I had turned thirteen, soon to be fourteen and something strange happened to me while at school. 

I didn't feel any different in the preceding days, perhaps, the feeling was there but I never paid that much attention. 

But on that sunny afternoon at school, I felt some discomfort and unease which settled in my stomach, soon after, I felt something down my pant. 

Unsure about what it could be, I made way to the restroom, and there I checked -it was my first period! 

As I stared at it, I remembered all the lessons my teacher had taught about menstruation and all that I had read concerning this natural biological change. I knew what it meant, that I am now officially experiencing menarché. 

At this time of my life, I was living with my Aunt, and the thought of informing her about my period raced through my mind. I had reasoned to myself that since I have some knowledge about menstruation based on what my teacher had taught and all I had read, therefore, I could handle it.

So, I had obtained permission to leave school a lot earlier, got to an hygiene shop, bought a pack of sanitary pad for myself with the stipend usually given me by my Dad. When I got home, I had a warm bath, then padded myself and stayed quiet without informing my aunt about what had happened.

This was so because I had always tried to be so independent. However, when the next cycle began the following month, I took the courage to inform my aunt about it and she was so excited for me.

Much on, she would give me tips on how to cope with my periods and taught me to be discreet around boys. She went on to warn me about early pregnancy as a teenager. 

When my mom heard about my first period, she intensified the lessons, as if to imply, "my aunt has done her part, now it was right about time for 'mommy's Ted talk on menstruation." Haha!

In all, I loved the compassion and understanding that accompanied their teachings to me. It was beautiful to see that both my aunt and mom, wanted me to be okay, as they provided me sanitary pad kits and new sets of panties for my period in the coming months. 

On the overall, the experience of my first period  taught me self-acceptance, as I got to realize that my journey to womanhood had begun!

Fast forward to today, I never knew I would one day be leading advocacy for the girl child, and paying special attention to menstrual health awareness, especially for school girls in rural communities and inner cities.

As menstrual hygiene day approaches, we understand that we can not talk enough about periods, and I am most delighted to be part of the women in my generation shining the light on menstrual health and personal hygiene management for girls and women. Together, let's keep making a difference!