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| Image by PNW Production on Pexels |
Growing up in Kano, Aisha always knew the world was not fair. She watched her mother, a skilled tailor, sew intricate designs late into the night, only to earn barely enough to feed the family. Yet men with half her talent made more money.
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| Image by UOL |
Hollywood has always been a storyteller. But it doesn’t just tell any stories—it tells stories that shape how we see the world. It decides who gets to be a hero, who is worthy of love, who is feared, who is pitied, and who is ignored.
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| Image by Samuel Adeleke on Pexels |
So you are 11…
You are 11, and the world still belongs to you.
By Simbiat Amzat
The Beijing+30 review presents a pivotal moment to evaluate the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking framework for women's empowerment adopted in 1995.
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| Design by UNESCO |
Shades of Us participated virtually as the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) celebrated the 10th anniversary of the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. The event was marked by the launch of an impactful campaign, “Imagine a World with More Women in Science,” which seeks to advance gender equality in the sciences and encourage more girls and women to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This milestone initiative underscores the importance of fostering inclusivity and representation in these critical fields.
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| Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko |
Luck shone on Olufunke when she got an employment offer from a top construction company in Abuja right after completing her service year. She was determined to make a lasting impression and stay out of any trouble that came her way.
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| Photo by Şeyhmus Kino |
"Education is the foundation upon which we build our future." Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Education is the foundation of any prosperous nation. It drives economic growth, fosters social development, and ensures future stability. Yet, in Nigeria, the education system is being systematically dismantled—not just by neglect but by deliberate actions of those in power who benefit from keeping the masses uneducated.
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| Angela Bassett at the 56th NAACP Image Awards Photo Credit: Highsnobiety |
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| Photo by Nappy on Unsplash |
Why are Black bodies still disproportionately carrying the weight of disease, suffering, and medical neglect?
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| Images by Abubakar Balogun on Unsplash |
From the beginning of civilization and before humans began to grasp the true nature of the world around them, hunger has been a long-standing issue. The world’s approach to tackling it has evolved over time, some being successful while others lead to famine and malnutrition. Food aid has been a crucial part of hunger relief, yet we need a more innovative and sustainable approach to tackling this problem.
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| The GRAMMY Award Image by the Recording Academy |
Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards happened on February 2, 2025, and as usual, it was a night of glitz, glamor, and a celebration of some of the most talented music creators in the world.
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| Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels |
By Glory Ogunbodede
Displacement is a pressing global issue, affecting millions of people worldwide.
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| Panelists at the Inaugural Girls Education Summit. Image by Shades of Us |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 21, 2024, we had the honor of attending the Girls Education Summit 2024 (GES'24), hosted by the Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), in partnership with NGYouthSDGs, and in collaboration with The Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG), Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), and Shades of Us. The theme of the summit was ‘Championing the Rights of Young Women and Girls to Quality Education in Policy and Practice’, a timely discussion given the significant barriers girls face in accessing education across Nigeria.
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| Image by PAGED Initiative at the Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Event |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 27, 2024, the Participatory Communication for Gender Development (PAGED) Initiative in partnership with Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) hosted a transformative discourse event at Cavic Hub, Abuja, themed ‘Speaking Out Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Its Impact on Girls’ Education’. This gathering brought together advocates, survivors, and key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for combating SGBV and empowering girls to access education without fear.
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| Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels |
by Atinuke Adeosun
Africa’s digital revolution connects millions to new opportunities, fostering communication, learning, and innovation. However, this transformation also has a dark side. Digital platforms have become fertile ground for cyberbullying and online harassment, disproportionately targeting women and minorities.
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| Shades of Us at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja. |
By Cynthia Umeh
Shades of Us was at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja. This event, organized by Strong Enough Girl Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) in partnership with the Global Girl Project, aimed to address the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and its ripple effects on young girls and their communities.
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| Panel Session on 'Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions'. Image Credit: Shehu Musa Yar'adua Foundation |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 28, 2024, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, with support from Ford Foundation, and in partnership with Education as a Vaccine, Gender Mobile, and TechHer Nigeria, hosted a public policy forum titled, ‘Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions’. This event aimed to address the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigerian tertiary institutions and to discuss actionable strategies for creating safer campuses.
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| Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels |
By Pius Onyebujor
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global problem crossing cultural, economic, and geographic boundaries, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, Africa faces some of the highest rates of GBV globally due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and deeply rooted patriarchal systems.
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 23, we had a nice experience at the Movies & BBQ festival: An Evening of Fun, Games, Barbecue, and Movies! The festival was organized by Motion Pictures International Film Festival in collaboration with ATW STUDIOS. The event was packaged by Kris Mokwunye.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with survivors often facing multiple barriers when seeking support and rehabilitation. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, psychological, cultural, and healthcare interventions.
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| Photo by David Crypto on Pexels |
By Precious Olayinka
Gender inequality is not just a women's problem. It is a human problem. For society to prosper, everyone must play a role in dismantling the structures that continue to perpetuate gender inequality. Men tend to hold higher positions in many societies, especially in countries like Nigeria, where patriarchy is widespread. This is quite appalling, but it also gives them a unique opportunity to be an ally in the fight against inequality. Here are some ways men can play their part in creating a more just world.
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| Photo by ShotPot on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Domestic violence leaves deep and enduring scars—physical, emotional, and psychological. For survivors, the journey to recovery can feel daunting, but healing is possible. It begins with recognizing the pain, seeking help, and cultivating a supportive environment to rediscover one’s sense of self.
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| Photo by Abel Kayode on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Beauty and self-care products are an integral part of daily life for millions of women, offering confidence, self-expression, and a sense of well-being. However, behind the attractive packaging and soothing fragrances, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks. Ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, commonly found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and even feminine hygiene products, have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and long-term health issues, including reproductive problems and cancer. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that 75% of personal care products contain at least one ingredient associated with adverse health effects, yet many consumers remain unaware of these dangers.
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| Photo by Blue Ox Studio on Pexels |
By Pius Onyebujor
Twelve-year-old Ella watched her mother standing in the middle of the street shouting at the top of her voice at Uncle Sunny. The ground was littered with a million broken pieces of what was once a couple of bottles yet, her mother's feet didn't bleed.
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| Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
Workplace harassment and violence against women remain one pressing issue worldwide, cutting across industries, professions, and cultural divides. Despite advancements in gender equality, reports continue to highlight the pervasive nature of these abuses, which hinder women’s ability to thrive professionally and emotionally. In 2024, efforts to combat these issues have gained momentum, yet significant gaps persist, requiring urgent attention and sustained action.
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| Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels |
Addressing Healthcare Inequalities in Low-Income Communities
By Adetatyo Adetokun
World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14 each year, serves as a global reminder of the growing diabetes epidemic and the urgent need for equitable healthcare. This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’, highlights the disparities in diabetes care and emphasizes making healthcare more accessible to all, particularly in underserved and low-income communities.
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| Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
As we move closer to 2030, the deadline for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Gender Equality (SDG 5) remains frustratingly slow. Despite some advancements, significant barriers persist that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. Understanding these challenges, and what actions are needed, highlights the urgency for a global shift toward equality.
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| Photo by ERIC MUFASA on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
I remember when I was around 10 years old, sitting at the back of my classroom, listening to my classmates talk about their dreams. Some wanted to be doctors, others astronauts or engineers. I listened quietly, unsure if I could even picture myself in those roles. But as I thought about it, there was a quiet voice inside me that asked, “Can someone like me really make a difference? Can my voice really change the world?” It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in myself; I just hadn’t seen enough of people like me doing the things I saw on TV or in books. I felt like I wasn’t part of the conversation. But over time, I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t need permission to make a difference. I was already part of that change, just by being who I was.
by Yecenu Sasetu
The Reality
The lives of Nigerians changed significantly on May 29, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu said the infamous words “subsidy, gone" while he was being sworn in as President of Nigeria. Before now, many governments had tried to remove fuel subsidies but were always met with protests from opposition parties, activists, and citizens.
