Nairobi: How Young Woman Is Destigmatising Adult Diapers Through Her Heartbreaking Story
- At just 32, Caroline Wanja faced a life-altering diagnosis that forced her to rely on adult diapers, a reality she once hid in shame
- She shared the heartbreaking story of struggling with stigma after she was diagnosed with an overactive bladder combined with pelvic floor dysfunction
- Today, she’s using her voice to break taboos and inspire others living with incontinence to embrace dignity over silence
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When Caroline Wanja turned 32, she was newly married, brimming with plans, and eager to start a family.
Source: Getty Images
Everything came crashing down when a medical diagnosis she never expected quietly altered the course of her life.
How Wanja's life turned upside down
She told TUKO.co.ke that she was always healthy and active, then, out of nowhere, she started having sudden urges and accidents she couldn’t control.
At first, she thought it was stress. Then came the diagnosis: overactive bladder combined with pelvic floor dysfunction.
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What followed was a whirlwind of emotions: confusion, shame, and fear of what others would think.
“I remember crying the first time I bought adult diapers. I wore dark clothes, avoided social events, and even skipped church. I felt like a prisoner in my own body,” she recalls.
Adult diapers not just for the elderly
Caroline’s experience mirrors that of thousands of Kenyans living with incontinence-related conditions—many of whom are under the age of 40.
Yet, adult diapers remain deeply stigmatised, often viewed as a symbol of frailty, ageing, or loss of control.
“The stigma is brutal,” says Dr Maureen Atieno, a Nairobi-based urologist. “Many of my patients hide their condition for years. Some develop anxiety and depression simply because they can’t talk about it.”
Dr Atieno notes that incontinence can result from childbirth trauma, spinal injuries, surgeries, chronic illnesses, or even intense physical labour, none of which are indicators of personal failure.
Caroline Wanja's turning point
For Caroline, the turning point came when a friend gently advised her to embrace adult diapers since wearing one gave her the freedom to live.
That single moment of empathy ignited a shift.
“I realised I was attaching shame to something that was helping me function. That was the moment I decided to stop hiding.”
She began journaling about her journey and, eventually, shared her story anonymously on an online support group.
Speaking out, sparking change
The response stunned her as dozens of women replied, echoing her experience in a moment that made her realise there were several others like her.
“It hit me: I’m not alone. And maybe, just maybe, sharing this could help others,” she continued.
Today, Caroline is among a growing number of individuals working to normalise adult diaper use in Kenya.
She regularly shares personal stories, product reviews, and mental health tips for people managing incontinence.
“Every time someone writes to me saying ‘you helped me feel normal again,’ it gives me the strength to keep going,” she says.
Kenya still has a long way to go
She also partners with clinics and women’s groups to create awareness, urging healthcare providers to discuss incontinence openly with patients.
“We need to stop making adult diapers a punchline or something to hide. It’s a health tool, just like glasses or insulin.”
Despite these efforts, stigma remains a major barrier. Many shops still keep adult diapers behind counters, and advertisements tend to portray only the elderly.
A representative from Pametan Investments Limited, the distributors of Kare In adult diapers, admitted that age can increase the likelihood of incontinence, but it’s not just a senior issue.
"Younger adults use them due to medical conditions, surgeries, childbirth recovery, or even high-performance sports injuries. Incontinence doesn’t discriminate by age, and neither should our attitudes," he said.
Modern adult diapers discreet
He added that modern adult diapers are designed to be discreet, sleek, and comfortable, which makes them virtually invisible under clothes.
More importantly, they empower users to regain control over their daily lives, which is nothing to be ashamed of. If anything, it’s a choice rooted in confidence and self-care.
“There’s a cultural shift that’s needed,” says Dr. Atieno. “We must teach people that managing a health condition is not shameful. Ignoring it is.”
As awareness around adult wellness and dignity grows, more families and caregivers are turning to trusted solutions that prioritise comfort and reliability.
Products like Kare-IN premium adult diapers have quietly become a choice for those seeking both high absorbency and skin-friendly materials.
These work well in regions where healthcare providers and specialised importers are focused on enhancing quality of life.
"With discreet, high-performance designs tailored for long-lasting protection, these products are helping redefine care standards," Dr Atieno concluded.
For Caroline, it’s no longer about just managing a condition; it’s about reclaiming her life and helping others do the same.
“When I walk into a supermarket and buy my pack without flinching, I remind myself: this is not weakness. This is a strength. And I’ve earned every bit of it.”
TUKO.co.ke's dignity diaper campaign
In an earlier story, TUKO.co.ke was the media sponsor for the Dignity Diaper Campaign spearheaded by Sight of Relief, THELP, and Maendeleo ya Walemavu.
The initiative, dedicated to advocating for disability matters in Kenya, is a five-year mission to eliminate diaper needs for children and adults living with disabilities and incontinence issues.
Its main objective is to provide free diapers to needy individuals living with disabilities through establishing a Diaper Bank Centre, which serves as a hub for receiving diaper donations.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
