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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

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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SARCOMA – CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Sarcoma, a rare form of cancer, encompasses a variety of malignancies that arise in the body’s connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and soft tissues. Commonly observed symptoms are as follows:

Painless lump
Weight loss
Trouble in breathing
Pain in the affected bones
Swelling
Fatigue
A limp when the sarcoma is in your leg.

While the precise causes of sarcoma remain unclear, several factors can contribute to its development. Here are some potential causes and risk factors associated with sarcoma:

Genetic factors: Genetic mutations or inherited conditions can increase the likelihood of developing sarcoma in certain cases.

Radiation exposure: Previous exposure to high levels of ionizing radiation, particularly during cancer treatment or nuclear accidents, has been linked to an elevated risk of sarcoma. This is more common among individuals who have undergone radiation therapy for other types of cancer.

3. Environmental factors: Certain environmental elements, such as exposure to specific chemicals or toxins, may contribute to sarcoma development. For example, exposure to vinyl chloride, a chemical used in plastics manufacturing, has been associated with an increased risk of a specific type of sarcoma called angiosarcoma.

Chronic lymphedema: Prolonged swelling of the limbs caused by damage or removal of the lymphatic system, often resulting from cancer treatment or surgery, can elevate the risk of developing lymphangiosarcoma, a type of sarcoma.

Treatment:

According to Mayo Clinic’s Publication in December, 2022; Surgery is commonly employed as the primary treatment for sarcoma, aiming to remove the cancerous cells. Additional treatments may be administered before or after surgery, depending on the type and location of the sarcoma, the aggressiveness of the cells, and the presence of metastasis in other parts of the body. The optimal therapy for each individual is determined based on these factors.

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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MONDAY HEALTH BURST ON SCHIZOPHRENIA – SYMPTOMS AND CAUSES

Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. It is characterized by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact a person’s daily functioning and quality of life.

Around 24 million people, or 1 in 300 persons (0.32%) globally, suffer from schizophrenia. Adults (2) had a rate of 1 in 222 (0.4%). It is not as prevalent as many other mental illnesses. The most common time for onset is in the late teens and twenties, and it often occurs earlier in males than in women. (World Health Organization)

Symptoms:

Delusions: Delusions are false beliefs that are not based on reality. An example of a delusion is when a person believes that they are being watched or that someone is trying to harm them.

Hallucinations: Sensations that are not real but are experienced by the person with schizophrenia. These can include hearing voices, seeing things that are not there, or feeling sensations in the body.

Disorganized thinking and speech: A person with schizophrenia may have difficulty organizing and expressing their thoughts. Their speech may be illogical or unrelated to the topic being discussed.

Abnormal motor behaviour: This can manifest as unusual movements or repetitive behaviours that serve no apparent purpose.

Negative symptoms: These refer to a decrease or absence of normal functioning. Examples include a lack of motivation, social withdrawal, reduced emotional expression, and decreased speech.

Schizophrenia does not have a single identifiable cause, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The condition is believed to result from genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to viruses or malnutrition before birth and complications during pregnancy or birth may contribute to its development. Additionally, psychosocial stress can play a role in the onset and progression of schizophrenia. Heavy cannabis use is also linked to an increased risk of the disorder.

It is crucial to take decisive action on schizophrenia, and it demands the active cooperation of governments, healthcare systems, communities, and individuals alike.

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 – Combating Cyberviolence Against Women

Gender, Mental Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

The widespread usage of the internet and the quick development of technology have had various positive effects on society. They have, however, also contributed to a worrying development: cyberviolence against women. Women’s safety, privacy, and wellbeing are seriously threatened by this type of online assault. This, the UN identified as a kind of gender-based violence that exacerbates existing inequities.

According to UN Women, cyberviolence against women takes various forms, such as sexual harassment, stalking, intimate image abuse, trolling, doxing, and misogynistic hate speech. Additionally, technology is used to facilitate other forms of violence, including intimate partner or domestic violence and trafficking. These digital tools enable abusers to monitor, track, threaten, and perpetrate violence, while traffickers exploit technology to profile, recruit, control, and exploit their victims. Reports by UN Women and the UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women highlight the adverse impacts of cyberviolence, including psychological and emotional distress, fear, social isolation, and educational and professional consequences faced by victims.

Women at heightened risks of cyberviolence includes young women and girls, women in public life including women’s rights activists, women human rights defenders, women in politics, and women journalists.

Nigeria has taken significant steps to address cyberviolence against women through its legal system. The Cybercrime Act of 2015 criminalizes various forms of cyberviolence, including cyberstalking, cyberbullying, identity theft, and the distribution of sexually explicit materials without consent. This legislation plays a crucial role in protecting women from online abuse and provides a legal framework to prosecute perpetrators. Furthermore, legal frameworks like the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) recognizes cyberviolence as a form of violence against women. These legislative measures provide a foundation for protecting women from online abuse and prosecuting perpetrators.

Although Nigeria has made strides in addressing cyberviolence against women, stronger enforcement measures are required to guarantee that existing laws are implemented.

Raising awareness and promoting legislative changes are essential components in the fight against cyberviolence against women, in addition to legal measures. Public campaigns, educational initiatives, and media outreach should emphasize raising awareness of the seriousness of the problem, encouraging appropriate online conduct, and creating an environment where women may feel respected and safe.

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

#SpeakWednesday #Cyberviolence #GenderBasedViolence #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality

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MONDAY HEALTH BUSRT ON MEN’S HEALTH – CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

Cardiovascular disease refers to a class of conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels.

According to WHO in the year 2021, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death globally, taking an estimated 17.9 million lives each year.

Risk Factors:

Men have unique risk factors for cardiovascular disease that may differ from those of women. Some common risk factors for men include:

Age: The risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases with age, particularly after the age of 45 for men.
High blood pressure: Men are more likely to develop high blood pressure compared to women, especially at a younger age.
High cholesterol: Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol) and low levels of HDL cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol) can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in men.
Obesity: Excess body weight, especially around the waist, increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease in men.
Smoking: Men who smoke or have a history of smoking have a higher risk of heart disease compared to nonsmokers.
Diabetes: Men with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, as diabetes can damage blood vessels and contribute to other risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of cardiovascular disease in men can be similar to those experienced by women. However, men are more likely to experience chest pain or discomfort as the primary symptom of a heart attack. Other symptoms may include shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm, jaw, or back, nausea, lightheadedness, and cold sweats. It is important to note that some men may experience “silent” heart attacks with minimal or no symptoms.

Prevention:

To reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, men can take several preventive measures, including:

Adopting a healthy lifestyle: Engage in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products, and maintain a healthy weight.
Quitting smoking: If you smoke, seek assistance to quit, as this will significantly reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
Managing blood pressure and cholesterol: Regularly monitor your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. If they are elevated, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan to manage them effectively.
Controlling diabetes: If you have diabetes, follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations to manage your blood sugar levels and minimize the risk of cardiovascular complications.
Managing stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercising, practicing relaxation techniques, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.
Regular check-ups: Visit your healthcare provider for routine check-ups and screenings to assess your cardiovascular health and identify any potential issues early.

A healthcare expert should be consulted for tailored guidance and to go over any worries you may have about cardiovascular disease or your general 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 – Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices

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

Gender-Based Restrictions on Career Choices: Examining the Impact on Female Children in Nigeria

In Nigeria, young girls face significant challenges when choosing their career paths due to gender-based limitations. Despite progress in women’s rights and gender equality, traditional views, cultural norms, and socioeconomic factors still limit the career options available to girls. These biases have contributed to a significant gender gap in many professions. Unfortunately, like many others, Nigerian society continues to adhere to gender norms that restrict the career opportunities available to female children. Cultural factors like patriarchal standards and expectations of women’s domestic responsibilities have perpetuated the belief that certain professions are better suited for men.

According to the World Bank’s report on gender disparities in Nigeria, cultural biases discourage girls from pursuing careers in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), often considered male-dominated. This leads to a persistent gender gap in these fields and limits educational and employment opportunities for girls. Factors such as limited access to quality education, early marriage, poverty, inadequate educational infrastructure, and cultural norms favoring boys’ education further restrict girls’ career choices in Nigeria.

The limitations placed on female students’ career options based on gender in Nigeria profoundly impact both the individual and the larger society. Limiting girls’ goals undermines their personal growth, perpetuates gender inequality, and obstructs the nation’s progress towards achieving gender equality and socioeconomic development.

In 2022, the Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child by educating over 40 students and teachers from Junior Secondary School Gosa – Abuja about the negative impacts of gender-based violence and encouraging students to pursue their preferred fields, including STEM-related ones, regardless of gender.

Addressing gender-based restrictions on career choices for female children in Nigeria requires a holistic approach encompassing education, awareness, and equal opportunities. By challenging traditional gender roles, providing role models, ensuring access to quality education, and promoting options in male-dominated fields, we can empower girls to pursue their dreams and contribute to the nation’s progress. Through these concerted efforts, Nigeria can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all children have the freedom to choose their desired career paths, irrespective of gender.

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

#SpeakWednesday #Career #Girl’sRights #Women’sRights #GenderStereotype #GenderBias #GenderInequality #Nigeria #Progress