NCoS Takes Menstrual Dignity Campaign Behind Bars, Reaches Female Inmates Nationwide on World Menstrual Hygiene Day

By Iyojo Ameh

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has intensified efforts to promote menstrual health and dignity among women in custody, reaching hundreds of female inmates across custodial centres nationwide as part of activities marking the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day.

The nationwide campaign, coordinated by the Service’s Gender Unit and Gender Desk Officers, featured health education programmes, awareness campaigns, interactive sessions and the distribution of sanitary materials to female inmates, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to gender-responsive corrections and inmate welfare.

World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed globally every May 28 to raise awareness about the importance of menstrual health and hygiene while challenging the stigma, discrimination and social barriers that continue to affect millions of women and girls worldwide.

The 2026 commemoration was held under the theme: “Together We Can Break the Silence, End the Stigma and Build a Period-Friendly World.”
Within correctional facilities, where access to menstrual hygiene products and reproductive health information can be limited, the observance provided an opportunity to spotlight the unique challenges faced by women in custody and promote menstrual dignity as a fundamental human right.

The activities align with ongoing reforms championed by the Controller-General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche MFR, mni aimed at improving the welfare of women and other vulnerable groups within Nigeria’s correctional system.

Menstrual Dignity Should Never End in Custody – Gender Advisor

The initiative, spearheaded by the NCoS Gender Adviser and Convener of the programme, Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi, brought together partner organisations and stakeholders to promote menstrual health awareness, provide health education, and distribute sanitary products and dignity kits to female inmates.

In her keynote address, Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi described menstruation as a natural biological process that should never be a source of shame, discrimination or suffering.

She said the significance of World Menstrual Hygiene Day is even more profound within custodial settings where women often face unique health and hygiene challenges.

According to her, the annual observance goes beyond marking a date on the calendar and serves as a reminder that the dignity and humanity of women must be protected irrespective of their circumstances.

“Menstruation is not shameful, it is not a privilege, and it should never become a source of indignity or suffering. It is a natural part of life that deserves understanding, support and respect,” she said.

Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi noted that Gender Desk Officers across correctional centres organised sensitisation lectures and health talks focusing on menstrual health management, reproductive wellbeing and personal hygiene.

She commended State Controllers, Officers-in-Charge, development partners and civil society organisations whose support made the nationwide campaign possible.

Among the organisations recognised were Hope Behind Bars Africa, Friends of Reform Initiative (FORI), Mission for Education, Social and Health (MESH), Legend Golden Care Foundation, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, Flow With Pride Impact Hub, African Women Lawyers in Nigeria (AWLIN), Tabitha Foundation, JackROSE Foundation and Rise to Inspire Africa Initiative.

The Gender Advisor also praised the Controller-General for promoting gender-sensitive correctional administration, stressing that incarceration should never deprive women of their dignity.

Partners Advocate Menstrual Health Awareness
Speaking during the programme, Mrs. Nwankwo Chioma Emika, Co-Founder of Flow With Pride Impact Hub, applauded the Nigerian Correctional Service for supporting initiatives that advance menstrual health and hygiene for incarcerated women.

“Access to menstrual hygiene products is essential to the health and dignity of every woman,” she stated.

She also commended the cleanliness of custodial facilities and the wellbeing of female inmates.
Also speaking, Oladipupo Khadija of Mission for Education, Social and Health (MESH), emphasized that menstrual hygiene aligns with Islamic teachings on cleanliness, dignity and personal care.

Similarly, Mrs. Alachi Regina, Programme Manager of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, commended the Nigerian Correctional Service and its partners for embracing the initiative.

Guest speaker Mrs. Christopher Oluchi encouraged inmates to speak openly about menstruation and prioritise personal hygiene.
“There can be no menstrual hygiene without open conversations,” she said.

She stressed the importance of regular changing of sanitary pads, proper hand washing, safe disposal of sanitary materials and seeking medical attention whenever necessary.

Suleja Centre Highlights Women’s Health and Wellbeing

At the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Suleja, participants received extensive education on menstrual health and women’s wellbeing.

Welcoming participants, the Officer-in-Charge of the facility, Assistant Controller of Corrections S.A. Ejeh, commended the collaboration and reaffirmed the Nigerian Correctional Service’s commitment to the welfare, dignity and wellbeing of women in custody.

In her remarks, Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi commended the female inmates for maintaining good personal hygiene, noting that their appearance reflected discipline, self-care and a commitment to healthy living.

She further educated participants on the menstrual cycle, hormonal changes experienced by women at different stages of life and the importance of understanding their reproductive health.

The Gender Advisor also spoke extensively on perimenopausal symptoms, their impact on women and practical strategies for managing them, encouraging inmates to remain healthy, confident and optimistic.

Nationwide Participation Across Correctional Centres

The commemoration was observed simultaneously across correctional facilities nationwide, including Ondo, Enugu, Kwara, Oyo, Kaduna and others.

Ondo State participants received awareness sessions and hygiene materials.
Enugu Inmates Benefit from Hygiene Support
At the Maximum Security Custodial Centre in Enugu, 79 female inmates participated in the programme.

The Officer-in-Charge of the facility commended the Controller-General for prioritising inmate welfare and donated hygiene materials.

Kwara Partners NGO to Promote Menstrual Health
In Kwara State, the custodial centre partnered with GLOHWOC to educate female inmates and distribute sanitary materials.

Agodi Custodial Centre Pushes for Period-Friendly Environment

At Agodi Custodial Centre, the Gender Unit collaborated with partner organisations to promote menstrual dignity and provide hygiene supplies.

Kaduna Female Inmates Join Awareness Drive
At Kaduna Custodial Centre, inmates participated in sensitisation lectures and received menstrual hygiene materials.
Menstrual Health a Matter of Human Rights
Stakeholders noted that menstrual health is a matter of human rights, dignity and social inclusion.

The Nigerian Correctional Service reaffirmed its commitment to gender-responsive correctional administration.
As the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day activities concluded, partners renewed commitment to menstrual dignity and support for women in custody.

For many female inmates, the message remained clear: their dignity and wellbeing matter, even behind bars.