Ladies Developmental and Empowerment Guide (LADEG), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and girls through advocacy, education, and community development,recently convened the Walk for Menstrual Health and Hygiene 2026, bringing together more than 200 participants and over 30 volunteers in what is believed to be one of the first large-scale menstrual health awareness walks in Lagos State.
The advocacy walk, held on May 30, 2026, commenced from Allen Junction, Ikeja, and concluded at the Alausa Secretariat, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds, including young people, advocates, community leaders, health enthusiasts, development practitioners, and supporters of menstrual health and hygiene advocacy.
The initiative formed part of activities commemorating Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026 and sought to amplify conversations around menstrual health, challenge stigma, promote dignity, and encourage greater access to menstrual health education and support systems for women and girls.
Despite heavy rainfall and challenging weather conditions, participants remained committed to the cause, demonstrating the growing urgency and relevance of menstrual health advocacy within communities.
The event featured awareness campaigns, advocacy speeches, public engagement activities, social media campaigns, and the distribution of educational and campaign materials. Prior to the walk, LADEG also hosted a virtual conference to further deepen conversations around menstrual health, hygiene, and the importance of collective action in addressing barriers faced by women and girls.
Speaking on the significance of the initiative, Cecilia Ebeh, founder of LADEG, emphasized the need for sustained advocacy and community involvement.
“Menstrual health is not merely a women’s issue; it is a public health, education, and human dignity issue. Through this walk, we sought to create visibility for conversations that have remained hidden for too long. The response we witnessed, even in the face of unfavorable weather, is proof that people are ready to challenge stigma and advocate for a future where no girl or woman is disadvantaged because of her period, ” she stated.Â
Also speaking, Ojo Semasa, programme coordinator for the initiative, noted that the walk represented more than an awareness campaign.
“This was a call to action. Every participant who walked lent their voice to an issue that affects millions of women and girls. We are encouraged by the enthusiasm, commitment, and solidarity displayed throughout the campaign and the walk itself,” he stated.
Nkiru Opara, team Lead, further highlighted the role of young people in driving social change, stating: “One of the most inspiring outcomes of this initiative was the active participation of young people. Their willingness to show up, speak up, and advocate demonstrates that a new generation is committed to building communities where menstrual health conversations can happen openly and without shame.”
The success of the Walk for Menstrual Health and Hygiene 2026 was made possible through the support and collaboration of several organizations and institutions, including the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Agency, Pocari Sweat, Jade Anibor Foundation, True Path HerHealth Connect, YALI Network Lagos, Maden Foundation, Eko Belles, Period Slay, Black Girl Health Bank, Pad Up Africa, and Olaoye Muibat Adesewa Child Care Foundation.
Beyond the turnout and visibility generated, the initiative succeeded in fostering meaningful public conversations around menstrual health, encouraging community engagement, and reinforcing the importance of education, advocacy, and access in advancing the well-being of women and girls.
As LADEG continues its mission to empower women and girls through advocacy, leadership development, education, and community-based initiatives, the organisation stated that it remains committed to creating safe spaces for dialogue, driving awareness, and championing sustainable solutions to issues affecting women and girls across Nigeria.
