In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, celebrated annually on May 28, Harsco Media and Communications, in collaboration with the Councillor representing Obibiezena Ward in Owerri North Local Government Area, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo, distributed over 500 sanitary hygiene products to female students across three secondary schools in the ward.
The beneficiaries included students of Fountain Hills High School, John F. Kennedy Secondary School, Obibiezena, and St. Theresa’s Comprehensive School, Obowo. The outreach also featured menstrual health education sessions facilitated by medical professionals who enlightened students on menstrual hygiene management, Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), personal hygiene, and the importance of maintaining dignity during menstruation.
Speaking during the outreach, Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo described period poverty as a silent challenge affecting the education, confidence, and well-being of many adolescent girls, particularly in rural communities. She noted that no girl should be forced to miss school or suffer shame because of her inability to access sanitary products.
According to her, the intervention was part of her commitment to promoting the health and welfare of young girls within her ward.
“Menstruation is a natural biological process, yet many girls continue to face barriers in accessing basic menstrual hygiene products. As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that every girl has the support and resources needed to stay healthy, confident, and focused on her education,” she said.
The councillor further emphasized that investing in girls’ health is an investment in community development, adding that menstrual hygiene awareness should not be limited to a single day but sustained through continuous advocacy and support programmes. She encouraged parents, schools, community leaders, and development partners to join efforts aimed at ending period poverty.
The Director of Harsco Media and Communications, Harriet Ijeomah, disclosed that she has personally championed menstrual hygiene interventions for over seven years, reaching girls in rural communities with sanitary products and reproductive health education. Drawing from her own experience growing up in a village under the care of her grandmother, she said she understands the challenges many girls face in accessing safe and affordable menstrual hygiene materials.
“Growing up, I witnessed firsthand how menstruation affected many girls who lacked access to proper sanitary products and accurate information. That experience shaped my commitment to supporting adolescent girls and ensuring that menstruation does not become a barrier to their education or self-esteem,” she stated.
Ijeomah explained that menstrual health advocacy aligns with Harsco Media and Communications’ commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, Goal 4 on Quality Education, and Goal 5 on Gender Equality. She noted that, according to global estimates, millions of girls miss school annually due to inadequate menstrual hygiene resources, making community-based interventions critical to improving educational outcomes and promoting gender equity.
Beyond sanitary pads, the team distributed disinfectants, deodorants, shaving sticks, and other hygiene materials to school authorities to support ongoing hygiene practices among students. The outreach also provided an opportunity for students to ask questions and receive professional guidance on menstrual health and adolescent well-being.
Responding on behalf of the participating schools, Rev. Fr. Ignatius Chioma expressed appreciation to Harsco Media and Communications and Hon. Ngozi Ohaka Funmilayo for the intervention. He described the programme as timely and impactful, noting that it addressed both the material and educational needs of the students.
“We are grateful for this gesture. Beyond the products distributed, the knowledge shared today will empower these young girls to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. We encourage more organisations and public office holders to emulate this initiative,” he said.
World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally every May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management and to advocate for a world where menstruation does not limit access to education, health, or opportunities for girls and women.
