Gender Equality and Women Empowerment in Nigeria: The Desirability and Inevitability of a Pragmatic Approach KELLY BRYAN OVIE EJUMUDO, Ph. D Abstract Promoting gender equality has become a globally recognized and an acceptable reality. Gender issues have also been identified as critical to the achievement of national development goals. In fact, the attainment of gender equality is not only seen as an end in itself it is equally a catalyst to, and a sine-qua-non for the achievement … [Read more...]
Africa, Top Five Reasons Why Should Be a Global Priority
Africa, a Continent from Hopeless through Rising to Hopeful For over a decade now, the continent of Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, has undergone a major transformation. In 2000, The Economist referred to Africa as the “Hopeless Continent.” This nickname was based on an evaluation of the many disadvantages that characterized the continent: poverty and disease, cycles of conflict, military and dictatorial one-party states, etc. Despite large endowments of natural resources, the … [Read more...]
CONGO, National Leadership required NOW – Take Action !!!
ENOUGH is ENOUGH - The Time is NOW to Take Action !!! March 2013 – Conflict-related sexual violence is one of the most urgent challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a senior United Nations official says, stressing that leadership and responsibility on the part of the Government is critical to tackling this issue. “Only the Congolese people, with the support of the international community, can change the current situation and create a new narrative for the DRC,” the … [Read more...]
The Single Mum Status is so empowering … Zimbabwe
Every woman longs to be loved and to be cherished. But sometimes, life is not always the way she wants it to be especially when it comes to matters of the heart and this is why she finally opts for the 'single mother' status, which in my belief is so empowering. Sometimes she gets scared that she is not going to get it right and so compromises her position especially in meeting new love prospects... ... it can be empowering but also terribly lonely. Although society at times might … [Read more...]
SAFE Stoves In North Darfur critical to Women
WFP's SAFE stoves project means a lot to women in Darfur's north where collecting firewood for cooking has always put women at the risk of violent attacks. Displacement and conflict-related environmental degradation forced women to travel long distances in search for firewood spending days away from their children. Not anymore. Tawila, NORTH DARFUR -- For over six years, Rwanda camp for internally displaced people has been home to Insaf, her husband Hussain and their brood of … [Read more...]
VDAY, Dear All… A Letter From Eve Ensler in Congo!
Dear All... A Letter From Eve in Congo Eve Ensler has been in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the last month. Here she shares with you all her experiences with the women at City of Joy, life on the V-World farm, and how she ROSE with women and girls of Congo on 14 February. Dear All, First let me begin with the deepest thank you to all of you who believed in City of Joy and have stood by us with your confidence and support. I have spent the month here and … [Read more...]
CONGO – Indigenous ‘pygmies’ excluded from maternal health
BRAZZAVILLE, March 2013 (IRIN) - Indigenous Women in the Republic of Congo, better known as 'pygmies' - a minority group threatened with extinction - are virtually excluded from reproductive health services. They mostly give birth at home and are exposed to related health risks, according to a 2012 study conducted by the Ministry of Health with support from the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). The study, Determinants of the Use of Reproductive Health Services by Indigenous Peoples, was … [Read more...]
KENYA prepares to go to the polls on Monday
March 2013 – As Kenya prepares to go to the polls on Monday, a senior United Nations official has called on authorities to ensure the protection of civilians, especially women and girls, recalling that thousands of cases of rape and other forms of sexual assault were documented during the violence that followed the 2007 elections. “I urge the authorities in Kenya to ensure that civilians of all ethnic and political backgrounds can exercise their right to vote in safety and security, and to … [Read more...]
Forced Virginity Tests, can you imagine? – Take Action
WOMEN of our WORLD We still need more signatures - Take Action! Forced Virginity Tests in Africa, India and Middle East ... isn't this IMMORAL in itself, as there is zero dignity or respect in the action. Can you imagine being forced to have virginity tests and then if it turns out that you are not a virgin, you would be charged with prostitution? Seems far fetched and downright ridiculous but this is the reality for Egyptian protesters. Amnesty International has … [Read more...]
Scratchylus sings for Mama Africa
Scratchylus says he wants to reach a particular demographic with Mama Africa. "I'm trying to create awareness among women, get them aware of their royalty," he said in a broad British accent. "They're not been told that, they're been told they are bitches." OnAir.FM | Interview with Scratchylus Dada Mama Africa is among the songs on the latest update of the conversation, made famous by producer Bunny Lee and singer Slim Smith in the early 1970s. Sizzla, Fred Locks and Nerus … [Read more...]