Abuja: Connected Development (CODE) and its partners have called for an end to menstrual stigma, emphasizing that menstruation is a natural occurrence that should not be associated with shame. The appeal was made during a media visit to Thrifty Slayer, a reusable pad production facility in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Hamzat Lawal, Founder of CODE, stated that menstruation should never be a source of embarrassment for women and girls. He highlighted the importance of societal support for women to achieve their goals without being hindered by menstrual stigma. Lawal urged men, advocates, allies, and fathers to prioritize menstrual health and emphasized the need for policies that facilitate the availability of pads in public spaces such as schools and markets.
Lawal further noted that addressing menstrual hygiene could reduce healthcare costs for treating infections and promote women’s economic empowerment through the production of reusable pads. He pointed out the environmental benefits of reusable pads, as they help reduce waste from disposable products that often clog drainage systems.
Mrs. Gbemi Elekula, Founder of HUMANx/Dream Homes, shared that her company produces quality clothing and allocates part of the proceeds to fund the distribution of reusable pads in underserved communities. She reported that 3,675 packs had been distributed across six communities in collaboration with CODE and Thrifty Slayer. Elekula stressed the importance of eliminating the stigma surrounding menstruation, drawing parallels with how openly food is discussed compared to menstruation.
Ms. Honeybel Ajise, Manager of Thrifty Slayers, highlighted the organization’s focus on ending menstrual poverty and empowering women and girls through training in sanitary pad production. She expressed confidence that the collaboration with CODE and HUMANx would restore dignity to women and girls during their menstrual periods and help eradicate the associated stigma.
