Health

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Gender, Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, Postpartum Depression / cfhinitiative

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)

Postpartum depression (PPD) or postnatal depression is a complex mix of physical, emotional, and behavioural changes that happen in some women after giving birth. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), PPD is a form of major depression that begins within 4 weeks after delivery.

Symptoms of postpartum depression can be hard to detect. However, many women have these symptoms following childbirth: Difficulty sleeping, change in appetite, excessive fatigue, decreased libido, frequent mood changes, depression, low self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, panic, thoughts of hurting someone else, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The OCD obsessions are usually related to concerns about the baby’s health, or irrational fears of harming the baby.

There is no one cause of postpartum depression. A number of factors can increase the chances: A history of depression prior to becoming pregnant, or during pregnancy; Age at time of pregnancy; Ambivalence about the pregnancy; Number of children — the more children, the more likely it is for one to be depressed in a subsequent pregnancy; Having a history of depression or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD); Limited social support; Loneliness during pregnancy; Marital conflict; Sleeplessness; Anxiety; Hormonal imbalance — The dramatic drop in oestrogen and progesterone after giving birth may play a role. Other hormones produced by the thyroid gland may also drop sharply and make one feel tired, sluggish, and depressed.

The diagnosis of postpartum depression is based not only on the length of time between delivery and onset, but also on the severity of the depression. PPD often keeps one from doing their daily activities. Hence, when the ability to function is affected, it is important to consult a health care provider, such as Obstetrician-gynaecologist or primary care doctor, who will screen for depression symptoms and develop a treatment plan. This is because PDD symptoms worsen when left untreated. Though PPD is a serious condition, it can be treated with medication and counselling.
Postpartum depression is treated differently depending on the type and severity of a woman’s symptoms. Treatment options include anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications, psychotherapy, and participation in a support group for emotional support and education. For severe cases, intravenous infusion of a new medication called brexanolone (Zulresso) may be prescribed.

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

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY

16DaysOfActivism, Female Genital Mutilation, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health / cfhinitiative

FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION AND ITS EFFECTS

“Have you ever heard of Female genital mutilation? The doctor asked me. This was after my over 20 hours of labor, an ordeal which left me depressed for over a month. It took me a while before I responded because it was the least question I ever would imagine answering at such moment.
I had just come out of one of the difficult deliveries he had ever carried out he continued after I replied “yes”. A delivery which at first didn’t seem like I was going to spend more than 6 hours at most because I was 100% effaced and with my labor progression, getting dilated would not be so much of a trouble. After being fully dilated and the baby just wouldn’t come down the delivery canal, an assisted delivery using a vacuum extractor was performed which left me with a vaginal hematoma and still with no baby, I was opted for a caesarean section due to the excessive bleeding and the other effects an obstructed labor has on both mother and unborn child. After all the medical jargons, he finally disclosed I had been genitally mutilated probably as a child and it was the reason for the complications I had just experienced.”

The above near death experience was recounted by Mrs Mary Alex, a human rights activist and a current volunteer at Centre for Family Health Initiative ……….

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice that has no medical benefit and severe health consequences for girls and women. According to Wikipedia, It is a procedure that involves partial or completely removing the external females genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs whenever for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It deprives them of the opportunity to make critical and informed decisions about their sexuality. It is an act which is deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and perceptions. Data shows that Nigeria, due to its large population, has the highest number of female genital mutilation (FGM) worldwide. About 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone female genital mutilation which is 10% of the global total.

There are 4 types of FGM; Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV. Types I and II are most prevalent, but variation exists within countries and communities. Type III is experienced by about 10 per cent of all affected women. FGM has serious implications for the sexual and reproductive health of girls and women. Its effects vary depending on the type performed, the expertise of the practitioner and the conditions under which it is performed. Complications can include severe pain, shock, hemorrhage, infection, urine retention and more. In some cases, hemorrhage and infection can be severe enough to cause death. Long-term risks include complications during childbirth (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths; vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections); menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.); scar tissue and keloid; sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.) and psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc.) among others.

Despite the graveness of the issue, the practicing societies consider it as a necessary part of raising a girl, and a way to prepare her for adulthood and marriage. It is seen as a sure medium to ensure premarital virginity and marital fidelity.
Currently, 13 out of 36 states in Nigeria have their own individual state laws expressly prohibiting FGM/C. These states are Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Bayelsa, Ogun, Delta, Ebonyi, Oyo, Imo, Edo, Cross-River and Rivers. The 2015 Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) acknowledges FGM as a criminal act, however since its enactment, there has been no convictions. Out of the 36 states, only 4 states: Abuja, Anambra, Oyo and Ebonyi have domesticated or actively enforced the law.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender based violence and gender inequality. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

SPEAK WEDNESDAY Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, Health Communication, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV) PREVENTION AND CARE

PREVENTION

The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places abstinence as the first practice to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. This includes abstinence from oral, anal or vaginal sex, and avoiding sharing of sharps (needles, blades, clippers etc) with an infected person.

In cases where abstinence becomes difficult, the following must be put into consideration:

Use of condoms: Male latex condoms are most effective in preventing HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) during an intercourse. Because a man does not need to ejaculate to give or get some STIs, make sure to put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth, or anus. Female condoms can also help to prevent HIV infection.

Routine testing: It is important to carry out routine HIV testing. Sexual partners Should endeavour to speak to each other about their HIV and STI status. This is because having an STI increases the chances of becoming infected with HIV during sex. If a partner has an STI in addition to HIV, the chances of transmitting the virus increases. The CDC recommends at least one HIV test for everyone ages 13 to 64 years. Yearly testing is recommended if one is at higher risk of infection. For gays and bisexual men, CDC recommends that HIV testing is carried out every three to six months.

Be monogamous: Having sex with just one partner can lower the risk of contacting the HIV virus and other STIs. After being tested for STIs, be faithful to each other. That means that you have sex only with each other and no one else. The risk of getting HIV and other STIs goes up with the number of sexual partners.

Get vaccinated: You can get a vaccine to protect against Human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B, which are STIs. There is no vaccine to prevent or treat HIV.

Do not douche: Douching (washing or cleaning out the inside of the vagina with water or other mixtures of fluidsremoves some of the normal bacteria in the vagina that protects one from infections. This may increase the risk of getting HIV and other STIs.

Do not abuse alcohol or drugs: Alcohol or drug abuse may lead to risky behaviours such as sharing needles to inject drugs or not using a condom when having sex.

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)
PrEP is an HIV prevention method for people who do not have HIV infection but who may be at high risk. For example, mixed-status couples (also known as serodiscordant), people with multiple sex partners, inject illegal drugs or share needles. For mixed-status couples who are interested in having a child, PrEP may help protect the mother and child. CDC estimates that PrEP could prevent transmission in as many as 140,000 serodiscordant heterosexual couples.

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)
PEP is an anti-HIV medicine for people who may have been recently exposed to HIV, like in cases of a condom break or sexual assault. However, PEP must be taken within three days of exposure to help lower the risk for HIV. It is also important to take two to three antiretroviral medicines for 28 days to prevent the virus from copying itself and spreading through the body. While taking PEP, one still needs to take steps to prevent HIV, including using a condom with sex partners.

HIV/AIDS CARE

Use of Antiretroviral (ARV) Drugs becomes important when one tests positive to HIV to help reduce the viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood). Knowing the viral load measurement and how to control it by reducing it to undetectable levels can protect mother to child transmission of HIV during pregnancy, labour, and delivery. It can also help prevent spreading HIV to a sexual partner, or people who come in contact with the infected blood.

In conclusion, HIV is a preventable disease. Effective HIV prevention interventions have been proven to reduce HIV transmission, and people who get tested for HIV and are well sensitized can make significant behavioural changes to improve their health and reduce the risk of transmitting HIV to others.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has worked in different states across Nigeria for over 10 years to tackle issues around HIV/AIDS. Some of its interventions include communication/house-to-house testing of HIV, health facility testing, counselling, community sensitization, provision of ARV drugs, household economic strengthening, among others. Join us every Monday on Monday Health Burst on all our social media platforms for more health related articles of basic health concerns.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, HIV/AIDS, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

MONDAY HEALTH BURST – HIV/AIDS (INTRODUCTION)

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) which can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids. According to Institute of Human Virology, AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the final and most serious stage of HIV disease, which causes severe damage to the immune system, leaving the body vulnerable to a variety of life-threatening illnesses like Cancer.

Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reports that about 47 million people worldwide have been infected with HIV since the start of the epidemic, and it is the fifth leading cause of death among persons between ages 25 and 44 in the United States. According to United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS), Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world and one of the highest rates of new infection in sub-Saharan Africa. Also in 2019 alone, 45,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in Nigeria.

There are several means of HIV transmission like the mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding, but the most common ways that HIV is passed from person to person include sexual contact with infected persons and sharing of needles or syringes. In recent times, a cure has been said to be found from stem cell therapy according to researchers from University College London, but this is not widely used yet. So, medications are used to dramatically slow the progression of the disease.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us next week for details on HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and CFHI’s intervention in curbing this menace.
#WorldAIDSDay2020.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

9 Comments / Diabetes, Diabetes Awareness and Care, Health, Health Communication, Monday Health Burst / cfhinitiative

DIABETES AWARENESS AND CARE

Diabetes mellitus is derived from the Greek word Diabetes, meaning Siphon (to pass through) and a Latin word mellitus meaning honeyed or sweet. This is because in Diabetes, excess sugar is found in blood as well as the urine. It was known in the 17th century as the “pissing evil”.
There are accounts that the term Diabetes was coined by Apollonius of Memphis around 250 BC but Diabetes was first recorded in English, in the form Diabetes, in a medical text written around 1425. It was in 1675 that Thomas Willis added the word “’Mellitus’” to the word Diabetes. This was because of the sweet taste of the urine. The ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, Indians and Persians had also noticed this sweet taste in urine as it is evident in their literatures.
According to World Diabetes Foundation (WDF), over five million people are living with either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes in Nigeria. However, millions are still unaware of their status. The general symptoms of diabetes include increased hunger, increased thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, tingling, numbness of hands and feet, itching and yeast infection, wounds and sores that are slow to heal.
Diabetes mellitus is managed in two ways; the non-drug treatment and drug treatment, but it is important to note that education is involved in both ways. People living with Diabetes should be educated on lifestyle modification in the aspects of diet and exercise and on blood sugar monitoring, identifying symptoms, emergencies and complications, medications, and foot care. Also, people without diabetes should be educated on the fact that Diabetes is a lifelong disease with no cure yet. It can be prevented through lifestyle modifications and knowing one’s health status by having regular medical checkups even when you feel healthy.
The first way to manage Diabetes Mellitus which is the non-Drug treatment entails healthy and appropriate diet, adequate physical activities and regular blood sugar and blood pressure checks. The second which is the drug treatment entails the use of oral glycemic tablet and insulin injection. The insulin injection should be administered either alone or alongside oral glycemic tablets for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus but administered alone for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on abdomen, thighs, buttocks, or arms.

Myths and misconceptions about Diabetes
There are many mistaken beliefs about Diabetes; some of these are highlighted below.
• Diabetes is not that serious.
Fact: According to American Diabetes Association, Diabetes causes more deaths than breast cancer and HIV/AIDS combined, people with Type 2 Diabetes (the most common form of the disease) may go a long while, even years, before being diagnosed. This is because, they may downplay their symptoms or write them off to other causes.

• Being overweight causes Diabetes.
Fact: Gaining weight does not necessarily need the person is going to get Type 2 Diabetes. Having a body mass index over 25 is just one of several risk factors for Diabetes, but there are many overweight people who do not ever get the disease.

• Having Diabetes means you must eat foods that are different from everyone else’s.
Fact: People with Diabetes do not need to follow a restricted diet but instead should try to follow the same healthy eating guidelines as everyone else, including choosing foods that are lower in fat, higher in nutrients, and contain an appropriate amount of calories.

• A Diabetes diagnosis means you automatically need Insulin.
Fact: That is the case with Type 1 Diabetes but not with type 2 Diabetes. In some cases, proper diet, exercise, and oral medications, if needed, can keep Type 2 Diabetes under control for some time before Insulin becomes necessary.

• Only older people are at risk of having Diabetes
Fact: Even children are being diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. However, those most at risk for Type 2 Diabetes are adults 45 years and older and those of any age who are sedentary and overweight.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health-related articles on all our social media platforms.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Drug Abuse, Drugs, Health, Uncategorized, WHO / cfhinitiative

DRUG ABUSE

According to Environmental and Public Health Journal in December 2018, drug abuse refers to the use of drugs to treat self-diagnosed disorders or symptoms, and the continued use of a prescribed drug for chronic or recurrent disease or symptoms. It is “the taking of drugs, herbs or home remedies on one’s own initiative, or on the advice of another person, without consulting a medical expert. Also, according to Dr. Ananya Mandal, drug abuse or substance abuse refers to the use of certain chemicals for the purpose of creating pleasurable effects on the brain.

Medical Life Sciences reports that there are over 190 million drug users around the world and the problem has been increasing at alarming rates, especially among young adults under the age of 30. Apart from the long term damage to the body drug abuse causes, drug addicts who use needles are at risk of contracting HIV and hepatitis B and C. Not only does this affect the drug abuser directly, the family members and the society at large are affected negatively in one way or another.

Drug abuse in regards to the usage of antibiotics is reported as being highly prevalent and common in developing nations in Africa, according to World Health Organisation, which can pose a risk to the abuser. Another drug that is constantly abused is Paracetamol and Vitamin C tablet. Research has it that the excessive use of Paracetamol causes the inflammation of the liver and weakens the immune system, and high doses of Vitamin C can cause neurological symptoms, such as tingling and numbness, and possibly permanent nerve damage.

It is essential to consult a medical expert before treating any form of illness. Centre for Family Health Initiative continues to sensitize people especially in rural communities to the dangers ascribed to drug abuse on their health.

Monday Health Burst is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to tackle issues of basic health concerns. Join us every Monday for more health related articles on all our social media platforms.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Health, WHO, Women / cfhinitiative

WOMEN DEALING WITH SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Sexual violence is one of the most pervasive violation of human rights that occurs worldwide. According to the World Health Organizations (WHO), sexual violence is any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic or otherwise directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting, including but not limited to home and work. It is also estimated by WHO that 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner (not including sexual harassment) at some point in their lives. Also, some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime. Evidence shows that women who have experienced physical or sexual intimate partner violence report higher rates of depression, having an abortion and acquiring Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), compared to women who have not.

In 2015, UNICEF reported that one in four girls and one in ten boys in Nigeria had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Sexual violence can have psychological, emotional, and physical effects on a survivor which could be immediate, short-term or long-term. Although these effects and repercussion of rape affects victims differently, individuals tend to suffer from similar issues found within the above categories.

In Nigeria, this act of violence against women is often overlooked especially those perpetrated by the spouse. Women and girls living below the poverty line or with fewer resources are at even greater risk of violence. They have no voices in the legal system because they cannot afford the fee unlawfully requested by the police so, many offenders go without prosecution. Also, women who get abused by a relation almost never seek justice because the family involved would rather choose to save the “family name” at the expense of the victim.

According to National Sexual Violence Resource Centre, the acts of sexual violence are under-reported and this may be as a result of inadequate support systems, shame, fear or risk of retaliation, fear or risk of being blamed, fear or risk of not being believed, fear of being socially ostracized, among others. Sexual violence and indeed every other form of violence against women is a major threat to social and economic development because it is inadvertently linked to poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, and maternal ill health. It also impedes national productivity since it occurs among persons in the reproductive age group who have to deal with the adverse physical and psychological consequences of the vice.

As much as the reform of the criminal justice system is an approach to stopping or reducing the occurrence of sexual violence, other approaches may include continuous review of the existing policies and laws on sexual violence in other to accommodate best practices of sexual violence strategies. Building the knowledge base and raising awareness about sexual violence is also essential in curbing this menace.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative to stop the cycle of domestic violence by breaking the silence around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media handles for more episodes.

SPEAK WEDNESDAY Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, Mental Health, Monday Health Burst, WHO / cfhinitiative

STROKE – CAUSES, PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stroke is defined as a “rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function, with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer or leading to death, with no apparent cause other than of vascular origin”. Stroke occurs when there is a sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients.

World Stroke Organization (WSO) stated that 90 per cent of strokes are associated with 10 risk factors that can easily be identified: hypertension, exercise, diet, weight, smoking, alcohol, cholesterol, diabetes, depression and stress, and atrial fibrillation (AF, or AFib). They further stated that 1 in 4 people will develop stroke globally, and 58 percent of all stroke cases happen between the age of 25 and 70 which can be blamed on “modern lifestyle”. In Nigeria, just like other low and middle-income countries, the primary care services are often limited, leading to high burden of stroke mortality. About 1000 stroke cases are recorded in Nigeria yearly and still counting according to Web Med.

Stroke can be prevented in many ways across all boards, from government and policymakers to healthcare professionals to members of the community. Knowing the signs of stroke is the first step to its prevention. Hence, some of the ways to prevent stroke include increasing awareness, discovering risk factors for stroke and managing them appropriately, implementing population-wide preventive strategies, amongst others.

Over the years, Medical organizations worldwide have been working towards making sure there is improvement in the treatment of stroke. Treatment consists of blood thinners. Early treatment with medication like TPA (clot buster) can minimize brain damage. Other treatments focus on limiting complications and preventing additional strokes like cardiac monitoring (using an electronic device to heart rate and rhythm which can be done at home or in the hospital), carotid endarterectomy (this is a surgical removal of plague built up in the carotid arteries), speech therapy, rehabilitation, physical therapy, the use of natural herbs and supplements, among others.

Early detection will not just save lives but will reduce the effect of stroke. Most people do not check their mental state or relax as they ought to. Adequate medical checkup is essential as it will help to know when rest is needed and when you need to give yourself a break from certain duties.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

MONDAY HEALTH BURST

Health, Health Communication, Healthy Dieting, Hygiene, Monday Health Burst, WHO, World Food Day / cfhinitiative

HEALTHY DIETING

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015–2020, a healthy eating plan includes eating of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat free or low-fat milk and milk products. They are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. While unhealthy diet includes overeating of fatty and greasy food, and of milky products, sweet foods, highly flavoured food, too pungent food, as well as drinking too much alcohol, leading to the formation of Damp-Heat.

Increased production of processed foods, rapid urbanization and changing lifestyles have led to a shift in dietary patterns. People are now consuming more foods high in energy, fats, free sugars and salt/sodium, and many people do not eat enough fruits, vegetables and other dietary fibre such as whole grains. Healthy eating is all about balance. Hence, it is possible to enjoy ones favorite meals, but the key point is eating them less often and balancing them with healthier foods with more physical activities.

Some general tips for healthy dieting include less intake of high-calorie foods and intentionally replace them with lower-calorie versions. Consuming a healthy diet throughout the life-course helps to prevent malnutrition in all its forms as well as a range of non-communicable diseases and conditions.

MONDAY HEALTH BURST Read More »

SPEAK WEDNESDAY

Community Development, Gender, Health, International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, International Day of Rural Women, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, World Food Day / cfhinitiative

WOMEN DEALING WITH POVERTY IN RURAL AREAS

It is true that a concise and universally accepted definition of poverty has proven elusive because it affects many aspects of human condition. However, different criteria have been used to conceptualize the term “poverty”. Most analysts regard poverty as a function of income levels insufficient for securing basic goods and services.

The 2019 Nigerian Living Standards Survey (NLSS) carried out by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) highlights that 40 percent of the total population, or almost 83 million people, live below the country’s poverty line of 137,430 naira ($381.75) per year. The report also shows that 52.1% of rural dwellers in Nigeria are poor, while only 18.04% of urban dwellers are classified as poor. Also, according to data released by NBS, women ranked the highest when it comes to unemployment. The report shows that unemployment hits 12.2 million females as against 9.5 million men.

The fate of Nigerian women living in rural areas is highly appalling considering the patriarchal nature of the Nigerian society and how women are being marginalized in the labor force. The societal disadvantage and inequality they face because they are women shapes their experience of poverty differently from that of men, it increases their vulnerability, and makes it more challenging for them to climb out of poverty. Indeed, more than half of these rural women live below the nationally defined poverty line, lacking access to basic education, decent nutrition, adequate health and social services. They perform complex multiple roles as mothers, workers and managers of households, taking care of their husbands, children and members of their extended families. They perform the majority of the work in food processing and dominate the rural and urban informal sector activities. Yet an abysmal number of these women own their own farm lands, they have limited access than men to inputs, services, rural organization, agricultural credits, productive infrastructure and technologies to enhance their productivity and incomes.

Women in poor households bear a disproportionate share of the work and responsibility of feeding and caring for family members through unpaid household work. They bear an unequal burden of unpaid, unrecognized, unvalued domestic responsibilities and are overrepresented in informal and risky jobs. Women in poor rural households will often sacrifice their own health and nutrition, or the education of their daughters, by recruiting them to take care of siblings or share in other household tasks.

This lack of investment in the human capital of women propagates a brutal, intergenerational cycle of poverty and hardship that is partly responsible for the persistent nature of poverty. Policies and programs to alleviate poverty must, therefore, take account of gender inequality and gender differences to effectively address the needs and constraints of women. According to the United Nations Women, Women’s economic empowerment is central to realizing women’s rights and gender equality, boosting productivity, increasing economic diversification, and income equality in addition to other positive development outcomes. This economic empowerment could include paid care work (child care, home care, seniors/disabled/palliative care), non-exclusion from inheritance and property ownership, girl child education and scholarships, adult education and scholarships for mothers, continued education during teenage pregnancy, provision of grants, and many more.

SPEAK WEDNESDAY Read More »