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From one of Ghana’s known notorious slums to the University of Glasgow to earn a PhD in Mathematics, Angela Tabiri is a good example that resilience and determination scale even the most daunting hurdles.

Being the last of six girls, Angela’s paradigm, while growing up was largely shaped by not just her social setting, but also the absence of gender roles enabled by cultural expectations of what men and women are predetermined to do and eventually become. This shaped her pattern of thought regarding what she wanted to become and in spite of her humble start in life, Tabiri walked a mighty dream.

Tabiri graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2019 with a PhD in Mathematics and gained massive media attention.

Source LegitNews

 

 

Many women obviously are not are not pursuing a career in the tech field. 

Nicole Martinez is an American web developer and graphic artist. In a candid moment with Black Enterprise shared her career as a tech woman.

“I’ve always enjoyed art and being able to bring my imagination to life. I have to say that this career found me,” she said.

“Growing up, like most people, I was following what everyone else was doing. Going to college for a degree that I am currently not using and trying to find a “good job with great benefits,” as my family would say.”

“For extra income, I started a wedding stationery business using the graphic design skills that I developed over time. Almost right away after starting my side hustle, I got laid off from my day job. But when it came time to find another job, I knew there was no turning back and I fully immersed myself into the business, making it my full-time job. My wedding stationery company led me to work with women in business and helping them brand and market their business by teaching them how to use tech such as pixels, analytics, web development, and more,” said Martinez.

She aims to inspire more women on this field, “I want them to know that they have a place in tech. Not only that, but they can make more than enough to support themselves.”

“The one statement I hear the most is, “I am happy I found you because I don’t know anyone who looks like me and does professional work I can hire.” My goal is to not only help educate but also to bring awareness that black women in tech are here, and not only are we here, but we are also able to handle the job in a professional manner,” said Martinez.

One of her near future plan will be to launch a seasonal podcast called “” to teach women how to start their business, handle their business, with God’s guidance.

“This podcast will be a 12-episode podcast with different guests each episode. I am extremely proud and excited for this podcast. 80% of the guests are black women in business who are experts in their field. Now women have a destination to find information; they need to grow their business,” she said

She encouraged women to never give up.

As pregnant women and nursing mom’s are not excluded from the risk of getting infected, proper measures should be put in place to help avoid this virus.

A certain Medical Doctor has shared tips some tips for new parents and pregnant moms.

Pregnant Women risk and the Virus

The physiologic and immune changes that women undergo during pregnancy lead to an increased risk of infections. For example, we know that pregnant women who get influenza are at an increased risk of getting viral pneumonia.

As of now there are no reports of the virus being able to cross the placenta to affect babies during pregnancy (vertical transmission), nor are there any cases of babies contracting the virus during labor and delivery. There have been reports of a possible association between COVID-19 and preterm labor in China, but there are no other known pregnancy complications at the present time,” she said.

There is a possibility that pregnant women who are “high-risk” due to problems such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes may be at higher risk of COVID-19 related complications, but there have not been enough documented cases in pregnant women to come to conclusions in regards to this.

It’s really important that pregnant women who think they might have COVID-19, or have been exposed, contact their obstetrician or midwife for guidance on how to proceed. In addition, any pregnant woman with cough, fever, and shortness of breath should be evaluated in person ASAP.

Breast feeding folks and the likely risk they face

There are no known cases of COVID-19 being passed from mother to baby via breastmilk. Breast milk samples from Chinese mothers with coronavirus that have been tested have not found the virus in milk.

Breastfeeding helps to bolster your baby’s immune system and is one of the best ways that you can help prevent your baby from getting coronavirus. So at this time it’s recommended to continue breastfeeding, even if you have been exposed.

 If Breast Feeding Mom Is Exposed  

  • Wash your hands before touching and feeding your baby.
  • Wear a mask while breastfeeding.
  • If pumping, make sure to wash your hands before pumping and thoroughly clean pump parts after each pumping session.
  • Consider having someone who is well feed your baby pumped milk.

To protect yourself during pregnancy:

  • Be diligent about practicing good hand hygiene. Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating and after being out in public.
  • Do not come in close proximity with people who have been diagnosed with coronavirus and/or exposed to coronavirus. Limit contact with others who are currently sick (i.e. with a fever and cough). Consider avoiding places and gatherings with large crowds.

To protect your newborn:

  • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer every time you touch your baby.
  • Limit visitors in the first few weeks after giving birth and make sure that people who have recently been sick and/or possibly exposed to COVID-19 do not visit.
  • Breastfeed, if possible, to help bolster your baby’s immunity. Even partial breast milk will make a big difference in helping your baby to fight off infection!
  • If you are pumping breast milk, make sure to clean and disinfect your pump and all parts before and after every use.
  • Call you baby’s doctor if you have any concerns about his or her symptoms, including a fever, quick breathing, cough, and/or refusing to eat.

Myths to avoid

One myth is that pregnant women should avoid hospital births due to a risk of contracting the virus at a hospital. It’s important for pregnant women to continue to get regular obstetric care with their doctor or midwife, and continue to plan for a hospital delivery, especially if one’s pregnancy is “high risk.”

Another myth is that babies cannot get the virus. While the chances of a newborn getting sick from the virus are low, there is a risk of community-acquired spread. Thus people who have recently been sick and/or might have coronavirus need to stay away from newborns.

The third myth is that coronavirus is “just like the flu” and nothing to be worried about. This is a brand new virus to which none of us have immunity, there is not a vaccine available, and the fatality rates in all countries are higher than the rates for the seasonal flu.

Thus far there have only been two newborn babies in China with documented coronavirus infection. Overall, the mortality rate for this virus is very low in infants, children, and women of child-bearing age compared to the elderly and other “at-risk” populations.

‘Self Made’ is a Netflix series Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker who was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a political and social activist. Walker was considered the wealthiest African-American businesswoman and wealthiest self-made woman in America at the time of her death in 1919.

The role will be played by Octavier Spencer.

Walker is known as the woman who set the standard for black female entrepreneurship in the haircare industry in America—Sarah Breedlove— affectionately known as Madam C.J Walker.

At a time of slavery, when most women had no rights, Walker had a vision for her life. This vision came after she experienced hair loss due to stress and weathering.

This would later overcome her career as a washerwoman, help her overcome poverty, create thousands of jobs, and provide generational wealth for her family

The series is written by Nicole Jefferson Asher with co-showrunners Elle Johnson and Janine Sherman Barrois.

Inspired by the book On Her Own Ground written by her great-great-granddaughter A’Lelia Bundles marks the first time Walker’s story is being brought to the screen.

 

German Chancellor Angela Merkel on last week  Wednesday march 11 spoke that the country face their gravest crisis since World War II.

“It is serious,” she said. “Take it seriously.”

Merkel’s remarks were an indication that the weight of the pandemic was being felt in Berlin, where some criticized that as a slow and haphazard German response, lacking in central leadership.

“This really is a stress test for our federal system,” said Alexander Kekulé, who heads the institute of medical microbiology at the University of Halle.

Germany as of Wednesday had officially recorded 12 deaths linked to the coronavirus, but officials agree that figure will no doubt rise. Merkel has called on all Germans to play their part to limit the damage.

“I’m absolutely sure we will overcome this crisis,” she said in her speech. “But how many casualties will there be? How many loved ones will we lose?”

To a large extent, it is in “our hands,” Merkel added.

“These are not simply abstract numbers in statistics, but that is a father or grandfather, a mother or grandmother, a partner,” she said. “And we are a community in which every life and every person counts.”

One of Africa’s most celebrated writers, Buchi Emecheta has died. The novelist died in her sleep at her home in London at the age of 72.

In fact, her first book, “The Bride Price” was burnt by her husband and she had to write another one in 1976.

Buchi left her husband at the age of 22. While working to care for her 5 children, she earned a BSc degree in Sociology at the University of London.

Her writing explored topics such as child marriage, single motherhood, and women abuse.

As a celebrated and successful author, she travelled far and wide, visiting several American universities.

Buchi worked as a library officer for the British Museum in London; a youth worker and sociologist for the Inner London Education Authority and then in 1976, she worked as a community worker.

Buchi became senior resident fellow and visiting professor of English, University of Calabar, Nigeria in 1980.

In 1982, she lectured at Yale University, and the University of London, as well as holding a fellowship at the University of London in 1986.

Some of her books include, The Joys of Motherhood (1979), Second-Class Citizen (1974), The Bride Price (1976) and The Slave Girl (1977)

She published over 20 books, including children’s fiction. She also wrote numerous plays for the BBC and several articles published in journals all over the world.

Buchi Emecheta won several awards like the Jock Campbell Award from the New Statesman in 1979. She was Granta magazine’s 1983 list of “Best of the Young British Novelists”.

In September 2004, she appeared in the historic “A Great Day in London” photograph taken at the British Library, featuring 50 Black and Asian writers who have made major contributions to contemporary British literature.

In 2005, she was made an Order of the British Empire. Buchi wrote about feminist struggle, but didn’t describe herself as one.

Her work has inspired and paved way for many Nigerian women writers and authors.

Source: woman.ng

Renowned novelist, Chimamanda Adichie has revealed that the claim of plagiarism against her in 2016 has been declared as false by a court of law.

Giwa-Amu had accused Chimamanda Adichie of plagiarizing her novel to form her own work “Half of a yellow sun”.

The case which was taken to court was thrown out on grounds that it was “an abuse of the court’s process”.

Chimamanda has now issued a statement in regards to the case;

STATEMENT REGARDING FALSE CLAIMS FROM ANNE GIWA-AMU

“We, the Wylie Agency, are Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s literary agents.

“In 2016, Anne Giwa-Amu brought a legal claim against Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her publishers. Giwa-Amu alleged that Adichie’s novel HALF OF A YELLOW SUN had plagiarized her own novel. A professional independent reader was appointed to read both novels. The reader concluded that there was absolutely no basis for Giwa-Amu’s claim and advised that the claim should not be pursued. Giwa-Amu nevertheless continued with the claim.

“On 15 February 2019, Anne Giwa-Amu’s claim brought against Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her publishers was struck out by the court. The court determined that her claim was ‘an abuse of the court’s process.’ The court ordered Giwa-Amu to pay Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her publishers the sum of £14,250, which Giwa-Amu failed to pay. The court also ordered Giwa-Amu to pay the legal costs Adichie incurred in defending her baseless claim. Till date, Giwa-Amu has not paid the money.

“Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and her publishers had never heard of Giwa-Amu’s novel until she brought her delusional claim. Her present allegations are false, libelous and constitute harassment to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. Further legal actions are being taken.

“Signed: The Wylie Agency”

Gospel singer and songwriter  Osinachi Joseph professionally known as Sinach has made history as the first Nigerian gospel artiste to be awarded a gold plague from YouTube.

The popular video streaming platform usually awards the plaque to owners of YouTube channels that has surpassed one million subscribers.                      Taking to social media to express her gratitude to her fans for always supporting her music career, she shared a photo of herself holding the plaque with the caption:

“Look what came in the mail!! Thank you, my friends, for celebrating Goodnews music in a big way !!@youtube @youtubengcreators @youtubemusic @gosgem

PRAY WITH ME: I see victories and possibilities only; I’m bold and courageous. I win, irrespective of the challenges and circumstances that I face; they’re bread for me. As I set my gaze on God’s unfailing and eternal word, I walk continually in victory, health, success, prosperity, and righteousness, in Jesus name. Amen. RoR with Pastor Chris.”

The Ebonyi state prolific songwriter and worship leader started her music journey in Love World (Christ Embassy) church, as one of the church’s worship leaders.

With hits like “Great Are You Lord,” “This Is My Season,” “Rejoice” among others, she has gained popularity and was inducted into Bethlehem Hall of Fame in 2017.

She hit a milestone when she gained 0ne million subscribers on Youtube on 7 March 2019, following her record-breaking youtube views for her video of the single  “Way Maker “ which became a hit in countries across Africa and diaspora, with over 100 million views. This made her the first gospel Artist from Nigeria to have that number of views and also the first African gospel Artist to gain one million subscribers.

By September 2019, Sinach became the first gospel Artist from Africa to tour India with thousands of worshippers in attendance.

The singer’s “Sinach Live in Concert 30 Years Celebration of Worship” (SLIC30 2020) was recently postponed to 18th October 2020.

The concert is a celebration of the gospel music artiste cum minister’s 30 years of music ministry.

Source Guardian Life

“Losing my son Jackson to cancer at just seven years old has been the most heartwrenching experience of my life. This past July, Jackson passed away just six days after he was diagnosed with cancer — a week after I had given birth to a surrogate baby,”Carrie Schmit said.

Sharing with SheKnows, she continued:

Jackson was a kind and charismatic child who was interested in playing sports, going to church, and attending school. Jackson loved playing with his little brother and was always compelled to help others. In early 2019, before his own cancer diagnosis, Jackson shaved his head at a St. Baldrick’s Foundation event in honor of his friend who was in remission. He solely raised over $1,200 for childhood cancer research. Six months before he passed away, Jackson told me he wanted “to be a legend.” At the time I found this to be a strange comment from a 7-year-old, but looking back now, I see how profound this statement was.

Jackson carrying his baby
Jackson carrying his baby brother

In May of 2019, Jackson had been complaining of pain in his leg. We took him to multiple doctors who could not find the cause and eventually chalked it up to growing pains. During this time, I was pregnant with a surrogate child; after having two children of my own, I had felt called to surrogacy. I always told my children how important it is to help other people, but I wanted to do more than tell them — I wanted to show them.

In early July I gave birth to my surrogate child, and just six days later, Jackson was admitted to the hospital — where doctors found a nine-inch tumor on his leg and diagnosed him with Osteosarcoma. Learning of my son’s cancer diagnosis one week postpartum was devastating — physically, mentally and emotionally. While the timing was exceptionally challenging, I am grateful the doctors allowed me to give the milk I was pumping for donation to Jackson to take as nutritional sustenance. I am proud that during this time when I felt helpless and unable to do anything for my son, I was able to do this for him.

During his short time in the hospital, Jackson suffered a rare complication from his cancer as a result of a flap on his mitral valve, which created blood clots causing multiple strokes. Just six days after his diagnosis and admittance to the hospital, and twelve days after I gave birth to a baby for a surrogate family, Jackson passed away. Jackson’s diagnosis and death happened so fast doctors were unable to begin to treat the cancer due to the swelling in his brain from the strokes inhibiting treatment. Since Jackson never had the opportunity to fight his cancer, it has become my mission to fight for him and for all children with cancer.

It saddens me that only after the loss of my son I learned childhood cancer is the most underfunded and under researched type of cancer. This is one of the many reasons why I am working with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, the largest non-government funder of childhood cancer research grants.

In 2015, before Jackson’s diagnosis, I decided to shave my head to raise money for St. Baldrick’s, because I couldn’t imagine having a child with cancer. Now I’ve seen it firsthand. And it’s given me a strength I never knew I had — a strength to continue, in Jackson’s honor. Very shortly after Jackson passed, I set up a St. Baldrick’s Hero Fund in his name as a way to honor his passing and his passion for helping others. This year at our first ever fundraising event, we proudly have 73 “shavees” and have raised over $80,000 for childhood cancer research.

The loss of Jackson has been the most heartbreaking time my family has ever faced. Now, husband and I are working to help our 4-year-old son Ivan process the fact that his brother isn’t coming home — while also working through our own grief. It has become my mission to continue sharing Jackson’s story and raise awareness around the lack of funding for childhood cancer so other families don’t have to experience a similar pain. Jackson’s loss is immeasurable, and we will miss him forever. But at least now I can say to him without a doubt, that through his short yet beautiful life: Jackson, you did it. You became a legend.