Women
Looking Trendy In African Prints
Fashion is dynamic as it changes with time. It can be St Michaels today and changes to Zara tomorrow. The next two or more years another guru can come up to take over the trending world.
Those who are in love with fashion always follow the trend. They want to appear trendy always. They are normally interested in every new design. Sometimes other necessities of life may matter to them as fashion will keep them going.
Fashion covers a wide range of fabrics. It just depends on the kind of fabrics anyone would love to go for.
It is important you know what kind of fashion you go for. Are you a jeans lover. Handbags and jewelries to match your dressing matte a lot. Colours of jackets and shoes that will go with ones personality also matter when it concerns fashion.
If you like being trendy, you need to know your brands. Each fashion designer will like to make sure they release new items once in a while to keep her customers abreast of the newest in town.
It may be difficult to keep track of all the fashion you see in the market of shop. It is better to make your selection and forgo other that may not suit you at that time.
It is necessary to follow fashion shows. All over the world today, various fashion shows take place in many cities at different time annually. Both fashion designers and their clients can see how to mix and match their outfits when they visit fashion homes.
In the years past, Ankara or African print was used as only wrappers by women. But nowadays, print can be used by ladies for shirts/blouses and even gowns. It is used for trousers and tops depending on the style in vogue.
News
Women Empowerment, Key Priority Of Fubara’s Govt -Deputy Gov
The Rivers State Government has said that empowerment of women is one of its key priorities.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stated this during the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration, at the Women Development and Skills Acquisition Centre, Ministry of Women Affairs, Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
Odu described International Women’s Day as a catalyst used to push for women empowerment and assured that their welfare would be boosted by the government.
The deputy governor assured the women them that the state government would live up to its campaign promise by investing in women and advised them to utilise their starter parks whenever they are empowered.
In a keynote address, the Hon. Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Roseline Apawari Uranta, noted that women from time immemorial have been great pillars in achieving remarkable heights and stressed that IWD across the globe is of pivotal essence to celebrate all women for the roles they play in bringing, nurturing and sustaining life.
Uranta said that IWD, which started in 1911 and celebrated annually on March 8, is a global day that provides women a platform to address economic inclusion, limited participation in political and public life.
She described it as a day set aside to look into lack of access to education for the girl-child, gender-based violence, child marriage, child trafficking, harmful cultural practices as well as other challenges facing women in the continent and beyond.
The commissioner, who described March 8 as a day to celebrate the socio-economic, cultural and political achievements of women, emphasised that it is a day that offers women the opportunity to reflect on progressive achievements.
Nothing that it is an opportunity to call for change, she stressed that the Day is also an opportunity to celebrate acts of courage and every achievement made by ordinary women who did extraordinary things and are remembered in history.
She described this year’s IWD theme:”Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress”, as timely and apt because according to her, to achieve gender equality, we must ensure that the rights, responsibilities and opportunities of women do not elude them.
She said, “We must see investing in women as a human right issue and consider investing in women as a social tool to eradicate poverty since women are help-mates in the homes while a handful are breadwinners in their respective families”.
Uranta urged women to uphold the deliberate act of investing in themselves both in formal education, developing a new skill as well as learning a trade.
“Shun idleness, always find something positive and productive to do, regardless of your age, social status and financial capabilities”, she advised.
In a paper presentation, the guest speaker, Dr. Dabota Godswill Jumbo, reiterated that investing in women would attract good and positive dividends to herself and the society at large and noted that it is essential in addressing poverty, hunger and climate change.
She said women need more opportunities in elective and appointive positions, hence the need to encourage and support them in politics.
According to her, when you invest in women, they will be able to create safer environment where women will dwell devoid of gender-based violence.
In a goodwill message, the spokesperson, Rivers Women Unite For Sim, Mrs Charity Deemua, appreciated the organisers for making it possible for women to gather and celebrate themselves.
She commended those who created IWD to celebrate women and regretted that the girl-child was seen as a second-class person decades ago.
The former commissioner, Rivers State House of Assembly Commission, described those who taught it wise for women to celebrate as conquerors, tough and strong.
There were goodwill messages from National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC, Nigeria Association of Female Journalists (NAWOJ), among others.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
Women
IWD : Perusing The Importance And Contributions Of Women
All over the globe, women generally are celebrated in the month of March. The celebration comes once in a year to mark the tremendous tasks women perform.
With this year’s theme, ‘Count Her In, Invest In Women, Accelerate Progress’, let it be an opportunity for leaders and stakeholders to peruse the importance of investing in the female gender and to empower them.
Scholarship should be granted female students instead of forcing them into underage marriage.
The roles they play in their various countries, states, local government areas, communities; \societies, religious organisations and families can never be over-emphasised.
In business organisations, women have proved that they can form greater part in number in leadership.
In politics, they are not left out as they form not less than 35 percent of affirmative action. You can find quite majority of women in the parliament, Senate and the House of Representatives}.
In the Judiciary, the female Judges and Justices, which may be the highest rank are doing well also.
Women have become Presidents and Vice Presidents in their countries.
In many nations of the world, women are governors and deputy governors even in State House of Assembly, they are doing well.
Women form part of local government council administration. They are chairmen and vice chairmen of some local government councils.
In the academia, women have risen to be Vice Chancellors, Deputy Vice Chancellors, Registrars, Bursars and other principal officers of universities worldwide.
In their local communities, they form part of the grassroots who engage in agriculture and sole proprietorship. Their roles in food chain are second to none.
It is the women who give birth to children who in future grow to adulthood.
They nurture and nurse their younger ones to grow into maturity from breastfeeding stage.
When it comes to domestic affairs, they utilise all available resources maximally, ensuring that fund is allocated to every item at home. Where there is a housekeep or nanny, the mother plays a supervisory role’ other wise, things may not go well.
With all the roles women play in our societies, how well have they been treated?. In politics, they still have low turnout in participation. Their partners sometimes do not give them that opportunity to participate fully in politics. When women are at the helms of affairs, things may get better.
In the area of healthcare, women need free medicare from antenatal stage to delivery because of their roles in the families. This needs not be negotiated. If this is provided them, the rate of maternal and infant mortality will be less.
Women need soft loans not just from government at all levels, but from spirited individuals and Non- Governmental Organisations, NGO, to boost their petty trading. Some of them have lost their spouse and find it difficult to cope.
We need more women in the schools at every levels, especially at the tertiary leve where we have the teenagers and adolescent girls. These groups of people need attention. Female lecturers will provide them with the right guidance and counselling in this 21st century. In this computer age, where they are exposed to many things, their folk will play better roles in their lives.
As women mark the International Women’s Day, today, it is important to honour, cherish and appreciate their contributions to the family and society. It is important that we reflect on those things that affect them negatively, as today is being set aside to honour them.
As Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital hosts one of the biggest associations in the world, the International Association of World Peace Advocates, a world class organisation with the United Nations, stakeholders should emphasise more on the place of women in national development and world peace.
The United Nations through the IWD 2024 should raise more awareness on the importance of women and their contributions towards world peace.
Eunice Choko-Kayode
Women
Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mother, Child
It’s a good idea to nurse your baby if you’re able. Breast milk provides optimal nutrition for babies. It has the right amount of nutrients and is easily digested.
If you have been considering not breastfeeding your new baby exclusively, you are probably inundated with information. It’s a personal decision only you can make, but the benefits can never be overemphasised.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for six months, and continuing even after solid foods are introduced, until at least age one year or until both mother and child stop.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends breastfeeding until two years old or longer because the benefits continue as long as that . These health agencies recommend breastfeeding as early as one hour after the birth of a baby for the biggest benefits.
If you just need reassurance that breast milk is the right choice for you, the benefits are enormous to both mother and child.
These recommendations may not be easy but important.
The science-based benefits of breastfeeding are amazing for you and for your baby.
Breast milk provides ideal nutrition for babies.
Most healthcare professionals recommend exclusive breastfeeding for at least six months or much longer.
Breast milk contains everything baby needs for the first six months of life, in all the right proportions. Its composition even changes according to the baby’s changing needs, especially during the first month of life.
During the first days after birth, the mother’s breasts produce a thick and yellowish fluid called colostrum. It’s high in protein, low in sugar, and loaded with beneficial compounds. It’s truly a wonder food and not replaceable by formula of baby food.
Colostrum is the ideal first milk and helps the newborn’s immature digestive tract develop. After the first few days, the breasts start producing larger amounts of milk as the baby’s stomach grows.
About the only thing that may be lacking from the mother’s magical milk supply is vitamin D.
Unless you have a very high intake, your breast milk won’t provide enough. Vitamin D drops are usually recommended.
Breast milk contains important antibodies.
Breast milk is loaded with antibodies that help the mother’s baby fight off viruses and bacteria, which is critical in the tender and early months.
This particularly applies to colostrum, the first milk. Colostrum provides high amounts of immunoglobulin A (IgA), as well as several other antibodies.
When you’re exposed to viruses or bacteria, you start producing antibodies that then go into the milk. It’s immunity, baby!
IgA protects the baby from getting sick by forming a protective layer in the baby’s nose, throat, and digestive system.
Formula does not provide antibody protection for babies. Medical reports show that babies who are not breastfed are more vulnerable to health issues like pneumonia, diarrhea and infection.
Breastfeeding may reduce disease risk.
It may reduce your baby’s risk for many illnesses and diseases, including: middle ear infections. Breastfeeding, particularly exclusively and as long as possible, may protect against middle ear, throat, and sinus infections.
Respiratory tract infections. Breastfeeding can protect against multiple respiratory and gastrointestinal acute illnesses.
Colds and infections. Babies exclusively breastfed for six months may have a lower risk of getting serious colds and ear or throat infections.
Gut infections. Breastfeeding is linked with a reduction in gut infections.
Intestinal tissue damage. Feeding preterm babies breast milk is linked with a reduction in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of SIDS, especially when breastfeeding exclusively.
Allergic diseases. Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and eczema.
Bowel diseases. Babies who are exclusively breastfed may be less likely to develop Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Diabete Breastfeeding is linked to a reduced risk of developing type 1 diabetes and non-insulin-dependent (type 2) diabetes.
Childhood leukemia. Breastfeeding is linked to a reduction in the risk for childhood leukemia.
Breast milk promotes baby’s healthy weight.
Breastfeeding promotes healthy weight gain and helps prevent childhood obesity.
Reports reveal that breastfeeding for longer than four months has a significant reduction in the chances of a baby developing overweight and obesity.
This may be due to the development of different gut bacteria. Breastfed babies have higher amounts of beneficial gut bacteria, which may affect fat storage.
Babies fed with breast milk also have more leptin in their systems than formula-fed babies. Leptin is a key hormone for regulating appetite and fat storage.
Breastfed babies also self-regulate their milk intake. They’re better at eating only until they’ve satisfied their hunger, which helps them develop healthy eating patterns.
Breastfeeding may make children smarter.
Breastfeeding may help baby ace those tests. Some studies suggest there may be a difference in brain development between breastfed and formula-fed babies.
This difference may be due to the physical intimacy, touch, and eye contact associated with breastfeeding as well as nutrient content.
Reports indicate that breastfed babies have higher intelligence scores and are less likely to develop behavioral problems or have learning difficulties as they grow older.
However, the most pronounced effects are seen in preterm babies, who have a higher risk for developmental issues.
Medical research clearly shows that exclusive breastfeeding has significant positive effects on babies’ long-term brain development.
Breastfeeding benefits for mothers are so rich and rewarding.
Breastfeeding may help a mother lose weight.
This information has always been said at the antinatal class and other medical seminars. While some women seem to gain weight during breastfeeding, others want to lose weight.
Breastfeeding does burn more calories and after three months of lactation, a mother will likely experience an increase in fat burning compared to non-lactating mothers. Though the difference is not clear.
Breastfeeding helps the uterus contract.
During pregnancy, mothers uterus grows immensely, expanding from the size of a pear to filling almost the entire space of the abdomen.
After delivery, the uterus goes through a process called involution, which helps it return to its previous size. Oxytocin, a hormone that increases throughout pregnancy, helps drive the process.
The womans body secretes high amounts of oxytocin during labour to help deliver the baby and reduce bleeding. It can also help the mother to bond with the new born.
Oxytocin also increases during breastfeeding. It encourages uterine contractions and reduces bleeding, helping the uterus return to its previous size.
Studies have also shown that mothers who breastfeed generally have less blood loss after delivery and faster involution of the uterus.
Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk for depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a type of depression that can develop shortly after childbirth.
Women who breastfeed are less likely to develop postpartum depression, compared to mothers who wean early or do not breastfeed, according to a medical study.
However, those who experience postpartum depression early after delivery are also more likely to have trouble breastfeeding and do so for a shorter duration.
If a woman has any symptoms of PPD, it is important for a mother to report to her doctor as soon as possible.
Breastfeeding reduces your disease risk.
Breastfeeding seems to provide you with long-term protection against cancer and several diseases.
The total time a woman spends breastfeeding is linked with a reduced risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
Women who breastfeed have a lower risk of high blood pressure, arthritis, high blood, fats, heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, etc.
Breastfeeding may prevent menstruation
Continued breastfeeding also pauses ovulation and menstruation. The suspension of menstrual cycles may actually be nature’s way of ensuring there is some time between pregnancies.
You may consider this change as an extra benefit. While a mother is enjoying precious time with her newborn, it’s just one less thing to worry about.
It saves time and money.
To top the list, breastfeeding is mostly free, barring expenses for any lactation consulting and breast pumps. By choosing to breastfeed, you won’t have to spend money on formula. If you calculate how much your baby needs to drink daily, spend time cleaning and sterilising bottles mix and warm up bottles in the middle of the night (or day), figure out ways to warm up bottles while on the go you may discover that breastfeeding is better and cheaper.
Breast milk is always at the right temperature and ready to drink.
Some mothers have always given one flimzy excuse or the other for not feeding babies exclusively, the truth is that exclusive breastfeeding is better than any formula a mother can think of.
Eunice Choko-Kayode With Agency Reports
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