Speak Wednesday

WOMEN AS AGENTS OF SOCIAL CHANGE

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According to Wikipedia, Social change involves alteration of the social order of a society. It may include changes in social institutions, social behaviors or social relations.

Family is considered the first agent of socialization and women are seen as the primary caretakers of the young ones in the family. Women play an important role in facilitating or hindering changes in family life which affects the society inadvertently. Women are naturally the doctors, educators and caretakers within the family, and they become the glue that holds the family together and connects it to the larger community to address common needs and concerns. As women take up essential roles within the family, the roles naturally expand to the community, nation, and world, because they are raising the next generation of people who will become contributors to not just the family but the society at large.

There is a growing consensus that women’s equal rights and opportunity is linked to peace, prosperity, human development and democracy. How a country taps the talents and capacity of its women greatly determines its economic, social and political progress. Women in most societies, whether developed or developing are regarded as currency with which political and economic alliances are established.

In Nigeria, women have made some remarkable impact in contributing to the development of the nation. Such as the late Mrs. Margaret Ekpo, Prof. Dora Akunyili, Mrs. Janet Mokelu, Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Hajia and Mrs. Maryam Babangida. There is also able Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who in her capacity as Finance Minister in Nigeria, instituted various reforms in Nigeria, thereby making the country one of the best economies in the world.

Truth is envisioning a world where girls and women are fully active agents of change means planning a change for the better.

 

Speak Wednesday is an initiative of Centre for Family Health Initiative (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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THE IMPORTANCE OF FINANCIAL LITERACY FOR WOMEN

Have you ever heard of the term “financial abuse” and that the National Network to End Domestic Violence noted that research shows this form of abuse occurs in 99% of physically abusive relationships where 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.

Financial abuse is one major consequence of financial illiteracy. Financial literacy is the ability to make informed judgements and effective decisions regarding the use and management of money. The pillars of financially literacy include: Budgeting, Saving, Investing, Understanding Credit /Managing Debt and paying bills.

Financial literacy for women is a critical aspect for them to reach their personal as well as professional objectives, without being dependent on anyone. It prepares them for crisis in the future as well as create a fallback for retirement. Being financially literate enables you to make smarter money management decisions that lead directly to a financially secure future, one that protects the assets built by you and your loved ones.

Financially-literate individuals do better at budgeting, saving money, controlling spending,  participating in financial markets, planning for retirement and ultimately, successfully accumulating wealth. Research shows that there is a link between women’s financial status and other important aspects of household well-being, as a matter of fact, low financial status correlates with poorer physical, mental and emotional health outcomes for all household members and lower educational attainment of children.

Financial literate women are seen as assets to those around them rather than a liability. There is a great deal of respect that comes from a financially stable woman being able to hold her own irrespective of what the people around her are able to provide for her. Such women become role models and occupy prestigious places of respect in society. Their voices and opinions are valued and appreciated.

Individuals can engage in financial literacy in multiple ways, as follows: by reading up on financial issues, by taking up online or in-person financial literacy course, by Listening to Podcasts and Radio Shows or by talking to a financial professional.

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Female Roles in Nation Building, Gender, Gender Equality, Speak Wednesday, Women's Rights /
THE IMPORTANCE OF WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Women empowerment refers to complete emancipation of women from socio-economic shackles of dependency and deprivations. Often made synonymous to gender equality, the term women empowerment encompasses a much larger set of principles that needs whole-hearted attention. Empowerment of women would mean encouraging women to be self-reliant, economically independent, have positive self-esteem, generate confidence to face any difficult situation and incite active participation in various socio-political development endeavours.

The growing conscience is to accept women as individuals capable of making rational and educated decisions about them as well as the society, increasing and improving the economic, political and legal strength of the women, to ensure equal right as men, achieve internationally agreed goals for development and sustainability, and improve the quality of life for their families and communities.

Women empowerment in its actuality is synonymous with complete development of the community. An educated woman, with knowledge about health, hygiene, cleanliness is capable of creating a better disease-free environment for her family. A self-employed woman is capable of contributing not only to her family’s finances, but also contributes towards the country’s economic development. A shared source of income is much more likely to uplift the quality of life than a single income household and more often than not helps the family come out of poverty trap.

Women aware of their legal rights are less likely to be victims of domestic violence or other forms of exploitations. Basic legal information about rights and knowledge on the different acts like the Matrimony act and Domestic Violence act, is vital for any woman to have, as this knowledge will empower them to be able to better handle such situations for themselves as well as those around them who might find themselves in such situation.

When women are living safe, fulfilled and productive lives, they can reach their full potential. Contributing their skills to the workforce and can raise happier and healthier children. A key part of this empowerment is through education, training, awareness raising, building self-confidence, expansion of choices, increased access to and control over resources, and actions to transform the structures and institutions that reinforce and perpetuate gender discrimination and inequality. These are important tools for empowering women and girls to claim their rights which leads to community/national development.

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

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.

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, WHO, Women, Women's Rights /
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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Girl Education, Speak Wednesday, Women Education /

THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF CORONA VIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) ON GIRL EDUCATION

The pandemic is having a tremendous effect on learning in communities where education is already not a priority, specifically girls’ education. By March 2020, United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) reported nearly 3 million students across the world had their education disrupted due to COVID-19 after just 13 countries ordered schools’ closure. By April 2020, 194 countries instituted countrywide schools’ closure, and this affected 91% of enrolled learners, which totals to 1.6 billion children worldwide.

Many girls especially the vulnerable ones in remote communities are the most affected, unfortunately. Even with the reopening of schools in some countries of the world, the state of girls’ education is a far cry from what it used to be before the pandemic. With families dealing with incomparable levels of stress associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk of intra-family conflict and gender-based violence increases, negatively impacting girls’ self-confidence, well-being, and ability to effectively navigate key life decisions.

It is girls’ education that produces great gains in areas of health, infant mortality and the economic well-being of families and the society at large. However, these girls are the first to be pulled out of school, put to work and care for younger siblings when families face economic hardship. Loss of household income has also led to child marriage to generate income for the family.

According to research, with the emergence of Covid-19, girls spend more time with men and boys compared to when they are in school, which can lead to involvement in risky sexual behavior and increased risk of sexual violence and exploitation. In due course, this can lead to an increase in teenage pregnancies which plays a huge factor in girls not returning to school.

Finally, girls sometimes become primary caregivers for sick members of the families and for younger siblings pulling them away from school and sometimes permanently in cases where girls become the household breadwinners.

With all these factors, COVID-19 could result in severe outcomes and disproportionate effects in girls’ education, but this can be forestalled if government and non-governmental agencies are able to include gender in school reopening plans and ensure girls still have the means to continue learning while at home. For countries who have lifted the lockdown on schools, it is important that plans are in place to follow up and reengage schoolgirls who do not return to school.

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 interesting episodes.

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

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 /

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.

Join us every Wednesday on all our social media platforms for more episodes.

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Effects of Teenage Pregnancy

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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 /

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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