On May 30th, 2025, GAP International organized a life-changing outreach program at the School for the Gifted, Gwagwalada, Abuja to mark World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025. The event aimed to break the stigma around menstruation, promote proper menstrual hygiene, and empower young girls with essential health knowledge. Over 500 schoolgirls received sanitary pads and sanitizers, while additional supplies were donated to the school management to ensure ongoing menstrual support for students. This initiative reinforced GAP International’s mission of empowering young women with both resources and education to promote health, dignity, and confidence.
Medical Training on Menstrual Health and Hygiene
The program went beyond donations, featuring an interactive medical training session led by healthcare professionals. The training provided in-depth education on the menstrual cycle, personal hygiene, and common myths surrounding menstruation. Students learned about the importance of changing sanitary products regularly, staying clean during periods, and recognizing symptoms of possible infections. The session was designed to create a safe space for open discussion, where students could ask questions without fear or embarrassment helping to combat long-standing cultural taboos about menstruation.
Practical Demonstrations on Menstrual Hygiene
A key highlight of the outreach was the hands-on practical training on the proper use and disposal of sanitary pads. Health experts demonstrated safe and hygienic menstrual practices, showing students how to prevent rashes, infections, and discomfort during their periods. They also introduced the concept of sustainable menstrual products, such as reusable pads and menstrual cups, to promote eco-friendly and long-term hygiene solutions. These practical demonstrations ensured that the girls not only had the products they needed but also the skills and knowledge to use them effectively.
Breaking Stigma and Creating Long-Term Impact
The day ended with a call to action for the students to share their knowledge with friends, family, and the wider community. By combining medical education, practical training, and menstrual product distribution, GAP International created a holistic program that addressed both immediate and long-term menstrual health needs. The event also reinforced the global message that menstrual hygiene is a public health and human rights issue, deserving of open conversations, continuous support, and sustainable solutions.
In relation to our efforts to demystify societal notion of taboo and stigma around menstruation, we organized a street Vox Pop asking Nigerian Men on how they help their wives during their period phase. The outcome of this vox pop is another area GAP International would be hoping to explore further in the future to ensure that parents, partners and all other key stakeholders are able to discuss menstruation issues freely.
Images from event below:
