Empowering Girls with Vital SRHR Access

In commemoration of World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, Girls’ Power Initiative (GPI) Calabar, in collaboration with key partners, organized a trans-formative event focused on raising awareness and educating adolescent girls on menstrual health and hygiene. The event took place at the GPI Centre in Calabar and brought together girls, mentors, and health professionals in a safe, empowering environment.

The day began with an inspiring welcome by GPI Coordinator, who spoke passionately about the importance of self-worth, education, confidence, and the power of learning for girls. She acknowledged the efforts of partners and extended appreciation to the guest speaker,  the President of the Medical Women’s Association, Cross River State, for her leadership and support.

Objective: The event aimed to break the silence around menstruation, debunk harmful myths, and reduce stigma through education and open dialogue.

Presentations:

• A girl participant delivered a heartfelt presentation titled "Why I Love to Be a Girl Child", celebrating identity and self-esteem.
• Another shared the history and mission of GPI, including its positive impact on adolescent girls through life skills, advocacy, and mentorship.
• Interactive Roleplay: Members of the Shining Star group performed a creative and engaging drama that addressed common menstrual myths and provided accurate information on hygiene practices in a relatable and memorable way.

Positive Outcomes:

• Increased knowledge among participants about menstrual health and hygiene.
• Boosted confidence and pride in girls’ identity through peer-led storytelling and activities.
• Strengthened collaboration between civil society, youth corps volunteers, and the medical community to address menstrual stigma.
• Fostered a supportive environment where girls felt heard, seen, and empowered to speak up about their bodies and rights.

Conclusion: This event exemplifies how grassroots education, when paired with strong partnerships and youth involvement, can create lasting change in the lives of adolescent girls. We are deeply grateful to our funders for making this impact possible and remain committed to building healthier, more informed communities for girls across Cross River State.

Links:

• View more impact stories on our website

• World_Menstrual_Health_Day_2025.pdf (PDF)