Menstruation is a challenge on its own. Girls in Nigeria, just like in many parts of the world, face stigma, a lack of access to sanitary products, and even drop out of school due to problems with their menstrual cycle.
1. Millions of Girls Miss School Because of Their Menstrual Cycle
In Nigeria, 1 girl out of every 10 misses school every month during their periods due to a lack of sanitary pads and private toilets. According to UNICEF, these absences accumulate, leading to significant learning gaps and even causing many to drop out of school.
2. Sanitary Products Are Too Expensive for Many Girls
For many families, menstrual pads are unaffordable. According to a report published by Plan International in 2023, 65% of girls in Nigeria cannot afford sanitation products and instead use rags, tissues, or other unsafe materials which may bring infections and discomforts.
3. Stigma Around the Menstruation Affects Girls’ Confidence
In one WaterAid-commissioned survey, a staggering 70% of girls reported feelings of shame while on their period. Most girls hardly discuss the issue, hence leading to embarrassment and misinformation. Stigma results in effects that deter open discussion of menstrual hygiene and health.
4. Lack of Clean Water Makes Managing the Menstrual Cycle Difficult
According to the World Bank, over 40% of schools in Nigeria do not have clean water or safe toilets. Without proper facilities, girls struggle to keep themselves clean during their periods, and this has forced many to stay home rather than face discomfort and embarrassment.
5. Child Marriage and Menstruation Are Linked
According to UNICEF, girls who reach menstruation status a bit earlier are more likely to be victims of child marriage. In Nigeria, more than 43% of girls get married before their 18th birthday. For many families, the onset of menstruation signifies readiness for marriage and, consequently, an end to education.
6. Period Poverty Affects Mental Health
A study by the African Coalition for Menstrual Health found that nearly 50% of girls who experience period poverty feel anxious, stressed, or depressed. The struggle to afford menstrual products makes them feel isolated and ashamed.
7. Access to the Right Information Can Change Lives
Research from UNESCO shows that when girls learn about their menstrual cycle in school, they feel more confident and prepared. However, in Nigeria, only 30% of schools offer menstrual health education. Without knowledge, many girls believe in harmful myths about their bodies.
Why These Numbers Matter
The menstrual cycle should never be a reason for girls to suffer, miss school, or feel ashamed. These statistics show that menstrual health is not just a personal issue, it’s a policy issue.
Policymakers can make a difference by:
- Reducing the cost of sanitary products through subsidies or tax exemptions.
- Improving school facilities with clean water and private toilets.
- Adding menstrual health education to school curriculums.
Journalists can help by reporting on these issues, raising awareness, and breaking the stigma around periods.
Change starts with knowledge. Chec out the detailed statistics at genderpedia.ng/shop.
References
For more details, explore these reports:
