Women
IDG 2023: Addressing Challenges Of The Girl Child
The International Day of the Girl-Child, IDG, observed annually on the 11th of October is a global platform to advocate for the full rights of girls. The day is used to create awareness that the girl-child is being relegated to the background in some quarters, hence, the need for urgent step to be taken so as to empower her through education and skills acquisition.
This has become important because when you train a girl, you train a nation.
The 2023 theme, Invest in Girl’s Pride, Digital Generation, Our Generation.
As the girl-child was celebrated all over the globe, stakeholders have called for gender equality policies for the girl child because factors such as underage marriage, lack of water and sanitation, insecurity, poverty, lack of sanitary materials, genital mutilation, among others affect their lives. The girl needs equal opportunity.
The Rivers State Chairman of the National Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, Mrs. Susan Nwikhana- Serekara, maintained that there is need for urgent intervention in the issues that affect the girls negatively.
The girl-child should be confident and realise that she is valuable bearing in mind that cultural and other hindrance cannot stop them from achieving her goals in life. The girls should not sell themselves and government should ensure that the girls are protected in schools and wherever they find themselves. Girls should support each other.
Reports have it that low percentage of the girls have access to secondary school education in Nigeria. Apart from efforts by parents, relevant authorities, NGOs especially the female folks should assist the girls in providing educational materials to enable compete favourably with their peers.
Equal opportunity for girls is important as it will serve them well. Socio cultural practices have been hampering their performances. The deserve quality education this 21st century.
Corruption is one of the problems affecting some of the provisions that should be for them. They are subjected to cruel practices in the name of religion and culture.
Nigeria adopted the resolution about gender inequality with optimism that the female gender can bring change to the globe. We are optimistic that the objectives will be realised.
Women and girls should not be looked at as weaker sex any more. Females should occupy the same space as their male counterpart.
Adolescent girls should be empowered. They should be allowed to put their minds on what they want to become in life. Parents should not put all their income on the boys but should share it between the girls and the boys. Since youths are leaders of tomorrow, girls too are involved.
The responsibility of cleaning the house should not be for the girls alone while the boys go about playing. Discrimination between the two should not be encouraged. In certain quarters, girls are not allowed to eat certain food thereby denying them some required nutrients.
One day, the girls will grow into womanhood.
We can say that the world has made tremendous impact in the lives of the girls. The world has been conscious about the lot of girls. They have been given some opportunities in terms of computer and they are doing well. But the stereotype still remains but it can be removed. They are being looked down on. If the women have to be allowed to explore, then it starts from the girl.
When girls enroll into some disciplines like Engineering and Surveying where you have greater number of boys, they are being seen as those who missed their ways. When a woman drives with little errors on the roads, you hear some comments like, no wonder is a woman. Soft and hard should go together.
As the world marks International Day of the Girl -Child, parents, guardians and care givers should know the whereabouts of the female children. Very often, you hear that a girl has been kidnapped on her way to school, market or church. Parent should invest in the girl child so that she will not get into prostitution.
Parents should help the girls achieve their dreams in life and not to discourage them in their chosen professions. Parents should not select careers for the girls. They can do well all professions provided there is a level playing ground. Days are gone when girls were impregnated by unknown persons thereby making them drop out of schools.
it is important to give the girl good upbringing that will make her useful in the society. Women teach and transfer good values to children. Women are groomers and trainers.
When you give birth to a girl child, you have to train her well. Do not feel that when you finish training her, she will get married to another man which will make her change her name.
The girl-child is faced with underage marriage, sexual abuse in work places and educational institutions. These have to be checked before it becomes late.
The world will be a better place if girls and women are allowed to showcase their potentials when they are treated equally. The world can still go further. A lot are still hidden. If there is any time to restore the dignity of the girl -child, it is now.
Culturally, the girl child is not valued as the male child. It is believed that when a couple give birth to a female child without males, there will tension in the family. For the man, some friends and relatives will advise him to go another wife. Sometimes some women will be threatened for not having male children in the homes.
When it comes to sharing of fathers property, the discrimination comes in. Even when some state governments have approved that women should partake in the share of their fathers property, some persons have refused to adhere to that.
Some of the reasons according to them is that if certain portion of land is allocated to the woman, she may not want to marry outside.
By: Eunice Choko -Kayode
Cooking is the process of preparing food by using heat. It involves a variety of techniques and methods, such as grilling, baking, boiling, frying, and steaming. Cooking also requires ingredients, utensils, and appliances to create delicious and nutritious meals. Cooking is for all irrespective of sex.
It may interest you to know that there are many benefits to cooking at home, including the ability to control the ingredients and portion sizes, save money, and customize dishes to suit individual tastes and dietary restrictions. Cooking also allows for creativity and experimentation in the kitchen, as well as the opportunity to share meals with family and friends.
When you cook, it enables you to know the right ingredients to use for a particular meal. Getting prepared food outside home will not give such opportunity and in fact it is cheaper.
For you to carry out cooking successfully, prepping ingredients ahead of time, is very important. Using the right tools and equipment, adjusting cooking times and temperatures as needed will make one a good cook and tasting and seasoning dishes to ensure they are well-balanced. A good cook should be able to taste and add adequate seasoning to ensure that dishes are consumed without stomach crams.
Cooking can be a fun and rewarding activity, whether you are a novice or experienced chef. It can also be a form of self-care and a way to explore different cuisines and flavors from around the world. Overall, cooking is an essential skill that can help you eat healthier, save money, and enjoy delicious meals at home.
Good chefs earn a living through cooking. Good ones who are opportuned to work in big hotels and smaller eateries make huge sums of money as well as earn free meal at work.
According to experts, cooking involves a wide range of techniques that can be mastered through practice and experience. Some common culinary techniques include sautéing, searing, braising, roasting, marinating, poaching, and blanching. Each technique contributes to the flavor, texture, and appearance of the final dish.
In addition, understanding how different ingredients work together to create a balanced flavor profile is key to successful cooking. This includes experimenting with sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami flavors and learning how to add these flavors in a dish to create depth and complexity. The right ingredients work together to give the right aroma and taste a good cook deserves.
Furthermore, exploring the diverse culinary traditions from around the world can open up a world of new flavors and cooking techniques. Trying out recipes from different cultures can help you broaden your culinary horizons and develop a deeper appreciation for global cuisine.
You may discover that different cultures believe in their own food and meals. Someone from the Eastern part of the country may not be comfortable with the kind of food or meal prepared and consumed in the northern part of the country.
Interestingly, gas cookers are in vogue because they cook faster especially in families with the presence of kids. Having the right tools and equipment in the kitchen can make a big difference in your cooking. From basic essentials like knives, cutting boards, pots and pans to specialized appliances like blenders, food processors, and slow cookers, having the right equipment can help you cook more efficiently and effectively.
In this 21st century, a lot of innovations have actually come into the practice of cooking. The use of wood and stove are gradually going down especially in the urban centres.
Planning your meals ahead of time can save you time, money, and stress in the kitchen. Meal planning involves selecting recipes, creating a shopping list, and preparing ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process. This can help you eat healthier, reduce food waste, and make the most of your time in the kitchen.
A lot of families plan their meals so as to minimize waste, especially now because of high cost of living.
The safety of the food to be consumed in a home should be the concern of every good cook. Practicing proper food safety and hygiene is essential in cooking to prevent foodborne illnesses. This includes washing hands, utensils, and surfaces regularly, storing food at the correct temperatures, and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
A cook should ensure that ingredients for a particular meal are properly washed. Food stuffs must be properly preserved if they are not to be used immediately. When it comes to refrigeration, experts should be contacted for proper advise on how long they should be kept.
Some persons due to health challenges are placed on special diets. Medically, some persons are advised to consume food with low salt intake as well as sugar. It is important that a good cook adheres to those instructions. If you or your loved ones have dietary restrictions or preferences, learning how to cook for special diets can be a valuable skill. This may involve accommodating allergies, intolerances, or lifestyle choices such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or low-carb diets.
Moreso, cooking at home allows you to have better control over the ingredients used in your meals, leading to healthier eating habits. By cooking from scratch, you can avoid processed and unhealthy ingredients, reduce the amount of added sugars and preservatives, and increase your intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Meals prepared at home obviously may not taste as the one consumed from outside. The food got outside may contain excess spices more than meals prepared at home.
Cooking is deeply intertwined with culture and tradition, and exploring different cuisines can be a great way to learn about different countries and regions. Trying out recipes from various cultures can expand your culinary skills and palate, introducing you to new ingredients, flavors, and cooking techniques.
As peoples culture differs that is how the kind of food they consume also differ. When a chef finds himself or herself in a particular region, it is better to learn the kind of food that is being consumed.
When you talk about cooking, the meal prepared for an adult definitely differs from that of a baby. Excess pepper in meal may not be good for infants.
The use of mutter and pestle is gradually phasing out with the innovation of electrical appliances such as blenders. A good cook should be able to train herself on the usage of such kitchen equipment.
With the use of microwave oven has come to stay as hotels (eateries) and homes use them thereby saving the use of kerosine in stoves and gas.
Odoo-e Precious is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology, Port Harcourt.
In today’s rapidly evolving world, the role of the girl child has become increasingly crucial to the growth and development of society. For far too long, girls have been held back by traditional gender roles and societal expectations, but today, their contributions are more vital than ever. When given the right opportunities, girls can help shape not only their own future but also the future of their families, communities, and the world. To truly understand the impact girls can have, we need to examine their roles in education, the economy, social change, and health. Education is the key to unlocking a girl’s full potential. When a girl is given access to quality education, it opens doors to a brighter future for her and her family. Educating girls doesn’t just benefit them personally; it also helps create stronger communities and societies.
An educated girl is more likely to delay marriage, avoid early pregnancy, and pursue a career or further education. Studies have shown that educated women earn more money and reinvest it in their families, which improves their children’s health, education, and well-being. Educated girls are also more likely to break out of cycles of poverty, creating long-term positive changes in society.However, in many parts of the world, girls still face barriers to education, such as cultural norms, early marriage, and gender-based violence. These challenges are particularly common in rural areas where girls are seen more as future homemakers than future leaders. It is essential that governments and communities work together to remove these obstacles and ensure that every girl has the chance to go to school.
Beyond education, girls can also contribute economically, unlocking their potential to drive growth and development. Once a girl is empowered, she becomes a key player in the economy. When girls are given the chance to work and contribute, they can drive economic growth in both their local communities and countries. Girls can participate in all parts of the economy, from agriculture to technology, healthcare to business. In many countries, women already make up a large portion of the workforce, but their contributions are often overlooked. Research shows that when girls and women are given equal opportunities to work, the entire economy grows. Closing the gender gap in the workforce could add trillions of dollars to the global economy. For society to prosper, girls need to be able to pursue careers, start businesses, and contribute to their communities.
Girls are also playing a vital role in social and cultural change. They are not just passive participants in society but active agents of change who challenge outdated traditions and fight for equality. Today’s girls are using their voices to raise awareness about social issues like climate change, human rights, and gender equality. They are leading movements that are transforming the way people think about the world. A great example is Greta Thunberg, a young climate activist who has inspired millions worldwide to take action on climate change. By encouraging girls to become leaders and advocates, society can benefit from new perspectives and solutions to important problems. Girls tend to see issues from fresh angles and are more likely to question harmful norms, leading to a more just and progressive world.The health and well-being of a girl are crucial to her future success and the success of society.
Girls who grow up in healthy environments, with access to proper nutrition, healthcare, and emotional support, are more likely to succeed. Unfortunately, many girls face serious health risks, including early marriage, early pregnancy, and violence, which limit their opportunities. Early marriage, for example, is a major problem that prevents many girls from completing their education and living healthy, productive lives. Married girls often face health risks, drop out of school, and have fewer opportunities. To address this, societies need to change attitudes around child marriage and give girls the support they need to stay in school and delay marriage. Access to healthcare is also vital. Girls need access to proper health services, including reproductive health education, so they can stay healthy and live fulfilling lives. When girls are healthy, they grow up to become strong, capable women who can contribute to society and raise healthy families.
Breaking down barriers can lead to equal opportunities for all girls. The biggest obstacle to realising the potential of girls is gender inequality. To truly empower girls, societies must tackle the barriers that hold them back, such as discrimination, gender-based violence, and lack of access to education and resources. Governments and organisations must work together to create policies that ensure girls have equal opportunities. This includes making laws that prevent child marriage, protect girls from violence, and guarantee access to education and healthcare. Community awareness is also important. We need to challenge stereotypes and harmful traditions that limit girls’ potential. Education and awareness campaigns can help people understand the importance of gender equality and the benefits it brings to everyone. The girl child is not just the future of society; she is a powerful force in the present. Today, girls are making a difference as leaders,
Ihedinihu is a student of Pan African Institute of Management and Technology.
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