A Kenyan woman lawmaker came to parliament with blood-red stains on her white suit pants. It is presumed that Congressman Lee performed this kind of performance to break down stereotypes in Africa that consider it a sin to show menstrual blood to others.
On the 8th (local time), the Associated Press introduced Kenya’s Senator Owerba (37) on the occasion of ‘International Women’s Day’.
On the 14th of last month, Congressman Owoba put on a performance to enter the parliament confidently wearing pants stained with menstrual blood. He said, “I know I got it on my pants too. But it was natural, so I just came (without changing clothes).”
However, the parliamentary party refused to attend the parliament. The reason for the refusal to enter the council was ‘violation of the dress code’. The media speculated that this was a reflection of Africa’s unique aversion to menstrual blood.
One male lawmaker said, “My wife and daughter also menstruate. However, it should be managed privately without revealing it to others.” Another female lawmaker pointed out, “I don’t know if it was accidentally smeared on my pants or if it was deliberately tricked (with a different dye),” and pointed out “it was too obscene.”
After being denied attendance, Congresswoman Owova visited a school without changing clothes and attended a free sanitary pad distribution event.
He said, “Women tried to help me by covering my pants, but even this kind of goodwill was not welcome.”
Congressman Owoba’s unconventional move came from the extreme choice case of a 14-year-old girl in Kenya in 2019. At the time, the girl experienced her first menstrual period at school, but a teacher who saw the blood on her uniform publicly humiliated her, saying it was “dirty.” Feeling extremely ashamed of this, the girl took her own life.
Taking this case as an opportunity, Senator Owova emphasized that “it is never a crime to shed menstrual blood and be seen by others,” and is working to break down stereotypes in Africa.
He is preparing a bill to increase government support to provide free sanitary napkins to girls across Kenya. According to 2020 Kenyan Ministry of Health statistics, only 65% of women in urban areas and 46% of women in rural areas use disposable sanitary napkins.
Rep. Owova said, “I have a lot of work to do on the front line for the right to cross borders,” and “I warned my teenage son not to shame girls who are menstruating. Women should be shameless,” she raised her voice.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.