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The very day I came across a tampon

Photo Credit: Pexels I was 22, standing beside the shelves of a famous supermarket in Kenya, seeming like I am looking for a certain brand of lotion- but in real sense, I was bewilderingly gazing at a pack of tampons like it was a ticking-time bomb. I had only chanced these items in movies- typically white womenfolk in Chapati blankets- baggy hoodies nonchalantly throwing them into shopping trolleys. But then again there I was, in an African State where sanitary towels are the standard, puzzling if I was audacious enough to try out something unalike.  I stretched my arm and went for the smallest package that was placed on the topmost shelf containing facial glow items, or can I refer to them as ‘Glow-up kits?’  I almost felt comparable to a shoplifter, even although I paid fully at the counter, with the cash handler side eyeing me, then eyeballing the tampons, and then giving me a piercing look. I felt under the microscope, punitively judged. Perhaps I made it-up in my mind, m...

Dear Reader, Women Run the World (Yes, Even Yours)

Photo Credit: Pexels. Happy Woman holding balloons

Last year on this very day, International Women’s Day commemoration found me in Kisumu County, Seme, Pap Kadundo to be precise, where I celebrated with great enthusiasm.

The event? The event assembled remarkable individuals who shared intellectual and vocal contributions, where I interacted with FIDA warriors, and devoted civil society organizations working towards reducing inequalities, and of course, the event’s big names: Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, his better half Dorothy Nyong’o and Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi (yes, you read that right), who brought energy to the crowd. It was all bubbles and laughter, joyful speeches, honest discussions on gender equality and equity, majorly depicting hard truths.

Fast forward today, the dialogue has not changed one bit. Does the public applause of women indicate substantial empowerment of their rights? Not quite.

Through women parenting; which entails unpaid domestic labour, they help their children transform the world into a better place. Maria Von Trapp along with many more talented women benefitted from their nurturing as through her, the family developed their musical talents into a global sensation. Women have been on the forefront on advocacy, policy advocacy and community emancipation on climate action, mental health initiatives, peacebuilding and diplomacy, but do they always get the acknowledgement that they deserve? Nope.

Take Nigerian Senator, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan who was recently suspended for six months after expressing her opinions on sexual harassment. And right here in Kenya? Femicide was pretty much on the rise last year, the death toll of victims exceeding 100 in four months, with the majority being assassinated by those close to them. Furthermore, Rebecca Cheptegei’s death indicates the dangers women remain exposed to.

Against all odds, women such as Dr. Amina Abubakar revolutionize mental health care, On the other hand, Christiana Figueres showed immense dedication to the Paris Climate Agreement while Prof. Wangari Maathai defended forests amid societal mockery, not to forget Ambassador Amina Mohammed; Deputy UN Sec Gen who vehemently calls for youth and women emancipation and SDGs attainment.

So now, on International Women’s Day, let’s elevate women to grow louder in their achievements and as a male reader of this piece, if you’re not helping women tap into their potential, at least don’t be the problem propagator.


To every woman leading on international summits or tucking children into bed tonight- You are amazing! 

Happy International Women’s Day. Keep impacting the world! 

Comments

Wow, I've learnt a lot about women through this one blog. 🥳
I'm glad to hear this, incredible indeed. I appreciate your encouragement to create more content as such.
Kendi Benardette said…
Wow! I like this
Stupendous! This is quite emboldening, thank you.
Dennis Otieno said…
Nice read. A ray of huge topics creatively discussed in a very short space.

www.dennisotieno.ct.ws
(Behaviour change communications and documentary fillmaker
It's an honour receiving this remark from you, and I must say that conversations on Women could revolve around many slants, not only do we have the strands but also the sub-strands. Much acknowledgement.
Chikasom said…
This piece is worth reading. Indeed Women are unstoppable and powerful 💕Thank you for reminding me I can be great😊
Your words fill me with great appreciation. Your reaction indicates that my work impressed you, and I must say that your power to take precedence as a woman galvanizes me to provoke others in honoring these extraordinary capabilities since women possess an indomitable force. Keep shining and hitching your wagon to a star.

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