Radiantly Up-to-date: March 11th

International Women’s Day in Nigeria

On March 8^th, we celebrated International Women’s Day. At different points in history, this commemorative day has stood for different things, representing the varied needs of women throughout the world.

This year’s theme, #PledgeforParity carried special meaning in Nigeria, where the scars of the abducted girls and child marriages are still fresh in everyone’s mind. While many organisations have praised Nigeria for the efforts made, the government recognises that there is still a lot to do.

If gender equality is on your agenda, wherever you may be in the world, you can get involved with established initiatives.Remember, women’s rights are important all year long – not just on a single day.

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 Simple Tweaks May Change the Way You Eat

Two recently released studies might just change the way you eat… for the better! The Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics published research demonstrating that snacking on high-protein items such as eggs, yogurt, or nuts just before a meal could curb the urge to overindulge – and ensure you feel satiated longer. If you’ve been attempting to cut your calorie consumption to a reasonable level, this might be just the trick you were waiting for!

But, if you’ve been trying to enjoy healthier meals, it may be time to create an Instagram account. Research published in the Journal of Consumer Marketing shows that pausing to take a picture of your food before eating tricks your mind into enjoying it more. And, you’re likely to eat healthier as a result of peer pressure; most people want to be seen indulging in healthy foods. The best news? You can try these diet tricks this weekend! Bon appetite!

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$100 Million towards Girl-Child Education?

Over the past week, it’s been reported through Nigerian news agencies that US$100 million has been set aside by the World Bank to develop female education in Nigeria. And, it appears that this is actually true – though the project has been underway for some time.

Working under the Global Partnership for Education (under the direction of the World Bank), five Nigerian states (Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto) will receive a portion of the funding according to their needs. While there are benefits for entire communities under this initiative, the project is skewed towards the education of girl children!

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Good News for Expectant Mothers

There is a significant disparity of health care services available to expectant mothers in Nigeria. While those in urban areas lament hospital strikes, women in rural areas have never had access to proper antenatal care. It’s why more than 40,000 pregnant women die annually in Nigeria! (Keep in mind that less than 1000 pregnant women die each year in the United States – a country with roughly double the population.)

The global company, General Electric, has partnered with UNAIDS to bring maternal care in Nigeria to standards so more women can live to enjoy their children. Between training and technology for primary care centres, over 2 million Nigerian women will be reached in the short term thanks to the Healthymagination Mother and Child Initiative. Now that’s good news!

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Need Another Reason to Exercise?

Does exercising make you hungry? Do you tend to eat more when you burn more calories? Logic says yes, but the research says no. Scientists have discovered that people who exercise also tend to consume fewer calories. And that’s good news for women who can’t get enough of the gym, or are looking for an excuse to lace up those running shoes for an extra jog during the week.

According to the researchers from Loughborough University in the UK, more studies are needed to determine specifics, but we’ve always known that exercise does a body good!

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Lassa Fever Can Be Spread through People

According to the Nigerian Center for Disease Control, at least 101 of the 175 Lassa Fever cases seen in the recent outbreak have been fatal. The Nigerian Minister for Health disputes confirmed numbers, but the World Health Organisation has recorded cases in 19 states. No matter who you listen to, it’s time to educate yourself about the transmission of Lassa.

While a lot of attention has been paid to rats, researchers are beginning to place importance on the human-to-human spread of this disease. And, around 80% of infected persons remain asymptomatic; you may not be able to tell whether someone is infected or not! Protect your family by ensuring a rat-free environment and seeking medical assistance early for sore throats, abdominal pain, and unusual bleeding.

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It’s Not Just about Freedom

As the Nigerian Army liberates more areas from the clutches of Boko Haram, the international community is beginning to realise the level of psychological support freed women need; it’s not just a matter of returning home.

A recent report outlines the scale of the trauma and presents guidelines for successful integration of women and children. And, it begins with the eradication of stigma attached to those that simply had no choice in the matter.

Want to be part of the solution? While there are many international organisations involved, International Alert has an established platform and presence in Northern Nigeria. Your donations or time can ensure a healthy future for traumatised Nigerian women.

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