2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, Ondo Government takes awareness campaign to the grassroots; Distributes 2,000 Free Sanitary Pads

The Ondo State Government has extended its menstrual hygiene awareness campaign to secondary schools in Ondo south and North senatorial districts as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The 2025 World Menstrual Day was marked with a Outreach Campaign and distributing over 2,000 packs of sanitary pads to students and community members.

Speaking at the event  held at Igbokoda and Owo respectively, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, reaffirmed his administration's commitment to promoting the health, dignity, and overall well-being of women and girls.

The Governor, represented at Igbokoda by the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Oluseyi Oluwakemi Odusola, emphasized that the theme, of the 2025 World Menstrual Day, which is "Together for a Period-Friendly World", was in tardem with the government's broader health and gender equity goals.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also used the occasion to reiterate his administration's resolve to create a supportive environment where girls can thrive without stigma, emphasizing that government would integrate a comprehensive menstrual health education covering both biological and practical aspects into school curricula.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on women affairs, Dr Seun Osamaye who also represented Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa at Owo, while explaining that menstruation is a natural biological process, however noted that cultural taboos and misinformation have continued to cause stigma, shame, and isolation for many girls and women.

According to the Governor, When women and girls have access to safe, affordable menstrual products and accurate information, their risk of infection would be significantly reduced. 

This, he said would in turn, positively impacts reproductive health and reduces teenage pregnancy and fertility complications.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa therefore called for collective and coordinated actions aimed at ensuring the availability of menstrual products and improved sanitary facilities in schools, public spaces, and communities.

 “By prioritizing menstrual hygiene, we empower women and girls to stay in school, pursue careers, and fully participate in society,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, the Administrative Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, Public Sanitation and Hygiene, Mrs. Victoria Opeyemi Adetoye, stressed that menstruation should not be seen as a curse or stigma, but rather as a vital and natural part of womanhood.

According to her, menstruation is essential for procreation and should be celebrated for the dignity and beauty it represents.

"We must continue to challenge outdated norms and replace them with supportive, informed perspectives,” she said.

She noted that the ministry has remained committed to improving hygiene and public health across the state, particularly through efforts aimed at providing safe drinking water to households.

In their keynote addresses, Mrs. Akinduro of the Rebecca Foundation and Dr. Kareem of Federal Medical centre Owo, emphasized the need for legislative support to combat menstrual stigma and advance menstrual health education in Nigeria.

“Comprehensive, early education for both boys and girls is key to ending harmful stereotypes. We must normalize discussions about menstruation and encourage women to be prepared at all times, as menstrual cycles can be unpredictable,” she stated.

The event marks a significant step in the ongoing effort to make Ondo State a period-friendly environment where every girl and woman can manage menstruation with dignity, safety, and confidence.