Photo by Mariana Montrazi on Pexels |
By Ruth Ajawu
“A girl should be seen and not heard”, my mother has always said.
Storytelling for Africa, Africans and people of African descent.
Photo by Mariana Montrazi on Pexels |
By Ruth Ajawu
“A girl should be seen and not heard”, my mother has always said.
By Ruth Ajawu
Nigeria has made progress in certain areas of health, such as reducing child mortality rates, increasing immunization coverage, and combating infectious diseases like polio. However, the country still faces many health challenges that impact the well-being of its citizens such as high maternal mortality rate, the increased risk of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and a shortage of healthcare workers.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash |
By Ruth Ajawu
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, regardless of their nationality, sex, race, religion, or any other status. These rights are based on principles of dignity, equality, and respect. They encompass civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights, ensuring that every individual can live a life of freedom, justice, and dignity.
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, to facilitate open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.
Our Film, Report It, which addresses gender-based violence and sexual abuse, was screened at the 2023 Abuja Literary and Arts Festival (ALITFEST). |
By Cynthia Umeh
Stories, from ancient myths, passed down through generations to modern-day social justice initiatives, have an unrivaled potential to inspire, educate, and organize people toward common goals. In light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), storytelling emerges as an important instrument for encouraging understanding, empathy, and action toward a more sustainable and equitable future.
Photo by Roman Nguyen on Unsplash
by Adetayo Adetokun
Let us clap for women, for their resilience, courage, and the indelible mark they have left on the pages of history. International Women's Day, celebrated every March 8, is a resounding applause for the achievements, struggles, and progress of women worldwide.
Premiere of FLOW in Abuja |
I did a thing!
For the last few weeks, I have been saying this regularly about every achievement I have because I tend to find the faults in my ‘stars’ rather than celebrate the luminance that they represent. I constantly have to remember to be my first cheerleader.
So…I did a thing. Or more appropriately, we (Shades of Us) did a thing! We developed our first film in two years. This one is called FLOW.
By Ruth Ajawu
Let us talk about something that affects millions of women and girls worldwide but often remains shrouded in silence and stigma: period poverty and shame. Period poverty is a deeply troubling issue that extends beyond the mere absence of sanitary products. It encompasses a broader spectrum of challenges, including the lack of knowledge and understanding about menstruation that perpetuates harmful stigmas and the promotion of periods as unclean and something to be ashamed of.
Photo by Cliff Booth on Pexels |
By Ruth Ajawu
My eyes fly open courtesy of the sharp pain shooting through my lower abdomen and instant panic grips my heart. Please let it not be what I think it is. It is way too soon: I am not ready.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
The success of an organization depends critically on the mental health of its workforce in the fast-paced, high-pressure work settings of today. Employers are realizing more and more how important it is to help employees with workplace mental health services and address mental health issues. Employers and employees alike must comprehend how these services contribute to a productive workplace and increase employee satisfaction.
Photo by Obibini Kobby on Pexels |
By Cynthia Umeh
Bills, deadlines, and nonstop work abound, so happiness might seem like a far-off fantasy, a fleeting sensation best left for travel brochures and Hollywood scripts. However, what if I told you that happiness is a genuine, attainable reality rather than just a mirage in the distance?
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, to facilitate open and honest conversations that lead to introspection, analysis and perspective change towards the greater goal of a redefined continent and people.
Our goal is to promote a just, equitable, and sustainable society for Africans and people of African descent.
Our objectives are:
- To use storytelling to promote equitable societies for African people.
- To spark conversations on human rights, roles, and responsibilities for more equal African societies.
- To promote African cultures and increase indigenous, national, regional, and continental pride in our heritage.
- To promote learning, development, and capacity building of young people to push for African development and growth.
- To create safe spaces for survivors of abuse geared at facilitating healing and shared communities for growth.
We have this position open and look forward to interested individuals applying.
Volunteer Title: Volunteer Administrative and Finance Officer
Reports to: Founder and Portfolio Director
Location: Abuja
Duration: One Year
Summary
This position will be responsible for using the organization's accounting templates, overseeing financial transactions, complying with financial and tax laws, and projecting the financial growth of the organization.
Image by Richard Badejo on Pexels |
By Marire Adebanjo
It is that time of the month again. My mum has already collected the donations from each person in our street. My mum and our next-door neighbor had gone to the market a day before to get food items, clothing, and other things to give back to the community. This usually made me happy.
By Ruth Ajawu
On February 3, 2024, Shades of Us attended the World Cancer Day Walk hosted by Project PINK BLUE. Since 2015, this organization has been at the forefront of World Cancer Day activities in Nigeria, and this year's edition carried the same message: cancer is a serious and often misunderstood illness that affects millions of people worldwide. By raising awareness and promoting early detection, we can help to improve the lives of those affected by the disease and increase the chances of successful treatment.
Photo by Emmanuel Ikwuegbu on Unsplash |
Imagine a world not too distant from our own, where the shadows of conflict cast a pall over communities. Amid this turbulence, educators and visionaries emerged as storytellers, crafting a narrative where classrooms became sanctuaries, not merely for the transmission of knowledge, but as spaces for understanding, healing, and unity.
By Nwachukwu Nkem
Since 2018, Strong Enough Girls' Empowerment Initiative (SEGEI) has been working with Stephanie Apel as a Co-Convener of the Purple Ball, an event that brings women together to celebrate themselves and their achievements and also provide mentorship for each other.
Photo by Peace Alberto Iteriteka on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey. With the largest youth population globally, the potential for transformative change is boundless. These young Africans are the torchbearers of their nations, poised to steer the continent toward a brighter, more prosperous future.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels |
Lesson 12: Cyberbullying Awareness and Mental Health Support
In an increasingly digital age, the twelfth lesson for young African youth is a call to raise awareness about cyberbullying and prioritize mental health support.
Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 11: Drug Avoidance and Violence Prevention
In an era where African communities grapple with the consequences of drug abuse and violence, the eleventh lesson for young African youth is a resolute call to avoid the pitfalls of substance abuse and to champion non-violence.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 10: Resilience and Adaptability
The tenth lesson for young African youth is a call to embrace resilience and adaptability as essential life skills. In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, the ability to bounce back from adversity and adjust to new circumstances is paramount.
Photo by Khyta on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 9: Leadership and Responsibility
Leadership is not about titles or positions; it is about influence, impact, and responsibility. The ninth lesson for young African youth is a call to embrace leadership with a strong sense of responsibility and ethical integrity.
Photo by Joslyn Pickens on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 8: Financial Literacy
Financial literacy is a skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money, and it is the eighth lesson for young African youth. In a rapidly changing economic landscape, this skill is essential for personal financial stability and well-being.
Photo by Laker on Pexels |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 7: Gender Equality
Gender equality is a fundamental human right, and the seventh lesson for young African youth is a call to champion this cause. Africa, like the rest of the world, has made significant strides in advancing gender equality, but there is still much work to be done.
Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels |
Lesson 6: Environmental Stewardship
Africa's breathtaking natural beauty, from its majestic mountains to its lush rainforests and pristine coastlines, is a source of wonder and pride. The sixth lesson for young African youth is a call to embrace environmental stewardship as a moral and practical imperative.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 5: Entrepreneurship and Innovation
The ability to innovate and create is a priceless asset. The fifth lesson for young African youth is a call to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as potent tools for personal and societal advancement.
Photo by Josh Couch on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 4: Critical Thinking Matters
Critical thinking is a mental toolkit that every young African should sharpen. It is the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information, and it is a skill that underpins informed decision-making, problem-solving, and innovation.
Photo by Baim Hanif on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 3: Education is Empowerment
Education is often described as the key to unlocking your potential, and for young Africans, this lesson is a fundamental truth. It is a call to embrace the transformative power of knowledge and to recognize that education is not merely a path to personal success but also a catalyst for societal progress.
Photo by Liz Martin on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Lesson 2: Preserve Indigenous Knowledge
A major lesson for young African youth is a call to preserve and cherish indigenous knowledge. Embedded within the customs, rituals, and wisdom of Africa's diverse communities is a wealth of insights and understanding that have sustained societies for centuries.
Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash |
By Adetayo Adetokun
Africa stands at a pivotal moment in its journey. With the largest youth population globally, the potential for transformative change is boundless. These young Africans are the torchbearers of their nations, poised to steer the continent toward a brighter, more prosperous future.