ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Nigerian actress and philanthropist Tonto Dikeh led a menstrual hygiene awareness campaign in the capital over the weekend, calling for stronger education, government support, and public acceptance around menstrual health.
The outreach, themed “She Matters,” was organized by the Queen Jennifer Ephraim Foundation in partnership with the Tonto Dikeh Foundation. Held at Government Junior Secondary School, Dutse Sagwari, the event formed part of the “Pad-A-Girl” initiative aimed at promoting menstrual hygiene and dignity for schoolgirls.
Dikeh, a longtime advocate for women’s and children’s rights, taught students how to use and properly dispose of sanitary pads while urging them to maintain confidence and hygiene during their menstrual cycles.
“Menstruation is not a curse; it’s a sign of womanhood,” Dikeh told the crowd of young girls. “We must educate ourselves, speak openly, and never allow shame or stigma to silence us”
The event included interactive discussions on menstrual health, the importance of clean water and sanitation, and breaking cultural taboos surrounding menstruation. Hundreds of sanitary kits were distributed to the students, many of whom said it was their first time receiving such support.
Parents who attended the program praised the actress and her foundation for addressing what they described as a “silent struggle” in many homes. “Our daughters miss school because they don’t have pads or feel embarrassed,” said Fatima Ibrahim, a mother of three. “This outreach is giving them confidence and knowledge we couldn’t always provide at home.”
Government representatives also commended the initiative. Dr. Grace John, director of Gender and Child Development at the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said Dikeh’s campaign complements national efforts to end “period poverty” across Nigeria.
“The government recognizes menstrual health as a key part of gender equality and education,” John said. “We are expanding access to sanitary products in schools and rural communities, but we need more partnerships like this one to reach every girl.”
Local officials in Abuja’s Bwari Area Council, where the school is located, promised to introduce similar awareness programs across other public schools. “This is not just about health — it’s about dignity,” said Council Secretary Musa Bello. “When girls are informed and equipped, they stay in school and dream bigger.”
Health advocates say menstrual hygiene remains a pressing public health concern in Nigeria, where millions of girls lack affordable sanitary pads and adequate facilities. According to UNICEF, one in ten school-age girls in sub-Saharan Africa misses school during menstruation due to these barriers.
Representatives from Miss Health Africa, one of the partner organizations, stressed that men and boys must also be part of the conversation. “We need fathers, brothers, and teachers to understand menstruation so they can support girls, not shame them,” said founder Jennifer Ephraim.
Teachers at the Dutse Sagwari school said the outreach helped dispel myths and fear among students. “The girls asked questions they’ve never asked before,” said principal Hauwa Lawal. “They left the program smiling and informed — that’s the real victory.”
Dikeh’s foundation said it will continue to expand its menstrual hygiene education programs nationwide and called on corporate sponsors to support free pad distribution in rural schools. “Empowering girls means empowering the future,” the foundation said in a statement.
The campaign closed with a pledge from participants and officials to make menstrual health education a regular part of school curricula in the Federal Capital Territory.
