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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON The Impact of GENDER BASED VIOLENCE ON WOMEN’S ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education, Speak Wednesday, Women / cfhinitiative

Gender-based violence (GBV) is the most prevalent yet least apparent human rights violation in the world, according to UNICEF. It involves impairment to a person’s bodily, sexual, mental, or financial health brought on by socially accepted gender power disparities. Threats of violence, coercion, and deprivation of public or private liberty are also included.
The profound repercussions of GBV on women’s economic opportunities are broad and substantial, as it is predominantly directed at women.
GBV inflicts direct harm on women’s economic stability. WHO reports highlight that women experiencing GBV often encounter challenges maintaining consistent employment due to absenteeism, reduced productivity, and job instability (WHO, 2013). This leads to a palpable decrease in income, leaving them financially vulnerable. The economic ramifications of GBV are enduring. Women who experience violence may face challenges in building a stable career, accumulating savings, and planning for retirement.
According to UN Women, GBV is a formidable barrier to women’s access to education and vocational training. Fear of violence or harassment may deter them from pursuing educational and skill-building opportunities, curtailing their capacity to attain qualifications essential for higher-paying occupations.

Furthermore, the fear of GBV can discourage women from venturing into entrepreneurship. This is corroborated by UN Women, highlighting that women may hesitate to seek loans, network, or engage in public activities necessary for entrepreneurial success (UN Women, 2019).

GBV is a significant hindrance to women’s economic empowerment and equality. Combating GBV and its economic effects needs comprehensive solutions that include legal reforms, social support systems, education, and awareness campaigns. By fostering violence-free settings, society can enable women to fully participate in economic opportunities, contributing to developing communities and nations.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #Women’sRights #ENDGBV #WomenEconomicRights #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON THE IMPACT OF FGM ON GIRLS’ REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

End FGM, Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality / cfhinitiative

I could barely walk after the cut. My mother and the old woman who helped to hold me down during the process tried to help me up, but I collapsed. I almost bled to death. ~ FGM Survivor

Female Genital Mutilation is a form of gender-based violence that girls have suffered for ages. It has been recognized internationally as a violation of the reproductive rights of girls and women.

FGM can be described as the practice of the partial or total removal of the external genital organs in young girls and women. This procedure predominantly occurs in females from infancy to adolescence, and sometimes in adult women. This procedure is carried out by a religious leader, elder, or amateur medical practitioner using a razor or a sharp glass.

The fact that there are no health benefits of FGM but harm cannot be overemphasized.

The World Health Organization states that girls who undergo the practice of FGM run the immediate risk of hemorrhage, excruciating pain, fever, genital tissue swelling, infections like tetanus, urinary problems, problems with wound healing, shock, and death.

Due to their lack of knowledge about the act’s effects, girls and women who undergo FGM run a higher risk of developing accumulated life-long health issues that may not be discovered immediately after the cut. The long-term side effects also include a higher risk of complications during childbirth and urinary, vaginal, menstrual, and scar tissue issues. It is pertinent to note that all forms and types of FGM can result in immediate or long-term health complications, and a victim can suffer multiple complications.

To this extent, research has unquestionably demonstrated that FGM is only connected to endangering the well-being of women and girls, with consequences that may last a lifetime.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child (Article 24 (3)) mandates states to abolish traditional practices prejudicial to children’s health. Therefore, it is urgent to step up efforts to end FGM, educate the general public about the health effects of FGM, and provide medical help to victims of FGM.

FGM is a violation of the reproductive rights of children. Say no to FGM!

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday # FGM #EndFGM #ChildHealth #ChildRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HIV AND AIDS: ADVANCES IN TREATMENT AND REDUCING STIGMA

Health, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Antiretroviral therapy, also known as ART, is a treatment for HIV. Thanks to advancements in medical research, the therapy has become more efficient with fewer adverse effects. ART therapy has allowed those infected with HIV to live healthier and longer lives. Also, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is available for people at high risk of contracting HIV.

According to the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), there are 23.3 million people globally on HIV treatment currently. An individual who is living with HIV and starts taking antiretroviral therapy today can expect to have the same life expectancy as someone who is HIV-negative and of the same age. (UNAIDS)

HIV medication comes in two forms: Pills and Shots.

Several FDA-approved medications are available for HIV treatment, which can be taken either as a single pill or a combination therapy. If you have recently started HIV treatment, taking drugs is recommended. However, you may consider getting shots if you have been virally suppressed for at least three months or have an undetectable viral load. Shots are long-acting injections used to treat HIV. Your doctor must schedule routine office appointments to administer the doses. Depending on your treatment plan, you may receive an HIV therapy shot once a month or once every other month.

Although there are HIV treatments available, stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. Research has demonstrated that stigma and prejudice, in particular, impair HIV prevention efforts by causing people to be unwilling to seek HIV information, services, and therapies to lower their risk of infection and to adopt safer behaviours for fear that doing so may raise questions about their HIV status. (UNAIDS). Research has also indicated that people living with HIV are discouraged from disclosing their status, even to family members and romantic partners, and that this hinders their ability and motivation to seek and adhere to treatment. This fear of stigma and discrimination is also linked to a fear of violence. (UNAIDS).

Over the years, CFHI, in collaboration with the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), Catholic Caritas Foundation Nigeria (CCFN), and other funders, provides community-based interventions to more than 20,000 vulnerable children and their caregivers. These interventions include but are not limited to, healthcare services, nutritional support, education and vocational training, psychosocial support, and household economic strengthening.

It is important to note that HIV cannot be cured, but it can be managed with the help of HIV medication. Within six months, the majority of people can control the infection. (UNAIDS)

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 MEN AS ALLIES IN COMBATTING GENDER BIAS

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Men, Speak Wednesday / cfhinitiative

Gender bias is a universal problem that cuts across national boundaries and affects women from all areas of life. It has far-reaching effects, perpetuating inequality and impeding efforts to create a society that is inclusive and just.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged men and boys to be active agents of change, stating, “Gender equality is a human rights issue, but it is also in all our interests: men and boys, women and girls.”

UN initiatives like HeForShe aim to mobilize men and boys as advocates for gender equality, encouraging them to challenge harmful stereotypes and support women’s empowerment. By engaging men in the conversation, the UN recognizes that achieving true equality requires a collective effort.

Engaging men and boys as allies in combatting gender bias and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) is crucial for creating a more inclusive and equitable society. This can be achieved through;
• Education and Awareness
• Challenging Harmful Norms and Stereotypes
• Fostering Empathy and Compassion
• Positive male Role Models
• Active Bystander Intervention
• Promoting Healthy Relationships
• Parenting and Mentorship
• Addressing Toxic Masculinity
• Advocacy and Policy Changes:

Addressing gender bias is a collective effort that requires the active participation of individuals of all genders. Men, as allies, play an important part in this endeavour. Men can make a vital contribution to developing a more inclusive and equitable society for all by comprehending the far-reaching effects of gender bias and taking aggressive actions to confront and deconstruct it. Collaboration between men and women in this fight is critical for achieving a future free of gender bias.

Over the years, through the Gender Norms program for adolescents, CFHI creates awareness in communities and educate young boys on how to develop healthy relationships, impacts of harmful gender norms, and importance of gender equality. The intervention is an important step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

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

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

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON GBV AND INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE (IPV)

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday / cfhinitiative

In the shadows of many households worldwide, a silent but pervasive threat looms large: Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly in the form of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). GBV is a deeply concerning issue that affects individuals regardless of age, race, or socioeconomic background, but IPV specifically targets intimate relationships. It’s crucial to shed light on this issue, raise awareness, and work collectively to eradicate it from our society.

IPV refers to any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to a partner. It encompasses acts of physical violence, emotional abuse, coercive control, and sexual assault. IPV knows no boundaries; it affects people of all genders and sexual orientations.

One of the most alarming aspects of IPV is its hidden nature. Victims often suffer in silence, fearing stigma, retaliation, or a lack of support. This silence can perpetuate the cycle of abuse, making it crucial to create an environment where survivors feel safe to come forward and seek help.

The consequences of IPV are profound. Beyond physical injuries, survivors often grapple with long-term mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The trauma experienced can affect not only the survivor but also children who witness the abuse, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
Breaking the cycle of IPV requires a multi-faceted approach. It begins with education and awareness. We must teach individuals about healthy relationships, consent, and the signs of abuse. Providing safe spaces and resources for survivors to seek help is equally crucial. Support from friends, family, and professionals can empower survivors to leave abusive relationships and heal.

Laws and policies that protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable play a vital role in combatting IPV. Advocacy groups and organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, push for legal reforms, and provide resources for survivors. Supporting these initiatives and being an ally to survivors is essential in the fight against IPV.

Intimate Partner Violence is a grave concern that affects countless lives. It thrives in silence and secrecy, making it our collective responsibility to break that silence, support survivors, and work toward a world where love and respect flourish in all relationships. By understanding the dynamics of IPV, raising awareness, and advocating for change, we can strive to eliminate this hidden epidemic and ensure that everyone can live free from the fear of violence in their most intimate relationships.

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

#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #RapeCulture

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON EFFECT OF GREENHOUSE GAS ON HUMAN HEALTH

Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Greenhouse effect is the process by which greenhouse gases absorb radiation from the sun and are not reflected into space. This insulates the surface of the earth and prevents it from freezing. The greenhouse gases at normal levels help the earth maintain an ambient condition for survival. However, the anthropogenic action by humans (burning of fossil fuels) has induced the amount of these greenhouse gases, thereby resulting in the greenhouse effect.

According to Naiyer et al. (2022), the greenhouse effect and global warming have adverse impacts on humans.
Long-term exposure slowly affects multiple organs, such as the respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous, immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.

Increasing the greenhouse effect could lead to a runaway greenhouse effect, causing a high-temperature rise that life on earth would be impossible. https://byjus.com/biology/greenhouse-effect-gases/. Hence, it is important to monitor the rate at which fossil fuels are burned and to undergo regular medical checkups for early detection of diseases resulting from exposure to greenhouse effects.

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.

#GreenhouseEffect #HumanHealth #Who #MondayHealthBurst

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON RAPE CULTURE

Gender Based Violence, Speak Wednesday / cfhinitiative

Rape culture is a complex and pervasive societal issue that encompasses attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors that normalize or trivialize sexual assault and harassment. It is important to understand that rape culture can vary in intensity and prevalence across different cultures and communities. Some key elements and characteristics of rape culture include:

Victim-Blaming: This occurs when the survivor of sexual assault is held partially or fully responsible for the incident. Questions like, “What were they wearing?” or “Were they drinking?” contribute to victim-blaming.

Perpetrator Excuses: Rape culture often involves minimizing or excusing the actions of perpetrators. Phrases like “boys will be boys” or “he didn’t mean it” can downplay the seriousness of sexual assault.

Sexual Objectification: Treating individuals as objects for sexual gratification rather than as autonomous beings with their own desires and boundaries is a harmful aspect of rape culture. This is evident in advertising, media, and everyday interactions.

Institutional Failures: Rape culture can be perpetuated when institutions such as law enforcement, schools, or workplaces fail to take sexual assault reports seriously or protect survivors adequately.

Jokes and Language: The use of rape jokes or derogatory language that trivializes sexual assault contributes to a culture where such behavior is normalized.

Lack of Consent Education: Inadequate education about consent and healthy sexual relationships can contribute to misunderstandings and blurred boundaries.

Silencing Survivors: When survivors are discouraged from speaking out or reporting their experiences due to fear, shame, or disbelief, it perpetuates a culture of silence.

Addressing rape culture requires a collective effort to challenge and change these attitudes and behaviors. Education, awareness campaigns, supportive policies, and legal reforms are essential steps in combating rape culture and promoting a culture of consent, respect, and gender equality. It is crucial to create an environment where survivors are supported and perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #RapeCulture

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION (MTCT) OF HIV

Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

AIDS is the leading cause of death for women of reproductive age, and women are disproportionately affected by HIV, according to UNAIDS.
HIV infection in pregnancy threatens maternal immune health and can lead to perinatal transmission of HIV in utero, intrapartum, or through breastfeeding postpartum. A woman living with HIV can transmit the virus to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (known as mother-to-child transmission or MTCT).

The WHO estimates that every year, 1.3 million women and girls living with HIV become pregnant worldwide. Without treatment, 15% to 45% of HIV-positive mothers transmit the virus to their unborn children during pregnancy, labor, delivery, or breastfeeding.
Although HIV can be transmitted through breastfeeding, taking HIV medicines and having an undetectable viral load during pregnancy and throughout breastfeeding lower the risk of passing HIV to less than 1%.

To prevent MTCT, a combination of strategies is typically employed:

 Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): Pregnant women with HIV are prescribed ART drugs. These drugs can reduce the viral load in the mother’s body, lowering the risk of transmission to the baby.

 Scheduled Caesarean Section: In some cases, a scheduled caesarean section may be recommended to reduce the risk of transmission during childbirth, particularly if the mother’s viral load is high.

 Avoiding Breastfeeding: In regions where safe alternatives are available and affordable, mothers with HIV are advised to avoid breastfeeding, as the virus can be transmitted through breast milk.

 Safe Infant Feeding: If breastfeeding is necessary due to limited access to safe alternatives, it’s recommended that the mother continues taking ART, and the baby is also prescribed ART to reduce the risk of transmission.

 Preconception Planning: Women of reproductive age living with HIV should receive counseling and guidance on family planning and HIV prevention to ensure safer pregnancies.

 Testing and Monitoring: Regular HIV testing and monitoring during pregnancy are crucial to assess the effectiveness of ART and adjust the treatment as needed.

These strategies have significantly reduced the rate of MTCT of HIV. Still, it’s essential for pregnant women to receive proper medical care and follow the guidance of healthcare providers to minimize the risk to their babies.

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 EFFECTS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (GBV) ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a pervasive human rights violation that affects millions of individuals worldwide, with significant and far-reaching consequences. Among its numerous adverse effects, GBV has a profound impact on reproductive health, causing physical, psychological, and social harm to survivors. Understanding these effects is crucial for addressing the broader issue of GBV and safeguarding the reproductive health and rights of those affected. Here, we explore the various ways in which GBV can affect reproductive health:

1. Physical Injuries and Complications: Physical violence, such as sexual assault or intimate partner violence, can lead to immediate injuries, including genital trauma. These injuries can result in long-term complications, such as chronic pain, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and even infertility in some cases. Survivors may also be at a higher risk of unwanted pregnancies due to a lack of control over contraceptive choices.

2. Sexual and Reproductive Coercion: GBV often involves reproductive control, where survivors are coerced into unwanted pregnancies or abortions. Perpetrators may sabotage contraception methods or force survivors into sexual acts without their consent. This coercion can lead to unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and emotional distress.

3. Psychological Trauma: Survivors of GBV commonly experience psychological trauma, which can have a profound impact on their reproductive health. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions can disrupt normal reproductive functioning, affecting menstrual cycles and sexual health.

4. Substance Abuse: Some survivors turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism to deal with the psychological and emotional trauma caused by GBV. Substance abuse can result in risky sexual behaviors, including unprotected sex, which increases the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies.

5. Delayed or Avoided Healthcare: Stigma, shame, and fear often prevent survivors from seeking timely medical care and support. Delayed or avoided healthcare can result in untreated injuries, untreated STIs, and complications during pregnancy or childbirth.

6. Reproductive Health Inequities: GBV disproportionately affects marginalized and vulnerable populations, exacerbating existing health inequities. Survivors who face additional layers of discrimination based on factors like race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or sexual orientation may encounter further challenges in accessing appropriate reproductive healthcare.

7. Impact on Mother-Child Relationships: If GBV occurs during pregnancy, it can have detrimental effects on both the mother and the developing foetus. Violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight and preterm birth. Furthermore, the psychological stress experienced by pregnant survivors can affect the bond between mother and child.

8. Barriers to Family Planning: Survivors of GBV may encounter obstacles to accessing family planning services. They may lack autonomy in making decisions about contraception or face difficulties in negotiating safe sex practices with their partners, resulting in increased risks of unintended pregnancies.

Addressing the effects of GBV on reproductive health requires a comprehensive approach. Efforts should include:

– Awareness and Education: Promoting awareness about GBV and its consequences on reproductive health to encourage survivors to seek help and support.

– Healthcare Services: Ensuring that healthcare providers are trained to recognize and respond to GBV, offering sensitive and confidential care to survivors.

– Counseling and Mental Health Support: Providing survivors with access to mental health services to address trauma and psychological distress.

– Prevention and Advocacy: Implementing policies and programs aimed at preventing GBV and advocating for gender equality.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #Women’sFinance

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SICKLE CELL DISEASE: TYPES, SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that alters the structure of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. Sickle cell disease is caused by inheriting abnormal hemoglobin genes from both parents. It produces abnormal hemoglobin (HbS) that can cause red blood cells to become rigid and take on a characteristic “sickle” shape under certain conditions, leading to various complications. The underlying genetic mutation affects the synthesis of hemoglobin.
Around 50 million people worldwide have SCD, with 4-6 million of those living in Nigeria (where 1 in 4 people have the sickle cell trait), which is the disease’s epicenter. Globally, around 300,000 infants are born each year with a new SCD diagnosis.1
There are numerous varieties of SCD, but the most common is sickle cell anemia (HbSS). The genes a person receives from their parents determine the particular type of SCD that person has. SCD patients inherit genes that contain the instructions or “code” for faulty hemoglobin.2 The types include:

HbSS
People with this type of SCD inherit two genes—one from each parent—responsible for hemoglobin “S.” The defective hemoglobin, hemoglobin “S” makes red blood cells stiff and sickle-shaped. This condition is known as sickle cell anemia and is usually the most severe type of SCD.

HbSC People with this kind of SCD inherit the “S” gene for hemoglobin from one parent and the “C” gene from the other parent. Typically, this is a less severe variation of SCD.

HbS beta thalassemia
People who have this form of SCD inherit a hemoglobin “S” gene from one parent and a gene for beta thalassemia, another type of hemoglobin abnormality, from the other parent. There are two types of beta thalassemia: “zero” (HbS beta0) and “plus” (HbS beta+). Those with HbS beta0-thalassemia usually have a severe form of SCD. People with HbS beta±thalassemia tend to have a milder form of SCD.
Other types are the HbSD, HbSE, HbSO: These are rare variants with different combinations of abnormal hemoglobin genes.

Symptoms:
• Chronic anemia: SCD leads to a shortage of red blood cells, causing fatigue and weakness.
• Pain crises: Intense, episodic pain due to blocked blood vessels, often in the bones, chest, abdomen, or joints.
• Organ damage: Repeated sickling of cells can harm organs like the spleen, kidneys, and liver.
• Infections: Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly in children.
• Stroke: A risk, especially in children with SCD.
• Delayed growth and development in children.
• Hand-foot syndrome: Swelling and pain in hands and feet, common in infants with SCD.

Prompt diagnosis and comprehensive care are pivotal in enhancing the lives of those with SCD, involving pain management, blood transfusions, medications, and, in severe cases, bone marrow or stem cell transplantation. Raising awareness and promoting early intervention are essential steps towards alleviating the burden of this disease on affected individuals and their families.

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.

REFERENCES:
1. Ogbonna Collins (et al., 2022) in the work entitled “An overview of sickle cell disease from the socio-demographic triangle – a Nigerian single-institution retrospective study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9120745/

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html

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#SickleCellAwareness #PreventionIsKey #StayStrong