Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria has marked the 2026 International Women’s Day with a targeted menstrual health outreach for women and girls at an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The initiative focused on promoting dignity, hygiene, and empowerment among displaced women, reinforcing the importance of access to menstrual health education and essential products in vulnerable communities.
The outreach was implemented under the Nigerian Economic Empowerment and Menstrual Health (NEEMH) Project, aimed at improving women’s wellbeing through increased access to menstrual health services.
It was carried out in collaboration with the Women and Girl Child Rescue and Development Initiative (WGRDI) and the Plateau State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, with support from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
Held on Monday, the programme brought together women and adolescent girls from IDP and conflict-affected communities for an interactive session on menstrual health and hygiene management.
Facilitators educated participants on the different types of menstrual products available, emphasizing safe, hygienic, and sustainable practices during menstruation.
A practical demonstration session was also conducted, where participants were taught how to properly use reusable menstrual pads.
As part of the intervention, dignity kits containing reusable pads, soap, buckets, underwear, toothbrushes and toothpaste were distributed to about 50 women to support their menstrual and personal hygiene needs.
Speaking at the event, the Director of Women Affairs at the Ministry, Mrs. Maureen Dakim, commended PSI Nigeria for the initiative, noting that many women and girls still lack adequate knowledge about menstruation.
“Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet many women and girls continue to face challenges due to limited awareness and access to hygiene materials. This intervention is both timely and impactful in restoring dignity and confidence,” she said.
Dakim added that the programme aligns with the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that every woman and girl can manage her menstrual cycle with pride and adequate support.
Also speaking, the Executive Director of WGRDI, Ambassador Bridget Dakyes, said the outreach reflects the theme of International Women’s Day 2026, “Give to Gain.”
“Providing access to menstrual health education and essential hygiene materials is a strategic investment in women’s empowerment. When women are supported, they are better positioned to contribute meaningfully to their families and communities,” she stated.
One of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the intervention, revealing that she previously relied on unsafe alternatives due to financial constraints.
“With the knowledge I have gained today and the materials received, I now understand proper menstrual hygiene and can confidently guide my daughters when they begin their journey,” she said.
PSI Nigeria noted that the outreach forms part of its broader effort to promote menstrual health as a critical component of women’s wellbeing, dignity, and empowerment.
The initiative further underscored the importance of sustained investment in menstrual health education and access to sanitary products, particularly for women and girls in displaced and underserved communities.
