Her Strength in Every Story: A Recap of the 2025 Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala

Panel Session at the 2025 Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala hosted by Nigeria Health Watch (NHW)

By Cynthia Umeh and Simbiat Amzat

At Shades of Us, we believe that when women thrive, societies prosper. We also know that art is a way to tell stories about the health and well-being of women and girls in a way that provides solutions for societies’ norms that negatively affect women and girls. So what happens when health meets art? For a third year, this has meant the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala hosted by Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) in collaboration with the National Gallery of Art (NGA) and the Female Artists Association of Nigeria (FEAAN). 

Amplifying Voices, Driving Change: Reflections from the National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference

Group Photo of Participants at the Inaugural National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference hosted by Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative

By Cynthia Umeh

Shades of Us attended the inaugural National Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Conference hosted by Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), HIVOS, Education as a Vaccine (EVA), and other partners on April 12, 2025. This is a pivotal gathering dedicated to advancing the rights and well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with a special focus on women and girls. We joined this event to amplify the lived experiences of the displaced, spotlighting community-led solutions, and advocating for sustainable action that centers on dignity, empowerment, and equity. 

Equal Opportunities

Image by PNW Production on Pexels

By Olayinka Precious 

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.

On Emilia Pérez, Hollywood Stereotypes, and the Stories That Shape Us

Image by UOL

By Adetayo Adetokun

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.

So You Are…

Image by Samuel Adeleke on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

So you are  11…

You are 11, and the world still belongs to you.

Beijing+30 Review Conference

 

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.

UNESCO Celebrates the 10th Anniversary of the Day of Women and Girls in Science.

Design by UNESCO

By Simbiat Amzat

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.

Break the Mold

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

By Simbiat Amzat

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.

The State of Education in Nigeria

Photo by Şeyhmus Kino

By Atinuke Adeosun

"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.

The 2025 NAACP Image Awards

Angela Bassett at the 56th NAACP Image Awards
Photo Credit: Highsnobiety

By Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

The 2025  National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Image Awards was a night of celebration, empowerment, and recognition of Black excellence. Held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, this prestigious event honored outstanding achievements in film, television, music, and literature by people of color. The awards ceremony not only highlighted the incredible talent and contributions of Black artists but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of representation and recognition in the arts and beyond by people who look like us.

Why Are Black People Still Dying From Preventable Diseases?

Photo by Nappy on Unsplash

How many more Black mothers must die during childbirth before the world takes notice? 

How many more Black children must perish from malnutrition, even in an era of scientific breakthroughs?

Why are Black bodies still disproportionately carrying the weight of disease, suffering, and medical neglect?

You Don’t Rate Yourself Enough

Photo by Diana Simumpande on Unsplash

By Adetayo Adetokun 

If you knew someone who does even half of what you do,

You wouldn’t just admire them—you’d stand in awe of them.

You’d talk about their strength like it’s divine,

Rethinking Hunger: How To Achieve Food Security

Images by Abubakar Balogun on Unsplash

By Pius Onyebujor

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.

The 2025 Grammys: A Good Year for People Like Us

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.

Health And Wellbeing For Displaced Women

Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels

Overcoming Challenges and Building Resilience

By Glory Ogunbodede

Displacement is a pressing global issue, affecting millions of people worldwide. 

Girls Education Summit

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.

Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

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.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment Against Women and Minorities

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.

Addressing Teenage Pregnancy in Waru

Shades of Us at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja.

Global Girl Leadership Project Conference

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. 

Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

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.

Why Is Gender-Based Violence Prevalent In Africa?

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.

Shades of Us at the Movies & BBQ Night

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.

Best Practices for Gender-Based Violence Support and Rehabilitation

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. 

How Can Men Help Reduce Gender Inequality?

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.

Healing Through Stories

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.

Toxic Beauty

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.

Convenience

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. 

Workplace Harassment and Violence Against Women

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.

Bridging Gaps in Diabetes Care

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.

Tackling Gender Inequality in 2024

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.