37 million Nigerian women are living in "period poverty".
The Cable, 2023
The Asuen Meliora Empowerment Foundation
Who are We?
We care about girls and women. The Asuen Meliora Empowerment Foundation is dedicated to improving women's reproductive health and sexual rights, with a special emphasis on period health. Our mission is to ensure that every woman has access to the necessary resources, education, and support to manage their menstrual health with dignity and respect.
In Nigeria, menstrual health and hygiene present significant challenges for many girls and women. Approximately 25% of Nigerian girls do not use sanitary pads during menstruation due to cost and availability issues. This lack of access leads to around 60% of girls reporting that they miss school because of their periods. In rural areas, the situation is even more dire, with over 50% of girls lacking adequate access to clean and safe menstrual products.
Period poverty is a critical issue in Nigeria, affecting one in ten girls and leading to substantial educational and health disadvantages. Around 75% of girls face challenges in accessing menstrual hygiene management products and facilities, exacerbating the impact of period poverty.
Cultural and social barriers also play a significant role in menstrual health challenges in Nigeria. Half of Nigerian women and girls believe that menstruation is a taboo topic, and only 20% of schools provide education on menstrual health and hygiene. This lack of education and the prevailing stigma contribute to the difficulties faced by menstruating girls and women.
Efforts by the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are making strides in addressing these issues. The Nigerian government has also initiated programs to address period poverty, such as the distribution of free sanitary products in some states.
Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. Consistent funding and resources for menstrual health programs are lacking, and societal stigma continues to hinder progress. However, there are also opportunities for improvement. Increased collaboration between NGOs, the government, and local communities can amplify the impact of menstrual health initiatives. Innovative solutions, such as reusable menstrual products (The Asuen Menstrual Cup) and local manufacturing, can improve access and affordability for many girls and women.
To support menstrual health in Nigeria, individuals can contribute in several ways. Donations can provide financial support for local initiatives, raising awareness and advocating for policy changes can help address systemic issues, and volunteering can aid in outreach and education programs. These efforts can collectively help to mitigate the challenges of period poverty and improve the overall well-being of Nigerian girls and women.
This is our aim, because we care.
Our Work
Our Menstrual Cup
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
- Cost-Effective
- No harmful components
- Longer Wear Time
- Comfort and Flexibility
A menstrual cup is used by inserting it into the vagina and leaving it there to collect the menstrual fluids. If properly inserted, the rim of the cup forms a seal with the walls of the vagina to prevent leakage. The menstrual cup should be emptied every 6-12 hours. To pull it out of the vagina, the stem at the base of the cup needs to be held tightly between the thumb and the index finger and pulled out. After disposing off the menstrual fluid, the cup can be rinsed with water and reused. Once your period is over, the cup can be reused for the next cycle after cleaning the cup with boiled water and drying it.
37 Million Women Live In Period Poverty
Period poverty affects an estimated 37 million women in Nigeria alone, with 25% of girls and women expected to lack access to basic menstrual protection. This issue not only impacts daily life but also has far-reaching consequences on education. In fact, as many as 60% of Nigerian girls regularly miss school due to inadequate menstrual care.
Despite its significance, menstruation remains a taboo topic in many societies, leaving people uninformed and unsupported. Shockingly, only 20% of schools provide comprehensive education on menstrual health and hygiene, further perpetuating the problem.
Moreover, many commonly used menstrual products contain hazardous substances such as heavy metals, bleach, and volatile organic compounds—chemicals often found in cleaning supplies and adhesives. These toxins can pose serious health risks, highlighting the urgent need for safer alternatives and greater awareness around menstrual health.
Addressing period poverty and improving menstrual education is crucial for creating a more equitable and healthier future for all.
Ida Rundberg Asuen - Behavioral Scientist & Sexologist
We care about girls and women. The Asuen Meliora Empowerment Foundation is dedicated to improving women's reproductive health and sexual rights, with a special emphasis on period health. Our mission is to ensure that every woman has access to the necessary resources, education, and support to manage their menstrual health with dignity and respect.
We teach girls and women about their sexual- & reproductive health and rights, their bodies and hormonal system, how to understand changes and manage through puberty, the menstrual cycle and other important life events that might occur during a woman's’ life.
My calling in life is to make other people learn, develop and thrive!
I started out as a behavioral scientist over a decade ago and have since been coaching and helping hundreds, if not thousands of people to reach new levels in life, love and sex.
These days I call myself an "Entrepreneur with a twist" as I have also finished a Master's degree in sexology and I am specializing in helping people with their sexual identity and other sexuality related matters.
I am also a mum of three, a Benin wife and a great baker!
/Ida R. Asuen