Sokoto State Government, in partnership with UNICEF and other development partners, has intensified efforts to promote menstrual hygiene awareness and improve access to sanitary materials for girls and women across the state.
The initiative was carried out to commemorate the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, with sensitisation campaigns and distribution of health and hygiene materials held at Unguwar Talakawa community and Government Girls Day Secondary School, Kofar Marke, in Sokoto metropolis.
The programme was organised by the Sokoto State Ministry of Women and Children Affairs in collaboration with UNICEF, international non-governmental organisations (INGOs), civil society organisations (CSOs), and other stakeholders working in the health, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) sectors.
Speaking during the event, stakeholders emphasized the need to break the silence surrounding menstruation and eliminate the stigma, myths, and misconceptions that often prevent girls and women from managing their menstrual health with dignity.
Participants were educated on menstrual hygiene management, proper use of sanitary products, and the importance of maintaining personal hygiene during menstruation. Discussions also focused on addressing menstrual poverty and harmful cultural beliefs that continue to affect the wellbeing of women and girls.
The campaign was held under the theme, “Together for a Period-Friendly World,” which advocates greater support for menstrual health and calls for collective action to ensure that no girl is disadvantaged because of her menstrual cycle.
Students and community members who participated in the programme pledged to adopt proper hygiene practices and serve as advocates for menstrual health awareness within their communities.
As part of the activities, health experts conducted educational sessions on menstrual health and hygiene management, while practical demonstrations were held on the use of reusable sanitary pads as a sustainable and affordable option for girls and women.
Development partners also donated various health and educational materials to support beneficiaries.
At Unguwar Talakawa community, Pear and Wellbeing distributed 50 disposable sanitary pads, while the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) provided 50 reusable sanitary pads. The Life Helpers Initiative (LHI) also donated 50 reusable sanitary pads, while Action Against Hunger supplied 10 cartons of soap to support out-of-school girls.
Similarly, Government Girls Day Secondary School, Kofar Marke, benefited from several interventions aimed at improving menstrual hygiene and sanitation conditions.
UNICEF recently completed the renovation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities within the school and is currently renovating a safe space to provide additional support for students.
The school also received 200 disposable sanitary pads from UNICEF. In addition, Pear and Wellbeing distributed 50 disposable pads, while AGILE donated 450 reusable sanitary pads, 250 school bags, and 250 notebooks.
Action Against Hunger further supported the initiative with the donation of 10 cartons of soap for in-school girls.
Stakeholders noted that the intervention was designed not only to improve access to menstrual hygiene products but also to create awareness about the challenges many girls face due to inadequate menstrual care and poor sanitation facilities.
They stressed that improving menstrual health is essential for promoting girls’ education, self-confidence, health, and overall wellbeing.
The event attracted out-of-school girls, women, children, and men from Unguwar Talakawa community, as well as students, teachers, government officials, representatives of RUWASSA, development partners, CSOs, and members of the WASH sector.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed annually on May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and to advocate for the elimination of stigma, discrimination, and barriers that prevent women and girls from managing menstruation safely and with dignity.
