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| Photo by Lucio Patone on Unsplash |
By Atinuke Adeosun
For many, life feels like a card game. I have always liked the saying, “You have to live life with the cards you have been dealt.” Some dismiss it as fatalistic, a way of trapping people in the circumstances they were born into. But I see it differently: it is a call to clarity. If you know your hand, you can choose — fight to improve it, or fold and stay where you are. That feels fair enough.
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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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| 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.
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| Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash |
Imagine a world not too distant from our own, where the shadows of conflict cast a pall over communities. Amid this turbulence, educators and visionaries emerged as storytellers, crafting a narrative where classrooms became sanctuaries, not merely for the transmission of knowledge, but as spaces for understanding, healing, and unity.
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| Photo by Monstera Production on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Maria and Ahmed are from rival communities. They grew up hearing stories about their forefathers' disputes and conflicts. The memories of a fragmented past left lasting wounds on their communities: wounds that time had yet to cure completely. Nonetheless, Maria and Ahmed dared to hope for a better future.
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| Photo by Christina Morillo on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
African literature, with its rich stories and diverse voices, is like a vibrant dance party for your mind, grooving to the beats of social enlightenment! In this literary celebration, we embark on a sweet, deep, and joyous journey through the pages of African novels, poems, and plays, exploring the profound role they play in shaping societies and enlightening minds.
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| Photo by Binti Malu on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
I opened my eyes to see the spirogyra decorated white ceiling of my room. It was not intended to be that way. It was usually just white but rain drops from the leaking roof has prompted this.
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| Photo by Marcos quinteiro on Pexels |
By Atinuke Adeosun
Hunger is a global challenge that affects millions of people around the world, especially in Africa. According to the latest report by the United Nations, the number of undernourished people in Africa rose to 282 million in 2020, which is 21% of its population. This is more than double that of any other region. The report also concluded that the UN Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 will be missed by a margin of nearly 660 million people.
By Ruth Ajawu
During our Forum Friday with Tonny Silas Dauda (a Development Practitioner and Youth Activist) and Chizoba Nzeakor (an Award winning Climate champion, Innovator, Researcher, Advocate and Entrepreneur) on September 29, 2023, we delved into the depths of waste management and renewable energy, and discovered how we can make a difference.
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| Photo by Edmond Dantès on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
The importance of collaboration in today’s world cannot be overstated. From tackling global issues to achieving personal milestones, partnerships play a pivotal role in our journey. One arena where partnerships are particularly vital is working towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These 17 goals, ranging from eradicating poverty to promoting climate action, are a universal call to action to make the world a better place by 2030. And the secret ingredient to accomplishing them? Partnerships!
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| Photo by Laura James on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
In Africa, the intersection of feminism and healthcare has emerged as a powerful force driving positive change for women's health and well-being. Across the continent, women face unique challenges stemming from deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic factors. However, by adopting a feminist lens, healthcare systems are increasingly recognizing the importance of addressing these multifaceted issues and working towards empowering women's health.
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| One of the Art Pieces at the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala hosted by Nigeria Health Watch |
The Nigeria Health Watch (NHW) organized the second edition of the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala, focused on "Elevating Women's Voices for Quality Maternal Health Care." The gala aimed to raise awareness of maternal health issues among stakeholders beyond the health sector, encouraging guests to engage with art, participate, and begin finding solutions to Nigeria's maternal health challenges.
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| Panel Session at the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala by Nigeria Health Watch |
Maternal health is a critical issue in Nigeria, with thousands of women dying each year due to preventable causes. In recognition of this pressing challenge, Nigeria Health Watch organized the second edition of the Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala, focused on "Elevating Women's Voices for Quality Maternal Health Care." The gala aimed to raise awareness of maternal health issues among stakeholders beyond the health sector, encouraging guests to engage with art, participate, and begin finding solutions to Nigeria's maternal health challenges.
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| Photo by RF._.studio on Pexels |
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.
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| Photo by Jep Gambardella on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Africa, a continent rich in resources and cultural diversity, holds immense potential for economic growth and development. However, to harness this potential and ensure a sustainable future, it is crucial to prioritize the promotion of decent work and empower African workers.
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| Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels |
By Atinuke Adeosun
For far too long, Africa has suffered from a lack of development, inequality, and poverty… but the narrative is changing. A new generation of passionate and resilient young activists is emerging, determined to shape the future of the continent. They are the voices that demand to be heard, the innovators who present solutions, and the change-makers who refuse to accept empty promises. They are igniting a transformational flame that Africa desperately needs.
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| Photo by Greta Hoffman on Pexels |
In the heart of Africa, where the sun casts its golden rays upon a land of untapped potential, the future waits with bated breath. It is within the realm of Early Childhood Development (ECD) that the key to unlocking that potential lies. This crucial period, from conception to eight years, holds the power to shape the destinies of the continent's children and to pave the way for brighter futures.
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| Photo by Los Muertos Crew on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Africa, with its tremendous renewable energy potential, is on the verge of a sustainable revolution. Africa has a unique potential to leapfrog traditional energy sources and embrace renewable energy breakthroughs as the world grapples with the problems posed by climate change. This article examines the significance of renewable energy in Africa as well as its possible ramifications for other continents.
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| Beneficiaries of the SWAG Initiative Education Project |
Education is a basic right that every child should have, regardless of their gender, race, or socio-economic status. However, in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, girls are often denied this right simply because of their sex and assigned gender roles. At Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us), we are thankful for organizations like Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative who are dedicated to improving the lives of girls and women in Nigeria through education.
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| Guests painting at the Brunch and Rejuvenate Women's Retreat hosted by The Sunshine Series |
Women across the world are doing it all. We are running companies, building applications, fostering communal and national development, reaching the most underserved, providing care to family members, and generally ensuring that everyone else is fine.