The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has joined millions of voices across Nigeria and the world to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, reaffirming its commitment to advancing the rights, dignity, and leadership of girls.
Aligning with the 2025 national theme set by the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Front Lines of Crisis.”
WARDC emphasized the urgent need to end period poverty, promote menstrual hygiene, and ensure the protection of girls, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday to mark the occasion by WARDC Founding Director, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, the organization highlighted its ongoing work in promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls through legal advocacy, policy reform, research, and community engagement.
According to the statement, WARDC noted that access to education, healthcare, and protection from gender-based violence remains central to its mission.
Despite gains in girls’ education and health, WARDC expressed concern that millions of Nigerian girls continue to face period poverty, the lack of access to sanitary products, hygiene facilities, and menstrual education.
Studies indicate that one in ten girls in Africa misses school during their menstrual period, while about 25% of Nigerian schoolgirls lack access to safe menstrual hygiene products.
“This challenge is even more severe in rural communities where water and sanitation facilities are scarce.
“Period poverty not only causes school absenteeism but also leads to shame, trauma, infections, and in some cases, early school dropout and child marriage,” the statement read.
WARDC praised the recent establishment of a Menstrual Bank in Bauchi State, the first of its kind in Nigeria, which provides free sanitary products to girls in schools and marginalized areas.
The group described the initiative as a “bold and progressive step” that recognizes the critical link between menstrual health, education, and empowerment.
It called on other state governments to replicate and scale up such interventions nationwide.
Calls to Action
To accelerate progress, WARDC urged the government and stakeholders to take the following actions:
- Pass a National Menstrual Health Policy and Law
- Strengthen school protocols to prevent and report sexual violence
- Increase budget allocations for girls’ health and hygiene program
- Enhance community sensitization and male engagement
- Improve data collection and research on girls’ welfare and health
- Empowering Girls, Empowering Society
Reaffirming its vision for a just and inclusive society, WARDC stated that empowering girls translates to empowering communities and nations.
“Girls are not just victims of crisis; they are leaders, innovators, and change-makers,” the organization declared. “But to lead effectively, they must be equipped with dignity, safety, and education.”
As the world marks this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, WARDC called on all sectors of society to break the silence and stigma around menstruation, uphold girls’ rights, and ensure that every girl grows up free from discrimination and fear.
“Let us rise to this moment,” the statement concluded, “to build a future where every girl can live, learn, and lead with dignity.”
