In a major step toward menstrual equity and gender rights, the Bauchi State House of Assembly has passed a bill mandating the provision of free sanitary pads in public schools and correctional facilities. This landmark legislation ensures that girls and women—especially those in vulnerable situations—can manage their menstrual health with dignity, eliminating period poverty as a barrier to education and well-being.
A Victory for Girls and Women in Bauchi State
For years, lack of access to sanitary products has forced many girls to miss school, affecting their academic performance and limiting their opportunities. This new law acknowledges that menstrual health is not a privilege but a fundamental right, ensuring that no girl in Bauchi State is forced to stay home because she cannot afford sanitary pads.
Women in correctional facilities also stand to benefit significantly. Many have struggled with poor menstrual hygiene conditions, lacking access to essential products. With this bill, the state is taking a bold step toward restoring dignity and protecting the health of all women, regardless of their circumstances.
*CSO-ECM Members Champion the Fight for Menstrual Equity
*This achievement would not have been possible without the relentless advocacy and dedication of civil society organizations in Bauchi State. Women for Women International (WfWI) , and Child is Gold Foundation—all active members of the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations to End Child Marriage (CSO-ECM)—played an instrumental role in making this bill a reality.
These organizations have been at the forefront of:
🔹 Engaging policymakers to prioritize menstrual health in public policy.
🔹 Raising awareness on the impact of period poverty on education and well-being.
🔹 Mobilizing communities to break taboos around menstruation and advocate for lasting solutions.
Through their tireless work, these organizations have proven that sustained advocacy leads to real policy change, ensuring that girls and women in Bauchi State are not left behind.
What Comes Next?
With the bill now passed, the focus shifts to effective implementation. It is crucial to ensure that:
✅ Sanitary products are distributed consistently in schools and correctional facilities.
✅ Menstrual health education is incorporated into school curriculums.
✅ Government agencies, civil society, and the private sector collaborate to make the initiative sustainable.
This historic legislation sets a powerful precedent for other states to follow. It sends a clear message that menstrual health is a right, not a luxury—and that no girl or woman should have to suffer due to lack of access to basic hygiene products.
🚀 Join the Movement
Let’s continue to advocate for policies that uplift, protect, and empower girls and women. Together, we can end period poverty and create a future where menstrual health is no longer a barrier to success.
📢 Follow End Child Marriage Nigeria and its partners for updates on menstrual health advocacy!
