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| The GRAMMY Award Image by the Recording Academy |
Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
The 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards happened on February 2, 2025, and as usual, it was a night of glitz, glamor, and a celebration of some of the most talented music creators in the world.
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| Photo by Ahmed akacha on Pexels |
By Glory Ogunbodede
Displacement is a pressing global issue, affecting millions of people worldwide.
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| Panelists at the Inaugural Girls Education Summit. Image by Shades of Us |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 21, 2024, we had the honor of attending the Girls Education Summit 2024 (GES'24), hosted by the Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), in partnership with NGYouthSDGs, and in collaboration with The Stand With A Girl Initiative (SWAG), Tabitha Empowerment Centre (TEC), and Shades of Us. The theme of the summit was ‘Championing the Rights of Young Women and Girls to Quality Education in Policy and Practice’, a timely discussion given the significant barriers girls face in accessing education across Nigeria.
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| Image by PAGED Initiative at the Amplifying Voices Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Event |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 27, 2024, the Participatory Communication for Gender Development (PAGED) Initiative in partnership with Dorothy Njemanze Foundation (DNF) hosted a transformative discourse event at Cavic Hub, Abuja, themed ‘Speaking Out Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and Its Impact on Girls’ Education’. This gathering brought together advocates, survivors, and key stakeholders to discuss actionable solutions for combating SGBV and empowering girls to access education without fear.
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| Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels |
by Atinuke Adeosun
Africa’s digital revolution connects millions to new opportunities, fostering communication, learning, and innovation. However, this transformation also has a dark side. Digital platforms have become fertile ground for cyberbullying and online harassment, disproportionately targeting women and minorities.
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| Shades of Us at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja. |
By Cynthia Umeh
Shades of Us was at the Global Girl Leadership Project (GGP) Conference at Waru, Abuja. This event, organized by Strong Enough Girl Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) in partnership with the Global Girl Project, aimed to address the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and its ripple effects on young girls and their communities.
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| Panel Session on 'Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions'. Image Credit: Shehu Musa Yar'adua Foundation |
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 28, 2024, the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, with support from Ford Foundation, and in partnership with Education as a Vaccine, Gender Mobile, and TechHer Nigeria, hosted a public policy forum titled, ‘Driving Ownership of Anti-SGBV Safeguarding Practices Across Nigerian Tertiary Institutions’. This event aimed to address the pervasive issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigerian tertiary institutions and to discuss actionable strategies for creating safer campuses.
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| Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels |
By Pius Onyebujor
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a global problem crossing cultural, economic, and geographic boundaries, affecting individuals, families, and communities. Unfortunately, Africa faces some of the highest rates of GBV globally due to factors such as poverty, conflict, and deeply rooted patriarchal systems.
By Cynthia Umeh
On November 23, we had a nice experience at the Movies & BBQ festival: An Evening of Fun, Games, Barbecue, and Movies! The festival was organized by Motion Pictures International Film Festival in collaboration with ATW STUDIOS. The event was packaged by Kris Mokwunye.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) remains a pervasive issue in Nigeria, with survivors often facing multiple barriers when seeking support and rehabilitation. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, psychological, cultural, and healthcare interventions.
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| Photo by David Crypto on Pexels |
By Precious Olayinka
Gender inequality is not just a women's problem. It is a human problem. For society to prosper, everyone must play a role in dismantling the structures that continue to perpetuate gender inequality. Men tend to hold higher positions in many societies, especially in countries like Nigeria, where patriarchy is widespread. This is quite appalling, but it also gives them a unique opportunity to be an ally in the fight against inequality. Here are some ways men can play their part in creating a more just world.
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| Photo by ShotPot on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Domestic violence leaves deep and enduring scars—physical, emotional, and psychological. For survivors, the journey to recovery can feel daunting, but healing is possible. It begins with recognizing the pain, seeking help, and cultivating a supportive environment to rediscover one’s sense of self.
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| Photo by Abel Kayode on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Beauty and self-care products are an integral part of daily life for millions of women, offering confidence, self-expression, and a sense of well-being. However, behind the attractive packaging and soothing fragrances, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks. Ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, commonly found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and even feminine hygiene products, have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and long-term health issues, including reproductive problems and cancer. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that 75% of personal care products contain at least one ingredient associated with adverse health effects, yet many consumers remain unaware of these dangers.
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| Photo by Blue Ox Studio on Pexels |
By Pius Onyebujor
Twelve-year-old Ella watched her mother standing in the middle of the street shouting at the top of her voice at Uncle Sunny. The ground was littered with a million broken pieces of what was once a couple of bottles yet, her mother's feet didn't bleed.
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| Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
Workplace harassment and violence against women remain one pressing issue worldwide, cutting across industries, professions, and cultural divides. Despite advancements in gender equality, reports continue to highlight the pervasive nature of these abuses, which hinder women’s ability to thrive professionally and emotionally. In 2024, efforts to combat these issues have gained momentum, yet significant gaps persist, requiring urgent attention and sustained action.
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| Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels |
Addressing Healthcare Inequalities in Low-Income Communities
By Adetatyo Adetokun
World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14 each year, serves as a global reminder of the growing diabetes epidemic and the urgent need for equitable healthcare. This year’s theme, ‘Breaking Barriers, Bridging Gaps’, highlights the disparities in diabetes care and emphasizes making healthcare more accessible to all, particularly in underserved and low-income communities.
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| Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
As we move closer to 2030, the deadline for achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Gender Equality (SDG 5) remains frustratingly slow. Despite some advancements, significant barriers persist that prevent women and girls from reaching their full potential. Understanding these challenges, and what actions are needed, highlights the urgency for a global shift toward equality.
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| Photo by ERIC MUFASA on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
I remember when I was around 10 years old, sitting at the back of my classroom, listening to my classmates talk about their dreams. Some wanted to be doctors, others astronauts or engineers. I listened quietly, unsure if I could even picture myself in those roles. But as I thought about it, there was a quiet voice inside me that asked, “Can someone like me really make a difference? Can my voice really change the world?” It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in myself; I just hadn’t seen enough of people like me doing the things I saw on TV or in books. I felt like I wasn’t part of the conversation. But over time, I realized something that changed everything: I didn’t need permission to make a difference. I was already part of that change, just by being who I was.
by Yecenu Sasetu
The Reality
The lives of Nigerians changed significantly on May 29, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu said the infamous words “subsidy, gone" while he was being sworn in as President of Nigeria. Before now, many governments had tried to remove fuel subsidies but were always met with protests from opposition parties, activists, and citizens.
Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (‘Shades of Us’) is a non-profit organization using storytelling to address the socio-economic issues affecting Africa, Africans and people of African descent, with a view to facilitating open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.
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| Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, at the 2024 Future of Health Conference |
by Ramatu Ada Ochekliye
Every year, I look forward to the Future of Health Conference hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch. I have come to associate the Nigeria Health Watch with excellence as they communicate ideals that promote the health and well-being of Nigerians and dare I say, Africans as a whole.
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| Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy, Technical and Growth at SFH |
By Precious Olayinka
At the 2024 Future of Health Conference which was held on October 24, 2024, the Society for Family Health (SFH) hosted a panel session on climate resilience and adolescent sexual and reproductive health in Nigeria. Experts in climate change and reproductive health came together to discuss innovative approaches, address barriers, and explore collaborative opportunities to ensure climate action. These experts include Jane Ogugua, Deputy Project Director for A360 Nigeria Project; Dr. Jennifer Anyanti, Deputy Managing Director, Strategy, Technical and Growth at SFH; Ramatu Iyimoga, Meaningful Adolescent and Youth Engagement Lead for Adolescent 360); Aisha Farida Aminu, Co-founder of Thinkgreen and Abubakar Shuaibu, Founder and CEO of Green Energy Mission Africa.
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| The Fireside Chat at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference |
Nigeria Health Watch hosted a fireside chat at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference which focused on developing holistic climate-resilient solutions. The Fireside Chat was an intimate and engaging session designed to facilitate a deep and meaningful conversation on the critical intersections of climate change and health in Nigeria. It featured panelists who shared their thoughts on the need for infrastructure resilience, human resource preparedness, and the integration of climate and health policies. The discussion also highlighted the importance of youth engagement, mental health considerations, and the role of organic farming and urban gardening in climate adaptation. At the end of the session, the panelists provided actionable steps for young people to get involved, such as becoming climate evangelists, leveraging digital solutions, and seeking funding opportunities.
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| Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference |
By Marire Adebanjo
In recent years, Nigeria’s weather patterns have shifted dramatically. Harmattan, once known for its dry, cool air, barely arrives or feels weaker, while the country endures unrelenting heat year-round. These changes are not just natural occurrences: they reflect the impact of human behavior on the environment. Actions like deforestation, carbon emissions from vehicles and industries, and waste mismanagement have disrupted the climate, contributing to hotter temperatures and unpredictable weather. These changes have implications for health, including the emergence or resurgence of infectious disease pathogens and the diseases they carry.
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| Cross-section of participants at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference Hosted by the Nigeria Health Watch |
By Aborah Love
As climate change continues to impact our world, the need for resilient communities has never been more pressing. One critical aspect of this resilience is the intersection of climate change and public health, particularly concerning the spread of infectious diseases. Engaging youth in proactive measures to build climate-resilient communities offers a unique opportunity to harness their energy, creativity, and passion for change.
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| Panel Session at the Film Lab Showcase Hosted by the British Council. Image Credit: The British Council on Instagram. |
Celebrating African Stories and Filmmaking Brilliance
By Cynthia Umeh
On September 28, 2024, Shades of Us Storytelling Initiative for African People (Shades of Us) attended the British Council Film Lab Showcase event in Abuja – a truly one-of-a-kind experience. The event brought together a mix of filmmakers, industry professionals, and film enthusiasts, all eager to celebrate the cinematic brilliance of the microfilms from the Film Lab Africa program. The atmosphere was charged with inspiration as we delved into a vibrant evening of microfilm screenings, panel discussions, and networking. It was not just about the films; it was about connecting creative minds, exchanging ideas, and exploring what the future holds for the creative community in Africa.
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| Photo by Artsy Solomon on Pexels |
By Atinuke Adeosun
Young Women Are Becoming an Endangered Species
Ritual killings have been a longstanding issue in Nigeria, but in recent years, these gruesome practices have taken a terrifying turn. Young women, especially, are increasingly becoming targets, with reports of their abductions, murders, and use in ritualistic practices growing alarmingly. These heinous crimes are often driven by the desire for wealth, power, and success — notions that are now being amplified by various factors, including the influence of social media and the harsh economic realities young Nigerians face.
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Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Conference
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Highlights from the Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference 2024
By Cynthia Umeh
The 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference was a milestone event held under the theme, Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate-Health Action. With climate change increasingly affecting human health, young leaders across Africa are stepping up as key advocates for meaningful change. In Nigeria, where environmental challenges are intertwined with health concerns, the youth have a crucial role in driving initiatives that link climate action with health.
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| Addressing Climate Impact on Nutrition and Food Security Panel Session at the 2024 Future of Health Conference in Abuja |
By Atinuke Adeosun
Climate change, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, is causing severe shifts in weather patterns, which in turn are impacting health and food security worldwide.
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| Photo by McBarth™ Obeya on Pexels |
By Yecenu Sasetu
I looked forward to the harmattan period as a child growing up in Jos, Plateau state. I wasn’t a fan of the dust but I loved the cold weather because then I got to wear cool jackets and pretend I was abroad. I especially loved December because of the holidays which meant eating, playing and watching Home Alone. It also meant huddling together as a family on the couch under heavy blankets to keep warm.
