Global Shapers Impact Report 2025

3.1 Action by young people: case studies CASE STUDY 1 Safe Space for HER, Ilorin Hub, Nigeria Strategy Implementation Awareness-raising Period poverty is a social, economic and health concern. It is also largely ignored. In northern Nigeria, young activists are fighting to change this. In Nigeria, an estimated 37 million women and girls17 face period poverty, lacking access to affordable menstrual products – a critical issue exacerbated by rising costs, and largely unaddressed. Beyond access, cultural stigma around menstruation adds further barriers, often instilling shame and limiting young women’s ability to fully participate in society. In Ilorin Hub, young changemakers are raising awareness and tackling period poverty through Safe Space for HER. Through in-school workshops, they provide comprehensive menstrual health education to young women and girls. They also distribute essential products and offer leadership and self-esteem training to equip young women with the confidence to pursue their goals. To date, they have reached over 300 young women and girls, with the goal to support 1,500 young women across Kwara State by 2025. Next steps: Young changemakers are addressing period poverty through awareness and direct action, yet they also see the need for systemic solutions. Next, they can advocate for legislation to ensure free period products for those in need – or, at least, subsidize these essential items. Tactics could include removing VAT and import taxes on menstrual products, distributing free products through schools and clinics, or institutionalizing menstrual health education in school curriculums to combat stigma and dismantle cultural taboos at scale and permanently.18 With Safe Space for HER, we hope for a future where no girl is held back due to lack of menstrual hygiene resources or the weight of social stigma. The Innovation Prize will empower us to scale the impact of this initiative, as we work toward providing sustainable solutions and policy measures to end period poverty. Mariam Abdulkareem, Global Shaper, Ilorin Hub, Nigeria Global Shapers Impact Report 23