As part of our goal to create a period-friendly world, TIP, in collaboration with Sisters’ Bond Initiative, conducted a survey to examine the impact of the lack of menstrual hygiene products on women’s mental health in Nigeria. The survey launched in a well-attended online webinar discussed the findings and recommendations to address period poverty and its impact on mental health.
The findings indicate diverse product use: sanitary pads (27.94%), toilet paper (20.77%), tampons (14.89%), and cloth (32.72%). Invariably, the issue of accessibility and or affordability of this essential product remains a major question yet to be addressed; 64.7% of respondents struggle to access menstrual hygiene products. This undesirable inadequacy affects education and employment, with 60.8% missing school or work. The emotional toll on this is extremely severe, as 78.4% report mood changes, stress, and social isolation/stigmatization. On the other hand, the most concerning situation is the lack or absence of information amongst these groups. In this regard, about 84.3% of the affected persons are not aware of organizations working to end period poverty. There is, therefore, a pressing need for increased involvement by the government and NGOs to address this ugly and increasing challenge of period poverty and its impact on the mental health of affected women.
Expert panelists at the launch discussed increased involvement by the government and NGOs to address this growing challenge of period poverty and its impact on the mental health of affected women.
According to TIP Director; Pamela Okoroigwe, there is an urgent need for increased and aggressive engagement of community and religious leaders to dispel myths surrounding menstruation and continuous advocacy for the provision of menstrual hygiene products in government schools.
As part of TIP’s strategic activities toward addressing and promoting the sexual reproductive health rights of women and girls of menstrual age, especially the issue of period poverty, TIP also, for the third year in a roll, provided free annual sanitary pad donations to Female Custodian Facilities at Kirikiri, Lagos State, and Owerri, Imo State. It has provided the same for the Girls Correctional Centers in Idi-Araba, Lagos State to ensure that women and girls in correctional centers have a yearly supply of menstrual products. Additionally, TIP provides information sessions on menstrual hygiene management for women and girls to ensure safe menstrual hygiene management in incarcerated conditions.
TIP, therefore, calls upon the government to enact policies that guarantee free menstrual products in schools and standardized toilets equipped with these necessities. The government should partner with manufacturers to subsidize costs and eliminate import duties to enhance accessibility and affordability. Furthermore, the government and stakeholders should increase funding opportunities for organizations to tackle period poverty effectively tackle period poverty because, according to the survey, the lack of menstrual hygiene significantly affects the mental health of women and girls, reduces their self-esteem, and affects their work. Addressing these issues is crucial not only for the physical health of women and girls but also for their mental well-being, ensuring they can fully participate in education and employment opportunities without the additional burden of menstrual hygiene challenges.
Signed
Eniola Tikare
TIP Program Officer