Allied Men: How Real Allyship Looks

Photo from the 2026 Men's Summit. Image Credit: YouthHub Africa

By Victor Jacob

Conversations on gender equality and the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) have gone on for as long as I can remember.

The Road That Decides Her Future

Image by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye for Shades of Us

By Timothy Ojo

Tawiah's story below is a composite illustration, drawn from the common, well-documented experiences of rural girls across the region — not a single named individual.

Married Too Soon

Photo by E. Diop on Unsplash

By Florence Shadrack 

There was a question Zainab asked so often that everyone in the house could answer it before she finished speaking.

“What do you think I will become when I grow up?”

How Pop Culture Shapes Gender Norms

Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, Shades of Us Founder, with Ugonna and Titi on Kiss FM 99.9 Abuja 

By Ramatu Ada Ochekliye

On December 3 and 5, 2025, I joined Ugonna on Kiss FM 99.9 Abuja on behalf of Shades of Us to discuss How Pop Culture Shapes Gender Norms. The conversations were part of our continued commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, and they offered me the opportunity to expand on the stories, jokes, lyrics, and images we consume every day.

Unpacking the Challenges Faced by Female Musicians in Africa

Photo by Allef Vinicius on Unsplash

By Simbiat Amzat

The African music industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. With the rise of digital platforms, African artists are now more accessible than ever, and their music is being appreciated by fans globally. This newfound exposure has catapulted African artists to international fame and opened up new revenue streams and opportunities for growth. 

Accelerating Action Towards Gender Equality

Photo by Tope A. Asokere on Pexels

By Simbiat Amzat

Women are the true architects of society. Every International Women’s Day serves as a powerful reminder of the need to empower women, move beyond stereotypes, and take concrete steps toward building a more equitable world.

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.

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.

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.

Lessons for African Youth: Gender Equality

Photo by Laker on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Lesson 7: Gender Equality

Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and the seventh lesson for young African youth is a call to champion this cause. Africa, like the rest of the world, has made significant strides in advancing gender equality, but there is still much work to be done.

Invest in Girls' Rights: Our Leadership, Our Well-being

Photo by Fatima Yusuf on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

Every year, on October 11, the world celebrates International Day of the Girl Child. This day is not just an occasion for festivities: it is a powerful reminder that our time is now—the time to uphold the rights and secure the future of every girl around the world. This blog post is dedicated to understanding the significance of this day and the urgent need to empower girls. As we delve into the issues girls face, we will explore the importance of education, gender equality, and how we can collectively make a difference. Join us in this enlightening journey as we celebrate the potential and resilience of the girl child.

Lessons from the 2023 HeForShe Summit

By Adetayo Adetokun

The world today is  characterized by the disheartening erosion of rights and opportunities for women and girls, compounded by the looming challenges of climate change, conflict, and natural disasters. Mitigating these issues were key discussion points at the 2023 the HeForShe Summit, an event which happened on September 21, 2023, and of which Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us) was glad to attend.

Financial Empowerment for Women: Closing the Gender Gap in Africa

Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Achieving gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a crucial driver of sustainable development and economic growth. Despite significant progress in recent years, women in Africa continue to face systemic barriers that limit their financial empowerment. The gender gap in financial access, resources, and opportunities has profound implications for women's lives and the overall development of the continent.

Women's Rights in Conferring Citizenship

Photo by Dayvison de Oliveira Silva from Pexels

by Emono Bwacha

A citizen of a country is basically someone who has legal ties to that country. One of the most common definitions of citizenship is that it is “the sum total of rights and duties ensuing for a given person by reason of his legal affiliation to a certain State”^[1] The concept of citizenship legally ties an individual to a particular region or country. As a direct result, the individual has obligations to said region or country and in return, the region or country grants the individual rights to enjoy as a citizen.

Partnering for the Health and Wellbeing Young People

Practical session during the 'Data Made Simple' Training-of-Trainers Capacity Building Session for SWAG Initiative

One of the global goals that Shades of Us has adopted is Goal 17: Partnership for the Goals. 

Join Us to Commemorate International Day of the Girl

Shades of Us is supporting Girls Virtual Summit 2020, an event hosted by SWAG Initiative to commemorate International Day of the Girl. Here is what you need to know about the event. 

When No One Is Looking

Photo by Gantas Vaičiulėnas from Pexels

As long as I can remember, I have always cared about the issues that affect Africa, Africans, and people of African descent, with special focus on how these issues affect women and children. Even as a child in primary school, I can remember expressing anger at people who treated women and children poorly and standing up for the girls in my class. It would not be far-fetched to assume I was born this way, having what can be described as a gnawing need to lend my voice to women's and children’s issues.

Girls Hold Up Half The Sky

Participants at the Speech Contest

I have been volunteering with Sow Purpose Initiative since 2017. At that time, it was called SOW Foundation, and the general mandate was to empower young (and vulnerable) women and girls by reaffirming their worth, addressing societal bias that keeps these women and girls struggling to catch up with men and boys in this century, and promoting a culture of excellence for them.

Why Do Men So Easily Harass Women? (2)

Image: We Are The City

As I washed my pile of clothes over the weekend, something that happened weeks ago came into my thoughts.