Female inmates at the Nigerian Correctional Service Medium Security Custodial Centre, Agodi, Ibadan, have been reminded that incarceration does not diminish their dignity, worth, or identity as women.
The message was delivered during the commemoration of the 2026 International Menstrual Hygiene Day, themed “Together for a Better Friendly World.”
The programme was organised by the custodial centre in collaboration with Jelitop Skill Empowerment Organization, Impact Guide Ladies Empowerment Organization, and the Bodija Muslim Youth Group to promote menstrual health awareness among inmates.
Speaking at the event, the Gender Programme Coordinator of the custodial centre, Mrs. Abisola Olaniran, said the initiative was aimed at educating female inmates on proper menstrual hygiene practices while encouraging them not to allow their current circumstances define their future.
According to her, every woman deserves access to accurate information on menstrual health and the confidence to maintain personal hygiene regardless of her environment.
Also addressing the participants, the President of Impact Guide Ladies Empowerment Organization, Chief Mrs. Funmi Ali-Kayode, stressed the importance of maintaining good menstrual hygiene and paying close attention to personal wellness during menstruation.
She noted that proper menstrual care contributes significantly to the overall health and wellbeing of women.
Also, In her remarks, a representative of Jelitop Skill Empowerment Organization, Miss Roseline Ayodele, advised women approaching or experiencing menopause to adopt healthy lifestyles through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and routine medical consultations whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
Ayodele encouraged the inmates to embrace womanhood with confidence and support one another during their menstrual periods, emphasizing that every woman deserves to experience menstruation in a safe, healthy, and dignified manner.
Participants at the programme were also sensitised on menstrual pain management, personal hygiene practices, reproductive health, and the importance of seeking medical attention when necessary.
The event formed part of broader efforts to promote the health, wellbeing, and dignity of women within correctional facilities while fostering greater awareness of menstrual hygiene and reproductive health issues.
