Understanding Severe Menstrual Cramps; Symptoms, Causes & Treatement

This article was first published on The Perspective blog.

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I am always doing constant research about menstrual cramps because of what I put up with every month. I have not been able to find the cure yet but just ways of controlling the pain. 

What has worked for me so far is, using the hot water bottle, feeding light, avoiding sugary stuff and exercise.

My Teacher Defiled Me at The Age of 8 Years but Now I Take My Power Back; Sofi Buwembo

April is sexual assault awareness month and I feel this is the best time for me to share with the world my experience as a young girl. 

I was sexually assaulted by my teacher when I was 8 years old. I was in P.3 at Kibuli Demonstration School, Uganda. My abuser’s name was Sheikh Serubogo and he taught I.R.E in lower primary.

My teacher took me to his house and as a lamb being led to the slaughterhouse, I went with him not knowing what would befall me. 

My Difficult Childhood Unknowingly Drove me into Depression; Lily Okeyo

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“It is okay not to be okay”. This is a statement taken so casually but carries so much weight. It is estimated that 300 million people worldwide suffer from depression which is the most common type of mental disorder.  

Kenya happens to be ranked 6^th in Africa in the number of depression cases at about 2 million.  It is also estimated that 4 in 5 people who commit suicide are depressed at the time of their death. 

The most common causes of depression are biological changes experienced during pregnancy, genetic predisposition, psychological risks and social factors. (WHO, Kenya Mental Health Policy/Act 2014)

I Will Not Report

I will Not Report by Sarah Masive

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I know that a crime has been committed against me,

I know that our legal system has laws that should protect me,

I know that there are lawyers that would gladly represent me for free,

I know, but I will not report this.

Every other day we hear of such cases in court,

How the survivors get victimized again by supposed protectors,

This Poem

This Poem by ToonHood

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This poem is born out of shock, born out of torn wombs inspired by the torn souls of women and girls from countries and regions where war is the breakfast,t, lunch, dinner and supper, and bomb blasts and gunshots their daily bedtime stories.

This poem is born out of cries of women who when men fear bullets shot to kill them, they count shots militia aren't militaria, gangs, or rebels, that impregnate them and their minds with memories and depressions, so they run to give their wombs a break.

Dear Mama

Dear Mama by Kimwomi Brian

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I’m sorry I’m never appreciative for all the good things you’ve done unto me. Even though my love may seem unrequited to you, best believe my soul is humbled and meek before you. Many are times you’ve shown your selfless motherly love unto me even when the world was not receptive towards me. Always taping my back and assuring me for as long as my heart drums against my ribs I have no reason to lament.

I remember days when you’d serve yourself the lowest share and serve us plenty just to ensure we have more and don’t wake up at wee hours on empty tummies. Instances when we’d take ugali and cooked bananas for lunch, just because we had no vegetables to accompany a balanced diet meal. 

Scaling the Height of Patriarchy

Scaling the Height of Patriarchy by Stephen Juma

Women are considered the pillars of their families, homemakers, and contributors in society, but some continue to be subjected to oppression and discrimination in any male chauvinist culture.  They can, however, prove to be resilient and independent people who can overcome these challenges and rise to success in a patriarchal society. 

Women of Africa and the African diaspora have been through many challenges that include biased cultural practices, gender discrimination, sexism, racism, economic dependency, among others. Their problems always seem to stem from the fact that they are women.

Who is an Ideal Woman?

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A while back, I was invited to be part of a mentorship session organised by the alumni of Daraja Academy. The invitation was extended as a motivational speaker and I had a hard time preparing my presentation. 

As I reflected on my High School experience to pick a learning point, one thing came to mind about the autographs we would sign as we left school. There was one question that was common in almost all the autographs I signed,, what is your ideal guy or girl?

Dear Dad

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Dear Dad by Corazon  Kunyobo

Today the crowd wants to hear me sing your praises,

They know I'm a poet; a poem they expect,

But I don't know where to start from,

I don't know what to say.

Tell me dad,

Have I lost a father or a molester?

How do I face everyone and say I've lost a father?

A father who turned me into his satisfaction tool

Every time mother left?

Grace Muthoni: My Journey to Self-Discovery Made Me a Teen Mom

“Being a petite and short girl has been one of my greatest challenges. Despite struggling to accept myself, I was bullied by others for the better part of my schooling years.” Grace outlines with great emotions.

Grace Muthoni Maina is a firstborn among two and she describes her childhood as normal and simple. According to societal standards, she was described as a good girl, lovable, disciplined, and very outspoken.

Ambrose Kamya: The Love Child Of Teenagers Who Has Fought For His Silver Spoon

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“For the better part of my life, I struggled with the feeling of rejection and a sense of belonging. What has kept me going is my zeal to work hard and prove to the world that I have so much to offer for a better world.” Ambrose begins by pointing this out.

Tell us about your childhood and upbringing

I was born in 1989 to teen parents in Kayunga Village in Eastern Uganda. My father and mother were in Senior four and Senior two, aged 19 and 18 respectively. 

When did Love Become a Battle Field?

Courtesy:  news.un.org

Before anything else, we need to begin with a moment of silence for the souls who have gone too soon in the name of love. 

The crimes of passion have become so rampant and the corridors of social media justice seem to be justifying the trend.

Looking at the tragic death of Ivy Wangechi, a Moi University sixth-year medicine student who was killed in broad daylight, I am left wondering; what value do we attach to life? Are rejection and disappointment such a strong incentive to take a life?

Every Woman Deserves a 'Sponsor'

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This might appear like the most irrational article I have ever written, but just hear me out for a moment. 

The number of ‘Sponsor relationships’ have been on the rise with scandal after scandal flooding our media. Focus has been put on condemning the vice but who has tried to analyse the situation and explain the trend?

Women depending on men is a normal phenomenon and nothing absurd at all. I mean, the man was created first and the woman was made to be his helper. 

Mentorship Session at St Peter's Girls Utawala

One thing that gives me great fulfillment is mentorship. Every moment that I get to impact a life is priceless. 

On 14th August I got a rare chance to speak to girls at St. Peter's Girls in Utawala courtesy of Brian Ombaka. 

Together with me were other great mentors; Dorothy Otieno, Grace Ndirangu, and Corazon Amukhale. 

What Nobody Tells You About Menstrual Health (#NomoreLimits)

Courtesy: Health24.com

Yesterday was Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day). This is a global platform that brings together non-profits, government agencies, the private sector, the media,  and individuals to promote Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

MH Day raises awareness of the challenges women and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and highlights solutions that address these challenges, including through media work. 

Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder With Franciscah Nzanga

During the Decent Conversations Mental Health Forum held on 11th May 2018 one of the topics discussed was on perinatal mood and anxiety disorder commonly known as baby blues. 

The presentation was done by Franciscah Nzanga, Founder and Managing Director - of Mama Mzazi Mommy & Me.

Meet Samantha, The New Wife Material Contestant

Courtesy: in.news.yahoo.com

My oh my! It is truly a challenge to be a woman. Feminists have had to deal with the issues of empowerment, equality, early marriages, female genital mutilation, and other female reproductive issues.

There is now a new area of concern which is SAMANTHA the latest talk of the town!

Also Check out: 7 Issues that Women Deal With at Different Points in Life

Women Leadership: Changing the Narrative

Courtesy: loretodoranda.org

This article first appeared in Preach Through My Lyrics Magazine. To get your free copy to follow this link.

“There is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things, as we have seen by the example of many saints who have done great things. And I hope in God that it will be seen that women in time to come will do much.” - Mary Ward, 1617.

Money And Relationships: My Perspective

When we had Money and Relationships as our topic last month. I realized and learned that money matters is a very crucial and serious issue in all relationships, courtships, and Marriages.

Everyone wants someone financially stable, we really don't care what the future holds. I spoke to many of my friends both married, single, or dating. one thing is clear all of us will never really see eye to eye on money issues.

Our perspectives are very

5 Common Causes of Back Pain in Women

Courtesy: Blackwomendoworkout.com

Back pain is one very common occurrence in women. In other words, every woman is likely to experience back pain at some point in their life. 

Experts have estimated that up to 80% of the population will experience a back problem at some point in their lives.

There are many causes of