Better Education for All

Photo by Olanma Etigwe-uwa by Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

Education is the transmission of ideas and values essential for individual and societal survival and progress. This is a basic right that a child should access, regardless of their gender.

Stitching Wounds with Wisdom

Photo by Adedire Abiodun on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Today, we remember the people of Africa and beyond, whose lives have been marred by the relentless scourge of insurgency and terrorism. Our hearts turn to Nigeria, where the shadow of Boko Haram has loomed large, leaving destruction and grief in its wake. We mourn for the grieving families in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who bury their children far too soon as terrorism tightens its grip across the Sahel. We remember Somalia, where decades of conflict under the terror of Al-Shabaab have left communities in a constant state of fear and displacement. We honor the people of Libya, whose dreams of stability have been shattered by ongoing civil war and insurgency, and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, where the horrors inflicted by militants have devastated countless lives. We extend our thoughts to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where protracted violence has left countless dead and displaced, to Chad, where conflicts have deepened existing vulnerabilities, to Cameroon, where regional tensions have escalated into violence, and to Sudan, where conflict and political upheaval have overshadowed hopes for peace.

Peace by Piece: Building a Brighter World Together

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

We exist in a world that is overwhelmed by chaos and challenges, and the concept of peace can easily get lost. Yet, what if peace was not just an abstract idea, but a tangible reality we can create?

Once Green

Photo by wadaa alaumry on Pexels

By Pius Onyebujor

Once upon a time, my village was green.

Kamala Harris: Institutionalizing Reproductive Justice

Kamala Harris, the United States Vice President
Image Credit: The White House

Reproductive health rights in America are deeply intertwined with issues of racial inequality, particularly affecting Black women. Nearly one in four women in the U.S. will experience a reproductive health need by age 45, underscoring the widespread need for comprehensive reproductive services. However, access to these services is not evenly distributed, and Black women face significant barriers. The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, has led to a patchwork of state regulations that often disproportionately impact Black communities. In states with severe reproductive health restrictions, Black women are particularly affected, facing greater challenges in accessing necessary care.

Upskill

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

“Not everyone with a degree uses that degree to get a job or earn a living. Some develop skills and make a living out of it or even create jobs for others by being entrepreneurs or small business owners. At times, what they do for work is entirely different from the course they studied during their tertiary education.” Mr. Makinde shared.

_______

Purple Ball 2024

Guests at the 2024 Purple Ball.
Image by Shades of Us

By Ruth Ajawu

Strong Enough Girls Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) collaborated with GLAMODI Women and Girls Development Initiative to host its ninth annual Purple Ball to celebrate women's empowerment, inclusion, and leadership commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day. Shades of Us, Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative, Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), Gender Mobile, and Active Voices were proud partners of this event and attendees converged to champion the advancement and rights of women. 

African Mothers Deserve Better

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

by Adetayo Adetokun

African women deserve better.

African women of reproductive age deserve better. 

African mothers deserve better.

Cultural Exchanges Through Theater Performance

 

By  Ruth Ajawu

On Wednesday, May 15, the Arojah Royal Theatre, in collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centre, hosted a theater event titled Seoul Arts Center (SAC) on Screen. This is performance video content produced by the Seoul Arts Center. The event brought together a diverse group of theater and art enthusiasts, including actors, dancers, choreographers, directors, scenographers, stage managers, costume designers, make-up artists, lighting technicians, journalists, and movie reviewers. Shades of Us attended this event to gain a deeper understanding of how contemporary theater can address and reflect cultural shifts and identity crises.

Return That Shame

Image by Norma Mortenson on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

I am going to have to hold your hands when I say: package the shame that has been sold to you over the years and send it back to the owners. 

Hiring: Volunteer Graphic Designer

​​Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (‘Shades of Us’) is a non-profit organization using storytelling to address the socio-economic issues affecting Africa, Africans, and people of African descent, to facilitate open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.

Hiring: Volunteer Content Creator (Video)

Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (‘Shades of Us’) is a non-profit organization using storytelling to address the socio-economic issues affecting Africa, Africans, and people of African descent, to facilitate open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.

What Does It Mean To Be Nigerian?

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

By Ruth Ajawu

My parents in their benevolence kept me in a bubble: a bubble of perpetual provision and financial security. I had zero worries and big dreams. There was this picture in mind of what my life would look like: graduate from the university by 19, get a well-paying job that would cater to my expensive tastes immediately after, and make a meaningful impact in my community by funding sustainability projects. 

A Braid of Love

Girls Braid Ojonugwa's Hair in An IDP Camp in Abuja

By Ojonugwa Yahaya and the IDP Children

The afternoon sun bathed the camp in a warm, golden light as I sat on a small stool, surrounded by a sea of eager faces. Today was a special day dedicated to sharing and bonding through a simple yet profound act—braiding hair.

Food Insecurity in Nigeria

Photo by Overly Olu on Pexels

By Ruth Ajawu

One of the most pressing challenges facing Nigerians today is the skyrocketing prices of food. I went to the market the other day and a bag of rice was priced at ₦72,000. The minimum wage in Nigeria, in the States that pay minimum wage, is ₦30,000, which means the average Nigerian cannot afford a bag of rice. The general cost of food has surged, putting immense strain on household budgets and pushing many families into food insecurity and extreme poverty. 

What Happened to Claudine Gay?

Image Credit: Harvard Gazette

By Adetayo Adetokun

In academia, few stories captivate the imagination quite like that of Claudine Gay’s ascension to the presidency of Harvard University. A distinguished scholar, and a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion, her journey to the helm of one of the world’s most prestigious institutions is as remarkable as it is inspiring.

Inclusive Healthcare for Gender Non-Conforming People in Africa

Photo by Tessy Agbonome on Pexels

Written by Adetayo Adetokun

In Africa, queer and gender non-conforming individuals face significant challenges in accessing healthcare, exacerbated by legal and social discrimination. According to a 2021 report by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association (ILGA), 32 out of 54 African countries still criminalize same-sex relationships, with penalties ranging from fines to life imprisonment. This legal landscape is rooted in colonial-era laws and has been perpetuated by contemporary political and religious influences.

Digital Harassment: Recognizing and Addressing Cyberbullying

Photo by Julia Larson on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

"You are too fat to be a fashion influencer!" – a cutting remark that echoed through Lily's mind, sending shockwaves of insecurity and doubt coursing through her veins. As a micro-influencer aspiring to break into fashion and beauty, Lily had never anticipated such hurtful criticism. Yet, there it was, staring back at her from the screen, a harsh reminder of the cruelty that lurked in the digital space.

Worsening Recession in Nigeria

Photo by Tope A. Asokere on Pexels

By Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

On September 8, 2016, I wrote about the state of the economy under the former President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari. It started with my bold statement, ‘There is a recession in Nigeria’. Today, I am writing on the same topic as we navigate the economy under our current President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Eight years after the fact, there is still a recession in Nigeria. 

PS: Most of what I said in the original letter will not change. So, let us get into it.

Red Shoe Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence

The Dorothy Njemanze Foundation and Nguvu Collective
at the Red Shoe Campaign Event

By Cynthia Umeh

On March 15, 2024, Shades of Us participated in the #RedShoeCampaign organized by Nguvu Collective and the Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF). This campaign was aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and supporting survivors of sexual, and gender-based violence in Nigeria.

Empowering Women at the Wassa IDP Conference

Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative Hosting A Conference for Women in the Wassa
Internally Displaced Persons' Camp in Abuja, Nigeria

By Cynthia Umeh

Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative hosted an event at the Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp in Abuja, Nigeria, to commemorate the 2024 International Women's Day. The conference gave internally displaced women a forum to share their experiences, honor their strengths, and pave the road for a better future. 

Empowering Youth Through Education and Employment

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Umeh Cynthia

In the journey towards sustainable development, investing in the education, training, and employment of young people is not just a goal—it is a necessity. Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) highlights the importance of promoting youth employment, education, and training to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth. By 2020, the aim was to substantially reduce the proportion of youth not in employment, education, or training. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done.

Building a World of Equal Opportunities

Photo by Angela Roma on Pexels

By Umeh Cynthia

Assuring equal opportunities and minimizing outcome disparities are essential cornerstones in the endeavor to create a just and equitable society. To accomplish Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8), it is imperative that discriminatory laws, policies, and practices are abolished and that acceptable laws, policies, and actions are promoted. It is about establishing an environment in which everyone, regardless of background or situation, has an equal chance to prosper.

Since We Are All Mad Now

Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels

by Marire Adebanjo

"This isn’t the first time this has happened", I said. The room went quiet for what felt like an eternity. The deepening silence nearly broke my eardrums.

__________

I can not take it anymore. I have to speak up. I thought this to myself. I am hoping something different will happen this time. I have tried several things before resorting to telling my family.

Silence

Photo by Mariana Montrazi on Pexels

By Ruth Ajawu

“A girl should be seen and not heard”, my mother has always said.

Pursuing Good Health and Well-Being in Nigeria

By Ruth Ajawu

Nigeria has made progress in certain areas of health, such as reducing child mortality rates, increasing immunization coverage, and combating infectious diseases like polio. However, the country still faces many health challenges that impact the well-being of its citizens such as high maternal mortality rate, the increased risk of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare workers.

A Call to Action for Human Rights

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

By Ruth Ajawu

Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, sex, race, religion, or any other status. These rights are based on principles of dignity, equality, and respect. They encompass civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, ensuring that every individual can live a life of freedom, justice, and dignity.

Apply for Our Content Creator (Audio) Volunteer Role!

Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (‘Shades of Us’) is a non-profit organization using storytelling to address the socio-economic issues affecting Africa, Africans, and people of African descent, to facilitate open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.

The Vital Role of Storytelling in Advancing the SDGs

Our Film, Report It, which addresses gender-based violence and sexual abuse, was screened at the 2023 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST).

By Cynthia Umeh

Stories, from ancient myths, passed down through generations to modern-day social justice initiatives, have an unrivaled potential to inspire, educate, and organize people toward common goals. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), storytelling emerges as an important instrument for encouraging understanding, empathy, and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.

Combating Poverty Amidst Economic Challenges in Nigeria

Photo by Roman Nguyen on Unsplash

By Ruth Ajawu

If you continue to give temporary solution

To the poorest of the poor

One day the poor will become poorest

And the poorest will become the poorest of the pooresters

Let's have a rethink

Let's think about this again

And give the permanent solution to the poor