Sisterhood and Solidarity: Celebrating Stephanie Coker’s Documentary on PCOS
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- April 1, 2024
As International Women’s Month comes to a close, I’d like to reminisce on an event I attended earlier this month. It was a day-to-night time soiree in honour of Stepanie Coker’s new documentary, Where The Heck Is My Period. A film that takes a deep dive into the lives of various women and their life journey living with PCOS. How they were or were not properly diagnosed, the limitations they’ve had to face, and so much more. The documentary is Prime Video’s first licensed documentary in Nigeria.
It was an event by women, for women, and if you were there, you could feel the joys of sisterhood amongst us. Taking photos of each other, hyping ourselves up, complimenting each other’s outfits, hair, and makeup, catching up on lost time, and exchanging ideas and contacts. Aside from the networking, it was also a chance to unwind and relax with a meditation session by Faith Yogi, something I’ve been meaning to try, so I’m glad I got the chance to. The location, Tiffany Amber Gardens, was also the perfect, serene backdrop we needed to stay relaxed.
Another memorable moment was the panel discussion, where experts in gynecology, public health, and activism came together to unpack the film’s themes and engage in candid dialogue about the topic of women’s reproductive health. Aside from PCOS, other issues were discussed, such as menstrual irregularities, endometriosis contraceptives, and infertility, amongst other crucial health concerns women have. The discussion shed light on the holistic approach to maintaining general reproductive wellness for women. Audience members eagerly participated, sharing their own stories and insights, forging connections and fostering a sense of solidarity.
As someone, a woman who has friends with PCOS, I was moved to tears at a point while watching the clip we were shown at the screening. I mean, I’ve heard when they missed a period every now and then, possibly got on the pill as prescribed by some doctors; I had supported them through countless doctor appointments and hospital visits while they endured symptoms and side effects in agony and reclusion, but watching that documentary opened my eyes to even more stories and data and health information I didn’t know about. It educated me and encouraged me to do even more fact-checking and develop a conscious curiosity to learn about other women’s health topics and, if any, how poorly some health organizations treat these issues.
The executive producer and media personality, Stephanie Coker-Aderinokun, has PCOS as well, which is what also inspired this documentary, having seen the lack of awareness about the subject. The documentary is an initiative of her nonprofit organization, The Future Is Her. Through the personal stories that guests shared, It’s evident that Where The Heck Is My Period? documentary is one that has not only left a mark on all that attended but will keep impacting the lives of women in generations to come worldwide.
SGD Spotlight
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
is a condition in which the ovaries produce an abnormal amount of androgens, male sex hormones that are usually present in women in small amounts. The name polycystic ovary syndrome describes the numerous small cysts (fluid-filled sacs) that form in the ovaries. [hopkinsmedicine.org]
Eki Ogunbor has a Vogue Fashion Certificate from Conde Nast College of Fashion & Design and also attended Central Saint Martins, London College of Fashion and the University of Kent. Eki headed the Design Operations at a top Nigerian womenswear fashion brand before developing her own brand, KISARA. She is the Editor-At-Large at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.
