Women
UNICEF, Media Parley On Women, Children
A UNICEF Field Office Enugu in collaboration with Rivers Broadcasting Corporation organised a one-day zonal meeting on Friday 18, 2011 with media heads/executives at Juanita Hotel Amadi Flat, Herbert Macaulay Street, Port Harcourt, to brainstorm on more result-oriented and evidence-based Reportage on Children and Women issues in the media.
The Chief of UNICEF Office, Enugu, Mr Charles Nzuki intimated media executives that media briefing by UNICEF has over the years remained a useful way of updating and informing on specific emerging issues concerning the welfare of women and children.
“Every child is yet to be reached with the minimum package of care and basic intervention,” he reminded media executives and said he hoped that media advocacy will ensure that the battle is won for every child.
In a welcome address by Ms Medline Tador, General Manager Radio Rivers Broadcasting Corporation represented by Mrs Florence Ekiye, a broadcaster, at the Media Executive Breakfast meeting, had stated that in advocating for children and women over the years, the (UNICEF) has built steadfastly on its known reputation as a trusted organisation. Through proven channels like the media,. UNICEF showcased the plight of marginalised children and women and evidence based results achieved through various intervention programmes and activities.
Delivering her paper on Ethics Reporting on Children, Child Rights and the media using data stories and more, Mrs Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe, Communication Officer UNICEF Enugu, stated that it is meant to support the best intention of ethical reports and also raise awareness of children’s right issues to stimulate dialogue among media professionals about the value of common approach which will reinforce journalistic standards, contribute to the protection and enhancement of children’s right.
She stressed the need for special attention to be paid on each Child’s Right to privacy, confidentiality to have their opinions heard, to participate in decisions affecting them and to be protected from harm and retribution.
Do not publish a story or image which might put the child sibling or peer at risk even when identities are charged obscured.
Mrs Ijeoma Onuaha Ogwe maintained that attention should be paid to where and how the child is interviewed. Limit the number of interviewers and photographer.
In film, video and radio interviews, consider what the choice of visual or audio background might imply about the child and her or his life and story. Ensure that the child would not be endangered or adversely affected by showing their home community or general whereabouts, she stated.
She reiterated the need for children not to be stigmatised. Avoid categorisation or descriptions that expose the child to negative reprisals.
Provide an accurate context for child’s story or image.
Change names and obscure the visual identity of any child who is identified as current or former combatant victim of sexual abuse, a perpetration of physical or sexual abuse, HIV-positive, living with AIDS, or has died of AIDS except parents/guardian gives full consent.
Confirm the accuracy of what the child has to say either with other children or an adult preferable both.
When in doubt whether a child is at risk, report on the general situation from other children rather than on an individual child, no matter how newsworthy the story, she retorted.
Mrs Ijeoma Onuoha Ogwe stated that Media/Journalistic activity which touch on the lives and welfare of children should always be carried out with appreciation of the vulnerable situation of children.
The use of pictures, stories and figures to illustrate the situation of a child she said is most effective in drawing the attention of duty bearer to the need of the child. She unveiled a media advisory, press releases, letter to editor, which included photo Ops, opinion editorial (Op-Ed), human interest stories, speeches, press briefing, media trips as potent media materials to be used with great effect.
Julie Jumbo
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights
The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication. Non-verbal communication has been asserted as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols. It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”. He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands. The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage. It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet, in trending times of this 21st century, dress code and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing. Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame. This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public. Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed. There may be no room for a second impression. To the single ladies, your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather, it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.
