Nollywood actress Yvonne Jegede has publicly condemned popular preacher Pastor Femi Lazarus following a viral sermon in which he appeared to downplay the reality of menstrual pain and hormonal changes women face.
In the video making rounds online, Pastor Lazarus was heard saying:
“You are not the first woman to see your period, so your menstruation is not the problem. I have never seen anywhere in the Bible any woman complain about menstrual pain. You are simply not a peaceful person.”
His statement quickly drew widespread criticism across social media, with many Nigerians tagging it “insensitive” and “tone-deaf” to women’s health realities.
Reacting via her Instagram story, Yvonne Jegede advised men to be more understanding and avoid making careless remarks about women’s experiences they’ve never personally gone through. She wrote:
“Yesterday I saw a trending video of a clergyman seemingly trivialising menstrual pain.
If you’ve never experienced the hormonal changes that women go through during their periods, ovulations, and pregnancy, please don’t make bold statements about things you haven’t experienced. Men, please be kind.”
Her post resonated with many female followers and health advocates who praised her for speaking up against what they called the “normalisation of ignorance” from religious figures.
The debate continues online, with several users calling for more education on menstrual health among male leaders and public figures.