A New documentary film addressing menstrual health and the stigma surrounding periods among young girls premiered in Lagos on Children’s Day, drawing attention to the need for more open conversations around menstruation in Nigeria.
The 40-minute participatory documentary entitled, ‘Menses…? What’s That?’ was screened on Tuesday at Polygon Space, Victoria Island, Lagos, at an event organised by ADANSONIA Foundation in partnership with Sweet Potato Media.
The documentary features real-life conversations with 18 girls between the ages of 11 and 18 who shared their experiences, fears and opinions about menstruation in what the organisers described as a “safe environment.”
Speaking at the premiere, the film’s Creator and Director, Imoh Eboh, said the project was inspired by the persistent shame and silence that still surround menstruation in many homes, schools and communities.
“We made this because too many kids still think periods are dirty or shameful. We are creating a period-friendly world through the voices of these girls for all young people of the world, male and female. Everyone should watch it,” Eboh said
The screening was followed by an interactive session involving the director, cast members and guests, many of whom discussed the importance of menstrual education and breaking harmful myths around puberty.
Executive producers of the documentary are Eboh, Onyinye Okonji and Hauwa Nana Ibrahim, while the film was produced by Eboh alongside Bolaji Gelax.
Among participants featured in the documentary are young actresses Khaira Bashir, Sapphire Ekeng and Pamilerin Ayodeji, who shared personal and peer experiences about growing up and navigating conversations around menstruation. Adult actresses Eboh and Joy Nmezi also reflected on their early experiences with periods in Nigerian schools.
Producer Gelax used the occasion to stress the importance of seeking professional medical advice when young girls experience irregular menstrual cycles, noting that delayed treatment could lead to complications later in life.
The documentary also explores cultural attitudes towards menstruation, examining how shame, secrecy and inherited beliefs continue to shape public conversations about menstrual health.
According to the organisers, the film will now be taken to schools, communities and religious centres across the country as part of a wider advocacy campaign aimed at promoting menstrual health education and creating a “period-friendly world.”
ADANSONIA Foundation said its partnership with Sweet Potato Media is intended to help expand the film’s reach to schools and community centres nationwide.
The documentary has been released on Sweet Potato Media’s YouTube channel and organisers said follow-up screenings will include cross-generational conversations involving parents, educators, young people and health professionals.
