Women

Masss Media And Women Empowerment

Published

10 years ago

April 8, 2016

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Atosemi Teetito (2nd left),addressing NAWOJ membes during a peace walk to commemorate International Women’s Day in Port Harcourt. Photo: Ibioye Diama

A paper presented at a
one day public lecture to mark international women’s day for centre and gender studies (CCGS) University of Port Harcourt in collaboration with Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) Rivers State on 31st” March 2016 by Okonkwo – Ogabu Lilian, chairman Nigeria Association of Women Journalist (NA WOJ) Rivers State.
Introduction:-In September, 20 15, all member states of the United Nations Organisation unanimously approved new development goals – 17 in
number, which aims to end poverty, promote shared economic prosperity, social development and environmental protection for all in 2030. The goals are a build up on the millennium development goals of 2000 and it is hoped that it will succeed where the previous one failed. Fellow Nigerian women and our male supporters, we have been given another chance to better the lot of women in Nigeria. It is a call for us to work assiduously within the next fourteen years especially with respect to SDG 5 (gender equality) because on it lies our success so that by 2030, we will be counting our blessings.
Role Of Mass Media In Empowerment Of Women
The objective of this presentation is to enhance the empowerment of women through mass media. A quote from former UN secretary general Kofi Annan says “there is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women”.
Hence it is undoubtedly true that empowerment of women can be made possible by education through the mass media. Mass media has played a vital role in empowerment of women. It has reached out to larger audiences through print, radio, television, cinema and internet. Life today is conditioned by the mass media. It has molded public opinion of the masses. Although it has not totally changed the traditionally oriented attitudes of the millions of Nigerians towards the women therefore aluta continua and by the grace or God victory acceta.
Classification Of Empowerment
I.Psychological empowerment: the focus is on growth and development of women. Self actualisation refers to an individual’s need to develop his/her potentialities, in other words, to do what he or she is capable of doing. This empowerment has its goal in the self actualization in which the innate potentials and talents are given ample opportunities to grow.
2. Sociological Empowerment
The communication within the group and between the groups empowers women. Print and electronic media help women to communicate their needs. Achieving mature thought requires achieving mature use of language. In this area, the media plays a crucial role in the empowerment of women by creating awareness among the people to shed the feudalistic mindset that denigrated women. With constant media awareness, true liberation will be a reality.
3. Economic Empowerment
More women than men live in poverty. there is even a popular saying that poverty wears the face of a women. Economic disparities persist partly because much of the unpaid work within families and communities falls in the shoulders of women and because they face discrimination in the
economic sphere. Economic empowerment of women is possible only when financial independence is achieved, when they acquire life skills to
earn their livelihood through entrepreneurship which is the future of the modern society. Empowerment of women entrepreneur is a new matter for development of economy. Presently the Nigeria government is talking about diversi fication from oil to other sector, like Agriculture. Women should be empowered in this area. The rural farmer should be empowered financially and technologically and by so doing will be empowered economically.
4. Philosophical Empowerment.
Philosophical empowerment is about the need of women to have a world outlook, a system of personal values and faith. personal values give a women strength and fortitude in time of crisis.
a.Individual: A woman as an individual has a philosophy of life, a set of standard ideals which are based on the principles that she has chosen as being acceptable to her. Philosophy influences the individuals life, it is a particular way of looking at things.
b.Fellowship:- A networking of women with the same or similar world outlook is called fellowship. In this group individual identity is out shadowed by group identity. In women empowerment, fellowship plays an important role.
c. The Mass:- This is a larger group where a woman identifies herself to be. Individuality is totally lost in the mass. It can be a religious, linguistic or regional group. The media appeal to this segment or the society. A women may identify herself to belong to a system of belief or ideology.
5.Human Rights Education Empowerment:- To be made aware of the rights and responsibilities. It is an empowerment through human rights education. About two thirds of the illiterate adults in the world are female. Law relating to the protection of women from domestic violence is an important milestone. Domestic violence is a human rights issue and serious deterrent to development.
6.Political Empowerment:- Social and legal institutions still do not guarantee women equality in basic legal and human rights, in access or control of land or other resources, in employment and earning as well as social and political participation. Law against domestic violence is often not enforced on behalf of women. Little wonder the gender equality bill was thrown out.
7.Reproductive Health:- Women for both physiological and social reasons are more vulnerable than men to reproductive health problems, including maternal mortality and morbidity. These represent a major but preventable cause of death and disability for women in developing countries. Failure to provide information, services and conditions to help women protect their reproduction health therefore constitutes gender based discrimination and a violation of women’s rights to health and life. Health is wealth, there is need for women to be empowered health wise in other for them to achieve full potentials.
8.Women And Mass Media: In the past, women were not in the field of journalism whereas now they are taking active role in all.
No wonder, empowerment experience has shown that addressing gender equality and women’s empowerment requires strategic interventions at all levels of mass media programming and policy making. Even though discrimination and exploitation of women are global phenomena, their consequences are more tragic in some parts of the globe particularly in the under developed countries where ignorance, deprivation of the basis necessities of life are high.
9.Conclusion: The potential of mass media for the empowerment and emancipation of women from obscurantist cannot be over emphasised. For us as female journalist whose social responsibility it is to bring these negative issues to bear and to speak out against it, we shall not rest until we achieve the desired positive change.

Women

How to Tackle Child Rape

Published

6 days ago

February 27, 2026

The Tide

Child rape is a profound human rights violation that inflicts lasting physical, emotional, and psychological scars on its victims.

Among the most vulnerable groups, girl children face a disproportionate amount of sexual abuse globally, reflecting deep-rooted societal, cultural, and systemic failures.

Despite international laws and local measures aimed at protecting children, rape and sexual violence against girl children remain a pervasive problem in many parts of the world. The rape of girl children is alarmingly prevalent worldwide.

According to data from the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four girls experiences some form of sexual abuse before the age of 18. This abuse occurs across all socio-economic, cultural, and geographical divides. The underreporting of sexual violence against children, fueled by fear, stigma, and victim-blaming, makes it difficult to grasp the true scale of the problem.

Reports from organizations like UNICEF and Human Rights Watch highlight that in some regions, girl children are specifically targeted due to the belief that they are “pure” or “virgin,” making them more vulnerable to cultural myths that suggest intercourse with a virgin can cure diseases like HIV/AIDS. These deeply harmful beliefs exacerbate the risk for young girls, particularly in countries where educational and legal protections are weak.

A range of factors contributes to the high incidence of rape against girl children, many of which are embedded in patriarchal and misogynistic beliefs. In some cultures, girls are viewed as inferior or subservient to males, making them easy targets for exploitation. The normalization of gender-based violence in some communities means that abuse often goes unnoticed, unreported, or unpunished.

Child marriages, which remain prevalent in some parts of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, are another contributing factor. When girls are married off as children, they are often exposed to sexual violence under the guise of marital relations. These young brides, who are typically powerless in these situations, often endure repeated sexual abuse from their significantly older husbands.

Additionally, in conflict zones, girl children are disproportionately affected by sexual violence, used as tools of war by armed groups to terrorize communities. Such exploitation results in severe trauma and long-lasting consequences for victims.

Rape and sexual abuse leave devastating effects on a girl child, both physically and mentally. Physically, young girls are not developed enough to handle sexual intercourse, leading to severe injuries, infections, and even death in extreme cases. Many victims also face long-term reproductive health issues, including infertility, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and complications in future pregnancies.

The psychological toll is equally profound. Victims often suffer from depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. The stigma associated with sexual violence further isolates them from their families and communities, leaving them vulnerable to further exploitation or abuse.

The educational consequences are also significant. Many victims drop out of school due to the trauma, fear of facing their abusers, or the stigma attached to rape. This creates a cycle of poverty and dependence, further reducing their life chances.

Access to justice for child rape victims is often fraught with challenges. In many countries, laws around sexual violence are outdated, under-enforced, or not well understood. Law enforcement agencies frequently lack the training or resources to handle cases of child sexual abuse appropriately, leading to further victimization during investigations.

In some cases, cultural practices such as “settling” rape cases between families, or forcing victims to marry their rapists, prevent victims from receiving the justice they deserve. This not only robs the victim of agency but perpetuates a culture of impunity where perpetrators feel empowered to commit further acts of violence.

Additionally, the social stigma surrounding rape prevents many girl children from coming forward. Fear of blame, retaliation, or being ostracized by their communities often keeps victims silent, allowing abusers to continue their crimes unchecked.

Internationally, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) both call for an end to all forms of violence against children, including sexual abuse. Organizations such as UNICEF, Plan International, and Save the Children have been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting survivors, and lobbying for stronger laws and protections.

On a national level, many countries have taken steps to strengthen legal frameworks to protect children from sexual violence. Child protection laws, survivor-centered legal reforms, and harsher penalties for offenders have been introduced in several countries. However, effective implementation remains a challenge in many places due to corruption, weak legal systems, and deep-seated cultural barriers.

To truly address the epidemic of child rape, a multi-faceted approach is needed that tackles the root causes of the problem.

Education and Empowerment of girl-children can go a long way in preventing rape cases in the society. Educating girls about their rights, providing them with life skills, and empowering them to speak out against violence are crucial steps in preventing abuse. Equally important is educating boys and men about consent, respect, and gender equality to shift harmful patriarchal norms.

Girls and women need stronger legal protection to escape some the rape cases that occur regularly. Governments must prioritize the implementation of robust child protection laws, ensuring that law enforcement agents are well-trained and sensitized to handle cases of child rape. Special courts for handling cases involving children, victim support services, and protective measures should be readily available to survivors.

If we have to curb child rape menace, community engagement must be included in the process. Engaging communities to change attitudes toward girl-children and dismantling harmful gender norms is essential. Community leaders, religious figures, and educators can play a pivotal role in shifting mindsets and promoting zero tolerance for violence against children.

Furthermore, there is the need for support for survivours of rape. Comprehensive support systems for survivors are critical for the rest of their lives. These include access to psychological counselling, medical care, legal aid, and safe spaces where victims can heal and rebuild their lives. Schools should also provide supportive environments to help victims continue their education without fear of stigma or discrimination.

Global Advocacy and Accountability from World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and other relevant agencies should as a matter of fact continue to create more awareness and sensitization on the need to save the girl-child. International organizations and governments must continue to advocate for the protection of children’s rights, ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable. Monitoring mechanisms, transparency in legal proceedings, and collaboration between countries are key to fighting transnational issues like child trafficking for sexual exploitation.

It is worrisome to note in this 21st century, as the world is a global village, fully digitalized, when the girl-children should be allowed to showcase their potentials, instead they are trafficked to do jobs that will harm their lives.

Parents particularly, should have the number of children they can cater for. They should also pay attention to the ones they have.

Moreso, the boy-children and the men should be sensitized on the need to stop the menace.

Rape and sexual violence against girl-children is one of the gravest injustices of our time, robbing millions of their childhoods and futures. While progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to protect the most vulnerable among us. It is only through collective action, from governments, communities, families, and international organizations, that we can create a world where girl- children are safe, empowered, and free from violence.

Perpetual Oluchi Izuegbunam

Women

Who Is A Classic Woman?

Published

2 months ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

A classic woman is one who has identified herself in terms of fashion, occupation or the kind of business she does.

A woman can be classical in the way she entertains her audience in terms of music and movies. You will discover that some female musicians are identified with the kind of music they sing.

A classical woman is one who always wants to appear trendy.

Generally, classical women are normally identified with the kind of things they are involved in.

There are ladies that want to be identified with wearing of shorts (short trousers) in the public. They use it to showcase their beauty. They want to be identified with such things as they see it as socialisation.

Some wear trousers that are so tight just to showcase all the curves they possess.

Consultant stylists and etiquette experts say some fashions won by some persons are inappropriate because of how and when they are won.

A classic woman is supposed to dress properly. She should be able to wear clothes that will not expose hidden parts of her body. When such occurs, then it is indecent dressing.

Ladies should be known for two things, classical and beauty. One can be classic with minimisation. The minimum woman should go is to look good, decent and presentable.

Some ladies like wearing short skirts but no matter how short the skirt is, it should look elegant. The skirt should not be too short like the mini-skirt.

Dressing or fashion depends on the environment the persons finds herself. The kind of clothes won to the office may be different from the one won at home. Likewise, a dress won to a party may be different from the one won too swimming pool.

For one to look classical or decent, body shape should be taken into consideration.

Colours of a particular fashion can make one look odd or nice. Looking model does not mean that one should go naked or dull.

Don’t wear clothes that you need to drag from time to time in order not to expose yourself.

Eunice Choko-Kayode

Women

Emohua Widows Receive Items From Ogbakor Ikwerre California

Published

2 months ago

January 8, 2026

The Tide

A Non-Governmental Organization, (NGO) Ogbakor Ikwerre,California, DBA, Ikwerre Community Association, California, through it’s outreach projects has donated food items to over 300 Widows in Rumuekpe and Rumuji in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State.

Speaking during the handover of the items to the women leaders of the communities in Emohua, yesterday, the team leader of the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California, Dr Christiana Chukumati, said that the donation is an annual event that has been on since 2014.

According to her, the NGO is donating the items among the four local government area of Ikwerre adding that this year is for widows in Rumuekpe and Rumuji communities.

“Today is Rumuekpe and Rumuji communities, next we are going to another Ikwerre local government area also.

” The NGO has been carrying on the activities since 2014 within the

Ikwerre communities”, Dr Chukumati said.

She thanked the Royal father of Rumuekpe, His Royal Highness, Golden Amb. Christian Amadi, Eze Chigu and the Royal Highness of Rumuji and Odegu Kingdom, Ohna Christian Okachineke Elechi Newe-Eli (the xv) for receiving them in their communities.

The team leader also promised the Royal Highness that whenever the NGO has any other items for the communities, she we do well to bring it to them.

Receiving the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California in Rumuekpe, His Royal Highness Golden Christian Amadi, praised the NGO for funding his clan among the communities.

According to the Highness, my community is the only oil producing community in Emohua Local Government Area of Rivers State, adding that his community is feeding the local government area, the state and the nation.

“I thank my children over there in California for remembering the widows in my Kingdom for the food items they brought.

” I pray to God to help them to do also to other Ikwerre communities.

” I want to tell them also that Rumuekpe Kingdom is till undeveloped.

” As you can see the community is nothing to show to the people, I want to beg the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and the Rivers State government to come to our aid to develop our community. We are underdeveloped”

“God will bless my children over there in California”, His Royal Highness Amadi prayed.

In her words, the women leader of Rumuekpe community, Comfort Njoku, said that she was happy for the gift items given to them adding that it is not easy to remember the widows.

She explained that in Rumuekpe, the widows have not seen such a gift before and prayed that is only God that will reward them.

“I want to thank the Ogbakor Ikweree Community Association in California for giving us this items in this festival. We thank God for them and the leader of the group, Mrs Chukumati.

” What we received today we have not seen it in our community before for widows”, Mrs Njoku stated.

Meanwhile, in Rumuji community, His Royal Highness, Ohna Christian Okachineke Elechi, said that he lacked words to thank the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California for the gift to the widows in his communities.

According to him, today is historic in the history of Rumuji community that our children in oversea can remember us, I am very excited and happy over the items.

“I feel very very happy, it is good that our children recognize the widows in my community today.

” I did not know them before but now I know them, I pray to God Almighty to pay them back for their effort and that they will not lack.

“I pray God to continue to bless them in whatever things they are doing” he stated.

Earlier, the oldest woman in Rumuji community, Nletem Josiah, who spoke in her local language interpreted by the woman leader, Agor Leah Onugbom, thanked the Ogbakor Ikwerre Community Association in California for the gift adding that her husband died many years ago that has caused her hardship.

” In my age and these people come and give me these food items, is only God that will bless them for me.

” This Xmas I will eat and be happy so I want to thank them and that my God, God will bless them for me”, Mama Josiah said.

By: Kiadum Edookor