cfhinitiative

MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON COMMON CHALLENGES OF BREASTFEEDING FACED BY MOTHERS

Breastfeeding can be challenging but is also one of the most rewarding experiences a mother can have. Some of the common challenges faced by breastfeeding mothers include the following;
Breast Engorgement
When your breasts are overflowing with milk, it is called breast engorgement. They could hurt, feel pain, and be hard.

Lactation and Thrush
Nipple damage or cracks can occasionally result in thrush infections. As a result, your nipple or breast may become infected with the candida fungus that causes thrush.

Clogged Milk Duct
A clogged milk duct may result from persistent breast engorgement. You might detect a little sensitive bump in your breast.
Frequent feedings from the afflicted breast could be beneficial. If at all feasible, place your infant such that their chin is pointed in the direction of the lump so they may feed from that area of the breast.

Mastitis
Mastitis (inflammation of the breast) happens when a blocked milk duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel hot and painful and can make you feel unwell with flu-like symptoms.

Cracked or sore nipples
Sore nipples frequently occur because your infant is not correctly positioned and attached to the breast.
It’s vital to get assistance from your midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding professional as soon as possible because tolerating the pain or discomfort could worsen it.

Over the years, CFHI has organized numerous events to educate mothers about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for six months and how to overcome any challenges that may arise. Most recently, an event was held at the Byazhin Primary Health Care Centre in Kubwa, Abuja, where over 90 expectant mothers were sensitized on the benefits of breastfeeding for both mothers and babies and how to manage breastfeeding while at work.

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.

Reference:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/common-problems/

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON BARRIES INHIBITING WOMEN’S ADVANCEMENT IN DECISION-MAKING ROLES

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality, Girl Education / cfhinitiative

In recent decades, significant strides have been made toward gender equality in various spheres of life. However, despite these advancements, a substantial gender gap persists when it comes to women’s representation in decision-making roles across industries and sectors. The underrepresentation of women in positions of power and authority, particularly in decision-making capacities, remains a complex and concerning issue. Gender discrimination impedes women’s advancement in decision-making roles, economic empowerment, safety, and autonomy, which has an impact on the country’s GDP and economy. These stereotyping and unconscious biases are barriers to obtaining gender balance. They are also linked to larger sociological, political, economic, and governance issues. Furthermore, internal hurdles within women, along with insufficient leadership support, add to the imbalance. In Nigeria’s Senate and House of Representatives, men hold 96.5% of the 423 seats, while women only have 3.5%. In addition, during the recent Ministerial screening, out of 48 seats, less than 16% were occupied by women.
The primary factors contributing to the underrepresentation of women include:
A lack of effective government action;
Lower levels of female employment and education;
Sexism, sometimes but not always deriving from religion or traditional practices;
A corrupt and patronage-based political system;
Violence at elections, including against women candidates.
Additionally, within the professional sphere, despite notable growth in the number of women occupying middle management positions over the past two decades, the proportion of female Chief Executive Officers within major corporations remains remarkably low. This discrepancy can be attributed to a variety of factors, including:
Inadequate exposure to line management roles.
Limited access to promising career paths.
Gender-related variations in linguistic styles and socialization.
Prevalent gender-based stereotypes.
The persistence of established networks favouring male advancement.
Superficial inclusion efforts, often referred to as tokenism.
However, this can be addressed with conscious efforts by the government, civil society, international organizations, and individuals. By deliberately and cooperatively addressing gender discrimination barriers in Nigeria through policy reforms, transformation of discriminatory cultural norms, provision of funds, mentoring, and leadership training, women can attain greater participation and prosper in leadership roles.
According to the UNDP, gender equality (Goal 5) will help to enable women’s full and effective involvement and equal chances for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life.
Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias.
#SpeakWednesday #GenderEquality #GenderDiscrimination #WomenInLeadership

REFERENCES
Kelly, L. (2019). Barriers and enablers for women’s participation in governance in Nigeria. K4D Helpdesk Report. Brighton, UK: Institute of Development Studies.
Oakley, J.G. Gender-based Barriers to Senior Management Positions: Understanding the Scarcity of Female CEOs. Journal of Business Ethics 27, 321–334 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1006226129868
Kayode Oyero. (2023). #IWD2023: Women Get 15 Out Of 423 Senate, Reps Seats.
https://www.channelstv.com/2023/03/08/iwd-women-get-15-out-of-423-senate-reps-seats/

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ONBENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING FOR MOTHERS

Exclusive Breastfeeding, Monday Health Burst, World Breastfeeding Week / cfhinitiative

Breastfeeding, the natural act of nourishing an infant with breast milk, has been an integral part of human history for centuries. Beyond its well-known advantages for infants, breastfeeding offers many remarkable benefits for mothers. The journey of motherhood is enriched through this bond that not only nurtures the child but also contributes to the physical and emotional well-being of the mother.

Welcome to Monday’s Health Burst! In today’s episode, we will explore the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers.

Breastfeeding offers several health benefits to mothers, including:

• Postpartum Weight Loss: Breastfeeding burns extra calories, aiding in weight loss after childbirth.

• Uterine Contraction: It helps the uterus return to its pre-pregnancy size faster by promoting uterine contractions.

• Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Breastfeeding has been linked to a decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

• Bone Health: Women who breastfeed may have improved bone density in the years following childbirth.

• Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Breastfeeding may lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

• Cardiovascular Health: It can contribute to improved heart health and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

• Emotional Well-being: Breastfeeding can enhance the release of hormones that promote maternal bonding and reduce postpartum depression.

Breastfeeding is not only a gift to the child but also a precious gift to the mother. Its physical, emotional, and psychological benefits contribute to the overall well-being of mothers during the postpartum period and beyond. The bond forged through breastfeeding enhances the mother’s self-esteem, emotional stability, and a sense of purpose while reducing the risk of various diseases and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

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 GENDER BASED VIOLENCE; MEDIA’S ROLE IN RESHAPING PERCEPTION

Gender, Gender Based Violence, Gender Equality / cfhinitiative

Gender-Based Violence: Media’s Role in Reshaping Perceptions

Media plays a crucial role in reshaping gender-based violence (GBV) perceptions by influencing public awareness, attitudes, and understanding of GBV. Through various platforms like news, movies, TV shows, and social media, media can raise awareness, challenge stereotypes, empower survivors, educate the public, and influence policy and advocacy. However, the media’s responsibility in reporting GBV comes with pitfalls that can perpetuate harmful norms and hinder efforts to address the issue effectively. Examples:

Normalization of Violence:

– Lack of coverage can create an illusion that GBV is not a prevalent issue, normalizing abusive behaviour and attitudes.

Victim Blaming:

– When incidents go unreported or underreported, it can reinforce victim-blaming attitudes, suggesting that survivors are responsible for the violence they experience.

Silencing Survivors:

– Media silence may discourage survivors from coming forward, fearing stigmatization and disbelief, further isolating them and hindering their path to justice and healing.

Lack of Public Awareness:

– Insufficient reporting prevents the public from understanding the scale and severity of GBV, leading to complacency and inaction.

Impeding Policy and Legal Reforms:

– Without media attention, the urgency for policy changes and legal reforms to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable may be undermined.

Missed Opportunities for Prevention:

– Media can be a powerful tool in promoting prevention efforts, but these opportunities are lost without adequate reporting.

Misrepresentation and Stereotyping:

– When incidents are reported, media portrayals may perpetuate harmful stereotypes, reinforcing gender norms and biases.

Undermining Advocacy Efforts:

– Media serves as a conduit for advocacy efforts, but insufficient coverage can hamper campaigns and awareness-raising initiatives.

Fostering a Culture of Silence:

– A lack of media attention can create a culture of silence around GBV, hindering collective efforts to challenge and combat it.

Impact on Funding and Resources:

– Insufficient reporting may lead to reduced funding and resources for organizations working to address GBV, impeding their ability to support survivors and prevent future violence.

The Media’s role in reshaping perceptions of gender-based violence is undeniable and carries a significant responsibility in how it reports on the issue.

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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HEALTH BENEFITS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING TO BABIES

Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Breastfeeding is the act of feeding an infant breast milk from the breast. Exclusive and continued breastfeeding could help prevent 13% of death globally among children under five year old.¹

World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months and encourages continuing breastfeeding even after solid foods are introduced until the age of two. It is also recommended, that Children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding cannot be understated as it includes;

Brain development: A US study showed that toddlers and preschoolers who had been exclusively breastfed for at least three months had brains with twenty to thirty percent more white matter which connects different regions of the brain and transmits signals between them than those who had no breast milk. Therefore, Infants who are breastfed exclusively are more likely to have higher intelligence quotient (IQ) than formula fed babies.²

Life long benefits: Children who were breastfed are less likely to suffer from diseases such as leukaemia and lymphoma and tend to have better eyesight, and straighter teeth than those who had formula milk.

Breastfeeding also helps to lower baby’s risk of becoming obese or developing type 1 or type 2 diabetes as adult.

Exclusive breastfeeding is known to considerably decrease infant mortality on account of common childhood illness. It is one of the ways to minimize the chances of a baby getting diarrhoea, allergies, pneumonia and suffering from malnutrition.

Sadly, three in five babies are not breastfed in the first hour of life and two out of three infants are not exclusively breastfed for the recommended six months.³

More awareness should be created on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, support from family members and friends is vital in encouraging mothers to breastfeed their infants exclusively.

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

World Health Organisation (WHO)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8894195/&ved=2ahUKEwjnjqmcj8uAAxWhS0EAHe_iBWYQFnoECB4QAQ&usg=AOvVaw0RkUImQsW9g2c-tH5M8Gud
World Health Organisation (WHO)

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SPEAK WEDNESDAY ON EFFECTS OF GENDER DISCRIMINATION ON WOMEN’S FINANCIAL STABILITY

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

Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. However, women experience gender discrimination in both the public and private spheres, which profoundly impacts their life, including their financial stability and status.
The World Bank reports that Nigeria has one of the highest rates of out-of-school girls worldwide. Without adequate education, women’s chances of securing formal employment and escaping low-wage, informal sectors are severely restricted, leaving them vulnerable to financial instability.
Additionally, the gender wage gap still exists despite the Nigerian Labour Act prohibiting wage discrimination based on gender. The World Bank estimates that women in Nigeria make an average of 30% less money than males. The lack of equal pay makes it more difficult for women to save money, invest it, and ensure their financial future.
In Nigeria, there is a sizable gender difference in account ownership, with fewer women than males having access to formal financial services, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex Database.
The bias against women hinders their potential to establish or expand businesses, engage in politics, save finances, and participate in entrepreneurial activities. This, in turn, sustains the vicious cycle of poverty. Additionally, women’s economic empowerment, safety, and autonomy are hindered by gender discrimination, which impacts the country’s GDP and economy.
The World Bank states that achieving gender equality in financial inclusion can help accomplish eight of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This can be achieved through implementing genuine policies and practices promoting gender equality.
By working together to tear down the barriers of gender discrimination in Nigeria, the government, civil society, international organizations, and individuals can change this narrative.
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 SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES OF HEPATITIS B

Hepatitis B, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic diseases. Having chronic hepatitis B raises your risk of getting liver cancer, liver failure, or cirrhosis, which permanently scars the liver.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 1.5 million people are diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection annually, which affects a total of 296 million individuals.

SYMPTOMS
Hepatitis B may occasionally go undetected without any obvious signs. This is common among children.
Acute hepatitis B symptoms can start to show about 1 to 4 months after contact with the virus. Some of these symptoms include:
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Appetite loss
• Vomiting
• Jaundice
• Clay-colored stool
• the aching in one’s joints

CAUSES:
According to MayoClinic, the causes of Hepatitis B include:
• Sexual contact: It is possible to contract hepatitis B if one engages in unprotected sexual activity with an infected individual. The virus can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, semen, or vaginal secretions.
• Sharing of needles/Accidental needle sticks: HBV easily spreads through needles and syringes contaminated with infected blood. Sharing IV drug paraphernalia puts one at high risk of hepatitis B.
• Mother to child: Pregnant women infected with HBV can pass the virus to their babies during childbirth. However, the newborn can be vaccinated to avoid getting infected in almost all cases. It is advisable to discuss with a healthcare provider the option of getting tested for hepatitis B if you are pregnant or planning to conceive.

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 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF WOMEN IN POLITICS

Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender Equality, Nation Building, Politics, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The significance of women’s involvement in politics cannot be emphasized enough when it comes to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Women have been inadequately represented in politics throughout history due to various cultural factors. On the other hand, recent advances by women in politics have proven the importance of equal representation for women in this sphere. Despite advances in some areas, women in Nigeria face several hurdles when entering politics. Traditional gender roles, patriarchal conventions, and negative stereotypes frequently impede women from seeking active engagement in politics.

In Nigeria, the National Gender Policy (NGP) was created in 2006 to address the gender imbalance. The NGP advocates for a 35% Affirmative Action (AA) to ensure women are adequately represented in all governance processes.

Significantly, women in leadership positions, especially in developing nations, have the obligation and the potential to affect their society through leadership, particularly when empowered. Women who are empowered can aspirate for, achieve, and excel in leadership roles while also playing their roles at home.

Women are empowered when educated, exposed, and given economic freedom. Women in leadership roles have had an excellent social impact throughout history and in every nation. Such women have a long history in human history. Notably, influential figures such as Okonjo Iweala and Dora Akunyili have demonstrated that women can significantly contribute to a country’s political economy.

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

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

REFERENCES

Emeka, E. O & Monica, E. A. 2015. Women and Leadership in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C / cfhinitiative

Hepatitis C is a viral infection that primarily affects the liver. It is caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 58 million people worldwide have chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Every year, 1.5 million new cases are reported. Around 3.2 million children and adolescents also have chronic hepatitis C infection.

Hepatitis C is mainly caused by the Hepatitis C Virus. The virus can be transmitted through direct contact with infected blood. It is crucial to understand that the transmission of HCV can only occur if infected blood enters a person’s system.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the following are the risk factors for contracting Hepatitis C;

Receiving organ transplants or transfusions prior to 1992, the year that blood screening became available
Exposure to a needle stick, which happens frequently to those who work in the healthcare industry
Being born to a hepatitis C-positive mother

People with hepatitis C may not even know they have it because they show no symptoms, especially during the acute stage. This makes spreading it to other people simpler. When symptoms arise, they include: include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dark urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).

Hepatitis C can be treated with antiviral drugs, but no vaccine prevents it (WHO).

Early diagnosis and treatment can enhance long-term health and stop severe liver damage.

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 THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL HARRASSMENT ON WOMEN’S CAREERS.

Gender, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The Impact of Sexual Harassment on Women’s Careers

The International Labour Organization defines sexual harassment as unwelcome and offensive behavior of a sexual nature that targets individuals based on their sex. Sexual harassment is a widespread problem that impacts women’s careers more than any other area of their lives. The prevalence of sexual harassment at work impedes women’s advancement and limits their ability to advance professionally.

According to a study conducted by the International Centre for Research on Women in collaboration with ActionAid Nigeria, approximately 80% of Nigerian women have experienced some form of sexual harassment in their workplaces.

Sexual harassment fosters a toxic workplace culture, which lowers women’s job satisfaction and increases their departure rates. According to the ICRW survey, 45% of Nigerian women who had experienced sexual harassment at work decided to leave their positions, which interfered with their professional trajectories and reduced their possibilities for progress.

Furthermore, women’s careers are severely disrupted by sexual harassment, which results in traumatic events that affect their ability to advance professionally. The research by the Women in Law and Development in Africa (WILDAF) shows that sexual harassment frequently causes affected women to have lower job satisfaction, lower productivity, and higher turnover rates. The trauma brought on by such events can also cause ongoing emotional anguish, impacting one’s self-worth and confidence at work.

In Nigeria, sexual harassment affects women’s careers negatively, impeding their personal and professional advancement. The fact that this problem is so common highlights the urgent need for all-encompassing measures to combat and eliminate sexual harassment in the workplace. Creating inclusive workplaces that promote gender equality and guarantee the unrestricted career advancement of Nigerian women requires strengthening regulatory frameworks, raising awareness, and cultivating a supportive environment that empowers women.

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

#SpeakWednesday #SexualHarassment #SayNoToSexualHarassment #Women’srights #genderequality #genderbias