Teen Girls in Lagos Draft Their Own Menstrual Justice Charter at Policy Forum
TESMI Nigeria hosted a Girls' Policy Forum on Menstrual Justice in Lagos, bringing together 50 female students from 13 private schools to develop a menstrual justice charter in their own words. The one-day forum was held during International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) and sought to translate the week's theme into practical action by placing adolescent girls at the centre of policy discussions on menstrual health.
Rather than listening to adults set the agenda, the students worked in small groups to identify the rules and standards they want to see for menstrual health and dignity in their schools and communities. The outcome is a Menstrual Justice Charter written in the students' own words, which TESMI Nigeria says will serve as an advocacy tool for its #BleedWithDignity campaign.
"The girls are not asking for permission; they are creating their dignity," said a representative of TESMI Nigeria. "Our role was to make room for them to lead, and they did."
Charter to guide advocacy
TESMI Nigeria plans to share the charter with school leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers, and to use it to press for practical changes that protect girls' dignity. The organisation said the document reflects the students' priorities and will inform its engagement with schools and decision-makers on menstrual health and adolescent health.
International Adolescent Health Week is an annual grassroots initiative hosted by the International Association for Adolescent Health. It brings together young people, healthcare providers, teachers, parents, and communities to promote adolescent health and well-being.
About TESMI Nigeria
Teens Smart Builder Initiative (TESMI Nigeria) is a Lagos-based, youth-led organisation working on adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), menstrual health advocacy, and HIV prevention. The organisation said partners and supporters interested in advancing menstrual justice can get involved by contacting TESMI Nigeria through its official channels.
