How Nigerian women battle menstrual poverty

For millions of women and girls in Nigeria, a natural biological process has become a monthly ordeal – one that strips them of dignity, threatens their health, and deepens social inequality. This growing crisis, known as menstrual poverty, stems from the lack of access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products. This scarcity forces many […]

For millions of women and girls in Nigeria, a natural biological process has become a monthly ordeal – one that strips them of dignity, threatens their health, and deepens social inequality. This growing crisis, known as menstrual poverty, stems from the lack of access to safe, affordable, and hygienic menstrual products.

This scarcity forces many to make desperate and dangerous choices. The story of Walida Zakari illustrates how poverty and limited education can push women toward unsafe sanitary practices, exposing them to severe health risks.

A Weekend Trust investigation found that the rising cost of living and poor menstrual hygiene education are endangering countless women and girls across Nigeria, while practical solutions remain scarce.

 

Cost of menstruation

According to Nigeria Health Watch, about 37 million women and girls in Nigeria experience period poverty, which is the inability to afford or access proper menstrual hygiene products.

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The average price of a pack of sanitary pads rose from around N450 in 2021 to between N1,000 and N2,000 in 2024–2025, making it out of reach for families already struggling to meet basic needs.

Women’s advocate Dinma Amadi describes menstrual poverty as an overlooked crisis “hitting millions of women and girls in marginalized communities.” Driven by economic hardship and a lack of education, she says, “When faced with the decision between buying a meal or a pack of pads, food almost always wins.”

Beyond the physical toll, Amadi notes the deep emotional and social consequences. “The shame, isolation, and trauma associated with poor menstrual hygiene often cause girls to miss school and women to miss work,” she said. “It perpetuates a vicious cycle of poverty and educational inequality that hinders women from reaching their full potential.”

 

Dangers of unsanitary alternatives

When affordability becomes impossible, many turn to unsafe options. Mary Adimonyemma, a resident of Mararaba, on the outskirts of Abuja, recalls being directed by a neighbour to a woman selling unusually cheap, unlabeled sanitary pads.

“Driven by desperation, I bought one,” she said. “But after using it, I developed a painful rash.”

Her curiosity led her to investigate, only to discover the pads had no brand name and were sourced from Bonanza Market, a place notorious for selling expired goods. A Daily Trust investigative report in 2025 confirmed the market’s reputation as a hub for expired items—from food to cosmetics and toiletries.

The vendor later admitted she was unaware that sanitary pads could expire. Speaking to a Weekend Trust reporter posing as a customer, she said, “I just thought it’s good at all times. I only wanted to help girls who couldn’t afford better ones.”

Her confession reveals a troubling reality: a widespread lack of awareness among informal vendors, where affordability takes precedence over safety.

 

Stories of struggle

Walida Zakari, one of many affected, shared how poverty forced her and her sisters to use rags before switching to the cheap, unbranded pads. “I never liked the idea of using rags, but my family’s financial situation didn’t help,” she said. “We had to settle for what we could afford.”

In Jos, secondary school student Abigail Yohana described missing two days of school each month due to her period. With a heavy flow requiring up to four pads a day, her family struggles to keep up. “Pads are now too expensive,” she said. “My sisters try to help, but not always.”

To avoid the embarrassment of staining her uniform—a recurring ordeal—Abigail stays home during the first days of her period.

In Abuja, boarding student Ilenbiluan Anastasia said she and her peers manage their periods without access to pads or school support. “Sometimes we even avoid certain foods to reduce the flow,” she admitted.

Another student, Ajegbo Adanna Sylvia, tries to maintain hygiene despite the challenges. “I take extra baths and change my pad frequently to prevent staining,” she said. “But many girls can’t do the same because they don’t have enough pads.”

Meanwhile, Otobo Gloria, who benefited from a menstrual hygiene program, now educates her peers. “I’ve learned the importance of neatness and proper disposal during menstruation,” she said. “I plan to teach other girls who don’t know.”

 

Schools and psychological toll

School counselor Mrs. Bumi Lesomi confirmed that students, especially first-timers, experience emotional and psychological distress during menstruation, in addition to physical discomfort.

“The school has launched a dedicated program on menstrual hygiene and provides pads to students, especially new menstruators,” she said. “We’ve seen a positive difference in attendance and confidence.”

 

Pads are a necessity, not a luxury

Advocate Dinma Amadi calls for “a national action plan centered on subsidization, distribution, and education.”

“For this to work,” she said, “manufacturers must clearly label products with expiration dates and ingredients, while public health organizations raise awareness and teach consumers how to identify safe options.”

She added that the solution requires collaboration among government, private companies, and non-profits to make menstrual products accessible and affordable.

 

Emerging efforts and calls for inclusion

To bridge the gap, ‘Flow with Pride Impact Hub’ and ‘We Support Her’, in partnership with Trust TV, have launched programs to educate women on menstrual health.

Women’s advocate Mrs. Toyin Bashir welcomed the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs’ new menstrual policy, describing it as “a step in the right direction” to encourage manufacturers to produce cheaper, hygienic, and reusable products.

Similarly, advocate Panam Bande, based in Jos, travels to rural areas to teach menstrual hygiene. “Even city girls can barely afford pads,” she said. “In villages, the situation is heartbreaking.”

She recounted meeting a girl who reused a single pad until it turned green because she had no alternative. “That moment broke me,” Bande said.

Men are also stepping up. Michael Chinemike, co-founder of Flow with Pride Impact Hub, emphasized the need for male involvement in ending menstrual stigma. “I want other men to understand what women go through,” he said. “When men are better informed, marriages and homes will be happier.”

 

Economic roots of the crisis

An economist Aliyu Illias links Nigeria’s menstrual poverty to worsening economic conditions, leaving tens of millions unable to afford sanitary products.

He estimates that a woman spends between ₦7,000 and ₦10,000 annually on menstrual products—an amount out of reach for many Nigerians.

Illias recommends government intervention through local manufacturing and tax exemptions. “Removing taxes or creating a special import window for menstrual products could help reduce costs and make them affordable to more people,” he said.

 

Conclusion

Menstrual poverty is more than a women’s issue, it’s a public health and human rights concern. As advocates, policymakers, and ordinary citizens take small but significant steps, the hope remains that no girl or woman in Nigeria will have to choose between her health and her next meal.