In commemoration of the annual World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Centre for Response and Prevention of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (CRPSGBV), in collaboration with the Law Students’ Society, organised a one-day sensitisation programme on Wednesday, 28th May 2025.
Themed “Her Body, Her Right: Together for a Period Friendly World,” the event aimed to raise awareness about menstrual health and rights.
The programme was held at the Aderemi Makanjuola Lecture Theatre, main campus, Ojo, Lagos, and witnessed participation from female students across all levels in the Faculty of Law.
In her address, Vice-Chancellor Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello, emphasised that menstrual health is intertwined with human rights, dignity, and the fundamental belief that every girl and woman deserves to live without shame, silence, or fear.
She noted that while menstrual health is often overlooked in public discourse, it is a crucial issue that intersects with education, public health, and gender equality.
Professor Simeon Dosunmu from the Faculty of Education, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, highlighted that the strength of a society is reflected in how it protects and empowers its most vulnerable members.
He asserted that advocating for menstrual equity and combating gender-based violence not only aids women but also contributes to building a more just, compassionate, and inclusive society.
Earlier, the Acting Director, CRPSGBV, represented by Dr Olawunmi Macaulay-Adeyelure, Assistant Director, Rape Issues (CRPSGBV), expressed heartfelt gratitude to their partners, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) and the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to advancing menstrual and gender rights.
She also commended the Law Students’ Society of Lagos State University for their support and engagement in this vital cause.
Dr Ofem emphasised that menstrual health transcends mere hygiene; it encompasses access, dignity, and human rights.
The sensitisation programme aimed to change the narrative, empower young women, and educate communities to respond with empathy and support.
The first speaker, Regional Coordinator of the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria – South West, Mrs Abimbola Elizabeth, presented a paper titled “Understanding Your Body: The Essentials of Women’s Health.”
She elaborated on sexual health as defined by the WHO, highlighting it as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. She emphasised the importance of a positive and respectful approach to sexual relationships, focusing on the ability to have safe, pleasurable, and satisfying experiences free from violence, discrimination, and coercion.
Mrs Abimbola also addressed sexual abstinence, explaining that it involves refraining from sexual activity for various reasons, including medical, psychological, legal, social, philosophical, moral, or religious.
She outlined its benefits, such as protection from pregnancy, STIs, and emotional distress. Furthermore, she discussed menstrual hygiene, which includes access to menstrual products, privacy to change materials, and facilities for disposing of used materials, stressing its significance in preventing infections, reducing discomfort and odours, maintaining self-esteem, and enabling full participation in daily activities.
The second speaker, Executive Secretary, Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, Mrs Titilayo Vivour-Adeniyi, represented by the Head, Psychology Department at PPFN, Dr Olive Oluwagbemileke, spoke on “Dissipating Ignorance: Shedding Light on the Concept of Sexual Violence.”
She asserted that ignorance is no longer an excuse, as the law is clear and support systems are available. She urged participants to choose courage over silence, truth over myth, and action over apathy.
In her words, “Every woman deserves to be safe. Every voice deserves to be heard. Every life deserves to be respected. Her health matters. Her safety matters. Her dignity matters.”
She emphasised that the event aimed to dispel ignorance and to empower young women to navigate their lives with confidence, courage, and knowledge as their shield.
A goodwill message was delivered by the Dean, Faculty of Law, represented by Dr Oluremi Savage, Assistant Director of Sexual Harassment (CRPSGBV), who reminded female students of their right to self protection from the danger or sexual harassment.
He emphasised that every girl has autonomy over her body and should stand firm in her knowledge, distinguishing between right and wrong.
Vice President of the Students’ Union, Faculty of Law, Kuti Ewatomilade, in his closing remarks thanked all for the large turnout.
