There's a very vivid childhood memory that cracks me up to this day. I think I was seven, still in primary school at the time. I was used to seeing my sister and older women in my house with sanitary pads. I didn't have the slightest idea what it was. All I knew was that it was wrapped in pink or blue leather. One day I took one from my aunt's pack and opened it to see what it looked like. I saw that it was like a mini diaper so I carelessly placed them over my panties. My mum later discovered it and it was a source of laughter in my house for weeks.
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I've always wanted to be a grown-up fast. The menstruation I was so eager to start finally came when I was eleven. I felt like an adult because only grown-ups experience it. After my mum put me through the whole process and hygiene talk on that fateful day, I kept going to the toilet every minute to check. It was one of the best days of my life. I went to school and told all my friends about it. I was now a big girl. Is it strange that all that excitement has become something close to resentment for this biological process? The answer is no. Keep reading to find out the reason.
I believe I speak for all women when I say there's no single one of us who looks forward to our periods. As the day draws closer and the Flo app keeps reminding you, it's only dread you feel. I remember a tweet I came across a while ago, and the lady said as women we have only 4-5 normal days every month and I couldn't agree more. There's hormonal imbalance, ovulation, and crazy symptoms that include sore boobs, very high sexual drive, nausea for some people, cramps, drop in temperature, and headache too. After this you deal with PMS that causes all your skincare routine to go down the drain, together with constipation, diarrhea, more cramps, fatigue, increase or a drop in appetite. Shortly after all these ends, the main character of the show comes and you just feel like killing yourself. While a lot of women experience menstrual cramps, that's one thing that's not constant in my cycle and I feel like God's favorite. The worst mood swings replace the cramps and I feel an overwhelming urge to cry every minute of the day and get annoyed at the slightest provocation or none at all. And you just sit down and ponder on how all these things are happening to you because you refused to get pregnant. Where does the struggle end for real? Despite all these, the world expects us to still show up at our best during this period and it's completely unfair if we are being honest.
If the world really thinks about women's welfare, there would be considerate measures put in place so we feel better during these trying times. But unfortunately, the world is run by men who don't and can never understand it. However, if I'm ever president of my country, there are some things I would do for us women. First, every woman would receive about 100 dollars every month. It's not easy to be a strong woman. Alongside the money, they would receive a food tray that consists of all their favorite foods and snacks to satisfy their cravings. I would also give out hampers that include bone straight wigs, their favorite red wine, skincare products, and a voucher for a free spa and Pedi-mani treat. This would serve as moral support so they don't kill themselves because of the great discomfort they are experiencing. Most importantly, women would enjoy leave from work when on their periods. Just look at the great plans I have for women. Vote me as President so your lives can be better.
