Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment - DeCODE

21/08/2026

Stakeholders from across the Anambra State education, health and social development sectors have established the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition (AMHAC) as a multi-sectoral platform to advocate for the adoption and implementation of Nigeria’s National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM) Policy in Anambra State.

The coalition was established today in Awka during the Anambra State Menstrual Health Situation Assessment Dissemination, AMHAC Formation and Advocacy Planning Workshop, organised by the Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment - DeCODE led by PrincessCynthia Enweonwu-Arinze
through the Menstrual Ease for Girls (ME4Girls) Project, with support from Rise Up Together.

The workshop brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, alongside the Post Primary Schools Service Commission (PPSSC), Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB), civil society organisations, media and other relevant stakeholders.

The gathering provided an opportunity to present findings from the Anambra State Menstrual Health Situation Assessment and discuss what the evidence means for policy and programming in the State. The assessment generated State-level evidence on menstrual health experiences, menstrual product access, menstrual health education, menstruation-related absenteeism, WASH conditions, pain management, disability inclusion and school-level support systems.

Beyond disseminating the evidence, stakeholders examined the National MHHM Policy and discussed the steps required for its adoption and implementation in Anambra State. Discussions also considered a proposed implementation framework for public secondary schools, outlining practical measures that could strengthen menstrual health education, WASH facilities, school support systems, referrals, monitoring and accountability.

AMHAC Established to Drive Coordinated Advocacy

A major highlight of the workshop was the establishment of the Anambra Menstrual Health Advocacy Coalition (AMHAC).

AMHAC will serve as a collaborative advocacy platform bringing together government institutions, civil society organisations, development partners, media and other relevant stakeholders to support coordinated advocacy for menstrual health policy action in Anambra State.

The coalition is intended to help move menstrual health advocacy beyond individual or short-term interventions towards sustainable policy, institutional and system-level action.

Participants also agreed on the need for a more structured technical mechanism to support the policy process.

Technical Working Group to Review Draft Policy and Implementation Framework

As part of the next steps, a Technical Working Group under AMHAC was established to provide technical support to the advocacy process.

The Technical Working Group will review the draft Anambra State MHHM Policy and the proposed Implementation Framework, provide technical inputs and recommendations, and help ensure that the documents reflect the realities and priorities of the State.

The Group will also contribute to refining the proposed pathway for implementation and strengthening coordination among relevant sectors as the advocacy process progresses.

The establishment of the Technical Working Group represents an important step in translating the evidence generated through the ME4Girls Project into practical policy action.

From Evidence to Policy Action

The Executive Director of DeCODE, Cynthia Enweonwu-Arinze, noted that the purpose of the ME4Girls Project is not simply to provide short-term menstrual health interventions, but to use evidence and stakeholder collaboration to influence sustainable policy change.

The workshop therefore marked an important transition from evidence generation to coalition building and coordinated advocacy.

With the establishment of AMHAC and its Technical Working Group, stakeholders now have a platform through which they can continue engaging relevant government authorities and supporting the policy adoption and implementation process.

The next phase will focus on strengthening the draft policy and implementation framework, coordinating advocacy actions and engaging relevant decision-makers towards the ultimate goal of securing the adoption and phased implementation of the National MHHM Policy in Anambra State.

The development of sustainable systems for menstrual health is expected to contribute to improved access to menstrual health information and products, gender-responsive WASH facilities, appropriate support for girls experiencing menstrual challenges, reduced stigma and improved educational participation.

AMHAC will continue to bring stakeholders together around one shared objective: advancing menstrual health through evidence, policy and collective action in Anambra State.

05/08/2026

The ME4Girls Journey So Far

Every meaningful change begins with a single step and for us at DeCODE led by PrincessCynthia Enweonwu-Arinze , that step has been driven by a commitment to ensuring that no girl is denied education or opportunities because of menstruation.

Following years of championing menstrual health through education, advocacy, community engagement, and support for girls, DeCODE was honoured to be selected by Rise Up Together to implement the ME4Girls (Menstrual Ease for Girls) Project. We sincerely appreciate Rise Up Together for believing in our vision and entrusting us with this important initiative.

Since the project's inception, we have made significant progress.

We began by engaging key stakeholders and government institutions to build partnerships and secure support for the project. Their openness and commitment have been instrumental in advancing this shared vision.

Recognising that effective advocacy must be evidence-based, we developed comprehensive research tools including student questionnaires, teacher interview guides, key informant interview guides, focus group discussion guides, and school WASH assessment checklists to better understand the menstrual health realities faced by girls in Anambra State.

To ensure quality and ethical data collection, we trained our research team, virtually, equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to engage participants professionally, respectfully, and with empathy.

With these preparations completed, our team carried out the baseline assessment across selected schools, engaging students, teachers, and school administrators to understand their experiences, challenges, and needs regarding menstrual health and hygiene management.

We are pleased to share that the baseline assessment has now been successfully completed. While the detailed findings will be presented through appropriate channels, the assessment has already reinforced the urgent need for collective action to improve menstrual health, strengthen school support systems, and ensure that menstruation never becomes a barrier to education.

Today, we are building on this evidence by engaging policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for the adoption and implementation of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy in Anambra State.

This journey would not have been possible without the support of Rise Up Together, the Anambra State Ministry of Education, participating schools, students, teachers, community leaders, media partners, and everyone who believes that every girl deserves to learn, lead, and thrive with dignity.

The journey continues, and we look forward to sharing more milestones as we work together to advance menstrual equity and improve the lives of girls across Anambra State.

Together, we can ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period.

05/08/2026

A Step Closer to Menstrual Equity in Anambra State

Today marked another significant milestone in our journey towards ensuring that no girl is denied her right to education because of menstruation.

Through the Menstrual Ease for Girls (ME4Girls) Project, DeCODE led by PrincessCynthia Enweonwu-Arinze had the privilege of engaging with the Anambra State Ministry of Education to advocate for stronger support towards the adoption and implementation of the National Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Policy in the state.

For us, this is more than policy advocacy. It is about creating an environment where every girl can attend school with confidence, dignity, and the support she deserves.

We sincerely appreciate Rise Up Together for believing in our vision and entrusting DeCODE with the implementation of the ME4Girls Project. Your support is helping to drive meaningful conversations and actions that can transform the lives of thousands of girls.

Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to the Anambra State Ministry of Education for its warm reception, openness, and willingness to collaborate in advancing menstrual health and girls' education in the state. Together, we can build a future where menstruation is never a barrier to learning or opportunity.

We are equally grateful to our partners, stakeholders, the media, and everyone lending their voice to this cause. Every conversation, every collaboration, and every step taken brings us closer to achieving menstrual equity for every girl.

This is only the beginning of the ME4Girls journey. We look forward to sharing more milestones as we continue working towards lasting policy change and improved menstrual health outcomes across Anambra State.

Together, we can ensure that no girl is left behind because of her period.

Media Coverage

🔹 Core Truth
https://coretruth.net/2026/08/05/anambra-moves-towards-menstrual-health-policy-as-education-ministry-welcomes-me4girls-advocacy/

🔹 Kogi News Reel
https://koginewsreel.blogspot.com/2026/08/decode-strives-towards-menstrual-health.html

🔹 Metro Times Nigeria
https://metrotimesngr.com/menstruation-still-keeping-anambra-girls-out-of-school-decode-raises-alarm-pushes-policy-to-reverse-trend/

🔹 Angel Network News
https://angelnetworknews.com/menstrual-health-policy-decode-rallies-support-for-improve-girls-education-in-anambra/

🔹 Facebook Coverage
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1cdiiUQB8N/

31/07/2026

For years, Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment - DeCODE led by PrincessCynthia Enweonwu-Arinze has remained committed to ensuring that girls and young women can manage their menstruation safely, confidently, and with dignity.

Through school outreaches, community engagements, menstrual hygiene education, pad distribution, advocacy, and conversations with key stakeholders, we have witnessed first-hand the challenges girls face every month. These experiences have strengthened our resolve to create lasting, evidence-based solutions.

Today, we are excited to officially introduce ME4Girls (Menstrual Ease for Girls), a project that seeks to improve menstrual health and hygiene management for girls by generating evidence, engaging stakeholders, and advocating for policies that create safer and more supportive school environments.

Our years of dedication to menstrual health advocacy have earned DeCODE the privilege of implementing this important initiative. We are deeply grateful to Rise Up Together for recognising our work, believing in our vision, and entrusting DeCODE with the implementation of the ME4Girls project. We appreciate this opportunity to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of girls in Anambra State.

Over the coming weeks, we will be taking you behind the scenes of the ME4Girls journey from stakeholder engagements and baseline assessments to community collaborations, key findings, and the policy advocacy efforts that will shape the future of menstrual health for girls in Anambra State.

This is more than a project. It is a movement towards ensuring that no girl is held back because of her period.

Join us as we document this journey, celebrate milestones, and work together to build a future where menstrual health is recognised as a right, not a privilege.

05/07/2026

Few months ago we were asking for the location of the Pad Banks established by Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Nonye Soludo of Healthy Living With Nonye Soludo . We asked because many of the girls we support during our menstrual health outreaches wanted to know where they could access them whenever the need arose.

We have learned that pad banks have indeed been established in several schools across Anambra State. We sincerely appreciate Her Excellency for this thoughtful and impactful initiative.

For years, Development Centre for Orientation, Discovery and Empowerment - DeCODE led by PrincessCynthia Enweonwu-Arinze has been at the forefront of promoting menstrual health and hygiene across Anambra State. Through our school and community outreaches, we have provided comprehensive menstrual health education and menstrual products to over 10,000 girls, empowering them with the knowledge, confidence, and support they need to stay healthy and remain in school.

The introduction of Pad Banks is a strong validation of the importance of this work. It reinforces what we have always believed, that no girl should have her education, confidence, or dignity interrupted simply because of her period. Having emergency menstrual products readily available in schools is a significant step towards making that vision a reality.

As we continue our outreaches, we have observed that several schools are already benefiting from this initiative, and are hopeful that, over time, the programme will be expanded to reach every community and every school in Anambra State.

For us at DeCODE, this is not just another government initiative, it is a valuable complement to the work we have been doing for years. When government, civil society organizations, schools, development partners, and communities work together, we can ensure that every girl has the support she needs to manage her menstruation with dignity.

We commend Her Excellency, Mrs. Nonye Soludo, for championing this cause and for strengthening the menstrual health ecosystem in Anambra State.

DeCODE remains committed to playing its part until no girl is left behind.

21/06/2026