The book for this week was written to provide critical age-appropriate information to guide young ladies about reproductive health, sex education and personal development tips. And it is written by Fatima Titilayo Hasaan, someone who qualifies to provide such guide. The book is titled: “Empowered Flow: The Girl Child’s Guide to Understanding Her Body and Owning Her Story.”
Fatima is a development advocate, entrepreneur and political leader with experience in the area of championing the advancement of girls and women. She holds a Bachelor’s in English Education from Obafemi Awolowo University, and a Master’s degree in Language Education from University of Ibadan. She is the Executive Director of Women for Greater Good Foundation, a nonprofit focused on education, dignity and empowerment for women and girls.
Published in 2026 by PurpleBloom Ibadan, Empowered Flow is an educational and empowering book that addresses the key aspects of menstrual health, general well being and rights of a girl child. The book seeks to enlighten and provide girls with the adequate and accurate information about their bodies while encouraging them to embrace confidence, self-awareness and self advocacy.
In the book’s introduction, the author uses her personal experience getting her first period, her mother’s reaction and guidance to give the reader a quick overview of the book and what is to be expected. Indeed she shares in this book, how this personal experience has opened her eyes to the reality of the challenges that many young girls face, mainly with limited resources, and sometimes in silence and shame, and without proper guidance. This experience has prompted the author to start a movement which has so far reached over 15,000 girls with sanitary pads, menstrual hygiene sensitisation, and helping them to stay in school, among other things.
One of the book’s major strengths is its approach to menstrual health education. It presents the information about puberty and menstruation in a clear, accessible and age-appropriate manner. Thus Fatima addresses and debunks misconceptions, and provides practical guidance ranging from the understanding of everything about the female reproductive system, hormones and puberty to the phases, symptoms and tracking of the menstrual cycle. She shows vividly how understanding the female body helps in maintaining a good physical health state by being more kind to the body, preparing ahead for the symptoms and ensuring a proper hygiene at every point of the cycle. It ensures that girls understand that caring for their bodies is an act of self respect, and that with understanding comes comfort, confidence and calmness. Indeed for the author, sound health produces sound mind. She writes (p 22) that “Maintaining good hygiene during your period helps you stay fresh, comfortable, and confident.”
The book helps normalise conversations about menstruation and promotes healthy menstrual practices. Beyond physical health, the book highlights the importance of emotional and mental wellbeing. The author acknowledges the changes of puberty and the effects of menstrual cycle on the mental state of a female. She also encourages young ladies to embrace all of their experiences without shame or fear, insisting that it is okay to seek help when the need arises.
In Empowered Flow, the places avers that resilience, good self esteem and self-expression reinforce mental health as an essential component of overall well-being. It also presents a refreshing perspective on sex education, emphasising that it is more than learning about reproduction but also understanding the importance of boundaries, mutual and self-respect, emotional connection, and sexuality as a girl. It further provides knowledge on sexual health, sexual safety, and consent, emphasising that these are not only tools for self-protection, but also foundations for making confident and well-informed decisions.
Another significant theme explored in this 10-chapter book is the rights of the girl child. The author emphasises the importance of bodily autonomy, dignity, and the freedom for girls to make informed decisions about their lives, more specifically, about their bodies. By encouraging girls to understand their worth and use their voices, the book promotes empowerment and personal agency. “You are allowed to say NO.Your voice is powerful.” (p 41)
And this is one of the aspects of the book that strikes me most. It is its emphasis on bodily autonomy and a girl’s right to make informed decisions about her own body. The book reinforces the importance of understanding consent, setting personal boundaries, and recognising that saying “no” is a valid and respected choice. I also find its discussion of abstinence particularly refreshing, as it presents it as an informed personal decision while highlighting its benefits, rather than as an obligation imposed by societal expectations. This approach promotes a strong sense of self-determination and empowerment, moving beyond the often coercive narratives that frame a girl’s value primarily around preserving her body for marriage. Rather, the author encourages girls to make choices based on knowledge, self-respect, and personal conviction.
The book’s language is engaging, conversational, and very easy to understand, making it suitable for young readers. Its combination of educational content and motivational messaging creates a supportive resource for girls navigating adolescence. Additionally, the book is a valuable tool for parents, educators, and caregivers who wish to facilitate open and informed discussions around puberty, health, and personal development.
Overall, in 74 pages, Empowered Flow: The Girl Child’s Guide to Understanding Her Body and Owning Her Story is a timeless and impactful resource that contributes meaningfully to conversations about menstrual health, mental wellness, and girl-child empowerment. It does not only educate readers about their bodies; it also encourages them to embrace their identities, recognise their rights, and confidently own their stories.
. Olatunbosun can be reached via 0802-351-7565 (SMS & WhatsApp only) and [email protected].
