The Sanitary Pad Media Campaign (SPMC) is set to launch a 13-week radio explainer series titled "Your Menstrual Health in 5 Minutes" to educate girls and women on menstrual health and hygiene, encourage open conversations around menstruation, and improve the wellbeing of women and girls. The series will air every Wednesday at 7:55 a.m. on Smailz 98.7FM for 13 consecutive weeks.
In a statement made available to The Guardian, the initiative was conceived to address the silence and misinformation surrounding menstruation, which has left many girls and women relying on myths and assumptions that often lead to poor health decisions and delayed care. The programme will feature concise five-minute weekly episodes covering topics such as menstruation as the fifth vital sign, menstrual pain, hormones, the menstrual cycle, menstrual hygiene, vaginal discharge, Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), and other reproductive health issues.
Speaking on the initiative, the Convener of SPMC, Anikeade Funke-Treasure Akintoye, said the explainer series aligns with the theme of this year’s World Menstrual Hygiene Day 2026, “Towards a Period Friendly World.” She explained that radio remains an effective medium for disseminating sensitive health information because it allows listeners to learn privately and without stigma. “I am excited about our second attempt at using radio to create awareness about menstrual health. As an intimate medium, radio provides a space for people to learn without shame or bias,” she said. Akintoye added that the initiative aims to break the culture of silence surrounding menstruation and encourage more open conversations about reproductive health.
A Public Affairs and Communication Strategist, Oluwayemisi Adekunle, described menstrual health as a critical public health and equity issue that affects education, productivity, and quality of life. She noted that the initiative was centred on promoting dignity and health literacy among girls and women through access to accurate information and support. Also commenting on the explainer series, Adebisi Adetunji said the programme simplifies menstrual health conversations in a reassuring and easy-to-understand manner. Adetunji added that the series would serve as a valuable resource for discussions on maintaining healthy menstrual cycles and improving reproductive health awareness.
