In celebration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day—observed globally on May 28th—with this year’s theme –“Together for a Period Friendly World” – Embracing the Girl Child Initiative held a powerful outreach program at Witty Kid’s Secondary School, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, with the aim of empowering young girls through education, mentorship, and menstrual hygiene awareness.
Embracing the Girl Child Initiative is a non-governmental organisation in partnership with LinkedLegal Attorneys aimed at providing legal representation, counselling and rehabilitation of victims of sexual abuse and domestic violence; sensitizing the girl child with critical knowledge on various laws protecting them, menstrual hygiene, puberty, career choices/development, etc. and also the free distribution of sanitary towels.
Since 2019, the initiative has reached over 10,000 girls in school and young women on the streets across Nigeria through its school and street outreach, providing mentorship and distributing free sanitary towels.
This school outreach brought together professionals, community leaders, mentors, and eager students for an impactful day focused on breaking menstrual stigma, how to make reusable sanitary pads, promoting good hygiene practices, and inspiring young girls to dream boldly.
Proceedings began with a warm welcome and an address by the school principal, who commended the initiative for its timely and relevant mission.
Founder and Country Director, Barrister Nneamaka Onyema emphasized the need to prioritize health, education, and empowerment of girls in Nigeria, and called for safe spaces where they can ask questions and thrive.
Mrs. Ngozi A. Ukachukwu, a seasoned nurse, led the first session on the topic, “Puberty and Menstrual Hygiene”, demystifying puberty and menstrual health, addressing harmful taboos, and offering practical tips to help girls manage their periods confidently and with dignity.
Barrister Onyema later delivered an inspiring session on “Recognising the Path to Your Career”, urging students to follow their strength, interest and passion, believe in themselves, and rise above challenges. Her personal stories and motivational advice struck a chord with many students.
The day also featured an interactive panel session with professionals from diverse fields, where students asked insightful questions about career choices, personal growth, and overcoming gender-prejudiced societal expectations.
The highlight of the event was the free distribution of sanitary towels/pads, underscoring the commitment to alleviating period poverty and ensuring every girl can manage her period safely and with dignity.
The event closed with a group photo, capturing the joy, connection, and sense of new possibilities shared throughout the day.
This outreach is yet another testament to Barrister Nneamaka Onyema’s unwavering dedication to grassroots advocacy. It stands as a call to action for individuals, communities, and institutions to invest meaningfully in the lives of girls in Nigeria—nurturing a healthier, stronger, and better empowered future generation.
We appreciate LinkedLegal Attorneys, I Dey Com Tours and Travels Limited, Dr Innocent Ezuma – CEO, Eta-Zuma Group W/Africa Limited, Joseph Aro – C.O.O, Observatory Earth Analytics LTD, Emeka Terry Ibe – Legal Adviser, Nigerian Society of Engineers, Cyoda Kids Empire, Law & Society Magazine, and Charity Ibezim for their support for this outreach.
Email Address: embracingthegirlchild@gmail.com
Instagram: @embracingthegirlchild
Facebook: Embracing the Girl Child Initiative
