Many women have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) without even realizing it.  It’s not surprising, most of these procedures are done when girls are too young to understand what’s happening.  Maybe you’ve always felt something was “different” down there, or you heard whispers about something being done to you as a child but never got the full picture. If you’ve ever wondered, “Was I mutilated?” this article will help you find answers.  Knowing your status can empower you to seek medical attention, healing, or simply peace of mind. Let’s walk through the signs that could indicate you were subjected to FGM. 1. What’s Your Family Saying? If you have a close relationship with your mother, aunties, or grandmothers, you might want to ask them. Many cultures that practice FGM see it as a rite of passage, so some family members may openly admit it if you ask the right questions.  Try asking: “Did I undergo any traditional ceremony as a child?” “Was I circumcised as ...

  In a local community in Imo State, I met Chidera, a bright young girl whose story painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by many girls in Nigeria. Chidera shared a painful reality, one that is rarely discussed but affects millions of young girls across the country. "Sanitary pads are no longer affordable," she said, her voice tinged with frustration. According to her, the prices of sanitary pads have skyrocketed, leaving many young girls unable to afford this basic necessity. “Before now,” she explained, “sanitary pads used to cost between ₦200 and ₦300, and we could manage to buy them. Then, the price went up to ₦500, which was still manageable. But now, a pack costs more than ₦3,000!” For young girls like Chidera, who come from low-income households, this price increase is devastating. She revealed that only 2 out of every 10 girls in her community can afford sanitary pads. The others resort to using unsafe alternatives like tissue paper, rags, or pieces ...

Imagine walking down the street, feeling the weight of stares, whispers, and judgmental comments because of something you have no control over.  For women living with gigantomastia, this is their reality. Let’s take a moment to break it down and understand what gigantomastia really is, the toll it takes on those who suffer from it, and how we, as a society, can step in with compassion rather than condemnation. Gigantomastia is a rare medical condition characterized by the excessive and abnormal growth of breast tissue. It goes way beyond what is considered "normal" breast size and can cause immense physical, emotional, and social challenges. This condition doesn’t mean a woman “ate too much,” "Did nasty things at a you age" “did something wrong,” or is “seeking attention.” No, gigantomastia can occur suddenly or gradually and isn’t something anyone can control. It’s rare, but for those who experience it, the impact is profound. What Causes Gigantomastia?...

Hey there! Let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but incredibly important "misogyny". What is Misogyny? Have you ever heard someone say something like, “Women don’t know how to lead,” or seen someone roll their eyes when a woman speaks her mind? That’s misogyny in action. Misogyny is basically a dislike, prejudice, or even outright hatred of women. Sometimes it’s loud and obvious, but other times, it’s sneaky, hiding in jokes, traditions, or even advice that sounds harmless at first but cuts women down. Now, think about it, What happens when someone like this becomes a husband, a friend, a brother, or even your coworker? Let’s unpack that. How Does Misogyny Affect Women? Imagine being married to someone who thinks their word is law simply because they’re a man. They might dismiss your dreams, criticize you constantly, or make you feel like you’re “less than.” That’s what happens when misogyny creeps into marriage, it can feel suffocating and isolating...