By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Girls and women in underserved communities and displaced persons in the six area councils of the FCT — Bwari, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali, Abuja Municipal, and Abaji have received education on healthy menstrual cycle and reproductive rights.
The project with 1,464 beneficiaries is been implemented by the Centre for Teens Health and Development (Centre4Teens) and funded by NextWorldNow Community Investment and carried out under the Education and Reproductive Health initiative.
The Founder of Centre4Teens, Morenikejimi Olaniran in an interview with Journalists on Wednesday said no girl should manage her period with shame.
Morenikejimi said she is inspired by her exposure to the realities many girls face.
She said “As someone who is struggling with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and had to go through period poverty as a teenager. I saw how lack of access to menstrual health education and products limited opportunities for girls, affecting their dignity, self-esteem, and future. I wanted to break that cycle by creating safe spaces where young girls could access knowledge, support, and tools to manage their health confidently,”
She said beneficiaries were trained on menstrual health, reproductive rights, personal hygiene, and the creation of reusable sanitary pads.
Participants also received dignity kits and starter packs to support their menstrual health journey.
The project reached 13 underserved communities and internally displaced persons’ camps including Asharra, Kilankwa, Tarkushara IDP camp, Widow, Orphan and Less Privileged Home Akwanga, School of the Deaf, Government Science School Obi, Karamaojigi Disabilities IDP camp, Mapa, Bwari Community, Government Day Secondary School Bwari, Barangoni, Government Technical School, and Dukpa Community.
The intervention, which ran from October 2024 to September 2025, did not only distribute materials but also emphasized community engagement by identifying local focal persons, fostering ongoing support, and sustaining behaviour change through peer influence.
The project encouraged open dialogue, challenged harmful myths, promoted inclusive education, and equipped beneficiaries with tools to set healthy boundaries and take control of their health choices.
On the myths around menstruation, Morenikejimi said, “We encountered lot of myths such as menstruating girls being ‘unclean,’ restrictions on touching food or water, and the belief that menstruation is shameful, private and must be hidden. Through peer education, open discussions, storytelling and community dialogues, we challenged these misconceptions and replaced them with accurate, empowering information.”
According to her, Peer education, she stressed, was central to the programme’s success.
The project also worked with adolescents with disabilities and women in IDP camps.
She said,“It is vital. Peer-to-peer education ensures sustainability. When young people lead change within their own communities, it creates ripple effects that reach beyond what any one project can achieve. It also empowers them to become advocates for menstrual dignity and reproductive health.
“Accessibility was a major challenge, both in terms of reaching them physically and in tailoring education materials to their needs. We collaborated with caregivers and disability advocates to adapt our approach, ensuring inclusivity and respect for their lived realities. For communities with people living with disabilities we have to use a sign language interpreter, so each girl can learn, unlearn and relearn. The most prioritize was to see a behavioural changes from the girls and community we served,” she said.
Morenikejimi said that one of the most memorable moments was seeing teenage girls confidently demonstrate how to make and use reusable pads after their training.
“It was a powerful reminder that knowledge truly is empowerment. Seeing girls who used to sit on the ground, use pieces of clothing, and have transactional relationships just to get by during their period. Stand with so much confidence to speak and talk about menstruation. The girls resilience will really admirably,” she said.
She urged policymakers and donors to recognize menstrual dignity as a national priority. She said it is a fundamental human right.
“Without it, girls lose opportunities to attend school, build confidence, and realize their potential. Investing in menstrual health is investing in education, gender equality, and national development.”
“My dream is that no girl will have to choose between her education and her period. In five years, I want to see a Nigeria where menstrual dignity is normalized, products are accessible, and girls are empowered to thrive in every sphere of life,” Morenikejimi said.
She also called on boys and men to play their part.
“My message is simple: menstruation is not just a ‘women’s issue.’ It is a societal issue. Boys and men have a role to play in breaking stigma, supporting sisters, classmates, and daughters, and creating an environment where periods are no longer hidden in shame but embraced as a normal part of life. Boys and men need to support their female daughters or families more, be able to support when needed and understand that all women have different experiences during menstruation, some can have painful periods while others may have unpained periods. They should show empathy and support at all times,” she said.
During the project, Centre4Teens distributed 4,500 pieces of underwear, 6,000 reusable pads, and 2,000 toothbrushes, along with bathing and washing soaps.
