Women – Page 2 – Centre for Family Health Initiative

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WOMEN AND GIRLS, HIV/AIDS

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 AVERT (2020), since the start of the global HIV epidemic, women in many regions have been disproportionately affected by HIV. Today, women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV, and AIDS-related illnesses remain the leading cause of death for women aged between 15 and 49. Young women (aged 15-24), and adolescent girls (aged 10-19) in particular, account for a disproportionate number of new HIV infections. In 2017, 7,000 adolescent girls and young women became HIV-positive. This is a far higher rate than new infections among young men, with young women twice as likely to acquire HIV as their male peers.

Also AVERT (2020) states that in sub-Saharan Africa, despite making up just 10% of the population, one out of every five new HIV infections happens among adolescent girls and young women. In the worse-affected countries, 80% of new HIV infections among adolescents are among girls, who are up to eight times more likely to be living with HIV than adolescent boys. It is estimated that around 50 adolescent girls die every day from AIDS-related illnesses. Nigeria has the second largest HIV epidemic in the world. Although HIV prevalence among adults is much less (1.3%) than other sub-Saharan African countries such as South Africa (19%) and Zambia (11.5%), the size of Nigeria’s population means 1.8 million people were living with HIV in 2019. 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.

In the article “How does HIV/AIDS affect women” by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2017), HIV disproportionately affects women and girls because of their unequal cultural, social and economic status in society. HIV is most often spread through sex. Women may be at greater risk of being infected with HIV during sexual contact than men are. This is because the fragile tissues of the female ex organ can tear slightly during sex and let the virus enter the body. (This is especially likely among girls under age 18.) Studies show that the female sex organ due its large surface is easily exposed to the virus, thus increasing risk of infection and most women around the world who have HIV were mostly infected through sex with a man.

Furthermore, unaccommodating attitudes towards sex outside of marriage and the restricted social autonomy of women and young girls can reduce their ability to access sexual health and HIV services. Other factors as opined by AVERT (2020) which have contributed to this disparity include; poverty, lack of access to education, gender-based violence, “sugar-daddy culture” and transactional sex, child marriage, etc. Intimate partner violence, inequitable laws and harmful traditional practices reinforce unequal power dynamics between men and women, with young women particularly disadvantaged. HIV is not only driven by gender inequality, but it also entrenches gender inequality, leaving women more vulnerable to its impact.

A call for new approaches to reducing HIV rates among women is highly encouraged at this stage. Firstly, more efforts should be geared towards a universal access to sexual and reproductive health for women and girls. Secondly, increased public awareness campaigns for gender equality that stigmatize violence and discrimination against women and girls and the use of female-controlled prevention methods should be encouraged.

However, CFHI through her HIV/AIDS based programs and its social media platforms has continually advocated and still continues to advocate for the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHRs) of women and girls whilst providing and catering to the special needs of women and girls with HIV/AIDS and Orphans and Vulnerable Children in the society.

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) to address issues around gender-based violence and gender bias. Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more interesting episodes.

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Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S RIGHT TO FULL AND EFFECTIVE POLITICAL PARTICIPATION

According to provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa, and the National Gender Policy, women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and societies. Countries like Rwanda, Cuba, Bolivia, and United Arab Emirates with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil societies and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

Historically, Women around the world at every socio-political level find themselves under-represented in parliament and far removed from decision-making levels. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators according to United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics. For example, intending female candidates for political offices are often disadvantaged, and even disqualified, by rules and cultural norms surrounding marriage and indigeneship. In some cases, parties actively exclude women from standing for office and most often than not, female political candidates are often subject to hate speech, threats or violence. Nevertheless, Women are known to be resilient family and society builders and are naturally imbued with salient and sterling leadership qualities. Over time in history, a few women who have been entrusted with leadership roles have more often than not proved that when given adequate backing, women can perform creditably – a case study of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and Margaret Ekpo in managing human and material resources.

In conclusion, women’s full and effective political participation births gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable development. The active participation of women, on equal terms with men, at all levels of decision-making and political involvement provides a balance that more accurately reflects the composition of society and may as such enhance the legitimacy of political processes by making them more democratic and responsive to the concerns and perspectives of all segments of society. Research shows that as more women are elected to office, there is a corollary increase in policy making that emphasizes quality of life and reflects the priorities of families, women, ethnic and racial minorities.

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

THE TERM GENDER EQUALITY (WHAT EXACTLY IS GENDER EQUALITY?)

According to United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), Gender equality is the equal valuing by society of the similarities and the differences of men and women, and the roles they play. It is based on women and men being full partners in the home, community, and society. Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same, but the rights, responsibilities, and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.

According to gender gap Africa, men earn an average of $140 more than women per month in Nigeria, which is the 17th largest gap in Africa. Presently, Nigeria has one of the lowest rates of female representation in parliament across Africa, and globally, it ranks 181st out of 193 countries. Out of 109 senators in Nigeria Senate and 360 House of Representatives members, there are only seven female senators and 20 female House of Representatives members in the National Assembly.

Gender equality implies that the interests, needs and priorities of women, men, girls and boys are taken into consideration, recognizing the diversity of different groups and that all human beings are free to develop their personal abilities and make choices without the limitations set by stereotypes and prejudices about gender roles. The landmark declaration adopted by the General Assembly on 10 December 1948 reaffirms that “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms… without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, language, religion, birth…”

In practice, gender equality would mean educating more girls which would set them up for better job opportunities and income in the future; having more women participate in politics and given equal opportunity in decision making; having more women in the workplace and in leadership positions; and having more women make better choices concerning their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Gender equality is a matter of human rights and it is considered as an indicator and a precondition for sustainable people-centred development. To achieve peaceful, healthier, and safe societies, with full human potential and sustainable development, gender equality is essential. More so, it has been shown that empowering women spurs productivity and economic growth which is beneficial to everyone.

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

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Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

CHILD MARRIAGE – THE MAJOR CAUSE OF THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC VULNERABILITY OF WOMEN AND GIRLS

Child marriage is a widespread violation of human rights. It is an impediment to social and economic development, and it is rooted in gender inequality. The low value placed on girls and women brings about the act and acceptability of child marriage in societies where the practice is common. According to UNICEF, Child marriage refers to any formal marriage or informal union between a child under the age of 18 and an adult or another child. Child marriage is principally practiced in the rural and poor communities where young girls are regarded as economic burden and quickly married off to assuage household expenses.

Child marriage has been a common practice among many ethnic groups in the world including Nigeria. However, it has contributed to series of negative consequences both for young girls and the society in which they live. It is a violation of human rights in general and of girl’s rights in particular. For both women and girls, child marriage has profound physical, intellectual, psychological and emotional impacts.

Aside the emotional and mental distress, intolerance, school drop-out, Fistula diseases, early widowhood, frustration and hatred for the man accompanied with child marriage, child marriage is inherently linked to low educational level, social isolation, severe health risks which results in increased gender inequality and vulnerability to poverty for girls, young women, families and the society at a large.

It is essential that efforts be aligned towards providing easy access for girls to entrepreneurial opportunities. In 2020, CFHI through Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN) funded projects empowered 453 women with non- interest loans to start or expand their businesses, thereby increasing their social economic capital while empowering them with financial literacy and accountability. CFHI did not only provide loans, but also provided 97 startup kits to adolescents who were trained in different skills including sewing, barbing, hair dressing, baking, furniture making, Computer, among others. Thirty-three (33) newly enrolled adolescents are still in training.

As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science tomorrow, the promotion of girl education should be a priority for NGOs and the Government. This is an ideal solution to the issue of girl-child marriage.

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

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Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ON CHILDREN

Domestic violence unlike other forms of violence is the most entrenched and pervasive form of violence in our society today. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention, homes where violence between partners occur, there is a 45% to 60% chance of co-occurring child abuse, a rate 15 times higher than the average. This is to show that even when children are not physically attacked, they witness 68% to 80% of domestic assaults.

The effects of domestic violence can be devastating and long lasting especially on children. Witnessing abuse and living in an environment where someone else, usually a care giver is a victim of abuse, can be psychologically devastating for a child. Such children often believe that they are to blame, live in a constant state of fear, and are 15 times more likely to be victims of child abuse.

Wikipedia states that Children in homes where one parent is abused may feel fearful and anxious. They may always be on guard, wondering when the next violent event will happen which can cause them to react in different ways, depending on their age and this may include but not limited to delays in cognitive and emotional development, extreme withdrawal or aggressiveness, anxiety disorders, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. These children are also at higher risk for health problems as adults, these can include mental health conditions, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, poor self-esteem, among others.

Children who are witnesses to domestic violence have a greater likelihood of repeating the cycle of violence as adults by entering abusive relationships or becoming abusers themselves. For example, a boy who sees his mother being abused is a lot more likely to abuse his female partner as an adult. A girl who grows up in a home where her father abuses her mother is according to research more than six times as likely to be sexually abused as to a girl who grows up in a non-abusive home.

How successful a child is at recovering from abuse or trauma depends on several factors. Children can be resilient or sensitive to issues of abuse. Having good support systems or good relationships with trusted adults and healthy friendships can aid in easy recovery. The sooner a child gets help, the better his or her chances for becoming a mentally and physically healthy adult.

Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) through its psychosocial support programs has reached thousands of children who are vulnerable and exposed to any form of violence. Also, Speak Wednesday is an initiative of CFHI to address issues of gender-based violence and gender bias.

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Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Based Violence, Health, Health Communication, Mental Health, Postpartum Depression, Speak Wednesday, Teenage Pregnancy, WHO, Women, Women Education, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

EFFECTS OF TEENAGE PREGNANCY

Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

Teenage pregnancy is pregnancy in a woman 19 years of age or younger. A woman can get pregnant if she has vaginal sex with a man at any age after she’s begun having regular monthly periods.

Teenage pregnancies are a global problem that occurs in high, middle, and low income countries. However, there is a higher prevalence in marginalized communities, commonly driven by poverty and lack of education and employment opportunities. According to World Health Organisation (W.H.O), approximately 16 million girls aged 15 to 19 years and 2.5 million girls under 16 years give birth each year in developing regions and the leading cause of mortality for this age group is complication during pregnancy and childbirth. Many girls face considerable pressure to marry early and become mothers at a tender age. Teenage pregnancy increases when girls are denied the right to make decisions about their sexual and reproductive health and well-being.

Studies show that teen mothers face significant levels of stress that can lead to increased mental health concerns. In addition to higher rates of postpartum depression, teenage mothers have higher rates of depression. Pregnant teens also have a higher chance of becoming anemic which is a reduction in the number of red blood cells (RBCs). This can make you feel weak and tired and can affect your baby’s development. They also have higher rates of suicidal ideation than their peers who aren’t mothers. Teen mothers are more likely to experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than other teenage women, as well and this is attributed to the fact that they are more likely to have gone through mental and/or physical abuse.

Many pregnant teens drop out of school, and some never complete their education which means that a large proportion of mothers who get pregnant as teenagers live in poverty and are not able to realize their full potential. Their children are not left out also, born to a teenage mother, they have greater risk for lower birth weight and infant mortality; less prepared to enter kindergarten; are more likely to be incarcerated at some time during adolescence; are more likely to drop out of high school; are more likely to be unemployed or underemployed as a young adult.

When teenagers engage in sexual relationships, they do not think about the consequences. That is why it is pertinent to invest much in the issue of reproductive health with more emphasis on adopting the right attitudes about responsible sexual behavior.

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.

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Health Communication, Speak Wednesday, WHO, Women, Women's Rights / cfhinitiative

FINANCIAL ABUSE OF WOMEN IN MARRAIGES

Did you ever think there is such a thing as “financial abuse”? When most people think of domestic abuse, the first thing that comes to mind is likely physical or verbal abuse, but research shows that financial abuse occurs just as frequently in unhealthy relationships as other forms of abuse.

According to Wikipedia, Financial abuse also known as economic abuse is a form of abuse when one intimate partner has control over the other partner’s access to economic resources, which diminishes the victim’s capacity to support themselves and forces them to depend on the perpetrators financially.

Financial abuse happens when an abuser uses control of finances to maintain power in a relationship. According to researchers, this form of abuse occurs in 99% of physically abusive relationships and women are mostly the victims. Victims of domestic violence often say that financial abuse is the main reason they stayed with an abusive partner. This is because the financial burden placed on them made survival on their own seem impossible. For instance, if an abuser is particularly violent and the victim needs to leave in order to stay safe, this is difficult without money or a credit card. Also, if the victims need to leave the relationship permanently, it is challenging to find safe and affordable housing. Provision of basic needs such as food, clothing, and transportation becomes really challenging. However, many forms of financial abuse are more subtle, like when an abuser hides financial information or withholds money for household needs.

Unlike other forms of abuse, financial abuse can be difficult to recognize because it varies from situation to situation since there is no one way to handle money in a relationship. However, there are concrete tactics an abusive partner may use to keep their partners trapped which includes among others: gives you “allowances” or “budgets” without your input; requiring you to account for everything you spend; pressures you to quit your job or sabotages your work responsibilities; feels entitled to your money or assets; spends your money without your knowledge and controls how all of the household finances are spent.

The effects of financial abuse are often devastating especially for women. They feel inadequate and unsure of themselves due to the emotional abuse that accompanies financial abuse. They also have to go without food and other necessities because they have no money. In the short-term, financial abuse leaves victims vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse and violence. Without access to money, credit cards, and other financial assets, it is extremely difficult to adequately plan.

Though it is not easy to break free from financial abuse, it is possible. Victims should evaluate their personal confidence level regarding finances, gain information about their assets and liabilities, gather important financial and personal documents such as copies of bank statements, birth and marriage certificates, and seek for financial independence through learning of new skills, savings, or getting a good job. Financial independence is essential in achieving healthy relationships.

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.

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Nation Building, Speak Wednesday, Women, Women in Leadership / cfhinitiative

WOMEN’S CIVIL AND POLITICAL RIGHTS

According to Wikipedia, Civil and political rights are a class of rights that protect individuals’ freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private individuals. They ensure one’s entitlement to participate in the civil and political life of society and the state without discrimination or repression which includes among others freedom from discrimination and the right to privacy, the right to peaceful assembly, free expression, the right to vote, and freedom of religion.

Historically, women have been excluded from political life and decision making processes. Women’s campaigns for participation in the public and political arena date back as far as the 19^th centuries and continues today. Despite representing half the global population, women comprise less than 20 percent of the world’s legislators. From discrimination and violence to a lack of support and resources, women face innumerable challenges to participation in the civic and political life of their countries.

Women in Nigeria face many challenges and discriminatory practices under some existing laws and customs. The Nigerian society is patriarchal in nature, this is due to the influence of the various religions and customs in many parts of Nigeria. Women are seen as the ‘weaker sex’ , hence, all forms of discriminatory practices by the state and society (especially by men) are condoned. Political life in Nigeria is based on male norms and values, and men determine the standards for political participation and the rules that govern the electoral process, greatly limiting women’s participation in politics.

Although Women’s political participation has improved, but much still needs to be done. On the 15th day of March 2016, for instance, members of the Nigerian Senate at its plenary session, voted against and consequently, dumped the “Gender Parity and Prohibition of Violence against Women Bill” that aimed to give women equal rights in marriage, education and employment. Under the law, a widow in Nigeria would have automatically become the custodian of her children and husband’s property upon her husband’s death. While a few lawmakers supported the bill, others believed that it violated the African spirit. In the African custom, women are considered the weaker gender, often repressed, seen as a baby making machine and as property. If there was better representation of women in the Senate, there is no doubt that the bill would have passed.

According to certain provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), and the protocol to the African Charter on the Rights of Women in Africa and the National Gender Policy, Women have the right to participate in political processes that affect them, their families, and their societies. Countries with increased women’s participation and leadership in civil society and political parties tend to be more inclusive, responsive and democratic. Truth is, when women significantly participate in peace processes, they meaningfully help to expand the scope of agreements and improve the prospects for lasting peace.

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.

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

WOMEN’S RIGHTS TO EDUCATION

Education is a basic human right and has been recognized as such since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. Every one has the human right to education, training and information. Despite widespread agreement that all people have the fundamental human right to education, the United Nations Statistics Division states that 100 million children, with 60% of them being girls, do not have access to primary education. 960 million adults in the world are illiterate, and more than two-thirds of them are women. Women and girls continue to face discrimination at all levels of education, a fact which poses grave hindrance to their advancement. Equality of access to all levels of education is crucial to empowering women and girls to participate in economic, social and political life of their societies. Education unlocks a woman¹s potential, and is accompanied by improvements in health, nutrition, and well-being of women and their families.

According to the United Nations office of the high commissioner on Women and the right to education, it says: “Article 10 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, states that the right to education is the entitlement to access free primary education, and to have equal opportunities to continue with further studies. Such education must be inclusive and accessible to girls and boys, women and men, in law and in practice. Education is not only a right in itself, but is also the surest way to empower individuals to enjoy all of their human rights”.

Women in Nigeria have had various challenges in order to obtain equal education in all forms of formal education. Although more women and girls go to school today, the access to formal education is still being constrained especially in rural communities. They face multiple barriers based on gender and its intersections with other factors, such as age, ethnicity, poverty, and disability. Other barriers to access quality education include among others: harmful gender stereotypes and wrongful gender stereotyping, child marriage, early and unintended pregnancy, paid and unpaid care work which continues to be disproportionately borne by women and girls, gender-based violence against women and girls, lack of inclusive and quality learning environments, inadequate and unsafe education infrastructure, including sanitation.

Research shows that there is an improved health and an overall increase in quality of life of educated women. Educated women are more likely to seek proper medical care both for themselves, especially maternal care and their children. Likewise, higher rates of female education correspond with lower HIV and STD rates. There is a less occurrence of child marriages and teenage pregnancies if the prospects are educated. Many experts agree that focusing on women’s education is one of the best investments a developing nation can make, because female education rates are directly correlated with national economic growth. Educated women are more likely to hold stable jobs, less likely to be in poverty, and more likely to contribute to the overall economy.

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

WOMEN’S RIGHTS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The right of women to be free from DOMESTIC VIOLENCE has drawn increasing concern and support since the 1970s. According to Wikipedia, “Domestic violence (also named domestic abuse or family violence) is violence or other abuse in a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. It takes a number of forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, religious, reproductive, and sexual abuse, which can range from subtle, coercive forms to marital rape and to physical abuse.

Studies have shown that globally, domestic violence accounts for nearly one quarter of all recorded crimes. The fact that domestic violence prevails across all classes of the Nigerian society is no longer disputable. Despite the boisterous efforts made by the world bodies such as the United Nations (e.g. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Convention on Civil and Political Rights) and Nigeria’s constitutions to eliminate discrimination and violence against women, and promote the idea of equality and justice, the Nigerian woman is often violated.

Domestic violence directed against women by intimate partners is an epidemic of global proportions that has devastating physical, emotional, financial and social effects on women, children, the family and the community. However, it is important to note that domestic violence can also be perpetrated against men.

In Nigeria, women’s rights are largely trampled upon because of many factors. There is the lack of trust in constituted authorities to look into cases of abuse. In fact, the “penal code of the northern Nigeria” do not recognize this as an act worth bringing before the law. It is rather seen as a compulsory disciplinary measure which to some uneducated traditionalists has proven to be very effective. Also, the requirements to prove rape cases in “section 179(5) of the evidence Act” form another hurdle.

To promote gender equality and ensure protection of fundamental human rights, perpetrators should be made to face the consequences of their actions. Also, stiffer penalties have to be put in place to discourage prospective abusers like rapists. Over the years, Centre for Family Health Initiative (CFHI) has brought awareness to women in local communities on their rights and created avenues to seek redress in cases of abuse. It has also exposed many women to information about the Violence Against Persons Prohibition(VAPP) Act of 2015, for better understanding of their human rights.

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