Spiral of Silence, Menstrual Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria

The spiral of silence theory significantly affects open discussions on menstrual hygiene and environmentally friendly waste solutions by reinforcing silence and stigma around menstruation, which in turn hinders awareness and adoption of sustainable practices. This is against the backdrop that menstruation is widely considered a taboo subject in many cultures, leading to shame, secrecy and silence. The taboo prevents comprehensive menstrual education and public discourse that could promote sustainable alternatives like reusable pads or menstrual cups, which are less harmful to the environment. Essentially, this stigma discourages individuals from speaking openly about menstrual hygiene and waste management, as they fear social isolation or judgment if their views differ from perceived majority opinions.  The lack of open discussion means menstrual sustainability issues are often excluded from mainstream media and public health campaigns, further perpetuating ignorance and stigma. This absence of visible discourse reinforces the Spiral of Silence, as people perceive that sustainable menstrual waste management is not a socially acceptable or prioritised topic; discounting the fact that without open dialogue, misinformation persists, and the dominant narrative continues to favour disposable products that contribute heavily to landfill waste. This exploratory desk study employed a structured search strategy, articles that investigated menstrual hygiene knowledge, attitudes and practices in Nigeria among adolescents and women in different parts of Nigeria were identified. A total of 4 studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 2021 and 2025 that describe menstrual hygiene, menstrual waste management and sustainability in Nigeria were included.   Keywords: Spiral of Silence, Menstrual Waste, SUMPS, Environmental Sustainability