Miracle Adeniyi-Ogunjide, third-place winner of the Nigeria Health Watch 2026 Menstrual Hygiene Essay Competition, reflects on how pain, period poverty, poor school toilets and stigma can affect girls’ education. Boys and girls listen during a menstrual health session exploring hygiene, allyship and why menstruation should never interrupt a girl’s education. Photo credit: Nigeria Health WatchGovernment and non-governmental organisations can also help by providing free or affordable sanitary pads to girls in schools, supporting school WASH facilities, and ensuring that health workers visit schools to teach students about menstrual health. A cross-section of students participates in the menstrual health session, reflecting the importance of involving entire school communities in creating period-friendly learning environments. Photo credit: Nigeria Health WatchMenstrual health should never be a reason for any girl to miss school or fail in her studies.