UNICEF commemorated Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day 2025 by establishing dedicated safe spaces in two public secondary schools in Sokoto State. The move is to support adolescent girls and improve school attendance.
The intervention, which took place at Government Girls Day Arabic Secondary School in Sabon Birni, aims to provide a hygienic, supportive environment for girls during menstruation.
The safe space is fully equipped with free sanitary pads, toilets, and washbasins, allowing girls to manage their menstrual health with dignity. These facilities are expected to significantly reduce absenteeism among female students who previously stayed home due to a lack of proper menstrual hygiene support at school.
“This is more than just about pads and toilets,” said Muhammad Bala, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASA). “It’s about giving girls confidence and ensuring that their education is not disrupted simply because of a natural biological process.”
Representatives from key organizations, including the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), also attended the event. Dr. Balbasatu, a representative of FOMWAN, expressed her appreciation to UNICEF for prioritizing girls’ welfare in schools.
“Creating a safe space like this goes a long way in tackling period poverty and breaking the stigma surrounding menstruation,” she said.
The principal of Government Girls Day Arabic Secondary School, Hafsat Dalhatu, also lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. “Many of our girls used to miss school for up to five days each month. With this facility in place, we expect to see improved attendance and greater confidence among our students,” she noted.
UNICEF’s initiative aligns with its broader mission to promote girls’ education and well-being across Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities. With this development, menstrual health is no longer a barrier to learning for many girls in Sokoto.
