Lagos SDGs Office Seeks End To Menstrual Shame, Stigma

Mrs Kaphayah Sarumi, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), on Wednesday, described menstrual health as a cornerstone of human dignity and a prerequisite for national development.

Sarumi called for sustained efforts to end silence, stigma and improve access to menstrual health services across Nigeria.

She made the call at the maiden commemoration of International Menstrual Hygiene Day organised by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos.

The event, which has the theme: “Advancing Menstrual Health Management in Nigeria,” brought together students, researchers, development practitioners and advocates to discuss the importance of menstrual health and its role in achieving the SDGs.

The day, observed annually on May 28, aims to raise awareness on the challenges women and girls face in managing menstruation safely.

According to Sarumi, menstrual health should not be viewed as a women’s issue discussed in isolation, but as a critical component of sexual and reproductive health.

“When a girl or woman can manage her menstrual cycle with comfort, safety and pride, we see the results immediately in better health outcomes, higher school attendance, increased productivity and a stronger economy,” she said.

She noted that global discourse on menstruation had evolved significantly since 2012 when attention was focused mainly on hygiene. The permanent secretary added that the conversation had expanded to encompass access to affordable menstrual products, education, supportive policies and social inclusion.

“Through the framework established by UNICEF in 2019, we now recognise menstrual health management as a comprehensive ecosystem. It is about breaking barriers to ensure gender equality, ensuring access to safe and affordable materials, empowering professionals with the right information, shifting social norms and advocating supportive policies,” she said.

The permanent secretary noted that Nigeria had moved from being a participant in the global menstrual health movement to becoming a leader. She cited the validation of the National Policy on Menstrual Health in August 2025 as evidence of the country’s commitment.

She also highlighted the environmental implications of menstrual waste, stressing the need to invest in sustainable alternatives.

“The average woman uses approximately 150 kilograms of non-biodegradable menstrual waste in her lifetime. We cannot safeguard the dignity of women at the expense of our planet.”

According to her, the next frontier is sustainability through investment in the circular economy, local production of biodegradable materials and the normalisation of reusable options such as menstrual cups and period underwear.

Sarumi said menstrual health was linked to several SDGs, including poverty reduction, good health, quality education, gender equality, reduced inequalities and partnerships for development.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Government to advancing menstrual health through partnerships with the private sector and civil society organisations.

“Let us continue to break the culture of silence and ensure that every girl in Nigeria can walk with her head held high every day of the month,” she said.

Earlier, the Director-General of NIIA, Prof. Eghosa Osaghae, said menstrual health remained a multidimensional issue that extended beyond hygiene to include human rights, health and cultural concerns.

Osaghae observed that several cultural taboos still surrounded menstruation in some communities, including restrictions placed on women during their menstrual periods.
“Today, we are liberated. Freedom has come and we can talk about menstrual health as a human rights issue. It is about womanhood, dignity and respect. Women should not suffer discrimination because of menstruation. They have a right and a voice,” he said.

Osaghae noted that women experienced menstruation differently, with some facing severe physical and emotional challenges, underscoring the need for greater public enlightenment and health support.

According to him, some cultural beliefs continue to associate menstruation with mystical powers, highlighting the importance of education and awareness to address misconceptions.

Also, Dr Esther Idowu, a Research Fellow at NIIA, said more than two billion people worldwide menstruate, yet managing menstruation remained a challenge for many women and girls.

She described the International Day observed annually on May 28 as significant because it reflected the average 28-day menstrual cycle and five-day menstruation period.

“Periods should be observed with dignity and confidence, not with shame and silence,” she said.

Idowu noted that the topic aligned with SDGs 4, 5 and 6, covering quality education, gender equality and clean water, and sanitation.

According to her, the event underscores the growing recognition of menstrual health as a public health, gender equality and development issue requiring coordinated action from governments, institutions and communities.