Pink Ribbons and Silent Cradles: Breaking the Taboos Around Women’s Health

Pink Ribbons and Silent Cradles: Breaking the Taboos Around Women’s Health

October is not just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters; it’s also a month painted in pink and remembrance candles. It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, two causes that carry both tears and strength, silence and resilience.

Growing up in Africa, I noticed how certain conversations were whispered, if spoken at all. You’d hear someone say, “Amai so-and-so hasn’t been feeling well,” but no one would dare mention the “C-word.” Or when a young woman disappears for a while and comes back quieter, people start guessing, but nobody really asks. These are the quiet battles many women face, hidden beneath cultural expectations, fear of judgment, lack of education, or simply the dread of clinic bills that could eat up a family’s savings.

Let’s be real: in many African communities, talking about breasts is already a cultural boundary-breaker, let alone breast cancer. Yet awareness saves lives. Early detection saves lives. Knowing what to look for and getting screened is not something to be ashamed of , it’s an act of love toward yourself and your family.

So how do you check yourself?

It’s actually simple, no medical degree required! Once a month, stand in front of the mirror and get to know yourself. Check for any unusual lumps, dimpling, or nipple discharge. Feel your breasts in circular motions, lying down and standing up. Your hands are your first doctors, listen to them. If something feels off, don’t wait. Reach out to a clinic or hospital near you.

If you’re in Zimbabwe, some clinics and organizations like Island Hospice & Healthcare, Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, and Parirenyatwa’s Oncology Centre occasionally offer free or low-cost screenings. In Japan, many city offices send annual screening coupons, don’t ignore that pink slip in your mailbox! In Europe, most public hospitals have designated Breast Cancer Awareness weeks offering free mammograms. It starts with taking that small step.

The pink ribbon isn’t just a fashion statement, it’s a symbol of courage, hope, and every woman who chose to fight back. So this October, wear your pink proudly. And if someone asks why you’re wearing it, tell them you’re part of the global sisterhood raising awareness.

Now, let’s turn to another kind of pain, one that isn’t visible on an X-ray: pregnancy and infant loss.

October 15th marks Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, a day that carries quiet sorrow for many mothers, fathers, siblings, and grandparents. In Africa, we don’t talk about miscarriage or stillbirth, we say, “Zvakaitika, move on.” But how can a mother just move on from the child she carried in her womb? How can she forget the heartbeat that once echoed inside her?

Silence has been our cultural coping mechanism, but silence can also be a prison. The World Health Organization actually advocates for open expression and emotional healing, because talking helps. Grieving helps. Remembering helps.

Many women suffer alone, thinking they’re the only ones. But they’re not. The more we talk, the more we realize how many of us share this pain. And when we talk, we also create room for healing.

To every woman who has ever lit a candle, whispered a name, or clutched a tiny ultrasound picture, you are not alone. Whether you lost your baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, or medical complications, your story matters. You carried love, and that love remains eternal.

Humor might feel out of place here, but let’s sprinkle a bit of light: ladies, when you’re doing your breast self-check, don’t rush like you’re defusing a bomb. Take your time, get comfortable, maybe even hum your favorite song. Health doesn’t always have to be terrifying, it can be empowering.

So, this October, let’s break the silence. Let’s talk. Let’s educate. Let’s support one another. Because awareness isn’t just about ribbons and hashtags, it’s about saving lives and comforting hearts.

To my sisters in Africa, Japan, Europe, and beyond: check your breasts, check on your sisters, and check your hearts. Healing begins when we stop hiding.

And remember, pink isn’t just a color, it’s a promise. 💗