Women Empowering Nations’ Post

Empowering adolescent girls & young women (#AGYW) in the Sahel is key to unlocking their full potential. In this new blog, Council staff unpack how the #SWEDD initiative’s evidence-based interventions break down barriers to education & promote access to vital health services. 📚 #GEJE #EGER #EducationForAll Read now: https://bit.ly/3XHhEMZ

🏳️🌈 Join us on April 24 at noon to discuss community engagement of sexual and gender minorities. This session, tailored for intermediate learners, offers a deep dive into patient and community engagement in health research, specifically focusing on its pivotal role in driving policy change. Attendees will emerge equipped with: 🟠 A comprehensive understanding of the benefits of patient and community engagement in health research. 🟠 The ability to articulate the principles of authentic patient and community engagement. 🟠 A clear definition of intersectionality and practical insights into incorporating its principles into their patient and community engagement strategies. 🟠 An appreciation for the pivotal role of advocacy and the development of public- and stakeholder-facing materials in research programs aimed at influencing health policy. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your research endeavours and contribute to meaningful policy change. Register now to secure your spot and take the next step toward impactful engagement in health research! https://lnkd.in/gjenBWVf

We're thrilled that Althaë Strategy took on our most recent CARE #systemschange #impact evaluation! We examined how 30 years of #savingsgroups in #Niger have changed the lives of women and girls. 💡 What did we learn? 🏥 Maternal Health: women are using health centers and aware of contraception methods but the decision to use it is not 100% theirs just yet. 🎒 Girls’ Education: girls and boys tend to start school at the same age (7 years old), but girls still suffer from being stigmatized. Many parents believe that girls are less dedicated to their studies than boys, or that they will become sexually active earlier if they go to school. 🥕 Nutrition: More women own land because they're part of a #savings group and using that savings to buy land. Communities have noted that the land owned by women MMD members tend to be more fertile thanks to the training they have received to produce and use compost. 💒 Early and Forced Marriage: Niger has the highest and most stubborn rate of early and forced marriage in the world with 77% of girls being married before they reach 18 years old. Reduction in child marriage is slow, despite strong understanding from the participants of the study of the consequence for girls. This was a herculean effort by Sophie Romana, Julia Arnold, Mamadou Moussa, and Mariam Diakité. A big, big thanks to my current and former CARE comrades Anne Sprinkel, Bhumika Piya, PhD, Hilawit Gebrehanna, and Dawalak Ahmet for all they did to make this study happen! Read all of CARE's Systems-Level Impact studies here: https://lnkd.in/ePvXMWXH

🌍 International Youth Day: Empowering Young Women with Period Support. On this International Youth Day, let's join in the conversation around period support and menstrual health. For millions of young women and girls worldwide, managing their periods is still a challenge due to stigma, lack of resources, and insufficient education. At Blossomflow.org, we believe in creating a world where every girl can manage her period with dignity and confidence. By providing access to menstrual products, education, and support, we are empowering the next generation to overcome period poverty and break the silence surrounding menstrual health. Advocate for policies that support menstrual health education and ensure access to essential resources for all young women. It's time to break the stigma and create a more equitable world. Join us in this movement to empower our youth! #InternationalYouthDay #PeriodSupport #MenstrualHealth #YouthEmpowerment #PeriodPoverty #BlossomFlow #DignityForAll #EndPeriodStigma #YouthForChange

#ASRH in Tanzania and Africa paints a concerning picture of drawing attention more than ever to this concern. Statistics highlight the gaps in limited access to services, entrenched stigma, inadequate education, and a healthcare system struggling to meet adolescent needs. But these statistics are just the tip of the iceberg, they don't capture the lived experiences of adolescents. What are the real stories behind the numbers? Are our voices heard, are our challenges taken into account? how about our participation in policy formulation, and Decision-making, is It Equitable in our Co concerns? I've been thinking about our progress and wondering if we could take a moment to reflect and ask ourselves some questions. How can we shift the conversation to focus on empowerment and bodily autonomy for adolescents? How can we advocate for age-appropriate, rights-based Comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) that empowers young people? How can we reimagine service delivery models to be more youth-friendly, accessible, affordable and confidential? Are current partnerships truly inclusive of adolescent voices and needs? How can we collaborate to effectively address the challenges that lie beyond the surface and ensure that we overcome them? Join the discussion! Tune in today in Instagram of EANNASO Share your thoughts, and experiences, and let's Amplify our voice together on how we can strengthen our collaboration to address this of high concerning agenda Young and Alive Initiative #ASRH #AdolescentHealth #SexualRights #ReproductiveHealth #Empowerment #Education #Collaboration

Your body holds deep wisdom. Trust in it. Learn from it. Nourish it. Watch your life transform and be healthy. Commonwealth Business Women Africa (CBW-Africa) #Health is one of our strategic goals. Traditional Africa has allocated the role of nurturing, and ensuring the health of the family and the community as a whole to women. The paradox of entrusting the woman with the responsibility of health and at the same time denying her the opportunities to influence policies remains a major obstacle. Access to education for African women is a major problem. The impact of a poorly educated mother is passed on to the daughter. In many African countries, children are the only 'goods' that women are expected to produce. Unless this attitude changes, fertility rates will continue to rise as women continue to search for their place in society and justify their place within marriages and relationships through child bearing. We recognize that Social progress makes the well-being of all more and more the business of each other. #MyHealthMyRight #Healthforwomen #education #healthopportunities #lifetransformation Happy World Health Day!

Check out this webinar on intergenerational power and gender equality 👍

I just had the incredible opportunity to support Orchid Project and the Youth Anti-FGM Network Kenya during their Knowledge Exchange Workshop. They say, 'If you're the smartest person in the room, find a new room.' Well, I found a room buzzing with the brilliance of young minds committed to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Listening to the voices in youth-led spaces is like glimpsing into a future where intentionality and innovation take centre stage, something that would have undoubtedly awed our ancestors. In the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, the national prevalence of FGM has seen a remarkable decline from 22% in 2014 to 15% in 2022. Projecting forward, there's hope for a further dip to 9% by 2027. Notably, this positive trend is more pronounced in the younger generations compared to their elders. The impact of young leaders and influencers in driving this change is immeasurable. They've navigated personal and systemic challenges to ensure that the generations to come are spared from this harmful practice. Witnessing members of the Youth Anti-FGM Network Kenya employ contemporary innovations like social media, embrace traditional systems such as Moranism, engage in youth-led movement building, and exchange knowledge and skills was truly awe-inspiring. Change is happening, and it's powered by the passion, determination, and creativity of our youth. Let's continue supporting and amplifying these impactful initiatives! @YouthAntiFGMKe #EndFGM #YouthLeadership #InnovationForChange #zerotolerance

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable women of Nigeria – the pillars of our communities who inspire us with their strength and resilience. However, we must acknowledge a critical challenge: significant health disparities hinder their well-being and limit their potential. Statistics paint a concerning picture. Nigeria grapples with a high maternal mortality rate, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. Access to quality healthcare services, particularly for young women in rural areas, remains a significant hurdle. Social barriers and cultural norms can prevent them from seeking proper care or making informed decisions about their health. Despite these challenges, there is immense hope. By fostering collaboration and prioritizing young women's health, we can create a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria for all. Collaboration: The Catalyst for Change Sustainable change requires a collective effort. Healthcare workers equipped with the resources to reach rural communities are essential. Community leaders who champion educational campaigns about sexual and reproductive health rights empower young women. NGOs dedicated to improving access to healthcare services play a vital role. Finally, we all have a role to play – advocating for change, dismantling social stigmas, and supporting initiatives that empower young women to prioritize their well-being. Education: Empowering Informed Choices Knowledge is power. By raising awareness about sexual and reproductive health rights, young women can make informed decisions about their bodies and their futures. Educational campaigns that promote healthy lifestyles and the importance of regular checkups are crucial. Let's create a safe space for open dialogue and dismantle the silence that surrounds women's health issues. Championing Young Women: Investing in Our Future Investing in the health of young women is not just about addressing immediate needs; it's about building a stronger Nigeria. When young women are healthy, they are empowered to pursue education, build careers, and contribute meaningfully to society. Supporting initiatives that provide access to quality healthcare services, educational programs, and mentorship opportunities is paramount. This International Women's Day, let's go beyond celebration. Let's commit to collaboration, education, and championing young women's health. Together, we can build a Nigeria where every woman thrives and contributes to a healthier, brighter future for all. #HealthyWomen #StrongNigeria #IWD2024 For more information on resources and organizations, reach out to https://naca.gov.ng/ or Federal Ministry of Health Nigeria: https://www.health.gov.ng/.

Happy #InternationalYouthDay! Today, we celebrate the incredible power and potential of young people around the world! They are already transforming our world and shaping a healthier future. This year's theme, "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," highlights the crucial role young people play in the digital age. With 75% of young people being internet users, they are leading the charge in innovation and adoption of digital tools. While digital health offers incredible opportunities, ensuring equitable access and tackling digital security concerns is crucial. We can't leave anyone behind! Addressing gender-based disparities in access to technology is essential. Girls and young women are more likely to lack access to mobile phones and the internet, limiting their reproductive choices. Pathfinder's Commitment: Her Future, Her Choice. Our "Her Future, Her Choice" project in Ethiopia and Mozambique works to expand access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for girls and young women. Tsenegat, a fifth-grade student from Ethiopia and a peer educator with the project, used her training to advocate for herself and prevent her own forced marriage. Read more inspiring stories of change at https://bit.ly/3YK9Dbj Let's invest in young people! Their voices and leadership are key to building a healthier and more equitable world. #YouthEmpowerment #GlobalHealth #SexualReproductiveHealth #HerFutureHerChoice