Toxic Beauty

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.

Convenience

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. 

Workplace Harassment and Violence Against Women

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.

Bridging Gaps in Diabetes Care

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.

Tackling Gender Inequality in 2024

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.

You Are the Change

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.

The End Austerity Campaign

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.

Hiring: Volunteer Content Creator

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.

The 2024 Future of Health Conference

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.

Developing Climate Change Solutions

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. 

Developing Holistic Climate Resilient Solutions

The Fireside Chat at the 2024 Future of Health Youth Pre-Conference

By Glory Ogunbodede

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.

Our Future in the Changing Climate

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. 

Engaging Youth In Building Climate-Resilient Communities

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.

Creative Hustle and Film Club Abuja

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.

The Rise of Ritual Killings in Nigeria

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.

Amplifying Youth Voices for Climate Health Action

Conversation with a Policymaker at the 2024 Future of Health Conference

Youth Pre-Conference Hosted by Nigerian Health Watch

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.

Addressing Climate Impact on Nutrition and Food Security

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.

Building Climate-Resilient Health Systems For Global Health Security

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. 

Celebrating the Formal Launch of mothers2mothers Nigeria

Dr. Chinyerem Immanuel, mothers2mothers Nigeria Country Director, at the launch 

of the project in Nigeria. Image Credit:  jonecleverpatrick

By Cynthia Umeh

We were honored to attend the official country launch of mothers2mothers (m2m) Nigeria in Abuja.

Pandemic Preparedness in the Context of Climate Change

Pictures from the CEPI-Hosted Fireside Chat at the 2024 Future of Health Conference 
which in Abuja on October 24, 2024

By Adetayo Adetokun

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI)-hosted a fireside chat at The Future of Health Conference titled ‘Leveraging Multiplayer Collaborations for Pandemic Preparedness in the Context of Climate Change in West Africa’, brought together leaders in public health to address a critical and complex issue: how climate change is transforming the landscape of infectious diseases, creating a new urgency for cross-sector collaboration.

Summit for Girls at the Wassa IDP Camp

Shades of Us and Girls at the Internally Displaced People's Camp in Wassa

By Cynthia Umeh

On October 18, 2024, the Qatar Hall at Wassa Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp was alive with excitement as out-of-school girls, families, community leaders, partners, and supporters came together to celebrate the achievements and resilience of girls enrolled in the Stand with a Girl Education Project (SWAGEP). This event, held in honor of the International Day of the Girl Child, was more than just a graduation ceremony: it was a celebration of progress, an amplification of voices, and a call to inspire these young girls to imagine a brighter future.

That Pesky Thing Called Submission

Photo by Mikhail Nilov in Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

I stared at his eyes as he made several sexist statements. He has been spilling unreasonable comments since we started our conversation. I just couldn’t comprehend his thought process and why he was talking like this. I couldn’t believe what I just heard.

Better Education for All

Photo by Olanma Etigwe-uwa by Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

Education is the transmission of ideas and values essential for individual and societal survival and progress. This is a basic right that a child should access, regardless of their gender.

Stitching Wounds with Wisdom

Photo by Adedire Abiodun on Pexels

By Adetayo Adetokun

Today, we remember the people of Africa and beyond, whose lives have been marred by the relentless scourge of insurgency and terrorism. Our hearts turn to Nigeria, where the shadow of Boko Haram has loomed large, leaving destruction and grief in its wake. We mourn for the grieving families in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, who bury their children far too soon as terrorism tightens its grip across the Sahel. We remember Somalia, where decades of conflict under the terror of Al-Shabaab have left communities in a constant state of fear and displacement. We honor the people of Libya, whose dreams of stability have been shattered by ongoing civil war and insurgency, and Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, where the horrors inflicted by militants have devastated countless lives. We extend our thoughts to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where protracted violence has left countless dead and displaced, to Chad, where conflicts have deepened existing vulnerabilities, to Cameroon, where regional tensions have escalated into violence, and to Sudan, where conflict and political upheaval have overshadowed hopes for peace.

Peace by Piece: Building a Brighter World Together

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Cynthia Umeh

We exist in a world that is overwhelmed by chaos and challenges, and the concept of peace can easily get lost. Yet, what if peace was not just an abstract idea, but a tangible reality we can create?

Once Green

Photo by wadaa alaumry on Pexels

By Pius Onyebujor

Once upon a time, my village was green.

Kamala Harris: Institutionalizing Reproductive Justice

Kamala Harris, the United States Vice President
Image Credit: The White House

Reproductive health rights in America are deeply intertwined with issues of racial inequality, particularly affecting Black women. Nearly one in four women in the U.S. will experience a reproductive health need by age 45, underscoring the widespread need for comprehensive reproductive services. However, access to these services is not evenly distributed, and Black women face significant barriers. The Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned Roe v. Wade, has led to a patchwork of state regulations that often disproportionately impact Black communities. In states with severe reproductive health restrictions, Black women are particularly affected, facing greater challenges in accessing necessary care.

Upskill

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels

By Marire Adebanjo

“Not everyone with a degree uses that degree to get a job or earn a living. Some develop skills and make a living out of it or even create jobs for others by being entrepreneurs or small business owners. At times, what they do for work is entirely different from the course they studied during their tertiary education.” Mr. Makinde shared.

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Purple Ball 2024

Guests at the 2024 Purple Ball.
Image by Shades of Us

By Ruth Ajawu

Strong Enough Girls Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) collaborated with GLAMODI Women and Girls Development Initiative to host its ninth annual Purple Ball to celebrate women's empowerment, inclusion, and leadership commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day. Shades of Us, Stand With A Girl (SWAG) Initiative, Girls Education Access Initiative (GEAI), Gender Mobile, and Active Voices were proud partners of this event and attendees converged to champion the advancement and rights of women. 

African Mothers Deserve Better

Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

by Adetayo Adetokun

African women deserve better.

African women of reproductive age deserve better. 

African mothers deserve better.