Periods Don’t Mean Marriage: Protecting Girls Beyond Puberty Webinar

As part of its commemoration of the 2026 International Day of the Girl, FAME Foundation, through its PLAY it DREAM it initiative, will host a virtual webinar themed “Periods Don’t Mean Marriage: Protecting Girls Beyond Puberty.” The webinar aligns with this year’s International Day of the Girl theme, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!”

The webinar will take place on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (WAT) via Microsoft Teams.

The conversation will examine the misconception that a girl’s first period means she is ready for marriage or adult responsibilities. While menstruation is a normal part of puberty, the onset of a girl’s period can sometimes change how she is perceived by those around her and lead to increased expectations around relationships, marriage, and adulthood.

The discussion will explore how these beliefs can contribute to pressure on girls and affect their education, choices, wellbeing, and opportunities. Speakers will also examine the distinction between biological development and readiness for marriage, and what girls need from the adults and communities around them as they navigate puberty and adolescence.

The webinar will bring together perspectives from professionals working directly with girls and adolescents:

• Ms. Oluchi Achi Uzodimma — Team Lead, Child Shield Initiative (CSI)
• Ms. Comfort Ikpeme — State Coordinator, Girls’ Power Initiative, Cross River State, Nigeria
• Ms. Kemisola Ibitoye — Director of Programs, FAME Foundation

The session will be moderated by Inyene Idiong, Program Manager, PLAY it DREAM it, FAME Foundation.

The discussion will also consider the role of families, schools, communities, and organizations in creating environments where girls can remain in school, access accurate information, build confidence, and continue to pursue their goals without being pushed toward marriage because they have reached puberty.

As FAME Foundation marks International Day of the Girl, the webinar provides an opportunity to question the assumptions placed on girls as they grow and reaffirm the importance of protecting their rights, choices, and futures.

A period is a part of growing up, not a call to grow up too soon.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM (WCAST)
Platform: Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 935 059 577 318 6
Passcode: Jy2r4m

Join the webinar:
https://teams.live.com/meet/9350595773186?p=ZX0DMoXJI5nsMkR9aF