AGILE rallies Jigawa girls to break silence on menstruation
The Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) project in Jigawa, has scaled up advocacy to promote menstrual hygiene and curb stigma.
The programme also called for open conversations to improve girls’ health and education in the state.
Mr Babawuro Fate, State Project Coordinator, AGILE, said this on Thursday at an event to mark the 2026 World Menstrual Hygiene Day held at Government Girls Arabic Secondary School (GGASS), Dutse.
The event with the theme: “Break the Silence: Talking Openly About Periods Ends Stigma,” featured awareness talks, quiz, drama and distribution of sanitary pads to students.
Each of the over 200 participating students received a free sanitary pad, a notebook and a pen to support hygiene and learning.
Fate said the project was being implemented across girls’ schools in Jigawa, adding that adolescence remained a critical stage requiring strong support from parents, teachers and communities for proper development.
“AGILE supports girls from low-income backgrounds with access to education, life skills training and vocational empowerment.
“The project also provides learning materials and digital tools to enhance academic performance and self-reliance,” he said.
Fate said the interventions extended beyond girls-only schools, stressing that students in mixed schools also benefit indirectly.
He highlighted that the interventions improved learning conditions for students even in co-educational schools.
According to Fate, about 700 schools across Jigawa are currently benefiting from AGILE interventions.
He enjoined school authorities and students to ensure proper utilisation of facilities provided under the project.
“These resources are meant to serve both present and future learners,” he said.
Ms Hauwa Abdullahi, the Principal of the school, lauded the gesture, adding that it would help students to make informed decisions on menstrual hygiene and personal health.
Abdullahi also urged students to pay attention and apply the knowledge gained for their wellbeing.
Amina Isa, Director, Child Development at the Jigawa Ministry of Women Affairs, said menstruation is being surrounded by stigma and misinformation in many communities.
She said many adolescent girls lacked access to sanitary products, adequate facilities and correct information.
The challenges, she said, affect confidence, health and school participation among girls.
“Menstruation is a biological process and should never be a source of shame.
“We must continue to break the silence and support girls with accurate information and care,” she said.
A student, Fatima Mustapha, expressed appreciation to AGILE for its continued support and awareness initiatives in the state.
She said the programme had improved students’ understanding of menstrual health and hygiene practices.
Alhaji Abubakar Isa, Village Head of Garu, and Alhaji Garba Isa, Chairman, School Based Management Committee (SBMC), commended AGILE’s impact on girls’ education.
They pledged continued support for programmes aimed at improving girls’ wellbeing and educational outcomes.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives that keep our girls in school, healthy and empowered.”
The event featured a drama performed by students on menstrual hygiene and anaemia prevention, highlighting causes, symptoms and preventive measures associated with anaemia among adolescent girls.