02/19/2026
Beyond the Statistics: Reclaiming the Narrative in Nairobi 🇰🇪
Studies published in the International Journal of Science and Research have found that over 50% of women in Nairobi, Kenya use skin-lightening products. Data from 2025 studies also show that 66% of Somali women in Kenya have either used skin-lightening steroids themselves, or know someone who has.
The statistics only tell part of the story.
Last month, while on the ground in Nairobi for the production of our documentary film, Beneath the Dermis, our founder and Executive Director Amira Adawe facilitated focus groups with Somali-Kenyan girls and women. Together, they led critical discussions on the impacts of colorism and skin-lightening practices within their communities.
As these topics are heavily stigmatized, these focus groups served as a safe space for critical, community-led conversations to emerge and the collective interrogation of the systemic drivers of colorism.
Beautywell’s upcoming documentary centers the voices and stories of impacted communities. Through focus groups with women of all ages and diverse backgrounds across Nairobi, Kenya and Mogadishu, Somalia, this documentary brings community and youth voices to the forefront of the conversations around colorism and skin-lightening.
Stay tuned as we continue to share insights from the field. Follow our journey as we move from East Africa to Asia, documenting the global movement to end colorism and skin-lightening worldwide.
