NCoS Marks World Menstrual Hygiene Day with Nationwide Outreach to Female Inmates
As part of activities to commemorate World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2025, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), through its Gender Unit, carried out a nationwide sensitization focused on promoting menstrual health, breaking stigma, and supporting the wellbeing of female inmates across the country.
Speaking at the occasion,Dr. Adenike Sheyindemi who represented the Controller General of Corrections stated that the inmate care is not a privilege but a right, noting that the Service, through its welfare department, has consistently provided menstrural hygiene materials and other essential items to women in custody. She added that the NCoS Gender Unit has collaborated with multiple NGOs and philanthropic individuals to ensure that similar distributions are done at various female custodial centres nationwide.
The theme for the year 2025 celebration is, “Together, We Can Break the Silence and End the Stigma – Menstrual Health for All,” the Service, under the leadership of Controller General of Corrections, Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche, and coordinated by the Head of Gender Unit, Assistant Controller of Corrections, Dr. Sheyindemi Adenike, presented a robust package aimed at addressing the menstrual hygiene needs of incarcerated women.
the NCoS Gender unit in partnership with the Hope Behind Bars, an NGO distributed menstrural hygiene products, tissue paper, soap, and drinks to the inmates as part of the Service’s effort to promoting menstrual dignity and self-care in custody.
At the Suleja Custodial Centre event, female inmates also received sensitization lectures on menstrual hygiene and menopause management, delivered by Deputy Controller of Corrections in charge Medical, Olisa Charlotte, and Chief Superintendent of Corrections, Christiana Etuokwu. The sessions is aimed at educating inmates on how to manage their menstrual cycles safely and hygienically, while also demystifying common myths associated with menopause.
The occasion served as a powerful reminder of the importance of dignity and care for women behind bars. By providing essential hygiene materials and fostering education, the NCoS continues to take bold steps in safeguarding the rights and health of female inmates in alignment with global standards and the goals of correctional reform.
