BROWN GIRL IN THE RING INDEED!

It was the summer vacation I just came back from boarding school. One sunny Saturday morning with my uncle while we were dancing to the beats of\"brown girl in the ring tra lalalala, there's a brown girl in the ring tra lalalala...\" I felt as if something wasn't right so I decided to sit down and check and when I say on the floor behold Brown girl was in the ring, I had officially become a big girl! Hahahaha! Since I was already in form two, my mother had already prepared me for any such eventuality. Also being in boarding school I saw other girls using pads. Inspite of all that there was still alittle fear that crept in and I remember breaking down and crying.Maybe because it was something new and I didn't know how to go about it. I was quickly told by my mother to take a bath and use a pad. I was also taught how to use reusable sanitary clothes during vacation. This was and still is a very common practice in my community. White towels were bought and cut in pieces to be used. The clothes were steeped and washed with hot water after use and ready for the next use.

This practice said to be economical for those who cannot afford sanitary pads could become an unhealthy practice especially if the clothes are not cleaned properly after use. It could be a source of infection.

Women aught not feel stigmatized by their menstrual flow. It's something many of us wish we wouldn't have to go through monthly especially if it is accompanied by pain but it is important and part of our lives. When we embrace it and teach our girls and communities to do same, we are sure of a menstrual period taboo free community!