Mercy Aigbe and Fathia are entering the new month with a dance. Looking georgiously dressed and ready for owambe both women looked happy.
Sharing a video of them dancing,single mum of two, Mercy Aigbe, wrote:
“Mood cos it’s a new month…
May the Unlimited Grace of God continue to be with y’all… welcome to the month of greatness! Happy new month guys!!!!”
Check out the joyful video of the beautiful actresses dancing below:
It shall be a good month!
“I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look,” said 29year old Harnaan Kaur. She is a Motivational speaker, anti bullying activist and a model.
At age 12 she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) condition. One of the symptoms of PCOS is hirsutism, an ability to grow excessive facial and body hair.
Harnaan suffered intense bully in school, and her parents tried helping by taking her to the beauty parlour for beard shaving and waxing. “I did that every other day because my hair grew so fast – and shaved in between. They waxed it until my skin burned, going over the same patch again because some hairs were hard to get out. Then they would thread the raw skin, then pluck it.”
All this did nothing to stop the bullying. “They called me everything under the sun, threatened me with knives and stabbed me with pens,” she says. By 15 she was skipping school, contemplating suicide, and self-harming. “I wanted to punish my body for looking this way. I wanted to hurt it.” One day, she emptied a bottle of pills into her hand. “It was my turning point,” she says simply. “I thought, ‘Fuck this shit!’ If the bullies are allowed to live, why shouldn’t I?”
In 2016, she was included in the world’s records as the youngest female with a full beard.
Despite it all, Kaur has decided to love her body the way it is. And that was a turning point.
In an interview with Rock N Roll Bride, Kaur reflects on her decision to keep her beard: “I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look like. Today I am not suicidal and I do not self harm. Today I am happy living as a young beautiful bearded woman. I have realised that this body is mine, I own it, I do not have any other body to live in so I may as well love it unconditionally.”
Kaur uses her social media profiles to contribute to numerous body positive campaigns. She frequently posts content to promote awareness of body shaming, cyberbullying, and mental illness.
Tacha has definitely been up to a lot since she left the Big Brother Naija house. She has snagged various endorsement deals, established her own clothing line and now she is raising the bar by setting up her own reality show.
It’s a known fact that Tacha managed to captivate our attention during and after BBN and now she has given us the opportunity to get up close and personal with her daily life, by launching her own spinoff reality show which she has called, “Keeping up with Tacha (KUWT).”
According to her, the reality show will feature entertaining mini series and lots more. So our fingers are crossed.
Watch the teaser below:
A mother’s genetics determines how clever her children are, according to researchers, and the father makes no difference.
Women are more likely to transmit intelligence genes to their children because they are carried on the X chromosome and women have two of these, while men only have one.
But in addition to this, scientists now believe genes for advanced cognitive functions which are inherited from the father may be automatically deactivated.
A category of genes known as “conditioned genes” are thought to work only if they come from the mother in some cases and the father in other cases. Intelligence is believed to be among the conditioned genes that have to come from the mother.
Laboratory studies using genetically modified mice found that those with an extra dose of maternal genes developed bigger heads and brains, but had little bodies. Those with an extra dose of paternal genes had small brains and larger bodies.
Researchers identified cells that contained only maternal or paternal genes in six different parts of the mouse brains which controlled different cognitive functions, from eating habits to memory.
Cells with paternal genes accumulated in parts of the limbic system, which is involved in functions such as sex, food and aggression. But researchers did not find any paternal cells in the cerebral cortex, which is where the most advanced cognitive functions take place, such as reasoning, thought, language and planning.
Concerned that people might not be like mice, researchers in Glasgow took a more human approach to exploring intelligence. They found the theories extrapolated from mice studies bear out in reality when they interviewed 12,686 young people between the ages of 14 and 22 every year from 1994. Despite taking into account several factors, from the participants education to their race and socio-economic status, the team still found the best predictor of intelligence was the IQ of the mother.
However, research also makes it clear that genetics are not the only determinant of intelligence – only 40 to 60 per cent of intelligence is estimated to be hereditary, leaving a similar chunk dependent on the environment.
But mothers have also been found to play an extremely significant role in this non-genetic part of intelligence, with some studies suggesting a secure bond between mother and child is intimately tied to intelligence.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that a secure emotional bond between a mother and child is crucial for the growth of some parts of the brain. After analysing the way a group of mothers related to their children for seven years, the researchers found children who were supported emotionally and had their intellectual needs fulfilled had a 10 per cent larger hippocampus at 13 on average than children whose mothers were emotionally distant. The hippocampus is an area of the brain associated with memory, learning and stress response.
A strong bond with the mother is thought to give a child a sense of security which allows them to explore the world, and the confidence to solve problems. In addition, devoted, attentive mothers tend to help children solve problems, further helping them to reach their potential.
Of course, there’s no reason why fathers can’t play as big a nurture role as mothers. And researchers point out that a whole array of other gene determined traits – like intuiton and emotions – which can be inherited from the father are also key to unlocking potential intelligence, so fathers – don’t despair.
Source: Independent UK
Six female Georgia lawmakers have taken historic action by filing a bill that requires all state and local law enforcement departments to create a ‘use of force’ database that is accessible by the public. The Use of Force Act (House Bill 636) was filed by State Representatives Renitta Shannon, Sandra Scott, Erica Thomas, Pam Stephenson, Park Cannon, and Bee Nguyen.
The Bill comes on the heels of a considerably large number of high profiled officer-involved shooting cases in Georgia. The names of the victims include Jimmy Atchison, Veltavious Griggs, JaMarion Robinson, Caine Rogers, DeAundre Phillips, Nicholas Thomas, Anthony Hill, Alexia Christian, Kevin Davis, and many others. The cases of Atchison and Griggs were both heavily featured on BET’s Copwatch America docuseries.
After the show premiered, former Atlanta police officer Sung Kim was forced to resign for the shooting of Jimmy Atchison. Witnesses say the father of two say was surrendering with his hands up when he was shot in the face. The FBI Task Force attempted to arrest Atchison for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery. The APD police report stated at the time of the Atchison’s murder that “a follow-up interview is needed with Brogan to check the discrepancies in the two stories.” A witness to the alleged armed robbery told police that Atchison didn’t rob anyone.
The proposed Georgia law would require law enforcement to take significant action in officer-involved incidents such as:
* Report every use of force incident in writing,
* Ensure that the incidents are entered and maintained in a database that can be accessed by the public,
* and detail any and all law enforcement officers that have been disciplined as a result of the use of force.
If the legislation passes, law enforcement agencies will be required to update the database with the information from the previous month.
Click here to read more.
Culled from BLACKNEWS
Its the much acclaimed season of love again – Valentine!. No matter what your plans are going to be, getting your partner a gift is the really good way to spark your relationship up.
Hey ladies and mums especially, your man would love it, don’t wait, do this and he will know how you feel about him.
You lack ideas, well here are some really cool gifts to consider;
1. Wristwatch
No man is the same, but this is something 80% of them would love. They always need this, you only need to know his preferred collection, leather or not, and you’re good.
2. Wireless Earpods
This is quite out of the box, he will love your thoughtfulness. Men love it when a woman is updated. This is handy.
3. Shaving Set
This shows how caring you are to think this far. After all the kids get most of their needs like this met. And him, why not.
4. Sport or gym wear
This would always stick because even without your presence he will feel you close and when sweaty, the clothes will stick to his skin bringing your thoughts too.
5. Perfume
This brings gratitude, every man will appreciate any woman who wants them feeling great. Good perfume creates that aura. And they also have your memory with them wherever they go.
6. Socks
Yes, best bet he will love it. This is something simple and thoughtful.
7. Cufflinks
This is so relevant for his clothes like earrings are to us. He can never have too much of it.
7.Ties
This is a good idea for the cooperate husband. If he is into ties then he would be glad.
8. Video games
Not every man plays games though. But the passion and commitment most guys show to sports, video games will make them love you even more.
9. Shirts
This might be an obvious gift choice but all you have to do is buy the type he likes, and you’ll put a smile on his face.
10.Belts
Does he sag ? I guess not either he can’t have too many belts. Add to his collection.
11.Wallet
He uses this so much, so this is a great one. Not so many men change this often.
12.Books
If your man is a reader, then you’re doing the right thing for his thought pattern. Get one from the writer or genre he loves.
Have a deserving Valentine with the love of your life Queens!
Jihan Abass is a 26-year old Kenyan Somali woman in a country that values neither women, Somalis nor youths. Her achievement, founding Kenya’s first digital car insurance company, is therefore that much more formidable. She excelled in an environment where women, Somalis and youths are actively stifled and their voices muffled.
Abass is the founder and CEO of Griffin Insurance. The company released its flagship mobile application on Friday. The app allows customers to buy their insurance policy in less than two minutes. Additionally, Griffin Insurance lets customers pay in instalments and pause coverage if they travel abroad and will process claims in a week rather than the industry standard of 30 days.
When people walk into their offices, they look for the boss, looking right past her. “They would be surprised to see that it was actually me,” Abass told Reuters.
In addition to Griffin Insurance, Abass and her team have another company called Lami that sells the same technology that Griffin Insurance uses so that other businesses can use it to create their own digital insurance products.
Click here to read more
One of the biggest challenges of the Girl child in Northern Nigeria, is the way they are mostly objectified or given away in marriage at an early age , thereby making it difficult for most of them to get basic education or even have access to infrastructure that prepares them for the Future.
Jennifer Agunloye is giving these girls hope through her G.I.S.T foundation ( Girls should Thrive), a Kano based registered NGO focused on raising female leaders from disadvantaged communities through entrepreneurship, education and technology. The award winning writer and internationally trained civic leader certified by the university of Nebraska, Lincoln is passionate about community development through women empowerment.
She is a Certified leadership coach, who is inspiring youths and raising female leaders from disadvantaged communities across Africa through the Tagit academy.
She’s also the founder of Herfreekan Ventures, a social enterprise set up to empower women financially and Co-founder of Agric-farms enterprise focused on reducing hunger and poverty through agriculture.
She is impacting the lives of the girl child and women through her other initiatives like “March against hunger project”, “Safe Space Program” and Support Her Effort (SHE) , which focuses on supporting women with small businesses hawking in the street in different slums. So far Jennifer has empowered over 50 girls and reached over 3000 families in Kano state.
She shares her inspiring story with Esther Ijewere in this motivating and eye opening interview, highlighting some of the major problems of the girl child in Northern Nigeria and how she’s amplifying their voice to give them hope.
Childhood Influence
My childhood did Infact prepare me for this even though I didn’t realize it then. I was overweight as a child and that made me grow up with a lot of self esteem issues. Though I was lucky to have encountered the right set of people who saw my potential and nurtured it, I noticed that a lot of girls were growing up with terrible self images for different reasons are were settling for less in life and this was putting them at a disadvantage. This was one of inspiration for going all out with our organization. I also went to school with a lot of girls with amazing potentials but have just refused to dream because of the environment they were growing up. There, women were just considered just good enough to be wives and mothers so any woman with a dream was considered abnormal.
Inspiration behind GIST
I started GiST as an online blog focused on inspiring girls to dream and believe in themselves. But after my university education I returned to the community where I had my secondary school education and I realized that most of the girls were now young mothers of 2 – 3 children with no source of lively hood. The level of poverty and abuse in that community was increasingly in an alarming way and worse the younger girls were headed in the same direction. I knew that if something was not done, the numbers would just continue to sky rocket. So it dawned on me that the people who needed what I was sharing on my online platform were not on the internet. They were on the street and in those villages and undeserved communities. This was what inspired the Girls Should Thrive Initiative to become what it is today.
Combating the demoralization of the Girl child in Kano
Our work is focused on getting the girl child to see herself for who she really is – A beautiful brilliant human that can achieve anything she sets her heart to. We focus on challenging her mindset. Getting her to see herself differently, to believe in herself and make an effort to change her life and not give up no matter what life throws. Simply put, we believe that when these girls allow their potentials to gain expression everyone will have no choice but to reckon with them. This is how we confront the demoralization; getting the girls to see that they deserve better and are capable of more.
Impact of our activities in Northern Nigeria
Through our March against hunger project we’ve been able to enlighten over 3000 families on the importance of Educating their female children.
One of our major success stories is Maman Amira, the mother of a crippled girl who we met living in the street during our March against hunger project. We fixed the roof of her house and empowered her to start up a business. Now Maman Amira has a poultry business which is empowering 6 women through a community-based cooperative and Amira is now in school preparing to sit for her final exams.
Also, through our safe space program we’ve provided in depth leadership and entrepreneurship training to over 1000 girls have so far empowered over 50 girls like Kudirat who has now registered her business and reached over 3000 families.
Challenges of being an Advocate
One of the major challenges I’ve faced is the challenge of keeping the girls coming for our trainings. The girls usually have to be provided with incentives to keep them coming for a while before they realize the value of what they are being given. Since Our organization has operated largely based on donors for individuals and private organizations it has been very difficult to provide those incentives and hence we loose some of our participants along the way and usually have to go back and start afresh with them when next we come for the next batch of training, hoping earnestly that they would follow through till the end.
Our Empowerment programmes
The Support Her Effort (SHE) project was inspired by one of our March against hunger beneficiaries who had given up on her business after facing some challenges but decided to pick it back up after we spoke to them about the importance of entrepreneurship. An elderly woman with the responsibility of training her grand children because their father (her oldest son) is epileptic. She collected some goods on credit and started all over. After I spoke to her I just realized there are many like this woman who are making intense efforts to keep there businesses alive so they can make ends meet. We decided to start supporting such women to encourage them and boost their businesses. The project selects one woman a month and at the end of the year we select the most outstanding one among who has done amazingly well with the investment and give her an even bigger investment. Our goal is to increase the frequency to one woman weekly and take the project to the next level of training this women on how to grow their businesses and select at least 10 women annually to qualify for more funding.
The plight of the Girl Child in Northern Nigeria
Well we’re not where we want to be but we’re definitely not where we used to be. Things have improved significantly to a large extent. I don’t believe girls are being treated as they deserve. A great number of people still see girls as nothing but sex object. They measure her worth by how “sexy” she is or how well she can cook. That’s a huge disrespect to a person created by God Himself with amazing potentials. So honestly we do have a long way to go but like I always say, while we are demanding that society stops obejectifying the female specie, we should all empower these girls to be confident enough to demand for their respect which is what we do at Gist.
If I had the opportunity to share my thoughts about the Girl child with the Kano State Governmen
I’d say you are missing a lot when you don’t empower your girls. There is so much potential buried in those girls that can solve most of the challenges facing the society today but if their potential is not developed, they cannot even try. I must commend the government though. They are beginning to make efforts in that regard and its encouraging but they can do much much more because there isn’t much time. We have to save the next generation from being partakers of the effect of marginalization of girls.
Being a Woman of Rubies
I think what makes me a woman of rubies is my passion. My deep seated passion to see women rise. To see women break barriers, over come limitations and be all they can be. I see it as an honor to be gifted with such drive to contribute to women’s development in my own way and it’s such a blessing to be able to do it in Northern Nigeria. Reading about the qualities that women of rubies should have, I felt so honored to see that I have come to embody some of these qualities over the years through my experiences and God’s grace. It’s such a privilege thinking about it. I don’t take it lightly in any way.
Dear Marginalized Woman
My final word of Marginalized women is this: it won’t always be like this. A time is coming when you will be everything you dream you’d be. A time is coming when you will get an education with ease, you will have a voice in things that concern you and your children. You will give expression to all the gifts that God has blessed you with without being afraid or ashamed. The time is coming when you won’t be careful to raise your head high and be confident in yourself and in your dreams. That time is close. So, don’t give up yet.
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