APP-SOLUTELY TRANSFORMING WOMEN’S LIVES
Imagine the struggle back then, those awkward moments at the doctor’s office when they’d ask, ‘When did you last have your period?’ trying to recall and answer. It was awkward and uncomfortable. A time in ancient history when women danced with the unpredictable rhythms of their bodies, not knowing when to expect the arrival of their period. No apps, no calendars just a mysterious dance with nature. In those moments, women had to embrace the unpredictability, relying on their body’s whispers to navigate daily life. Imagine the challenges, the surprises and the resilience of those women. But that is now water under the bridge, thanks to menstrual health apps, that difficulty has transformed into a journey of self-awareness and empowerment. Each cycle tells a story of strength and understanding. ‘App-solutely Transforming Lives’ isn’t just a slogan; it’s a testament to the remarkable journey of women discovering empowerment through menstrual health apps.
Meet Cindy Seeyian, the 17-year-old sensation from the University of Nairobi, who relies on her body’s signals rather than fancy apps to predict her period. She’s got a unique way of predicting her period – no fancy apps, just a good ol’ ‘funny-like’ cramp.
‘Mimi sinanga tracker and I just wait till niskie funny like cramp, I don’t know about these menstrual cycle apps; I just rely on listening to my body and recognizing symptoms like cramps. For now, I just know the last date I had my period, and that’s what helps me anticipate the next one. It can be a bit challenging sometimes, but there’s a special strength in paying attention to my body’s signals.’
In the world of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), a silent struggle for menstrual health has found its voice. Battling obstacles in education, family settings and basic needs, these young individuals faced a monumental shift.
Nancy Osuer, a 23-year-old girl, reflects on how her perception of her menstrual cycle has evolved with the help of a tracking app;
‘Before the app, my period was a monthly mystery. Now, it’s a celebration of my body’s rhythm. The app connected me to a sisterhood of support, turning what was once a secret into a source of strength. The app made me realize that periods are not a limitation; they’re a superpower. It’s like having a personal wellness coach in my pocket. With Flo, I’ve reclaimed control over my health journey. It’s more than just predicting my cycle; it’s about understanding my body and celebrating its rhythms. No whispers, no stigma – just empowerment
Dr. Lilian Wafula, a dedicated healthcare professional, with a passion for breaking menstrual taboos emphasizes the apps’ role as more than trackers; they empower and bridge the gap between misinformation and control.
‘These apps are not merely tools for tracking menstrual cycles; they represent a source of empowerment and knowledge for women. These apps are the bridge between misinformation and empowerment, giving women control over their bodies. When women are in control of their health, they become advocates for change. It’s a revolution that extends beyond individual well-being to societal transformation.’
Esther Njeri, a 24-year-old who discovered a true companion in her menstrual health journey, a simple app that has truly transformed the game for her. Esther warmly shares,
You know, I stumbled upon period tracking apps through a friend. She was raving about how it changed her whole approach to managing her menstrual cycle. That’s when I thought, “Why not give it a try?” Little did I know that it would become an essential part of my life. The app I landed on, Flo, isn’t just a tracker; it’s like a personal menstrual health companion. It understands my body, predicts my cycle accurately and honestly, it feels like chatting with a friend who has your back. Flo is like my period psychic; when it says my period is starting, it’s always right. It’s my go-to guru for all things menstrual cycle.’
The WHO’s approach to recognizing periods as a health issue aligns with these apps becoming educational tools, covering physical, psychological and societal aspects. They support access to info, education and products, breaking stigmas discreetly. Integration into plans and budgets showcases practical commitment and menstrual health apps, fitting into wellness plans, contribute vital data for health sector planning.
‘Can these apps go beyond menstrual cycles to impact pregnancy and safe days? Absolutely. Picture a tool offering personalized support, guiding women through crucial phases like pregnancy and determining safe days. Envision these apps aiding in family planning by predicting safe days, contributing to informed decision-making. Originally designed for menstrual health, these apps now stand as comprehensive health platforms, offering guidance and support across various dimensions of women’s reproductive and overall well-being. I encourage each one of you to explore and embrace the power of menstrual health apps. It’s not just about periods; it’s about taking charge of your reproductive health and well-being. Knowledge is a powerful tool and these apps are here to empower you on your journey to better health.’ says Doctor Lilian Wafula.
While menstrual health apps offer benefits, there are drawbacks. Not everyone has a smartphone or internet access, creating a digital divide. Privacy and data security concerns arise, given the sensitive nature of the information these apps handle. Additionally, constant tracking may pose psychological challenges and the reliance on technology may not suit everyone’s preferences. Addressing these issues is vital for ensuring inclusivity and responsible use of menstrual health apps. Inclusive solutions are vital for addressing challenges in menstrual health apps. Language and literacy barriers can be tackled by incorporating multilingual options, simple interfaces and voice-enabled features. This ensures broader accessibility, allowing women with varying language skills and literacy levels to benefit from these apps. Such adaptations contribute to a more equitable use of technology in supporting women’s reproductive health.
Collaborations with local communities, NGOs and governments can help tailor these apps to diverse needs, ensuring that everyone, regardless of literacy or technological barriers, can benefit from the transformative power of menstrual health apps. ‘Flow Revolution’ isn’t just a story about apps; it’s a symphony of resilience, education and sisterhood. As these apps weave their way into the daily lives of Kenyan women, the hope is that every period becomes not just a cycle but a celebration of strength, unity and the power to redefine womanhood.
By Joy Nakato, AMWIK Member
