It began, as many public conversations do today, with a short clip and a simple statement. In it, Esther Passaris urged Kenyans to cut down on sugar consumption and prioritize contributions to the Social Health Authority (SHA), linking her own fitness at 61 to lifestyle discipline and suggesting that some who claim they cannot afford SHA may still spend on non-essential items like regular salon visits.

On the surface, the message appears practical. It promotes personal responsibility, healthier living, and support for a national healthcare system. In another context, it might pass without much scrutiny. But in Kenya’s current economic climate, the reaction it generated reveals something more layered than disagreement over lifestyle advice.

This is where the criticism sharpens. This feels like a classic “Marie Antoinette” script not as a literal historical comparison but as a shorthand for what happens when those in positions of power offer simplified solutions to complex, lived realities. It reflects a moment where advice, however logical in isolation, appears disconnected from the conditions most people are navigating.

For many, the issue is not the logic of prioritization, but the framing. The assumption that discretionary spending can be easily redirected toward essential contributions overlooks the financial realities many households face. Rising living costs, unstable incomes, and competing necessities mean that what appears “optional” from one perspective may not be so easily adjusted from another. In such a context, simplified solutions risk sounding detached, even when they are well-intentioned.

This sense of disconnection is not unprecedented. In 2013, former President Uhuru Kenyatta was asked about the price of bread and responded with an estimate that significantly exceeded the actual cost. The remark persisted in public memory, not because of its factual inaccuracy alone, but because it symbolized a perceived distance between leadership and everyday economic experience.

Moments like these are often revisited because they reinforce a broader pattern. They raise a recurring question within public discourse: to what extent do those in positions of influence fully grasp the conditions under which the majority operate? When communication does not reflect that awareness, it creates a gap between intent and reception.

In the case of health and financial decisions, this gap becomes particularly visible. Individual choices do matter, but they are rarely made in isolation. They are shaped by access to income, time, services, and stability. When these structural factors are not acknowledged, advice centered solely on personal discipline can appear incomplete.

The challenge, therefore, is not whether leaders should encourage responsibility, they should. The challenge lies in how such messages are delivered. Effective communication requires not only clarity of message but also sensitivity to context. Without that balance, even reasonable advice may be interpreted as lacking awareness of lived realities.

Ultimately, the reaction to Passaris’ remarks reflects more than disagreement with a single statement. It highlights the importance of alignment between public messaging and public experience. In societies marked by economic disparity, that alignment is essential. Without it, communication risks reinforcing the very disconnect it seeks to bridge.

In this sense, the conversation is less about sugar, salon visits, or even SHA contributions. It is about perception, context, and the responsibility that comes with speaking from a position of influence. but also by how closely its messages resonate with the lived experiences of the people it seeks to engage.

The post Is This Tone-Deaf or Just Misunderstood? Passaris’ Statement That Has People Talking appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

If I dare to say, “I’m in too much pain to function,” the response is predictable: a shrug, a chuckle, or that tired line “That’s normal. All women go through it.”

And that’s the real problem. Pain has been recast as ordinary. Women’s suffering is not only dismissed it’s glorified. We’re handed a cultural crown of thorns and told to wear it with pride, as though endurance itself were our crowning achievement.

The Medical Gaslighting

The first betrayal often happens in the doctor’s office. Historically, women’s pain has been minimized, doubted, or outright ignored. One study found that women wait 33% longer than men to receive pain medication in emergency rooms. It’s not just a delay it’s disbelief.

This disbelief is devastating when applied to reproductive health:

• Painful Periods (Dysmenorrhea): Around 80% of women experience menstrual pain; up to 15% suffer pain so severe it disrupts work or school. Yet the advice is often reductive “Take painkiller, it’s just cramps.” This easy dismissal not only normalizes unnecessary suffering but also hides conditions like endometriosis.
• Endometriosis: Affecting 1 in 10 women globally, this condition can cause agonizing pain and infertility. Yet diagnosis takes an average of 7 to 10 years in many countries. Seven years of being told it’s “just stress” or “bad periods.” Seven years of pain treated as imaginary.
• PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome): Another 1 in 10 women battle this condition, with symptoms ranging from irregular cycles to chronic pelvic pain. Many see three or more doctors before diagnosis, enduring years of uncertainty.
• Fibroids: Affecting up to 70% of women by age 50, fibroids cause heavy bleeding, back pain, and anemia. Still, many are told to simply “manage it” until the pain becomes unbearable.

This is not medicine it’s gaslighting drapped in white coats.

The Heroism of “Showing Up”

We admire women who grit their teeth through pain as though it’s a badge of honor. The colleague who attends a meeting pale and sweating is hailed as “dedicated.” The mother who juggles child care while recovering from a C-section is “superhuman.”

But what we’re really applauding is their ability to suppress pain. We’ve built a culture where silence equals strength, and asking for relief equals weakness.

To admit, “I can’t work today, I’m doubled over with cramps,” risks judgment: lazy, unreliable, dramatic. And so we push through. We suffer in silence. We wear our pain as armor because that’s what society demands.

Motherhood: Pain as Proof of Love

No discussion of normalized pain is complete without childbirth and postpartum recovery. Labor is one of the most painful experiences a human body can endure, but it’s often romanticized as “natural” and “beautiful.” Pain relief is seen as optional, even indulgent.

And then comes postpartum. Up to 36% of women report severe pain in the first 72 hours after delivery, with many struggling for weeks. Yet they’re expected to host visitors, breastfeed, keep the house together, and return to work often without adequate medical or emotional support.

The fourth trimester is one of the most overlooked phases of women’s health. Instead of care and rest, mothers get platitudes: “That’s just how it is.”

The Cult of Resilience

This is the paradox: women are celebrated for resilience, but that celebration keeps them chained to suffering. To show up in pain is “inspiring.” To demand recognition of that pain is “complaining.”

But resilience should not mean tolerance of neglect. Stoicism is not strength; it is survival in a system designed to ignore you.

Breaking the Silence

It’s time to dismantle this narrative:

1. Believe Women: A woman’s testimony about her pain must be enough to warrant investigation and care.
2. Invest in Research: For decades, women’s health has been underfunded. Closing the gender pain gap requires more than sympathy it needs resources.
3. Change Work Culture: Workplaces should normalize conversations about menstruation, postpartum recovery, and reproductive health without stigma.
4. Reject Pain as Heroism: Stop praising women for enduring pain. Start asking why they have to.

Conclusion: Laying Down the Crown

Every month, I drag myself out of bed, push through the pain, and show up because that’s what’s expected. But showing up doesn’t mean the suffering is acceptable.

The crown of thorns society places on women bleed, ache, endure, repeat was never a gift. It’s a burden we should refuse to carry. A woman’s worth is not in how much she can endure in silence, but in her right to live without unnecessary suffering.

It’s time we stop applauding women for surviving pain and start building a world where they don’t have to.

The post The Crown of Thorns: Why Women’s Pain Is Normalized and Praised appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

At the heart of this frenzy is a dangerous mix of social media pressure, medical commercialization, and the illusion of quick fixes. Influencers parade their “transformations” as success stories, rarely disclosing the months of pain, possible complications, or the fact that many procedures require costly upkeep. Instead, the before-and-after photos feed a culture of instant gratification: change your body, change your life.

But the costs both visible and hidden are rarely acknowledged. Ozempic, originally developed for diabetes patients, has been repurposed as a miracle weight-loss drug for the image-conscious. Its popularity has triggered shortages for those who medically need it, while many experimenting with it remain unaware of potential side effects: muscle loss, malnutrition, gastrointestinal issues, even dependency. The long-term impact of prolonged use for cosmetic purposes remains largely unknown, yet it is being treated like a simple lifestyle hack.

Cosmetic surgeries tell a similar story. Marketed as tools of self-empowerment, they often trap people in an endless cycle of chasing shifting beauty standards. Today’s “slim-thick” silhouette may give way to tomorrow’s waifish revival. Just like fast fashion, the body itself becomes disposable reshaped, discarded, redone. But unlike clothes, we cannot simply throw our bodies away when the trend passes. The irony is that in the pursuit of perfection, people may end up with scars, chronic complications, or even life-threatening conditions.

We cannot ignore the structural forces behind this. The beauty and pharmaceutical industries thrive on insecurity, marketing costly solutions to problems they helped create. Influencers, knowingly or not, amplify these messages by presenting altered bodies as “normal,” while rarely admitting to the financial, medical, or emotional cost of achieving them. The result is a public increasingly willing to gamble with health for the sake of fitting into a filtered ideal.

To be clear, this is not about condemning those who choose body modification. Personal agency over one’s body matters. But informed consent requires more than a trending hashtag or a 30-second Reel. It demands honest conversations about risks, sustainability, and mental health. If influencers and industries will not take responsibility, then it falls on the rest of us journalists, educators, peers to challenge the narrative and ask harder questions: At what cost are we modifying our bodies? Who benefits, and who gets left behind?

Bodies are not trends. They are not disposable garments to be tailored to the season’s aesthetic. And when the hype fades, the scars both visible and invisible will remain long after the influencer’s carousel post has been buried by the next craze.

The post Ozempic, Surgery, and the Business of Insecurity appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

The WHO recommendation covers SC Johnson’s Guardian™ and Mosquito Shield™, devices that emit an active ingredient to repel mosquitoes from enclosed spaces such as homes, classrooms, and health facilities. Clinical trials in Kenya, Peru, and Indonesia showed the repellents can cut malaria risk by up to 33 percent, with Guardian™ providing protection for up to one year.

SC Johnson opened two high-speed manufacturing lines in Nairobi earlier this year, giving the plant an annual production capacity of 20 million units. The products are distributed at no profit through partnerships with ministries of health and organizations including The MENTOR Initiative, Society for Family Health Rwanda, and United to Beat Malaria.

“From day one, this has been a not-for-profit initiative driven by our commitment to combat diseases that threaten hundreds of millions of people,” said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson.

Kenya has made significant gains against malaria in the past decade, with deaths falling by 93 percent from 15,061 in 2015 to just 1,060 in 2023. Still, the country reported about 3.3 million malaria cases last year, and six counties in the Lake and Western regions continue to face some of the highest transmission rates in Africa.

The WHO endorsement and prequalification listing mean Guardian™ and Mosquito Shield™ can now be procured through international health channels, expanding their availability to vulnerable communities.

For Kenya, the milestone underscores its shifting role in the global malaria fight from being primarily an aid recipient to serving as a manufacturing hub for a product now recognized as a major innovation in disease prevention.

The post WHO Approves Kenya-Made Malaria Prevention Tool appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Amondi’s journey into mental health advocacy began in the quiet corners of her childhood home. “I grew up a silent child,” she recalls. “‘Usikue na kiherere’ (don’t be talkative), ‘nyamaza utaskia vizuri’ (keep quiet and you’ll feel better).” These well-intentioned but misguided admonitions laid the foundation for years of emotional suppression.

The true test of Amondi’s resilience came after secondary school when financial constraints shattered her dreams of a university education. “The family couldn’t afford to pay for my fees due to our financial situation, which affected me mentally,” she shares. “The whole situation took a toll on me; I got depressed.”

In a society where mental health was rarely discussed, Amondi found herself adrift in a sea of despair with no lifeline in sight. “At that time, no one talked about mental health, and I didn’t have support,” she says, the pain of those isolated years still evident in her voice.

It wasn’t until 2023, six years after her initial struggle, that Amondi found the courage to reach out to a mental health toll-free number. This pivotal moment marked a turning point in her journey and ignited a passion to ensure that others wouldn’t have to suffer in silence as she did.

Today, Amondi stands at the forefront of a movement, her petition to the Ministry of Health a rallying cry for change. She’s calling for a 20% increase in the mental health budget and the establishment of free mental health programs in schools and public hospitals across Kenya.

Her urgency is fueled by a series of tragic events that have rocked the nation: a young mother killing her child, university students taking their own lives, and even children as young as nine turning to substance abuse.

The roots of this crisis, Amondi believes, run deep into the fabric of Kenyan society. “Youth make their decisions due to the stigma they get from poverty, with no healthy environment to speak out,” she explains. The pressures are manifold: economic uncertainty, rising unemployment, societal expectations, and a pervasive identity crisis among the young.

But Amondi’s vision for change is as comprehensive as the problems are complex. She envisions youth-friendly, affordable, and 24/7 mental health services. “We need to place therapists in youth resource centers, and they have to be consistent,” she asserts. “We need professional counselors in schools, and teachers trained to handle mental health issues.”

Her approach is holistic, recognizing that true change requires a shift in both policy and culture. “Don’t talk for the sake of talking,” she advises schools looking to create safe spaces for mental health discussions.

As her petition gains traction – already garnering over 1,000 signatures – Amondi’s message to those still struggling in silence is simple and profound: “It gets better when you write things down. Writing saved my life.”

Amondi Awour’s journey from a silent child to a vocal advocate is more than just a personal triumph; it’s a beacon of hope for Kenya’s youth. Her petition is not just a document; it’s a promise of a future where no young person has to face their demons alone.

“Our youths are the future of our nation; they are our pride and vision for a prosperous country,” Amondi declares. “They deserve to be heard and given an environment that does not discriminate against their mental health status when they seek help.”

As Kenya grapples with rising mental health challenges, Amondi Awour stands as a beacon to the power of breaking silence, seeking help, and fighting for change. Her voice, once suppressed, now echoes with the hopes of a generation, calling for a Kenya where mental health support is not a luxury, but a right accessible to all.

The post Breaking the Silence: Amondi Awour’s Fight for Youth Mental Health in Kenya appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

This makes it urgent for the ongoing Maternal Health Bill debate to focus on ensuring dignified, respectful maternal care to improve health outcomes and uphold human rights.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, along with Nguvu Collective’s Change Leaders, is championing the fight against obstetric violence in Kenya, pushing for urgent reforms in maternal health care.

Senator Omtatah received the groundbreaking report on Obstetric Violence created by Nguvu Change Leaders, which holds significant relevance to the ongoing debate in the Senate on the Maternal, Child Health Bill, and Newborn 2023. The Bill is at a critical stage in the legislative process where further amendments can be proposed, debated, and final decisions made before it is either passed or rejected. The report’s findings could influence these deliberations, particularly in shaping policies aimed at improving maternal healthcare and addressing systemic issues such as obstetric violence.

“The report by Nguvu Collective reveals serious issues in our mental health facilities that must be addressed in the Maternal and Child Health Bill, 2023”, Senator Omtatah stated. “Its recommendation provides a strong foundation for amending the bill to ensure women receive a high standard of care, this is the legislative change we need”

Senator Omtatah’s encounters with the tragic consequences of obstetric violence further highlight the urgency of addressing this issue nationwide.

The report, “Towards Ending OBV in Kenya: Unveiling the Invisible Wounds of Obstetric Violence Through the Voices of Kenyan Women,” by Harriet Afandi, Deborah Monari, Josephine Mwende, and Ajra Mohamed, exposes the widespread abuse women face during obstetric care, including verbal abuse, neglect, forced procedures, and lack of consent. With 1 in 3 women affected, it calls for mandatory training, stricter patient rights enforcement, and the inclusion of respectful care in national policies.

“To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and meet SDG Target 3.1’s goal of reducing maternal mortality, we must address obstetric violence (OBV). Dignified, respectful care is essential to realizing the right to health, as upheld by our Constitution and international treaties like CEDAW. Incorporating the OBV Report’s recommendations into the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Bill is key to fulfilling these commitments.” – said Nguvu Change Leaders.

With the Bill scheduled for a third reading, the Nguvu Change Leaders have submitted a memorandum proposing amendments to improve maternal health care. These include increased funding, mandatory skilled birth attendants, comprehensive training on respectful care, and integrating mental health and financial support for low-income mothers. The group emphasizes reforms that ensure holistic, patient-centered care, addressing women’s physical, emotional, cognitive, social, and economic needs.

Nguvu Collective believes this strategy will ensure all aspects of a woman’s maternal health needs are addressed. As the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Bill, of 2023, progresses, public hearings and engagement with lawmakers are essential. Citizens are urged to participate and advocate for dignified care for all women.

The post Obstetric Violence in Kenya: Urging for Dignified Maternal Health Care appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Deborah emphasizes the need for implementing support systems, advocating for stronger labor laws, and prioritizing the health of nurses.

Deborah actively prioritizes teamwork to mitigate burnout among her colleagues and ensures she takes personal breaks whenever feasible. Moreover, she passionately advocates for creating better work environments conducive to nurses’ well-being. Deborah articulates her stance, explaining, “Performing repetitive tasks often leads to feelings of stagnation, prompting us to question our career choice.” To counteract this, Deborah proactively pursues ongoing education in medical courses, keeping herself abreast of the latest advancements in nursing research and technology. This engagement not only keeps her job engaging but also fosters her professional growth.

She suggests a diversified strategy to comprehensively address lingering issues and advance nurses’ rights across the nation. She emphasizes the need for efforts directed towards lessening strain for nurses and guaranteeing improved care delivery. This includes hiring additional nurses and integrating nursing assistants into the workforce to address understaffing in public hospitals.

Moreover, she believes government-funded scholarship programs must be made easily available in order to assist nurses in pursuing advanced degrees in other specializations. In her opinion, this financial aid for postgraduate study and continuing short courses will enable nurses to increase their expertise, which will, in turn, improve the standard of service in healthcare systems across Kenya.

Deborah emphasizes the importance of implementing more support systems, such as free counseling services and wellness initiatives, to contribute crucially to the well-being of nurses. Advocating for stronger labor laws and regulations is essential, she argues, to prevent overwork and other forms of workplace exploitation for nurses. Deborah concludes that prioritizing the health of the nation’s nursing workforce is crucial and will undoubtedly contribute to a more efficient healthcare system.

The post Enhancing Nurses’ Rights, Alleviating Strain, and Tackling Understaffing in Kenya for Enhanced Care Delivery appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Poverty and a lack of education were associated with higher rates of adolescent pregnancy as about 4 in 10 women aged 15-19 years who have no education have ever been pregnant, compared to only 5% of women who have more than secondary education. 

Notably, nine counties—Nairobi, Kajiado, Homabay, Meru, Kericho, Narok, Kisii, Mandera, and Bomet—account for 56% of all teenage pregnancies in the 10-14 age group. Disturbingly, adolescents aged 10-19 make up 53% of sexual gender-based violence cases in 2021 and contribute to 61% of new adult HIV infections.

The household-based survey shows that teenage pregnancy rates declined to 15% in 2022, from 18% in 2014.

The post TEENAGE PREGNANCIES: KENYA RANKED THIRD GLOBALLY appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Menstrual Phase

Picture this: cozy blankets, your favorite book, and maybe a bit of chocolate. During your menstrual phase, estrogen takes a dip, dragging your energy levels down. It’s nature’s way of saying, “Hey, it’s okay to take it easy.” Embrace the chill vibes, say no to overcommitting, and catch up on some well-deserved rest.

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Tackle challenging tasks, amp up your exercise routine, and socializing with friends.

Ovulation Phase

During this phase, estrogen and testosterone hit their peak. You’re on a natural high, feeling energetic and ready to conquer the world. It’s the perfect time for important conversations, team projects, and, if you’re trying to conceive, well, you know what to do!

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Seize the moment for team tasks, engage in challenging conversations, and celebrate your peak energy.

Luteal Phase

As you transition towards the luteal phase, progesterone takes the lead. If pregnancy isn’t on the horizon, progesterone levels drop, leading to potential sluggishness. PMS symptoms might make an appearance, so it’s time for self-care and relaxation.

How to Maximize Your Time During This Phase: Embrace self-care, focus on lighter tasks, and indulge in a bit of pampering.

Understanding Your Cycle

Every woman’s body is unique, and understanding your cycle is the key to unlocking your full potential. Whether you’re a calendar tracker or an app user, knowing your patterns empowers you to navigate through the month with grace.

Bonus Tip: Keep a menstrual diary to track patterns and share insights with your healthcare provider for personalized care.

In a world that often overlooks the magic of the menstrual cycle, it’s time to celebrate the incredible journey your body goes through each month. So, embrace the highs and lows, listen to your body’s cues, and ride the hormonal rollercoaster like the queen you are!

The post HOW MONTHLY PERIODS AFFECT YOUR ENERGY LEVELS appeared first on Woman Kenya Network.

Semenya initially adhered to the policy, taking the prescribed medication for a period, but eventually halted, describing the experience as “torturous” for her body. This decision led to a legal confrontation with World Athletics, beginning in 2018 and culminating in three appeals, the latest of which she won in July. However, her triumph doesn’t guarantee a return to compete, as the European Court of Human Rights’ Grand Chamber referred the case.

The saga began in 2008 when Semenya gained attention for her outstanding performance at junior competitions. In the lead-up to the 2009 World Championships, she faced invasive gender tests at the request of World Athletics, sparking intense public scrutiny and questioning of her eligibility. Despite winning gold, her gender became the focal point, with leaked documents revealing “differences in sex development” (DSD). Semenya described this period as “hell,” navigating through humiliating tests and grappling with the revelation that she didn’t meet conventional gender expectations.

Hormone treatments to lower testosterone levels followed, causing Semenya to endure nausea, depression, and mental strain. Despite the hardships, she pressed on, fueled by the desire to be an Olympic champion. The suspension of World Athletics’ testosterone limit policy in 2015 provided her with a reprieve, allowing her to compete without hormone therapy for four years, during which she secured gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics.However, in 2019, officials reinstated the rule, further reducing the allowed testosterone levels.

Semenya, drawing a line at the increasingly stringent regulations, refused to comply, prioritizing her well-being over further hormone suppression. Her legal victories have not compelled World Athletics to change its rules, with the organization emphasizing the protection of the integrity of the female category.

Undeterred, Semenya sees her ongoing battle as a mission to challenge the unjust regulations imposed on women’s bodies in sports.Despite uncertainties about the future, she stays resolute in her commitment to eliminate what she considers “nonsense” and to guarantee respect for women in sports.

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