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Women Affairs Ministry Launches Sanitary Pads Distribution Project In Abuja

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs, has launched a project to distribute about one million sanitary pads to women and teenage girls in the country in order to cushion the effect of COIVD-19.

Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, launched the project at Kado village, Abuja, in a ceremony organized by the ministry with support from Water Supply Sanitation and Collaborative Council (WSSCC) and other stakeholders to commemorate World Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day.

The Minister lamented lack of access to menstrual health and hygiene products, education and sanitation facilities by vulnerable women and teenage girls.

She disclosed that each beneficiary would receive at least four packs of sanitary towels.

According to her, the project tagged, “One Million Pads Distribution Project” targets adolescent girls in all states of the federation.

“This project is hinged on the fact that girls’ and women’s choices of menstrual hygiene materials are often limited by costs, availability and social norms. Therefore, providing access to menstrual hygiene products will go a long way to solve the problem to a great extent,” the Minister said.

She further commended development partners, especially WSSCC and others for providing technical and financial support to the Ministry for Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management (MHHM).

She also applauded the First Lady, Aisha Muhammadu Buhari for her benevolence in supporting Nigerian women and girls and thanked Procter and Gamble for providing 4000 sanitary towels to kick off the first phase of the project.

While acknowledging that COVID-19 pandemic has further worsened access to menstrual management materials, Elizabeth Jeiyol, WSSCC National Coordinator for Nigeria urged all stakeholders to team up to change the negative social norms surrounding menstruation so that women and girls can practice menstruation in dignity.

She said: “Poor knowledge and understanding of menstruation may lead to unsafe hygienic practices for women and girls noting that access to menstrual hygiene materials is – a basic human right. Together, we can empower all women and girls to realize their full potentials everywhere in the world. It is commendable to see the contribution of other development partners including Action Against Hunger (AAH), United Purpose, NEWSAN, Youth WASH and OPS-WASH and numerous other CSOs to make this day a huge success.

“There is no gainsaying the fact that effective menstrual hygiene has direct and indirect effects on the overall well-being of women and girls – in the context of education, empowerment and health.

However, women and girls face continuous mental, physical and health traumas during their periods – as a result of discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, supernatural beliefs, gender inequality, and limited access to basic services such as WASH facilities in private and public spaces which leads to ‘Period Poverty’ for women and girls across the world – especially in developing countries like Nigeria.”

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Asisat Oshoala Queries Africans’ Attitude To Women Football

Super Falcons Captain, Asisat Oshoala, is worried that despite the strides women football has made in recent times, Africans still do not accord the ladies the respect they deserve. The FC Barcelona Ladies top striker is particularly disturbed by the apathy those running the game in the continent display when it comes to women’s teams.

Speaking at the weekend, Oshoala faulted the outright cancellation of the 2020 African Women’s Cup of Nation’s by CAF, saying it was not the right direction “to take at this critical moment when women football is struggling to grow in the continent.” She said the decision further shows that women football is not regarded as an important aspect of life in Africa.

She argued that if it involved men or boys, the national federations would have risen against the cancellation.

“The news of the cancellation of the 2020 CAF Women’s Nations Cup was a shock to me because as a player, this is a tournament we all look forward to every two years. It would have been better if it was postponed and not totally cancelled. It is not fair on women footballers.

“If it were the men’s Nations Cup, the various football federations and the media would have been lamenting, making noise and mounting pressure on CAF to reverse the decision. But now that it is women football nobody is talking. Other women footballers in the continent are not delighted with the cancellation of the championship.”

She condemned the attitude of CAF and the other federations to women football, adding that poor funding has retarded the growth of women football in Africa.

“In 2016, Cameroun hosted the African Women Nations Cup and CAF was highly commended for a fantastic show. And now after four years, CAF was still contemplating in March if Nigeria or any other country would host the championship scheduled for November 2020.

“Notwithstanding the COVID-19 issue, this is not right. We are supposed to have gone beyond this level in Africa.

“At the FIFA level, the host of the next Women World Cup is already known. Women football in Africa needs help by the stakeholders showing more interest in the game,” she said.

Oshoala, however, expressed delight at the prospect of teams in the continent playing in the CAF Champions League, saying it would help in promoting the game across the continent.

“I thank CAF for this move, but I am not happy with the cancellation of the CAF Awards as it should be held visually by Zoom or any other online process. That would have saved CAF the cost of inviting people to a venue.

“I am not saying this for selfish reasons because I already have four awards. It is for the progress of the continent. This is the only award we look up to in Africa,” she added.

On the local scene, Oshoala said the Nigeria Football Federation should organise more quality friendly games for the Super Falcons to keep the team in shape.

“We, the players, have been discussing with the NFF to organise more games for us. Apart from the qualifiers, the team needs to meet often to make it easier for the players to blend well. This is why other teams in Europe are ahead of us. I believe after the sports lockdown, the NFF will look on it,” she said.

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NAWOJ Condemns Rising Cases Of Rape In Nigeria

The National Association of Women Journalists (NAWoJ), Plateau State chapter, has described as disturbing the increasing cases of rape and child molestation in the state.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s meeting at the Nigerian Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) Press Centre, NAWoJ called for concerted efforts to curtail the spiking and worrisome number of rape cases.

The communiqué signed by its chairperson, Madam Jennifer Yerima of the Plateau Radio Television Corporation (PRTVC), noted that women and young girls living where there are no toilet facilities are more vulnerable to being raped.

She also pointed out that minors are mostly raped by family members and neighbours, but their parents keep sealed lips for fear of stigmatisation.

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Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation To Support 40 couples with IVF In memory of Founder

Ibidunni Ighodalo Foundation (IIF) announces the commencement of its 40at40 initiative in accordance with its founders last wish before she transited on Sunday 14th June, 2019. Her desire was to celebrate her 40th birthday which would have come up on the 19th of July by granting 40 couples in dire need of reproductive interventions a once in a lifetime opportunity to become parents. The board of IIF is determined to ensure that her last wish is fulfilled.

Speaking during the launch of the initiative, Chairman of the Foundation, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo, said “We understand the emotional, psychological and financial strain that comes with pursuing fertility treatments and having gone through that pain herself, Ibidunni in her lifetime made it her life’s work to help desiring but struggling parents; we are committed to Ibidunni’s vision to give joy and keep hope alive.

Since her demise, IIF has enlarged and strengthened its board, governance structures have been put in place all in a bid to ensure capacity to deliver on her last wish and more. A transparent application and selection process has been put in place and we actively seek the support of everyone to keep this dream alive.

The Executive Secretary of the foundation Mrs Adedayo Richard also added that the annual activities the foundation was known for will continue, – The flagship IVF annual grants, the Mothers in waiting conference, the babies day out, hospital visits amongst many others. IIF, also known for their advocacy against stigmatization will continue their active sensitization programs.

As with most grants, the chairman noted that certain technicalities must be met by applicants to ensure that the grants are made available to those who need them the most. More Information on criteria is available on all the foundation’s platforms. Interested applicants and donors should visit the foundation’s website www.ibidunnifoundation.org

Those who wish to support the foundation financially and in other ways are  encouraged to do so.

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Black Single Mom Harassed And Threatened By Neighbors, Gets Support From Community

Jennifer McLeggan, a single mom and registered nurse, has been facing harassment and threats from her neighbors since she moved into her home in Valley Stream on Long Island in New York. She says she has done everything in her power to be a good neighbor and believes she has been targeted because she is Black.

McLeggan has taken video of a man throwing feces and dead squirrels into her yard, and she says that he threatened her, saying she can “be erased,” according to ABC 7. She has put up a detailed sign that covers her entire front door and details the harassment in case anything should happen to her.

“My neighbors have been racially harassing me since I purchased my home,” the sign reads. After detailing the things they’ve done, like wandering around in her yard with guns, spitting on her property, and threatening to “get rid” of her and her cameras, McLeggan writes, “The police have said I need to be harmed for them to make an arrest. I live in FEAR for my life at home.”

McLeggan has lived in the home for over two years. Since the beginning, her white neighbors have made it clear to her that she is not welcome in the neighborhood. She admits the property was in “bad shape” when she bought it, but she’s worked hard to clean it up and keep it clean.

But she kept noticing dog feces and ticket ordinances on her property. So, she installed a camera. “I caught my neighbor throwing dog feces in front of my property,” she said. “I took that video to court, and I won a judgment.”

But the harassment hasn’t stopped. So she made the sign in front of her house, and her other neighbors have gathered around her to make sure she isn’t driven out of the neighborhood.

“In case something happens to me here, then somebody would know I’m in the house with a baby,” she said. “If I die in here, at least cops would see the sign.”

Although some neighbors have rallied around her, the police haven’t been able to do much. To make sure McLeggan’s voice is heard and her mistreatment doesn’t go unnoticed, there’s now an Instagram account, @standwithjennifer, to document what’s going on and organize in order to keep her safe.

There  was a peaceful protest scheduled in Valley Stream for Thursday, July 16 in support of Jennifer McLeggan and others like her. Erica Coreas said she was also harassed when she first moved to the neighborhood, though not to the same extent.

Nassau County Executive Laura Curran said in a statement, “Nassau County will not tolerate any resident being harassed or intimidated because of who they are or what they look like. We take these allegations seriously, and Nassau County PD is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.”

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“We Are Not convinced Tolu Died In A Freak Accident, We Demand An Investigation”- Sister of Late Nigeria’s first combat Pilot speaks

Damilola Adegboye, the immediate elder sister of Tolulope Arotile, the first female combat helicopter pilot in the history of Nigerian Air Force who died on Tuesday, July 14, says the family isn’t convinced she died in a freak accident and is demanding a full-scale investigation into the cause of the accident.

The Nigeria Air Force had released a statement saying Tolulope, 25, died when she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate while trying to greet her. Tolulope allegedly sustained head injuries that led to her death.

Adegboye who spoke with Punch, wondered how the reverse of a vehicle could kill a person in such a manner.

“We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident. I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real.”

She said on the day of the incident, she and Arotile were sleeping in a room before she received a call.

“A call came into her phone which she picked but from the way they spoke, I knew the caller must be a senior officer calling her to come to Airforce base. She felt reluctant and I offered to drop her off.

One hour later, I read online that something serious had happened to her. I couldn’t believe that somebody I just dropped off is dead,” she explained.

Also speaking, the mother of Arotile went down memory lane about how she gave birth to her describing her as a special child adding that fasting and prayer was her hobby.

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#PrayersUp: Tamar Braxton In Critical Condition After Alleged Suicide Attempt 

Tamar Braxton was reportedly rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles after she was found unresponsive in her hotel room on Thursday, July 16.

According to The Blast, the 43-year-old reality star was staying with her Nigerian boyfriend David Adefeso at the Ritz Carlton in downtown LA when he found her ‘unresponsive’.

The publication said her boyfriend called 911 to report his girlfriend had been drinking before she took an unknown amount of prescription pills following a possible suicide attempt.

The site adds: ‘Ambulances then arrived at the hotel and took her to the hospital. Sources have claimed that David believes that it was possible suicide attempt.’

LAPD confirmed to The Blast that they received a call around 9:45 P.M. in regard to a 43-year-old female who had a medical emergency listed as a “possible overdose.” Officers are following the woman to the hospital for further investigation.

Tamar’s condition is unclear at the moment, but The Blast claims that Tamar has been extremely emotional due to an ongoing contract dispute with We TV.

A spokesperson for Tamar said: ‘Tamar has had a very tough and emotional day — more information will be coming in the next few days. Please pray for her.’

 

Her YouTube show with her boyfriend, Coupled & Quarantined ad had been scheduled to air on Thursday night. But a message read: ‘Hello Ya’ll Unfortunately, Your girl Tamar is under the weather today and not feeling well so we need to postpone today’s show (Don’t worry it’s not COVID).

 

‘We’re sad because we had a great show lined up for you today, but next week’s show is going to be even bigger and better.

 

‘So sorry for the inconvenience, we know many of you look forward to the show every week. we’ll make it up to you next week.’

 

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Beyonce Partners With NAACP To Provide $10K Grants To Black Owned Small Businesses

As the pandemic continues to impact black-owned businesses across the globe, some of the celebs we know and love are working to provide business owners the opportunity to keep their doors open, and Beyonce is one of them!

Through her global initiative, BeyGOOD, Beyonce has developed a program in partnership with the NAACP to provide black-owned small businesses with the capital they need to pull through the pandemic. The BeyGOOD Black-Owned Small Business Impact Fund will provide $10,000 grants to businesses in need.

“Over the last couple of months, the pandemic and outpours for justice throughout the Black community and across the country has been felt in every imaginable area of our lives, including how our local businesses continue to operate,” the NAACP said in a statement.

“The challenged of Black business owners navigating in the climate cannot be understated, as the effects of uprisings across the nation have led to many businesses being placed in dire straits due to damages and other small business needs.”

The grant applications is open to black-owned small business owners in the states of Houston, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. Applicants will need to provide and estimate of property damage or replacement as a result of the pandemic. According to the NAACP website, applications are due by July 18th, and recipients will be notified by the 31st.

“The NAACP is proud to partner with BeyGOOD to help strengthen small businesses and to ensure economic empowerment for Black businesses.”

The initiative is similar to that of the economic stimulus package, which includes an application for grants provided by the United States Small Business Administration. The SBA is also giving grants in the amount of $10K to business impacted by the pandemic.

Source: Shaderoom

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“Some Men Are Selfish”Singer Waje Reacts As Nigerian Men Say They’ll Never Allow Their Mothers Remarry If their Fathers Die

There’s been an argument on Twitter about widows remarrying, after a number of men said they will raise hell if their mothers try to remarry and Waje has reacted to the argument.

A number of men stated that their fathers are allowed to remarry but they will not allow their mothers remarry if their fathers die.

"Some men are selfish" Waje reacts as a number of Nigerian men say they

 

It led to a debate and one man disagreed. He stated that he’s in search of a companion for his mother (read here).

 

Responding to a particular tweet from a man who vehemently opposed his mother remarrying, singer Waje stated that some men are selfish. She said that a man is adviced to remarry if his wife dies. However, if a husband dies, the wife will not be allowed to find happiness. She added that adulthood has taught her to appreciate her mother better. She further stated that children should want their parents’ happiness

See below.

 

"Some men are selfish" Waje reacts as a number of Nigerian men say they

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