief executive identified inadequate communication between parents and schools as a major challenge affecting menstrual health education among adolescent girls.

‎She noted that some parents expected schools to educate their children about menstruation, while teachers believed the responsibility rested primarily with parents.

Ms ‎Ogunnubi warned that the absence of a coordinated approach to menstrual health education left many girls vulnerable to misinformation and misleading advice from their peers.

‎“Parents are not teaching, and schools are saying it is the parents’ responsibility. So, what do you think the students are going to get their information from?” she asked.

‎She said the newly launched book was designed to provide girls, parents, teachers and other trusted adults with a practical resource for discussing menstruation openly and sharing accurate information.

‎According to her, the publication will help young girls understand the changes associated with puberty, build confidence and develop healthy attitudes towards menstruation.

‎Ms Ogunnubi called for stronger partnerships among government agencies, schools, healthcare professionals, community leaders, civil society organisations and corporate bodies to achieve the foundation’s target.

‎She stressed that collective action was necessary to ensure that girls, particularly those in underserved communities, had access to menstrual health education and essential hygiene resources.

‎In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Maryam Keshinro, commended the foundation for promoting menstrual health education and girls’ empowerment.

‎Ms ‎Keshinro, represented by Emmanuel Essien, Director of Youth Health, Mental and psychosocial Affairs Department said menstrual stigma, misconceptions and inadequate access to hygiene products and facilities continued to undermine girls’ confidence, school attendance and participation in society.

‎“We must ensure that every girl has access to accurate information, essential hygiene resources and a supportive environment where menstruation can be discussed openly without shame,” she said.

‎She reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to promoting the well-being, inclusion, leadership and empowerment of young people, particularly adolescent girls and young women.

‎“Girls are not merely beneficiaries of development. They are active contributors to national progress. Their rights must therefore be protected, their voices heard and their opportunities expanded,” she said.

Ms ‎Keshinro urged stakeholders to invest in girls’ education, menstrual health, life skills and mentorship while strengthening efforts to protect them against gender-based violence, harmful practices and child marriage.

‎Also speaking,  Joy Kalu, Head of the Adolescent and School Health Branch of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, described the initiative as timely and important.

Ms ‎Kalu, who was represented by Charity, Assistant Director at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said menstruation should no longer be treated as a subject that must be discussed in silence.

She urged government institutions, parents, schools, development partners and young people to contribute to improving menstrual health education.

‎“We all have a role to play. We need to bring that together to ensure that our roles complement each other,” she said.

‎She explained that providing young people with accurate health information would enable them to make informed decisions about their well-being and prepare adequately for adulthood.

‎Similarly, Patricia Narai, wife of the Sakari of Karu, who spoke on behalf of the Association of Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers (WOFCTTRA), said many women grew up without adequate information about menstruation.

‎Ms Narai recalled that her first menstrual experience left her confused because she did not understand the changes occurring in her body, highlighting the importance of preparing girls before their first period.

‎She stressed that parents, teachers and other trusted adults must provide girls with timely information and emotional support to help them navigate puberty confidently.

‎“Menstruation is not a source of shame. It is a natural biological process that deserves understanding, care and respect,” she said.

Ms ‎Narai called on traditional institutions, parents and community leaders to promote open discussions about girls’ health and improve access to accurate information, menstrual hygiene products and safe sanitary facilities.

‎She also encouraged girls to ask questions, seek reliable information and approach trusted adults whenever they needed guidance, rather than allowing shame or misinformation to limit their confidence.

‎The event featured the launch of Ms Ogunnubi’s book, My First Period, alongside health education, girls’ empowerment activities and discussions aimed at breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation and advancing menstrual health awareness across Nigeria.‎

(NAN)