The Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs (LASODA), in collaboration with Plan International Nigeria, Oando Foundation, Zenith Bank Plc, and FlowVantage, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing inclusive menstrual health and hygiene for girls with disabilities through the commemoration of the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.
The event, themed “Together for a Period Friendly World,” was held at State Senior Grammar School, Surulere, Lagos, bringing together students and teachers from inclusive and special schools across the state.
The initiative formed part of the global observance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day, aimed at promoting awareness, influencing policies, and encouraging collective action to improve menstrual health and hygiene for women and girls, particularly those facing barriers to inclusion.
Speaking at the event, the General Manager of LASODA, Mrs. Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, described menstruation as a natural biological process but noted that many girls, especially those with disabilities, continue to face stigma, discrimination, inadequate access to menstrual health information, poor sanitation facilities, and limited support systems.
She stressed that such barriers often deny girls with disabilities equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and social participation.
According to her, “No girl, regardless of her disability, should be left out of the conversation. We must continue to advance discussions around dignity, health, inclusion, and equal opportunities for every girl. Menstrual hygiene is not merely a health issue; it is also a matter of human rights, education, and social inclusion.”
Mrs. Oyetunde-Lawal said the partnership between LASODA and Plan International Nigeria aligns with the agency’s mandate of promoting the rights, dignity, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in Lagos State, while supporting the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the Lagos State Special People’s Law.
She commended Plan International Nigeria, Oando Foundation, Zenith Bank Plc, and FlowVantage for supporting the programme through the donation of dignity kits and other essential resources to help girls with disabilities manage their menstrual health safely and confidently.
The LASODA General Manager also appealed to male students to become advocates for respect and inclusion by supporting their female classmates instead of ridiculing them during menstruation.
“Menstruation is a normal part of life. Boys have a responsibility to protect, respect, and support their classmates. No girl should ever be ridiculed or made to feel less because she is menstruating,” she said.
Also speaking, the Director of Philanthropy at Plan International Nigeria, Mrs. Sheila Ojei, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of disability or background, has the opportunity to live, learn, and thrive.
She described education as a fundamental right and maintained that no girl should miss school because of menstruation.
“Menstruation is not a taboo; it is a healthy and natural part of growing up. No girl should be ashamed of her period or denied access to education because of it. Together, we must break the silence, challenge harmful stereotypes, and create an environment where every girl can manage her menstrual health with dignity and confidence,” she said.
As part of the programme, participating girls received dignity kits containing sanitary pads, underwear, soap, towels, wipes, and accessible menstrual hygiene information materials to support safe and hygienic menstrual practices.
Founder of FlowVantage, Mrs. Yeside Olayinka-Agbola, facilitated an interactive menstrual hygiene education session where participants were taught the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads, personal hygiene during menstruation, and practical self-care measures for maintaining good menstrual health.
The event also featured an oral health awareness session, during which participants received dental education, free dental check-ups, and professional teeth cleaning as part of efforts to promote their overall health and well-being.
The programme underscored the shared commitment of the Lagos State Government and its development partners to ensuring that girls with disabilities have equitable access to menstrual health education, essential hygiene products, quality healthcare services, and an inclusive learning environment where they can thrive with dignity.
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