By Praise Chinecherem
Wife of Anambra State Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has called for an end to all form of discrimination, stigma and harmful practices against menstruating women and girls.
Soludo who made the call on Thursday during the 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Day, said menstruation is not a curse, taboo nor something girls should be ashamed of but a natural part of life.
She regretted grave silence countless girls suffer across many communities as a result of stigma, poor hygiene education, lack of sanitary materials and harmful cultural and social misconceptions.
According to her, while some are isolated, mocked, restricted from certain activities, others are made to feel unclean and inferior during their menstrual cycle, insisting that the ugly trend should be resisted.
The governor’s wife called for replacement of such shame with understanding, silence with education, and exclusion with compassion and support.
She said, “I stand before you not just as a mother, a woman, or the wife of the Governor of Anambra State, but as an advocate for dignity, health, confidence, and the future of our children, especially girls.
“Every girl deserves to experience her womanhood with dignity, confidence, and pride, not fear or humiliation. This is why conversations like this are important.
“A healthy society begins with healthy families, and healthy families are built by informed, confident, and empowered women and girls.
Soludo further disclosed establishment of 350 sanitary pad banks across secondary schools in the state through her nongovernmental organization, Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo to assist young girls during their menstrual cycle.
She said the pad banks have not only improved personal hygiene among young girls, but have also restored confidence, reduced absenteeism and created more comfortable environment for learning and concentration in schools.
“Through our Healthy Living Initiative, we have continued to promote cleanliness, proper hygiene, nutrition, physical wellness, and preventive healthcare across homes, communities and schools in Anambra State.
“We believe that good health is not a luxury; it is a right. It is lifestyle! Among the six cardinal pillars of Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo, hygiene, both personal and environmental, remains one of the most critical.
“This is because we understand that healthy habits formed early in life help to build healthier homes, healthier communities, and a healthier society.
“Through several interventions in schools across Anambra State, especially through our Healthy Living School Clubs, we have continued to educate and empower children on the necessity and benefits of proper hygiene.
“We are intentionally raising a generation of children who understand cleanliness, self-care, environmental responsibility, and healthy living practices.
“So far, over 25,000 packs of sanitary pads have been distrubuted through this initiative to support our school girls.
“For many girls, knowing that help is available during their menstrual cycle has removed fear, anxiety, and embarrassment from the classroom experience.
“This is the kind of society we must continue to build; one where no girl is forced to choose between her education and her biological reality.
“As a government and as compassionate citizens, we must continue to create safe spaces where girls can learn, ask questions freely, and receive proper support without fear or embarrassment,” she noted.
While encouraging parents to educate their daughters with love and openness, the governor’s wife urged schools to sustain menstrual hygiene awareness and provide supportive environments for girls.
“I also call on communities, religious institutions, corporate organizations, and development partners to join hands in breaking the silence around menstruation.
“To our young girls in Anambra State, I say this clearly today: You are strong. You are valuable. You are beautifully created. Your dreams are valid, and nothing, not even your monthly cycle, should stop you from becoming the best version of yourselves.
“Let us continue to build an Anambra where every girl child grows with confidence, dignity, knowledge, and access to proper healthcare and hygiene,” she added.
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