Community Support
For many young girls, their first experience of menstruation comes with uncertainty, confusion, and little preparation. For many boys, it remains a subject surrounded by myths and silence. Yet these early experiences shape confidence, school participation, and the way young people understand one another.
To commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, Consumer Advocacy and Empowerment Foundation (CADEF) visited Tansol Treasures School, Lagos, to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to approach menstruation with confidence, dignity, and understanding.
Held under the global theme "Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld," the outreach brought together secondary school students for an engaging learning experience that went beyond menstrual hygiene education. Through interactive discussions, students learned about puberty, menstrual health, personal hygiene, and the importance of creating supportive environments where menstruation is understood as a normal part of life rather than something to be hidden.
Recognizing that ending menstrual stigma requires everyone to be involved, the programme intentionally included both girls and boys. While the girls received practical guidance on menstrual hygiene and sanitary pad use, the boys participated in conversations that encouraged empathy, respect, and a better understanding of how they can support their peers. The separate sessions created safe spaces for honest discussions and encouraged students to ask questions freely.
To reinforce the lessons with practical support, every participating girl received sanitary pads, while all students received educational materials and refreshments through the generous support of our partners. Their contributions helped ensure that students left not only with new knowledge but also with resources they could immediately put to use.
The outreach also reflected CADEF's broader commitment to consumer empowerment. Access to safe menstrual products, accurate health information, and informed choices are all consumer issues. By helping young people understand these issues early, we are equipping them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being throughout their lives.
As the programme came to a close, students pledged to promote menstrual health awareness, challenge stigma, and support one another within their school community. Their enthusiasm served as a reminder that meaningful change often begins with simple conversations.
Partner with us as we continue to empower the younger generation.