Source: Zainab Adewale
The cost of sanitary pads has more than tripled from an average of N450 in 2021 to N1,500 in 2024
Health Watch: Why Reusable Pads May Not Be Sustainable for Many Nigerian Girls – Expert
Despite their growing appeal as a sustainable solution to period poverty, reusable menstrual pads may remain inaccessible to many Nigerian girls due to cost, hygiene barriers, and cultural stigma, a menstrual health advocate has warned.
Ufuoma Eguriase, Programme Manager at the Media, Health and Rights Initiative of Nigeria (MHR), emphasized that while reusable pads offer a long-term cost-saving advantage, their affordability, accessibility, and hygiene requirements make them an unrealistic option for girls in underserved communities.
Eguriase described period poverty as a deep equity issue in Nigeria, disproportionately affecting poor and marginalised populations, especially in rural areas with limited access to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities.
“Period poverty refers to an equity problem that is rooted in gender injustice. It mainly affects those in marginalised communities, those without access to affordable pads, water, or even soap,” she explained.
According to her, the disparity in access to menstrual products between rich and poor households has pushed many young girls to use unsafe alternatives.
“In our reports, we’ve seen girls in parts of Bauchi using cow dung to absorb their menstrual blood. They don’t go to school during their period,” she said.
“In some FCT communities, girls are being misled into early pregnancies just to ‘stop’ menstruation because of myths that say pregnancy is a way to end it.”
She also noted that some girls begin menstruating as early as nine years old without receiving menstrual education or access to hygienic menstrual products.
“Girls miss five to seven days of school every month simply because they are menstruating. That’s how wide the gap is.”
While reusable pads are often promoted as a sustainable alternative to disposable products, Eguriase explained that their financial burden remains a significant barrier for low-income families.
“One of the cheapest reusable pad packs costs about ₦7,000. For girls in underserved communities—many of whom come from homes where ₦7,500 is the monthly income—this is still out of reach.”
She added that most reusable pads are produced by private businesses or international organisations with limited reach, and without government subsidies or investment, the equity gap will persist.
Eguriase also highlighted hygiene and privacy as major obstacles in using reusable pads. These pads require clean running water, soap, and private washing spaces—resources often unavailable in rural and low-income settings.
“In places without functional WASH facilities, washing and drying reusable pads can be difficult. They need to be soaked in hot water, washed thoroughly, and dried properly to avoid bacteria build-up.”
She warned that if not handled hygienically, reusable pads could lead to infections, rashes, and other vaginal health issues.
“Imagine a teenage girl who hawks after school, comes home to do chores, and still has to wash two or three used pads every day. The time and water needed for that are not always available.”
In many communities, cultural and religious taboos make it harder for girls to adopt reusable products.
“In some places, menstruating girls are seen as ‘unclean’ or carrying ‘wisp’ – a term used to describe spiritual or bodily impurity,” Eguriase said.
“So when you reuse a pad that has touched menstrual blood, some believe you are reusing impurity or inviting suffering. These taboos extend the stigma and discourage use.”
She stressed that these beliefs are often rooted in religious or cultural myths, and breaking them requires menstrual education and cultural awareness.
“There’s no aversion to the reusable pad itself. The resistance stems from myths around menstruation. If we want to shift attitudes toward reusable products, we must first tackle the myths surrounding periods.”