Group Lauds FG’s National Policy On Menstrual Health
The Gender Educator Initiative (GEI) has hailed the Federal Government of Nigeria for adopting the country’s first National Policy on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) and removing tax on sanitary towels, describing it as a landmark victory for women and girls.
In a statement signed by its Founder and Executive Lead, Shafa’atu Suleiman, the organisation said the development represents not just a policy breakthrough but also a triumph for dignity, equity, and justice.
According to the group, the policy offers hope for girls who miss school every month due to lack of access to menstrual products and for women who resort to unsafe practices because of cost.
It added that the action signals Nigeria’s recognition of menstrual health as a human rights issue, a public health concern, and a development priority.
“For too long, menstruation has been surrounded by silence, stigma, and economic barriers that robbed millions of girls of education and denied women full participation in society.
“By making menstrual health a national priority and lifting the tax burden on sanitary products, the government has taken a decisive step toward dismantling one of the hidden challenges women face daily”
GEI further commended the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim for her role in validating the policy. It also applauded the contribution of WaterAid Nigeria, whose funding support made the initiative possible, as well as Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, whose Menstrual Health No Wahala programme continues to impact lives across Sokoto, Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Plateau, and Akwa Ibom.
“GEI celebrates this collaboration as a clear demonstration of the power of inclusive consultation and partnership in advancing social justice,” the statement read.
The group called for swift implementation of the policy, inclusive collaboration with women-led grassroots organisations, and sustained investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure to ensure that no girl is left behind.
“As educators and advocates for reproductive health, we affirm that menstruation should never be a barrier to opportunity. The Federal Government’s decision is proof that when governments listen, women and girls win,” Suleiman added.
Group Lauds FG’s National Policy On Menstrual Health is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
