The lifecycle of a Kenyan woman . . . through the headlines

If the newspapers are a reflection of the views of a community, what do the headlines say about the value of the Kenyan woman in society?


"Three in every 10 teachers think it is wrong to dismiss teachers who have sexual relations with students. At least two in every ten teachers think pupils who are sexually harassed by their teachers or fellow pupil are to blame for the incidents."

"Inspired by an ongoing national campaign against violence targeting girls in primary schools across the country, the study painted a grim picture of schools that still perceive girls as the weaker sex. For example, nearly half of the boys in these primary schools believe it is alright to beat up girls in their class, if only to prove that they 'love' them."


"Today, the world marks the International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM (female genital mutilation) to highlight the dangers this traditional rite is causing to millions of girls worldwide. But do we really care? Should the welfare of Kenya's girls and women be our collective responsibility?"


"It is expected that as head of family, the man should shoulder the bigger financial burden. But over the last few decades, women have become increasingly empowered economically. Plum jobs with the attendant high perks are going to women because they are deemed to be more efficient as managers. An iron lady who manages 300 people and is used to getting things done her way is a man’s worst nightmare. His pride will force men to avoid this variety because he fears he may be forced to surrender his authority as a man. And, of course, his ego will also not allow him to play second fiddle."

"Women peak at between 21 and 25 years. After that, it’s injury time physically and emotionally as far as romance is concerned. This is the window that make or break women’s entire lives. . . . After 28, suitors disappear and the girl enters the next phase of her life. . . . After 30 years, fear sinks in and with pressure coming from family and friends to settle down, the standards are lowered even further. She starts casting an eye on married men and eventually resigns to being merely ‘the other woman’."



"Dear Fida-Kenya, I voted against the new Constitution during the last referendum because of issues relating to the abortion clause and termination of pregnancy. What does the law really say about it? -Kamau, Nairobi"

"Dear Kamau, . . . What is provided in the article [of the new Constitution] is that everyone has the right to life. . . . However there are instances where abortion may be permitted under the law - when in the opinion of a trained health professional, there is need for emergency treatment of where the life or heath of the mother is in danger. . ."


"After repeated childbirths the pelvic floor muscles tend to slacken. . . . Every woman should know how to do the Kegel exercises, the ones that tone up the pelvic floor by controlled contraction release of the pelvic muscles. . . . An electronic pelvic floor exerciser tones up the pelvic floor muscles without much effort on the woman's part."