May 2023

SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN IN PEACE BUILDING

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /

 Women have often demonstrated their ability to bring about constructive change in conflict-affected societies. According to UNICEF, involving women in peace processes increases the likelihood of long-term peace. In their peacebuilding efforts, women frequently prioritize communal welfare and human security, developing understanding, compassion, and conversation. Their involvement can assist to establish bridges, foster reconciliation, and more effectively address the core causes of conflict.

The significance of women’s engagement in peacebuilding initiatives has grown in recent decades. Women bring unique perspectives, abilities, and experiences to the table, making them vital change agents in the development of peaceful and inclusive societies. Women have distinct viewpoints that are molded by their experiences and positions in communities. The competence of women in fields including healthcare, education, and community development is critical for post-conflict reconstruction, according to the World Health Organization.

Furthermore, the presence of women in peacebuilding guarantees that peacebuilding initiatives are thorough, encompassing various facets of society. The SDGs; SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) are all aligned with women’s involvement in peacebuilding.

Consequently, women’s active involvement in peacebuilding is essential for achieving long-lasting peace in addition to being an issue of equity and justice. By respecting the perspectives, skills, and voices of women, we can build a more inclusive world.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #WomenInPeacebuilding #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

 

     

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEALTH IMPLICATIONS OF DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Monday Health Burst /

Drug abuse can lead to severe health issues that can be life-threatening. Here are some crucial points to consider:

Addiction: Those with addiction often suffer from health problems associated with lung or heart disease, stroke, cancer, or mental health conditions. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Mental health disorders: Drug abuse is linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, and an increased risk of suicide. Substance abuse can worsen existing mental health conditions or trigger new ones.

Physical health problems: Different drugs can cause various physical health issues. For instance, inhalants can damage the respiratory system, while stimulants can lead to heart problems and stroke. Additionally, injecting drugs raises the risk of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Overdose: Drug abuse significantly increases the risk of overdosing, which can be fatal. This happens when an individual takes a toxic substance, leading to respiratory depression, organ failure, seizures, or coma. Opioids, like heroin or prescription painkillers, are primarily associated with overdose deaths.

Long-term organ damage: Prolonged drug abuse can damage vital organs such as the liver, heart, kidneys, and lungs. Chronic drug use may lead to liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and respiratory disorders.

Impaired cognitive function: Drug abuse can affect cognitive function, memory, attention, and decision-making abilities. Long-term drug use may cause irreversible damage to the brain’s structure and function.

In collaboration with Leap Africa, CFHI, in February 2023, educated more than 200 young people in Bwari local government, FCT, about drug and substance abuse, civic participation, and political thuggery. This was achieved through the Community Action against Drug Abuse project, funded by the MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

It is crucial to seek prompt and appropriate treatment to address drug abuse and minimize its health consequences.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

 

     

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON CHALLENGES FACED BY WOMEN IN CONFLICT ZONES IN NIGERIA: AN INSIGHT

Speak Wednesday /

Women in Nigeria’s crisis zones face several problems, which are frequently exacerbated by deep-seated gender bias. Armed conflicts and violence have had devastating effects various communities in Nigeria, with women bearing the brunt of the burden. These difficulties are frequently made worse by gender-based discrimination and biases that pervade numerous facets of their lives.
One of the most significant challenges faced by women in conflict zones is exposure to various forms of gender-based violence. Research by the United Nations indicates that women in Nigeria’s conflict zones are at higher risk of experiencing sexual violence, domestic abuse, forced marriages, and human trafficking. In conflict zones, societal norms and the rule of law frequently break down, allowing offenders to get away with crimes. The difficulties faced by survivors of gender-based violence are further worsened by their limited ability to access justice and their lack of access to safe spaces.

In addition, due to gender bias, women in conflict zones suffer barriers to receiving sufficient healthcare and reproductive rights. World Health Organization reports that women’s access to reproductive healthcare, including prenatal care, family planning, and safe delivery, is hampered by destroyed infrastructure, disrupted healthcare services, and cultural barriers. This lack of access jeopardizes women’s health and well-being, contributing to higher rates of maternal and new-born mortality. Furthermore, gender prejudices may hinder women’s rights in making reproductive health decisions, restricting their choices and control over their bodies.

Women in conflict zones in Nigeria suffer displacement, limited decision-making capacity, gender-based violence and discrimination, limited access to education and healthcare, and economic disempowerment, all of which are intensified by deeply embedded gender prejudices.

To address these issues, a complete approach that encompasses dispute resolution, protective measures, access to vital services, economic possibilities, and gender-responsive policies is required. The Nigerian government and stakeholders can cultivate resilience, promote gender equality, empower women, and create conditions for long-term peace and development by emphasizing the needs of women in conflict-affected areas.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #WomenInConflictZones #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON IMPORTANCE OF MENSTRUAL HYGIENE

Monday Health Burst /

Menstrual hygiene is of utmost importance for menstruating individuals’ overall well-being and health, and it’s all about maintaining cleanliness during menstruation to prevent infections and promote comfort and dignity. Here are some key reasons why menstrual hygiene is crucial:

Preventing infections: Poor menstrual hygiene can lead to various reproductive tract infections, including urinary tract infections and vaginal infections. Using clean, sanitary products and maintaining proper hygiene reduces the risk of bacterial growth and diseases.

Maintaining health: Menstrual blood provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth. By using hygienic practices such as regularly changing menstrual products and proper cleaning, individuals can minimize health risks associated with menstrual blood and ensure their overall well-being.

Reducing stigma and promoting dignity: Menstruation is still surrounded by social stigma and taboos in many societies, which can lead to adverse psychological and emotional effects on individuals. By practising good menstrual hygiene, individuals can feel more comfortable, confident, and empowered, challenging the stigma associated with menstruation.

Ensuring access to education: Inadequate access to menstrual hygiene products and facilities can hinder girls’ and women’s ability to attend school or work during their periods. By addressing menstrual hygiene needs, we can help create an enabling environment that ensures equal access to education and opportunities for everyone.

To adequately promote menstrual hygiene, it is essential to ensure access to clean and affordable menstrual products, educate individuals about proper hygiene practices, and challenge the social stigma surrounding menstruation. In addition, governments, organizations, and communities play crucial roles in creating supportive environments prioritizing menstrual health and well-being.

CFHI commemorated Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) Day, 2022 in Foma Academy Kubwa,Abuja and also partnered with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to educate and provide menstrual materials to girls and women in attendance. In addition to joining the awareness walk to promote policies favourable to women and girls who menstruate, CFHI will continue to provide sustainable solutions to end period poverty through a holistic approach that combines education with infrastructure and products (Safepad) to tackle societal taboos and stigma surrounding menstrual health.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON WOMEN’S HEALTH AND REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

Uncategorized /

Women’s reproductive and health rights are critical to attaining gender equality and fostering women’s well-being. The World Health Organization and the United Nations have acknowledged the significance of defending women’s reproductive and health rights, which are inextricably tied to their social, economic, and political standing. In Nigeria, women’s reproductive and health rights are protected by both international and national laws.
Discrimination against women in health care is a violation of their human rights, according to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). The treaty demands equal access to health care services, particularly reproductive health treatments, as well as the abolition of harmful cultural practices that undermine women’s health.
Nigeria is a signatory to CEDAW and established legislation to protect women’s reproductive and health rights. The 2014 National Health Act affirms the right to health care services, including reproductive health services, and requires health facilities to offer emergency obstetric care to pregnant women. The Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act of 2015 criminalizes many forms of violence against women, including female genital mutilation, and ensures the protection of victims.

Additionally, by prohibiting child marriage and respecting girls’ rights over their bodies, the Child Rights Act of 2003 protects young girls’ reproductive rights.
The Child Rights Act of 2003 also protects the reproductive rights of young women by prohibiting child marriage and upholding girls’ autonomy over their bodies.

Women in Nigeria still struggle to obtain services related to reproductive health, and they frequently face violence and discrimination based on their gender, in spite of these laws and initiatives. Harmful practices like female genital mutilation and child marriage, which can have a negative impact on women’s health, are typically supported by cultural and religious beliefs.
In conclusion, establishing gender equality and advancing the welfare of women in Nigeria and around the world depend on safeguarding their legal access to contraception and other health-related services. In Nigeria, women’s reproductive and health rights are also legally protected, but more must be done to eradicate harmful traditions and ensure that every woman has access to reproductive health care.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #Women’sHealth #Women’sRights #HumanRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING

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Family planning is an important aspect of reproductive health that involves the use of various methods to control the number and spacing of children in a family. It empowers individuals, couples, and families to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, improve their overall well-being, and achieve their life goals.

In Nigeria, knowledge of any contraceptive method is widespread, according to the 2008 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey report. However, despite this knowledge, contraceptive prevalence is only 15%, and the actual use of contraceptives varies between states in the country and is influenced by sociodemographic factors.

Several years ago, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI), in partnership with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) and other relevant stakeholders, organized a comprehensive training program on Family Planning (FP) and Post-Partum Family Planning (PPFP) services in Kaduna State. The main objective of the program was to enhance community awareness of these services and establish connections between the community and health facilities. The training program targeted all categories of key influencers, and as a result, a total of 921 Traditional Birth Attendance, 513 Traditional/Religious Leaders, 285 Islamiyah School Teachers, and 594 CWO/Zumunta Mata members were successfully reached across the 10 LGAs.

There are many reasons why family planning is important, including:
Promoting maternal and child health: Family planning can help reduce the risk of maternal and infant mortality by allowing women to plan and space their pregnancies, which can improve their overall health and reduce the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Empowering women: Family planning gives women the ability to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, pursue education and career goals, and achieve greater economic independence and improved social status.
Reducing poverty: Family planning can help reduce poverty by allowing families to have fewer children and invest more resources in each child’s education and well-being.
Protecting the environment: Family planning can help reduce the strain on natural resources by reducing population growth and resource consumption.
Improving the overall quality of life: By allowing individuals and couples to plan and space their pregnancies, family planning can lead to improved overall quality of life for families, communities, and societies.
Access to a broad selection of family planning methods and services is crucial for individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and family well-being.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of basic health concern. Join us every Monday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

#MondayHealthBurst #FamilyPlanning

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON PERIOD POVERTY: THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACTS ON WOMEN’S HEALTH AND WELL-BEING.

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Period poverty, defined as a lack of access to period products, education, and facilities, is a major issue affecting millions of women globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 500 million women and girls do not have access to sufficient menstrual hygiene management sanitation services. Women’s health suffers as a result of a lack of access to menstrual products and facilities, as well as their social and economic well-being.

According to the WHO, a lack of access to menstruation products and facilities can result in bacterial infections, reproductive tract infections, and urinary tract infections. The UN has also acknowledged that poor menstrual hygiene management might result in toxic shock syndrome and cervical cancer. The use of unsanitary materials like old rags, leaves, or newspapers can increase the risk of infection and disease.
Women’s mental health is also impacted by period poverty. According to UNICEF, girls who cannot afford menstrual products typically feel humiliated, which leads to anxiety and despair. In rare situations, girls may drop out of school entirely, resulting in social isolation and marginalization, as well as decreased access to educational and career possibilities, with long-term social and economic ramifications.
Furthermore, the social stigma associated with periods can make women feel ashamed or afraid to seek help or speak out about their problems. This can lead to a lack of menstrual health knowledge and education, prolonging the cycle of period poverty.

CFHI’s innovation of reusable sanitary pads, known as Safepad, aims to create economic opportunities for women and young girls in local communities while also providing vulnerable groups with access to affordable or no-cost sanitary pads. In 2022, CFHI provided education on menstrual hygiene practices to approximately 60 students and distributed over 30 packs of free reusable sanitary pads to vulnerable girls, and this year, the organization aims to expand its impact and reach more individuals in need.

To address period poverty, it is essential to break the cycle of shame and stigma surrounding menstrual health. Providing education on period health and sanitation is a necessary step, but women also require access to affordable, reusable, and safe menstruation supplies. To address the root causes of poverty, governments and organizations must prioritize addressing issues such as gender inequality and economic marginalization. By fostering change and raising awareness, it is possible to remove period poverty as a barrier to women’s health. It is imperative that period poverty is recognized as a human rights issue, and that efforts are made to eliminate the stigma associated with it.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.

#SpeakWednesday #PeriodPovertye #Women’sHealth #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias

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