World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Period poverty and shaming

World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Period poverty and shaming (Photo: iStock)

Just last week I was living my best life, rocking my favourite pair of bright orange trousers and feeling like I could take on the world. Then life decided to throw me a curveball bigger than a rogue bowling pin. A huge red stain, right in the middle of my trousers. Mortification? Absolutely. But as I shuffled (okay, maybe slunk a little) towards the bathroom, another feeling bubbled to the surface - defiance.

There, staring back at me in the mirror, was a woman who, yes, had a period stain. But also a woman who was strong, capable and completely unashamed. Periods are a natural part of being a woman, and hiding them only perpetuates the stigma that's plagued us for far too long. So I did what any self-respecting Kenyan woman in my position would do - I Gloria Orwobad it. Head held high, I walked back out, determined to make those who stared feel uncomfortable. Because guess what? It's their discomfort, not mine, that needs to be addressed.