On May 30, 2025, OWACDO, with the generous support of its partners and sponsors—AFD, Fòs Feminista, Equipop, the Global South Coalition for Dignified Menstruation, and PSI Europe—hosted a landmark Men’s Forum on Menstrual Health at Intercontinental College, Otukpo Road, Makurdi.
This impactful session brought together religious leaders, traditional authorities, and male community influencers to confront a pressing but often overlooked issue: menstruation and menopause, especially as experienced by women aged 35 and above.
More than just a conversation, the event became a moment of reflection, learning, and public commitment—one that challenged stigma and encouraged participants to become visible allies in promoting menstrual dignity across communities.
Challenging Stigma with Dialogue
In many Nigerian communities, discussions around menstruation remain shrouded in silence—especially among men. At this forum, participants bravely confronted their own perceptions. Questions were asked. Misconceptions were unpacked. Leaders from churches, mosques, and palaces engaged in robust conversations about menstrual dignity, women’s health, and the role of male allies.
The energy in the room was electric. One elder remarked:
“I’ve never been in a space like this. We men must stop pretending not to know what our wives and daughters face.”
The session also tackled menstrual discrimination against women aged 35 and above, addressing the silence around perimenopause and menopause in traditional and religious circles.
A Safe Space for Bold Conversations
The session, part of OWACDO’s broader menstrual dignity initiative in Benue State, opened with facilitated discussions about harmful norms and silences that surround menstruation in Nigerian communities. Using an engaging method called “Action Mapping”, participants were encouraged to reflect on:
- Cultural and religious beliefs that isolate or shame menstruating women
- Their personal power and influence as community leaders
- How they could support women and girls more intentionally after the forum
One question that sparked deep reflection was:
“If a woman in your family came to you feeling ashamed or confused about her menstrual health, how would you support her differently after today’s session?”
Answers varied, but the message was clear: the silence must end.
Personal Commitments and Pledge
Following the interactive dialogue, participants mapped out their individual actions. Commitments included:
- “I will include menstrual health in one of my sermons this month.”
- “I will no longer allow menstruating women to be excluded from gatherings in our space.”
- “I will talk to my daughters about menopause being natural, not shameful.”
The session culminated in a powerful moment of unity: The Menstrual Health Champion Pledge.
With their right hands raised and a chorus of “So help me God”, each man declared his resolve to:
- Speak openly to reduce stigma around menstruation and menopause
- Challenge discriminatory practices against women of all ages
- Use his voice to correct harmful myths
- Support menstrual health education in his community
“I, _______ do hereby commit to promoting dignity, respect, and awareness for all menstruators…”
This pledge was not symbolic—it was a call to action.
Why This Forum Matters
In Nigeria, where menstrual health is still largely considered a “women’s issue,” bringing male leaders into the conversation is revolutionary. Their voices shape culture, policy, and public opinion. OWACDO believes that for true change to occur, men must not only be included—they must become champions of menstrual dignity.
Learn More
See our recent Menstrual Hygiene Day Rally in Makurdi
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