Northern Pulse

By Sani Idris Abdulrahman

No fewer than 300 public school girls converged in Queen Amina College, Kaduna, for the commemoration of the 2026 International Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The event, was organised by the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment
(AGILE) Project, on Thursday in Kaduna.

The event, themed “Breaking Barriers, Building Confidence: Empowering Public School Girls Through Menstrual Health Education,” focused on promoting dignity, health and school retention among girls.

The Coordinator of AGILE Project in Kaduna, Hajiya Maryam Dangaji, said the initiative was part of broader efforts to improve girls' education in Kaduna State.

Dangaji, represented by Zaynab Maina, Technical Assistant, AGILE Project, disclosed that AGILE had constructed new school buildings in 62 schools, while work was ongoing in 13 additional schools.

Dangaji said the project had also supported the renovation and construction of water and sanitation facilities in more than 2,000 school toilets.

According to her, AGILE is supporting about 50 schools with digital literacy laboratories to enhance learning outcomes.

She added that nearly 50,000 girls were benefiting from conditional cash transfers aimed at improving school attendance and retention.

Dangaji described menstruation as a challenge that could disrupt learning when girls lack adequate knowledge and hygiene materials.

She said the awareness programme was designed to equip girls with information and practical skills to manage their menstrual health confidently.

The AGILE coordinator noted that five schools participated in eco-club exhibitions showcasing innovative ways of reusing and remodelling materials.

Deputy Director, Public Schools, Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Aisha Muhammad, described menstrual hygiene as critical to the health and wellbeing of girls.

She commended AGILE for supporting initiatives that promote education, dignity and healthy living among female students.

Muhammad said many girls experience difficulties attending school during menstruation due to inadequate support and poor awareness.

She stressed the need for parents, teachers and communities to educate girls on proper hygiene practices and menstrual health management.

Also speaking, Aisha Mustafa of the Centre for Girls' Education said the organisation remained committed to empowering girls through education and life skills training.

Mustafa said the centre works with girls across four local government areas to strengthen confidence and personal development.

Chairman of the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) of Queen Amina College, Zubairu Garba, described AGILE as a key partner in advancing education in Kaduna State.

Garba said the project's interventions had positively impacted schools and communities across the state.

Delivering a presentation on menstruation and proper hygiene management, an expert on menstrual health, Habiba Jibril, explained menstrual cycle, its onse and the physical and emotional changes associated with it.

She educated the students on proper menstrual hygiene practices, including the correct use and disposal of sanitary products.

The expert also highlighted the importance of personal cleanliness, regular bathing and handwashing before and after changing sanitary pads.

She urged girls not to be ashamed of menstruation, describing it as a natural biological process experienced by every healthy woman.

Jibril encouraged participants to seek accurate information on menstrual health and report any unusual symptoms to parents, teachers or healthcare professionals.

She further advised girls to maintain confidence and remain focused on their education throughout their menstrual periods.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that activities at the event included presentations on gender-based violence by special needs students, panel discussions on menstrual hygiene and symbolic distribution of hygiene kits.

The programme also featured talk shows, eco-club exhibitions, safe space presentations and a competition involving participating schools.

Participating schools included; Government Secondary School (GSS) Sabon Tasha, GSS Kakuri, GSS Television, GSS Makera and Queen Amina College.