Paint It Red

Waking up at 3.40 am in the morning may be something normal for some but for me on these nights singing myself back to sleep is not my cup of tea. Especially if it is accompanied by pains that may seem familiar to you but still not to your nervous system. This is just but a few of the milestones some have to go through every month being a female. The past month we have had campaigns creating awareness on menstrual health and how she can regardless. They are all great and we appreciate the recognition and information being put across in various platforms but I think it’s time that we have such discussions openly enough that carrying a box of tampons or a pack of sanitary towels in public by whoever is not surrounded by victimization regardless of the gender.
It’s sad that quality assurance for some of these sanitary towels is just unacceptable. The most affordable ones either can’t stand a heavy flow or just feel uncomfortable leading to rashes and, or burns, even both on worst-case scenarios. Let’s not get to the cost of the sanitary towel, you can’t spend less than 100 Kenyan shillings to cater for just one cycle at minimal. If you need quality products during that time of the month, you will have to spend more otherwise you are stuck with substandard products which may even be a health risk. The cost of these essential products needs to be looked into and even standardize the quality so that even the less privileged can have them at their disposal. In worst-case scenarios, we have seen girls and grown women sitting in the soil during their cycle, the health risk behind it is just profound but that’s the world we live in because of the unavailability of these products. This even affects their self-esteem and the stigmatization due to seclusion or exclusion from communal activities is the reality we face. Don’t get me started on the pain killers to treat the cramps, back pains, and all sorts of pains during that time of the month, how they give a temporary solution but even their dependence affects the cycle and build it’s resistance to the pain over time. The struggle is real.
Away from that, let’s talk about the side of communal acceptance of periods. It’s time as a society, learning institutions, and the workforce to put up an accommodating environment that will remove the shame behind menstrual cycles. Like in the workplace, maybe less workload during those days, even a work from home agreement if possible, just some moral support might suffice. Washrooms in all institutions being stocked up with the necessary and basic needs to ensure a smooth time during this time are all we could ask for. Sufficient water flows in those bathroom stalls. Comfortable seats even can go a long way either in schools or at work. Some healthy meal plans for lunch breaks in the office won’t break the bank. Just do something. Not forgetting to ensure from a young age there is proper education on menstrual health for both genders which will enable coexistence and openness on these matters. I believe the lack of inclusion during the past on this topic has led us to this point, even making it difficult for such conversations to be heard in relationships. All these only leave the woman facing those difficult times alone.
We have been silent enough on these struggles which may not be solved immediately but gradually by standing with every girl who transitioned to be a woman and those yet to, by creating a conducive environment for them. Let’s paint it red TOGETHER!