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SORE DIARY
SORE DIARY
@HimActivist
All Rights Reserved!
This is a book work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents and events are all author imagination any resemblance to actual place, persons either living or dead is entirely coincidental.
Isa Salisu
"Hey"
"This Jennifer Eric AKA The fair one ok let's be serious, welcome to the show "SHE TALK" as usual we talk about issues concerning women and women empowerment". The fair one stopped.
She continued, looking no kidding now "We shall be going for a commercial break when we return. I will introduce the guest of the day". It's 08:05 already and immensely people who care and watch the weekly show shown up to their respective televisions, though assorted in locations the view is the same difference. The "SHE TALK" show since its first episode started to gain massive attention from all over and beyond.
Today the multiple award winning show celebrate its 10th anniversary. And the show hosted Hajiya Fatima Tijani, Mother, activist, founder #EndTheStigma campaign, philanthropist, magnanimous and current minister of women affairs and social development.
"Today is the 10th anniversary of the show we are hosting Hajiya Fatima Tijani, one the mothers of the nation and she's someone who needs no introduction of".....
"Welcome to the show ma and thank you for giving the show an opportunity to spotlight your life". Says Jennifer AKA The fair one. She is fair in complexion and then that's how the nickname The fair one came into being.
Hajiya Fatima apace replied "Thank you too".
Hajiya Fatima is average in height, sympathetic, thoughtful and brave woman. Good-looking too even in her fifties. It dulcifies her to help and assist the country in the way she can with her wealth of experience.
"Now to the cynosure, first we will like to know what is End The Stigma campaign and what purpose does it serve?".
Adjusting her eyeglasses Hajiya replied " End The Stigma campaign was founded in my village Tawa some years back. The campaign and its center branches around teaching young girls and women about menstrual health and how to understand their bodies in order to combat stigma surrounding menstruation. And from pushing for policies today, we manufacture reusable sanitary pads and partners with organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children to improve menstrual health in the country".
"Ma, some counties do exist where women can afford tax free sanitary products, others don't, why the difference?".
She got a little smile and said "This is one of the most uncommon things that could have ever happened and anomalist. The sad truth here in the country we didn't have suchlike and we keep repeating this to the policy decision makers to sign it into law. You know as just a matter of fact that will massively help. While in countries like India, Kenya they have tampon tax which in essence, helps its feminine citizens have access to free sanitary hygiene products during their periods".
"It is obvious that you have gained significant experience in the practice of activism; could you share with us how it all started?".
Hajiya Fatima showed a pitiful look now which is rare for someone of her personality. She unstayed her glasses, dust free her face and said "For me to talk about how it all started it's a hard pill to swallow....
THE BIRTH
I was born into a little family in a small village called Tawa some huge kilometers from here. I Was born without a silver spoon in my mouth. Piggybacking on my family, the four of us. My father, Malam Tijani, his spouse , my mother, Inna, My one and only brother Sani and Me.
My Dad malam Tijani is well renowned scholar in my village and beyond allies towns. He is highly respected for his teaching and till date this regain its place. My home is living a free violence life, we live in peace in fact the village at large.
MELANCHOLY
I guess this is my very first time when I get into the biggest saddest part of my life though I was a very little girl then, but I still felt it. I'm not sure I wanted to talk about it, really. My mind wanted me to keep an eye on what I've been thinking. I should probably start off with just saying the melancholy, I guess I am 5 years well 6 to be exact
It's been getting in the way. Things are getting uncomfortable since I have access to the news which felt like squeezing myself into it too. Not to mention I have to live without and so far away from my kinfolks because my dad, mom, and only brother were involved in an ...accident which no one survived.
I struggle to agree and turned it into anachronistic one. The reality come to everyone in our village. They are on their way to achieve something good for the village and beyond allies but the breath of literature that relating to both life and otherwise be lumped and if not for me to missed the trip for me to attend school I also will indulge but destiny will have none of that. It gets me upset before I end up eating my frustration away.
LATER ABODE
A lot has happened in the past days, weeks, months and years. Now I find myself in a new home, now 10 years. I now live in our village head huge house because I have no relatives so close to my parents. Our village head, Abdu Gwani, out of his eleven children, four wives he loved only one person so much and that makes him blithe. Guess who? me!! though some of his children denounced that, at least not in his presence. So they always laughed and looked over at me. They later came up to me and said, "This house couldn't afford to continue to accommodate you! Maybe soon you will be out of it.. You might lose your mouth of you dare say anything to dad." I was trying my best to hold back tears – They were just nasty. I left to go back to evening Islamiyya school.
Throughout the rest of the days ahead, I continued to mind my business, I no longer give them attention despite what they say. My attention goes to praying for my parents, and going to school for my tomorrow as my father always said to me one day while he is eat his in compound of our house he said "My mother, people on the street would gasp as go to school to and fro, some will say negative whist some will go for positive thoughts. But no matter what, go to school, learn and learn and teach the world tomorrow. I held this to the fullest and looked at the poor innocent girl where she's now. And village head Abdu Gwani helps me alot too with advice, school expenses and good upbringing.
MENARCHE
This day was a good week for me in school, again I regained my first position . Malam Abdu Gwani , however, has been making my life good. He noticed the achievement gained..well, he made sure everyone could notice…especially some out of his eleven childrens who keep out of school not knowing the risk.
To my first experience of womanhood in blood, my menarche came when I was twelve years of age. One day in school during break time all of the sudden blood just flowed from my legs and I was perplexed thinking my legs had some wounds. Now with little of what to do or say.
"What are you doing?” a voice asked behind me while I slowly tried to turn around to see who. it's our mathematics teacher, madam Stephanie voice stands behind me at the staff room door, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest. "What happened? what's going on Fatima..."
"Aa nothing ma..." I whined, ignoring madam Stephanie's question.
Head down looking straight to my legs though I wore trousers which is very difficult for one to see the blood. I heard her footsteps coming towards me and soon saw me looking straight to my legs. She ought to check on me. She ushered me to the staff room she followed too. After she checked out me, now she understands everything.
"Blood? Are you bleeding Fatima?" she sounded really concerned, since when?".
"This is the first time" I muttered to say.
Looking straight into my eyes" Dear you just experienced menarche".
"Ma, what does that mean? I inquiry
"You don't know what period is?”
"No, ma"
"You know, menstruation.'
"Oh yes"
"Menarche is the first period that is the menstrual cycle a person experienced".
She continued "Ok dear wait here"....
We went to our house just near the school. She helped me clean up myself and told me about sanitary pads and how to use them. She went through her bag and picked a small book and headed over to me. I even collected the title "Menstruation" that was written to tell what the book is entitled to teach.
"By reading this book, and the instructions in it, you'll find out what menstruation is".
When I got my first period, I was terrified. I had seen some girls in my class and other classes miss school during their periods and eventually drop out altogether, because the school didn't have a functioning restroom that they could use and they couldn't afford period products.
This is the reality for a lot of women and girls all over Africa. While data about the issue, and particularly how it impacts girls in Africa, is generally lacking, one 2016 UNESCO report estimated that 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their period — by some estimates, this means a girl can miss up to 20% of a school year.
Because of this, their performance in school suffers, with some girls even dropping out of school completely, lowering their chances to increase their earnings and standard of living, and affecting their entire future.
Good menstrual health and hygiene rests on so many factors — access to clean water, access to sanitary products, better policies that help with period management, access to toilets and facilities where they can manage their periods, among others. It is important to work on all of these issues if we ever hope for better menstrual health management in Africa.
You can use me in doing so by taking action to help combat period poverty and ensure all girls can access the education, health care, and nutrition they need to thrive by supporting our End The Stigma campaign by donating to us every little amount counts.
THE GESTURE
Fate and destiny conspired as Madam Stephanie whose since coming to the village as Corper serving the nation she discovered the main challenges facing women in our village as this he embark in personal project as she uses her own money to build modern rest rooms in all schools in the village especially for the safe of girls during their periods.
She also educates women and girls about various things ranging from the pros and cons of menstrual cups, to managing hormonal acne. and lastly she founded End The Stigma campaign right from our village Tawa which presently empower so many women across it's branches to widen their economic choices and increase their contribution to the family and society. And we manufacture reusable products.
A nice gesture, true meaning of champion, Madam Stephanie credited the founding of End The Stigma campaign to me. She left a lasting impression on the minds of members of our village. We owe her a big appreciation. Perhaps if not for serving the nation through being a Corper, madam Stephanie may have visited Tawa under a different circumstances or not at all; perhaps also, people if Tawa would not have the chance to interact with her and benefit from her kindness and support. She gave a smile from ear to ear.
UNIVERSITY
After secondary school is over, I have one on one with my now father and wall Abdu Gwani. He asked me if I wanted to continue schooling and head to the university. With no longer time to waste I gave my annex that I wanted to head to the university. And I was sponsored by the government through Abdu Gwani that's why I decided to build on. And I was given admission to study sociology. I held on to studies with no room for error and conquered everything right from level 1-4.
After I finished my first degree from Bayero University. I then proceeded for my second degree in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto And PHD from University of Manchester, UK.
Then I joined different government services and up to now I head the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Being at the helm of this ministry that's why I said let me contribute to the development of the nation through increased opportunities for women to participate in national development. And eliminating period poverty.
FAMILY
Am happily married to Rtd Major General Auwal Ali, a retired soldier. Am blessed with five cute children. Four of whom are male, and my and only female offspring Zainab, she's a surgeon now. You see old wounds have faded, along with the scars.I raised people who serve the country too. It gives me a lot of pleasure.
I finally settled down. No more pain. Malam Abdu Gwani is the happiest man on earth seeing me educated and very successful to and up to his last gasp she still mumbled to say "Am proud of and please forgive whoever do you wrong. These are his last words to me. I hold it too, looking to the future, now, are all together with those who mocked me before. I have forgotten about everything and all those who drove the stake through my heart, I forgive everyone. And nothing happened.
And to all girls and women you are still in my heart. You see, the little girl from Tawa never says no and never gives up. Then I don't sleep anymore. I don't need it. I have goals to accomplish. I achieved it. Y'all can achieve your respective goals but never give up! You will never walk alone as said by my son".
Story all concluded but the host and guest do not have an arid eye in fact some viewers at home too. The show is like a heart to heart conversation. Heart touching story. There is a school of knowledge that says one challenges auspicious his future.
After a very successful 15 days since the release of the show to the public on YouTube. Millions of people popped up over the views and every penny that is gotten from the views will go down to Organisations Fighting to Help Women & Girls Have Better Periods.
© Isa Salisu
@HimActivist
All Rights Reserved!
This is a book work of fiction. Names, characters, incidents and events are all author imagination any resemblance to actual place, persons either living or dead is entirely coincidental.
Isa Salisu
"Hey"
"This Jennifer Eric AKA The fair one ok let's be serious, welcome to the show "SHE TALK" as usual we talk about issues concerning women and women empowerment". The fair one stopped.
She continued, looking no kidding now "We shall be going for a commercial break when we return. I will introduce the guest of the day". It's 08:05 already and immensely people who care and watch the weekly show shown up to their respective televisions, though assorted in locations the view is the same difference. The "SHE TALK" show since its first episode started to gain massive attention from all over and beyond.
Today the multiple award winning show celebrate its 10th anniversary. And the show hosted Hajiya Fatima Tijani, Mother, activist, founder #EndTheStigma campaign, philanthropist, magnanimous and current minister of women affairs and social development.
"Today is the 10th anniversary of the show we are hosting Hajiya Fatima Tijani, one the mothers of the nation and she's someone who needs no introduction of".....
"Welcome to the show ma and thank you for giving the show an opportunity to spotlight your life". Says Jennifer AKA The fair one. She is fair in complexion and then that's how the nickname The fair one came into being.
Hajiya Fatima apace replied "Thank you too".
Hajiya Fatima is average in height, sympathetic, thoughtful and brave woman. Good-looking too even in her fifties. It dulcifies her to help and assist the country in the way she can with her wealth of experience.
"Now to the cynosure, first we will like to know what is End The Stigma campaign and what purpose does it serve?".
Adjusting her eyeglasses Hajiya replied " End The Stigma campaign was founded in my village Tawa some years back. The campaign and its center branches around teaching young girls and women about menstrual health and how to understand their bodies in order to combat stigma surrounding menstruation. And from pushing for policies today, we manufacture reusable sanitary pads and partners with organizations like UNICEF and Save the Children to improve menstrual health in the country".
"Ma, some counties do exist where women can afford tax free sanitary products, others don't, why the difference?".
She got a little smile and said "This is one of the most uncommon things that could have ever happened and anomalist. The sad truth here in the country we didn't have suchlike and we keep repeating this to the policy decision makers to sign it into law. You know as just a matter of fact that will massively help. While in countries like India, Kenya they have tampon tax which in essence, helps its feminine citizens have access to free sanitary hygiene products during their periods".
"It is obvious that you have gained significant experience in the practice of activism; could you share with us how it all started?".
Hajiya Fatima showed a pitiful look now which is rare for someone of her personality. She unstayed her glasses, dust free her face and said "For me to talk about how it all started it's a hard pill to swallow....
THE BIRTH
I was born into a little family in a small village called Tawa some huge kilometers from here. I Was born without a silver spoon in my mouth. Piggybacking on my family, the four of us. My father, Malam Tijani, his spouse , my mother, Inna, My one and only brother Sani and Me.
My Dad malam Tijani is well renowned scholar in my village and beyond allies towns. He is highly respected for his teaching and till date this regain its place. My home is living a free violence life, we live in peace in fact the village at large.
MELANCHOLY
I guess this is my very first time when I get into the biggest saddest part of my life though I was a very little girl then, but I still felt it. I'm not sure I wanted to talk about it, really. My mind wanted me to keep an eye on what I've been thinking. I should probably start off with just saying the melancholy, I guess I am 5 years well 6 to be exact
It's been getting in the way. Things are getting uncomfortable since I have access to the news which felt like squeezing myself into it too. Not to mention I have to live without and so far away from my kinfolks because my dad, mom, and only brother were involved in an ...accident which no one survived.
I struggle to agree and turned it into anachronistic one. The reality come to everyone in our village. They are on their way to achieve something good for the village and beyond allies but the breath of literature that relating to both life and otherwise be lumped and if not for me to missed the trip for me to attend school I also will indulge but destiny will have none of that. It gets me upset before I end up eating my frustration away.
LATER ABODE
A lot has happened in the past days, weeks, months and years. Now I find myself in a new home, now 10 years. I now live in our village head huge house because I have no relatives so close to my parents. Our village head, Abdu Gwani, out of his eleven children, four wives he loved only one person so much and that makes him blithe. Guess who? me!! though some of his children denounced that, at least not in his presence. So they always laughed and looked over at me. They later came up to me and said, "This house couldn't afford to continue to accommodate you! Maybe soon you will be out of it.. You might lose your mouth of you dare say anything to dad." I was trying my best to hold back tears – They were just nasty. I left to go back to evening Islamiyya school.
Throughout the rest of the days ahead, I continued to mind my business, I no longer give them attention despite what they say. My attention goes to praying for my parents, and going to school for my tomorrow as my father always said to me one day while he is eat his in compound of our house he said "My mother, people on the street would gasp as go to school to and fro, some will say negative whist some will go for positive thoughts. But no matter what, go to school, learn and learn and teach the world tomorrow. I held this to the fullest and looked at the poor innocent girl where she's now. And village head Abdu Gwani helps me alot too with advice, school expenses and good upbringing.
MENARCHE
This day was a good week for me in school, again I regained my first position . Malam Abdu Gwani , however, has been making my life good. He noticed the achievement gained..well, he made sure everyone could notice…especially some out of his eleven childrens who keep out of school not knowing the risk.
To my first experience of womanhood in blood, my menarche came when I was twelve years of age. One day in school during break time all of the sudden blood just flowed from my legs and I was perplexed thinking my legs had some wounds. Now with little of what to do or say.
"What are you doing?” a voice asked behind me while I slowly tried to turn around to see who. it's our mathematics teacher, madam Stephanie voice stands behind me at the staff room door, leaning against the door frame with her arms crossed over her chest. "What happened? what's going on Fatima..."
"Aa nothing ma..." I whined, ignoring madam Stephanie's question.
Head down looking straight to my legs though I wore trousers which is very difficult for one to see the blood. I heard her footsteps coming towards me and soon saw me looking straight to my legs. She ought to check on me. She ushered me to the staff room she followed too. After she checked out me, now she understands everything.
"Blood? Are you bleeding Fatima?" she sounded really concerned, since when?".
"This is the first time" I muttered to say.
Looking straight into my eyes" Dear you just experienced menarche".
"Ma, what does that mean? I inquiry
"You don't know what period is?”
"No, ma"
"You know, menstruation.'
"Oh yes"
"Menarche is the first period that is the menstrual cycle a person experienced".
She continued "Ok dear wait here"....
We went to our house just near the school. She helped me clean up myself and told me about sanitary pads and how to use them. She went through her bag and picked a small book and headed over to me. I even collected the title "Menstruation" that was written to tell what the book is entitled to teach.
"By reading this book, and the instructions in it, you'll find out what menstruation is".
When I got my first period, I was terrified. I had seen some girls in my class and other classes miss school during their periods and eventually drop out altogether, because the school didn't have a functioning restroom that they could use and they couldn't afford period products.
This is the reality for a lot of women and girls all over Africa. While data about the issue, and particularly how it impacts girls in Africa, is generally lacking, one 2016 UNESCO report estimated that 1 in 10 girls in sub-Saharan Africa miss school during their period — by some estimates, this means a girl can miss up to 20% of a school year.
Because of this, their performance in school suffers, with some girls even dropping out of school completely, lowering their chances to increase their earnings and standard of living, and affecting their entire future.
Good menstrual health and hygiene rests on so many factors — access to clean water, access to sanitary products, better policies that help with period management, access to toilets and facilities where they can manage their periods, among others. It is important to work on all of these issues if we ever hope for better menstrual health management in Africa.
You can use me in doing so by taking action to help combat period poverty and ensure all girls can access the education, health care, and nutrition they need to thrive by supporting our End The Stigma campaign by donating to us every little amount counts.
THE GESTURE
Fate and destiny conspired as Madam Stephanie whose since coming to the village as Corper serving the nation she discovered the main challenges facing women in our village as this he embark in personal project as she uses her own money to build modern rest rooms in all schools in the village especially for the safe of girls during their periods.
She also educates women and girls about various things ranging from the pros and cons of menstrual cups, to managing hormonal acne. and lastly she founded End The Stigma campaign right from our village Tawa which presently empower so many women across it's branches to widen their economic choices and increase their contribution to the family and society. And we manufacture reusable products.
A nice gesture, true meaning of champion, Madam Stephanie credited the founding of End The Stigma campaign to me. She left a lasting impression on the minds of members of our village. We owe her a big appreciation. Perhaps if not for serving the nation through being a Corper, madam Stephanie may have visited Tawa under a different circumstances or not at all; perhaps also, people if Tawa would not have the chance to interact with her and benefit from her kindness and support. She gave a smile from ear to ear.
UNIVERSITY
After secondary school is over, I have one on one with my now father and wall Abdu Gwani. He asked me if I wanted to continue schooling and head to the university. With no longer time to waste I gave my annex that I wanted to head to the university. And I was sponsored by the government through Abdu Gwani that's why I decided to build on. And I was given admission to study sociology. I held on to studies with no room for error and conquered everything right from level 1-4.
After I finished my first degree from Bayero University. I then proceeded for my second degree in Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto And PHD from University of Manchester, UK.
Then I joined different government services and up to now I head the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development. Being at the helm of this ministry that's why I said let me contribute to the development of the nation through increased opportunities for women to participate in national development. And eliminating period poverty.
FAMILY
Am happily married to Rtd Major General Auwal Ali, a retired soldier. Am blessed with five cute children. Four of whom are male, and my and only female offspring Zainab, she's a surgeon now. You see old wounds have faded, along with the scars.I raised people who serve the country too. It gives me a lot of pleasure.
I finally settled down. No more pain. Malam Abdu Gwani is the happiest man on earth seeing me educated and very successful to and up to his last gasp she still mumbled to say "Am proud of and please forgive whoever do you wrong. These are his last words to me. I hold it too, looking to the future, now, are all together with those who mocked me before. I have forgotten about everything and all those who drove the stake through my heart, I forgive everyone. And nothing happened.
And to all girls and women you are still in my heart. You see, the little girl from Tawa never says no and never gives up. Then I don't sleep anymore. I don't need it. I have goals to accomplish. I achieved it. Y'all can achieve your respective goals but never give up! You will never walk alone as said by my son".
Story all concluded but the host and guest do not have an arid eye in fact some viewers at home too. The show is like a heart to heart conversation. Heart touching story. There is a school of knowledge that says one challenges auspicious his future.
After a very successful 15 days since the release of the show to the public on YouTube. Millions of people popped up over the views and every penny that is gotten from the views will go down to Organisations Fighting to Help Women & Girls Have Better Periods.
© Isa Salisu
