The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP), a non-governmental organisation, has launched a comic initiative to improve menstrual health education and reduce stigma among adolescents in secondary schools in Lagos State.
Ironsi stated that the initiative aims to reach 3,000 girls and boys in four Local Government Areas in Lagos State, with support from Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation, from May 2026 to April 2027.
“The Women’s Rights and Health Project (WRAHP) has launched a 12-month initiative to improve menstrual health knowledge, reduce stigma, and promote gender sensitivity among adolescents in Lagos State.
“The period comic initiative aims to transform menstrual health education and reduce stigma among youth, reaching adolescent girls and boys in secondary schools in Oshodi-Isolo, Eti-Osa, Badagry, and Ikorodu,” she said.
Ironsi explained that the sessions provide accurate information to girls and boys, encourage positive attitudes toward menstruation, and highlight menstrual health as a shared responsibility in schools.
She noted that in October, WRAHP conducted interactive sessions in three Badagry schools, reaching 577 students, including 240 boys and 337 girls.
She added that facilitators provided puberty education, explained physical and emotional changes during adolescence, demonstrated proper use of sanitary pads, and discussed hygienic disposal.
The executive director stated that the sessions involved boys in discussions to challenge harmful stereotypes, reduce menstrual stigma, and foster inclusive, supportive environments in Lagos schools.
She said female students received sanitary kits to improve access to menstrual hygiene resources, and WRAHP trained 13 teachers in the three Badagry schools as Menstrual Health Management (MHM) Ambassadors.
“These teachers are equipped to serve as peer educators, guide students, and conduct step-down sessions to sustain menstrual health education and ensure a supportive environment after the project ends.
“Menstrual health is not just a girls’ issue. When boys and girls learn together, myths lose their power and schools become more supportive places for everyone,” Ironsi said.
Ironsi eIronsi emphasised that involving boys is central to the initiative, stating: “That is why this initiative brings both into the conversation,” to promote inclusive menstrual health education in Lagos secondary schools.
