Caption for the landscape image: The skin-lightening lie and how my niece made me stop bleaching Saturday, July 11, 2026 Scroll down to read the article Anne Desdemona during an interview at Nation Centre on June 16, 2026. Photo credit: Bonface Bogita | Nation Media Group By Esther Intabo Article Related Anne Desdemona is effortlessly stylish. In a brown kimono tied neatly with a silver belt, she looks polished without seeming overdone. “You look so pretty,” I tell her. “Thank you,” she replies, smiling. “I do my own makeup.” Beyond self-hate: Why African women prefer lighter skin tones Researchers argue practice reflects deeper cultural, historical and economic pressures beyond personal appearance preferences. PREMIUM Unpacking black identity in Germany through literature The German author, actress and Frankfurt city councillor Mirrianne Mahn revealed how the late Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai shaped her worldview. Is skin lightening vanity or colourism? Black women’s skin insecurities sustain a multibillion-dollar business in products some states have banned. Why young women should not bleach the skin The long-term use of skin-bleaching products can cause cancer. . Recommended for you PREMIUM Are police authorised to deflate tyres, snatch car keys from traffic offenders? PREMIUM How parents are making fitness a family affair PREMIUM How do I deal with a partner who sulks for days when we disagree? PREMIUM Storymoja bets on African stories in a changing education market Login to join the discussion Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. In the headlines Elections News Counties Business Opinion Sports Life & Style Health Podcasts Photos Newsletters Puzzles PREMIUM Why Knut wants truce between seasoned and inexperienced teachers Knut says future school should encourage collaboration among teachers. Sudan lifts ban on Kenyan tea imports The ban was imposed in protest over Nairobi hosting leaders of Sudan's paramilitary RFS last year. Why Kenya is shutting down embassy in Bern, Switzerland The Embassy in Bern, the Swiss political capital, was opened in April 2020.
Beyond self-hate: Why African women prefer lighter skin tones Researchers argue practice reflects deeper cultural, historical and economic pressures beyond personal appearance preferences.
PREMIUM Unpacking black identity in Germany through literature The German author, actress and Frankfurt city councillor Mirrianne Mahn revealed how the late Nobel laureate Prof Wangari Maathai shaped her worldview.
Is skin lightening vanity or colourism? Black women’s skin insecurities sustain a multibillion-dollar business in products some states have banned.
Why young women should not bleach the skin The long-term use of skin-bleaching products can cause cancer.
PREMIUM Why Knut wants truce between seasoned and inexperienced teachers Knut says future school should encourage collaboration among teachers.
Sudan lifts ban on Kenyan tea imports The ban was imposed in protest over Nairobi hosting leaders of Sudan's paramilitary RFS last year.
Why Kenya is shutting down embassy in Bern, Switzerland The Embassy in Bern, the Swiss political capital, was opened in April 2020.