The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called for the integration of menstrual education into school curricula in a renewed effort to deepen menstrual education and dispel myths against menstruation.

The UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) specialist, Monday Johnson, said this during a sensitisation programme on menstrual hygiene on Friday in Ibadan.

The programme was organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF.

It had in attendance girls from selected schools and it was held at St Anne’s Girls College, Ibadan, in commemoration of the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

Menstrual Hygiene Day, being observed every May 28, is dedicated to promoting better understanding about menstruation.

The day also raises awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene and aims to break down the existing social taboos associated with menstruation.

The theme for the 2025 celebration is “Together for a Period Friendly World”.

Mr Johnson said that menstrual education remains crucial for promoting menstrual health, hygiene, and awareness in Nigeria.

According to him, menstrual education helps to break the stigma surrounding menstruation and empowers individuals to take control of their menstrual health.

” Menstrual education in the school curriculum will help young schoolgirls to quickly understand the menstrual cycle and its phases. It will also educate girls on proper use of sanitary products, disposal, hand hygiene and how to manage menstrual cramps and other symptoms.

“Menstrual education promotes a more open discussion, making educated individuals feel more confident and empowered. Educating schoolboys about menstruation can also promote understanding and support.

“By promoting menstrual education, we can work toward creating a more informed and supportive environment for individuals to manage their menstrual health,” he said.

Also, UNICEF’s social behavioural specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, said that menstruation myths and misconceptions contributed to menstrual stigma and shame.

She noted that some cultural myths claimed that menstruation made women impure or unclean.

She said, therefore, that more advocacy was still needed against cultural and social stereotypes surrounding menstruation.

“Misinformation about menstruation can lead to poor menstrual health and hygiene practices, while menstrual stigma can affect women’s education, employment, and overall well-being, “she said.

The event featured lectures, panel sessions and practical demonstrations on how menstrual pads and other products could be properly used and disposed of.

Other schools that participated in the programme include St Theresa School, Ibadan; Urban Day Grammar School, Ibadan; Deril Academy, Ibadan; and Community High School Alarere, Ibadan, among others.

(NAN)