In furtherance of our campaign for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine sensitization, mobilization, and uptake, our team conducted an advocacy visit to the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area. The visit aimed to garner support, facilitate the smooth execution of our campaign activities within the community and ensure a coordinated effort towards the successful implementation of the HPV Vaccination among eligible girls.
Accompanied by key personnel including the Director of Primary Health Care, the Local Immunization Officer, the Social Mobilization Officer, and the Disease Surveillance Officer, our delegation was graciously received by the Executive Chairman. The meeting commenced with a formal introduction of our team and an overview of the objectives of our advocacy visit.
The Executive Chairman demonstrated a keen interest in our cause and attentively listened to our presentation. He acknowledged the significance of HPV awareness and its impact on public health within the local government area and the nation. Moreover, he assured us of his unwavering support and commitment to facilitating our campaign activities, ensuring seamless coordination, and maximizing outcomes.
This advocacy visit to the Executive Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area yielded positive outcomes, with an affirmation of support and collaboration towards our HPV sensitization and mobilization efforts. We look forward to leveraging this endorsement to further advance our mission and positively impact the health and well-being of the community.
Recognizing the critical need to increase HPV vaccination rates, we implemented a comprehensive strategy by training our Settlement Vaccine Champions to immerse themselves within their communities. Equipped with specialized knowledge and resources, these champions are tasked with spearheading initiatives to amplify awareness and understanding of the HPV vaccine.
Their roles encompass multifaceted engagement, including community, religious and school-based advocacy and outreaches, as well as facilitating one-on-one discussions with community members. By establishing a presence within the communities, they foster trust, address concerns, and debunk myths surrounding the vaccine.
The expected outcomes of this concerted effort are manifold. Firstly, we anticipate a significant increase in HPV vaccination uptake among the settlement population. Secondly, by fostering a culture of health literacy and proactive healthcare-seeking behaviors, we aim to reduce the prevalence of HPV-related diseases such as cervical cancer. Ultimately, our goal is to create a lasting impact on public health outcomes by empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against HPV infections.
More teams of Settlement Vaccine Champions will be trained to ensure spread across the different wards within the State.
Today, we successfully sensitized 52 boys and 150 girls in Secondary School as well as 25 boys and 37 girls in upper primary school about the HPV, the significance of the HPV vaccine, and the risks associated with cervical cancer. These enthusiastic youngsters were not only eager to learn but also actively engaged in discussions, asking insightful questions and showing genuine interest in safeguarding their health. As they absorbed the information, their enthusiasm grew, and they left equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their own health and well-being, empowered to spread awareness within their communities, and willingness to take the HPV Vaccine.
DIADERC Team members Participates at CODESRIA MRI Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop, Dakar Senegal, 16-20 September 2024
Following the announcement published on the website of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) on the winners of the 2023/2024 CODESRIA’s Meaning-making Research Initiatives (MRI) competition, four DIADERC team members, led by Dr. Judith I. Ani, Programmes and Partnership Lead, participated in the prestigious CODESRIA Meaning-making Research Initiatives (MRI) Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop held at Le Ndiambour Hotel, Dakar, Senegal, from 16-20 September 2024.
Their proposal, “Climate Change-Induced Flooding: Implications for Income and Food Security among Female Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria”, was one of 14 proposals selected from 116 submissions. This significant achievement reflects the team’s dedication to addressing the intersection of gender and climate change, with a specific focus on how climate-induced flooding disproportionately affects the livelihoods of female smallholder farmers. The research aims to provide practical, policy-relevant recommendations to enhance climate resilience among these vulnerable groups.
The workshop provided valuable opportunities to enhance their research methodologies, writing skills, and project design, ensuring the robustness of the proposals and alignment with CODESRIA’s thematic priorities. During the workshop, scholars were introduced to the resource persons who will guide their projects through completion. Participants also gained insights into African epistemologies, expanded their research knowledge, and built connections with fellow scholars. Team members also had the opportunity to present (https://x.com/CODESRIA/status/1835686162188439587?t=9-I2YaAU5fc1iOp6qQzzYg&s=08) their proposal to resource persons and fellow scholars.
It is important to highlight the active participation of team members throughout the workshop, where they contributed in various roles and capacities. For instance, Dr. Oluwayemisi K. Adeleke served as a Rapporteur during a group presentation, while Dr. Judith I. Ani took on the role of Rapporteur during a resource-person presentation. Additionally, Dr. Ani was part of a roundtable discussion with laureates on the theme “Rethinking African Scholarship in Complex Times: Possibilities and Challenges.” Their involvement showcased their commitment and added significant value to the workshop.
Beyond the in-class activities, members had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of Dakar renowned for several tourists’ attractions. In other words, the workshop was not just an academic pursuit; it also offered a chance to explore Dakar’s rich culture. The DIaDeRC team visited the Museum of Black Civilisations (Musée des civilisations noires), recognized by Time magazine as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.” This museum beautifully encapsulates Africa’s rich history, science, antiquities and heritage, and its exhibits connect the past and present of Black people across the globe.
A visit to the iconic African Renaissance Monument (Monument de la Renaissance Africaine), further underscored the resilience and strength of African people. The 52-meter (171 ft)-tall bronze statue, located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelle, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the sacrifices made by African heroes. An inscription at the foot of the statue enjoins tourists to think about the resilience of the people whose sacrifice brought about the African Renaissance. As the team climbed the 180 stairs to the monument, they reflected on the importance of resilience—a value that aligns with their research efforts aimed at contributing to Africa’s development.
It is often said that all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. Thus, in addition to the cultural experiences, the team enjoyed a relaxing day at Dakar’s scenic beach, where they found time to unwind and take in the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. Here, they admired the beautiful sea, listened to the rustling of the waves and heard the sound of the waters that chimmed its consonance with their scholarly sojourn in Dakar. It was such a refreshing time spent at the Dakar beach.
They capped off their trip with a memorable dinner at Restaurant Phare des Mamelles, known for its rich history and live music performances, fostering camaraderie among workshop participants. This Restaurant lies on an iconic altitude of 153m and offers rich experience of the iconic Lighthouse and aerial view of the Atlantic ocean and surrounding environs.
This journey marked a significant milestone for the DIaDeRC team and exemplifies the power of collaboration, networking and passion for societal development. We are excited to welcome the team back and look forward to seeing the impact of their research on female smallholder farmers in Nigeria.
Keep flying the flag high, DIaDeRC! Your work is inspiring and vital to Africa’s future!
Below, team members share their personal experiences at the workshop:
Judith I. Ani:
The workshop offered me rich insights into African epistemology and the need to do Afri-centric projects/research, using methodologies that are well suited in time and space, and most relevant to the African continent and people. It also enabled me to network and forge new collaborations with other participants. I also had the opportunity to explore the rich culture of Dakar.
Loveth Ode-Omeka:
First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to be part of this award-winning team. God made it possible, and to Him be the glory! The MRI workshop was an eye opener to all that we are being taught on the ASMN series. The grant proposal was a collaboration with members of the team I met in DIADERC. (My new found sisters). The workshop gave me opportunity to improve my knowledge in research writing and research methodology especially the discussion on mixed method approach. I also had the opportunity to network with other researchers and learn more about research critiques. Presentations of the various MRI proposal exposed us to better insight about our work , and will be applied judiciously for a better proposal submission. I had the privilege of participating in viable discussions about Africa and learning from other scholars. The travel exposure to a Francophone West African country gave me a better view of how I see Africa. I intend to apply knowledge gained to my research work, especially my Ph. D work. and to also impact same to my students. Thank you DIADERC for linking us to this life transforming opportunity. Thank DIADERC Chair.
Brendaline B. Ngwengeh:
My experience in the MRI- Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop organized by CODESRIA was very refreshing and enriching. During the workshop, various presentations were made. In the course of it, I learnt the difference between methodology and methods, how to coin a good Research Design. On the Historical part I learnt, colonialism and coloniality and how it still exists today in Africa, Youths and Politics in Africa as well as the Role of Youths in Africa’s Development. At the end we were encouraged to engage on how scholars can incorporate AI in their scholarly writings since it is the current trend and is already shaping research works especially in advanced countries. Resource persons were distributed to each group to discuss and improve on the quality of the works. It was an engaging moment. We also visited Tourist and Historical Sites like the National Museum in Senegal during which facilitators enlightened us on the Historical significance of some of the artifacts displayed. It was a 5-day workshop after which we left happily to our various countries with the aim of effecting the corrections on what has been taught, learnt and discussed. I deeply appreciate the experience and my team members for the love and unity showed during the seminar. All Glory to God Almighty!
Oluwayemisi K. Adeleke:
The workshop provided a rich platform for presentation, discussion and exchange of ideas among presenters, resource persons and organizers. During the workshop, I gained tremendously and had new insights from the different presentations by other researchers selected for the MRI workshop and the resource persons who further helped the progress of the presentations in order to improve the study. Also, I was able to enhance my understanding of social science research methodologies, as well as have further insightful discussion that led to the formation of future collaborations among other African researchers from other African countries. Similarly, several contemporary issues affecting the African continent was discussed as it relates to socioeconomic effect, colonialism and decolonialism, Anthropology, epistemology etc. The executive secretary of CODESRIA and the resource persons further encouraged us to think critically and out of the box in order to have innovative research approaches that will be tailored to the African economy. Also, I learnt about ethical considerations especially when working with marginalized communities. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to participate in the CODESRIA workshop because the experience has been invaluable. It has further reinforced my belief on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to research and the need for ongoing dialogue about Africa’s challenges and opportunities. The exchange of ideas and experiences has inspired me to rethink my own research approach and consider more collaborative and inclusive strategies. The CODESRIA workshop was a significant learning experience for me and I aim to apply the insights gained to my own research and contribute to collaborative efforts within the academic community.
The announcement was published on the website of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), an independent pan-African research organization primarily focusing on social sciences research in the continent.
The research work offered critical insights into the intersection of gender, climate change, and agriculture. In economically disadvantaged regions like Nigeria, climate change intensifies challenges for women, particularly female smallholder farmers who are vital to the country’s food production yet often overlooked in policy discussions.
By exploring the impacts of flooding on their food security, income, and livelihoods through an eco-feminist lens, their research endeavour provides actionable insights to guide policy-making and interventions. The goal is to enhance the resilience of women in agriculture and develop adaptive measures that benefit both the environment and socio-economic stability. Let’s discover how this work can influence future strategies for a more inclusive and sustainable approach to climate change and agriculture.
The entire leadership of DePECOS Institutions and Development Research Centre (DIaDeRC) congratulates and celebrates this outstanding quartet for the feat.
Consequent to the announcement published on the website of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) of winners of the 2023/2024 CODESRIA’s Meaning-making Research Initiatives (MRI) competition, the quartet of DIaDeRC team members, led by the Programmes and Partnership Lead, Dr. Judith I. Ani, participated in the prestigious CODESRIA Meaning-making Research Initiatives (MRI) Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop held at Dakar, Senegal, from 16-20 September 2024.
The quartet-winning proposal, “Climate Change-Induced Flooding: Implications for Income and Food Security among Female Smallholder Farmers in Nigeria”, was one of 14 proposals selected from numerous submissions. This significant achievement reflects the team’s dedication to addressing the intersection of gender and climate change, with a specific focus on how climate-induced flooding disproportionately affects the livelihoods of female smallholder farmers. The research aims to provide practical, policy-relevant recommendations to enhance climate resilience among these vulnerable groups.
The Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop provided valuable opportunities to enhance MRI winners on expected research methodologies, writing skills, and project design, with a view to ensuring the robustness of proposals and alignment with CODESRIA’s thematic priorities.
During the workshop, scholars were introduced to the resource persons who will guide their projects through completion. Participants also gained insights into African epistemologies, expanded their research knowledge, and built connections with fellow scholars.
In addition, team members from DIaDeRC were actively involved and participated in group and team activities throughout the workshop, where they contributed in various roles and capacities. For instance, Dr. Oluwayemisi K. Adeleke served as a Rapporteur during a group presentation, while Dr. Judith I. Ani took on the role of Rapporteur during a resource-person presentation. Furthermore, Dr. Ani was part of a roundtable discussion with laureates on the theme “Rethinking African Scholarship in Complex Times: Possibilities and Challenges.” Their involvement showcased their commitment and added significant value to the workshop.
Beyond the in-class activities, members had the pleasure of exploring the beautiful city of Dakar, which is renowned for its tourist attractions. In other words, the workshop was not just an academic pursuit; it also offered a chance to explore Dakar’s rich culture. The DIaDeRC team visited the Museum of Black Civilisations (Musée des civilisations noires), recognized by Time magazine as one of the “World’s 100 Greatest Places of 2019.” This museum beautifully encapsulates Africa’s rich history, science, antiquities and heritage, and its exhibits connect the past and present of Black people across the globe.
A visit to the iconic African Renaissance Monument (Monument de la Renaissance Africaine), further underscored the resilience and strength of African people. The 52-meter (171 ft)-tall bronze statue, located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelle, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, serves as a symbol of hope and a reminder of the sacrifices made by African heroes. An inscription at the foot of the statue enjoins tourists to think about the resilience of the people whose sacrifice brought about the African Renaissance. As the team climbed the 180 stairs to the monument, they reflected on the importance of resilience—a value that aligns with their research efforts aimed at contributing to Africa’s development.
The Methodology and Scholarly Writing Workshop in Dakar, Senegal, was part of the execution phase of the grants won by scholars on the platform of CODESRIA.
The global rise in the elderly population is a significant concern, yet it has not received sufficient policy attention, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria. Africa is expected to witness a substantial increase in its elderly population, projected to grow from 11% to 22% between 2000 and 2050.[1] In the context of Nigeria, the number of individuals aged 65 and above has risen dramatically, escalating from 2,907,740 in 1991 to 4,536,761 in 2006[2]&[3]. This indicates a rapid growth of 1,629,021 within a mere two decades. Projections suggest that the elderly population in Nigeria will continue to expand, reaching 11.5 million by 2025 and a staggering 25.5 million by 2050. These figures stand in contrast to the 6.4 million recorded in 2005, to constituting approximately 10% of Nigeria’s total population. This demographic shift emphasizes the pressing need for comprehensive policies and initiatives to address the evolving needs and challenges associated with an ageing population.[4]
In Africa, the process of ageing transcends mere biology; it holds profound social, cosmological, and spiritual significance. This transformative journey is accompanied by a tapestry of cultural practices that underscore its sacred nature. Among the Ngwo people in Enugu State, located in the southeastern region of Nigeria, the elderly are revered and celebrated through unique names and customs. Titles such as “adukwurum,” “orinandu,” “amushi,” “ogeenyi,” “noomu,” “ogbun’agodo,” “Ogbu Ibuo,” and “Ite Ogbo” are bestowed upon them, symbolizing their role as esteemed progenitors, custodians of wisdom, and bearers of extensive life experiences.[5]
These distinctive names symbolize celebrations and honour bestowed upon elderly men and women, acknowledging their enduring vitality, industriousness, and accomplishments in nurturing successful generations. Specifically, the term “Adukwurum” embodies the celebration of individuals—both male and female—whose lives extend to witness the presence of (great)grandchildren and the achievements of their offspring. “Orinandu” denotes an elder who lives to see old age, enjoying the fruits of their children’s prosperity. Meanwhile, “Amushi” and “Ogbu n’agodo” pay tribute to elderly males and females, respectively, revered for their exceptional fertility levels. The title “Noomu” is reserved for a resilient elder woman who has withstood the trials of labour numerous times, having given birth to ten or more children. Furthermore, designations like “Og’enyi,” “Ogbu Ibuo,” and “Ite Ogbo” encompass additional variations of cultural festivities honouring elderly men and women, celebrating their enduring longevity and progeny.
Yet, within these celebrations, the complex dynamics of ageing persist. While old age is widely respected, for some, it presents a challenging phase marked by functional limitations and other adversities. As individuals age, they may contend with disabilities, ailments, financial hardship, diminished income, and other socioeconomic difficulties. This sobering reality, particularly prev[i]alent in developing nations, unfolds amidst a backdrop of inadequate political commitment to institute comprehensive welfare policies for the elderly.
ISSUES, NARRATIVES AND LESSONS LEARNT
Delving deeper in light of the aforementioned, a southeastern Nigeria study conducted among 816 older adults,[6] underscored a significant prevalence of disability. Notably, seven out of every ten elderly individuals required assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Intriguingly, this study illuminated a gender disparity, revealing that men were twice as likely as their female counterparts to necessitate such assistance. Furthermore, the research indicated a noteworthy correlation between education and disability risk. Elderly respondents with limited or no formal education faced an elevated likelihood of experiencing disabilities. This linkage can be attributed to the fact that education plays a pivotal role in fostering a proactive approach towards preventive healthcare, bolstering the capacity to effectively manage various pathologies, and preempting the onset of chronic conditions.
Additionally, the study highlighted the critical importance of physical exercise. Those who refrained from engaging in regular physical activity exhibited a staggering seven-fold increase in the risk of disability concerning ADL, alongside a twofold risk elevation for IADL-related disabilities, when compared to their exercise-practising counterparts. This emphasizes the vital role of physical activity in promoting functional independence and mitigating the onset of disabilities among the elderly population.
Mobility-related disability, primarily stemming from stroke, imposed the most substantial burden among all types of disabilities. The prevalence of strokes was higher in males than in females. Upon further examination, it was found that alcohol consumption, specific occupational choices, and smoking were correlated with an increased risk of strokes. Among the elderly, those with lower levels of education faced a heightened risk of dementia compared to their tertiary-educated counterparts. Notably, individuals with no formal education exhibited a twelve-fold greater susceptibility to this disability.
Pain-related disability, centred around osteoarthritis and rheumatism, ranked as the second most prevalent form of disability. Elderly females were found to be 20% more susceptible to this category of disability compared to males. This discrepancy not only limited their engagement in social activities but also intensified their discomfort and other associated disadvantages. Additionally, elderly females were twice as likely as males to experience mental health issues. Physical exercise emerged as a significant factor linked to mental well-being. Engaging in physical activities served as a protective measure against mental-related disabilities, particularly dementia, mitigated the impact of disabilities in advanced age, and contributed to overall health promotion.
The study also shed light on instances of reported abuse. Emotional abuse was more frequently reported by males (64.7%), while physical abuse was more prevalent among females (53.8%). These instances of abuse were predominantly perpetrated by individuals in positions of trust. Unfortunately, a prevalent reason for not reporting such abuses was the fear of abandonment by caregivers, often family members.
Furthermore, approximately 47.7% of the respondents self-assessed their health as poor, indicating the presence of comorbidities in older age (Figure 1).
Figure 1: Respondents’ Self-reported Health Status in Percentage
Over half (56%) of the participants reported having experienced an illness within the four weeks preceding the study. These illnesses encompassed a range of conditions such as malaria, typhoid, fever, headaches, high blood pressure, ulcers, prostate cancer, waist pain, and cough, among others. Of the respondents, 46.8% rated the quality of healthcare they received as fair, while the remaining individuals perceived it as either good or poor as shown in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2: Quality of Care Received by Respondents
In another survey[7] conducted among older adults with disabilities in South-eastern Nigeria, the findings indicated that more than 70% of the participants had unmet needs.
Figure 3: Percentage of Elderly with Unmet Needs
This signifies a lack of access to fundamental requirements, encompassing financial resources, proper nutrition, healthcare, suitable housing, as well as rights and entitlements, including pension benefits. Mobility also emerged as a significant area where needs were not adequately fulfilled.
Based on the study’s findings, the most deficient areas of care and support were centred on financial assistance, with health care ranking second due to the burden of out-of-pocket payments, followed by insufficient access to proper nutrition. Article 25 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, established in 1948, defines adequate standards of living as encompassing the ability to fulfil fundamental necessities such as proper diet, suitable shelter, clothing, housing, healthcare, long-term care services, and possession of resources to alleviate the impact of illnesses, disabilities, widowhood, old age, or the loss of a means of livelihood. Regrettably, a significant majority of respondents indicated their inability to afford a healthy lifestyle and meet adequate living standards. Among the participants, 66.0% did not utilize any form of assistive device, while the remaining 34.0% primarily relied on walking sticks (canes). Notably, none of the respondents utilized modern devices to navigate their surroundings effectively. Their environment was generally not ageing-friendly.
A sight-impaired woman living in a physical environment that is not ageing-friendly given the lack of handrails
The respondents’ coping mechanisms were influenced by their interpretation of the underlying causes of their disabilities. Some individuals, who attributed their disabilities to supernatural or preternatural factors, sought assistance from spiritual practitioners. Conversely, those with a medical understanding of their conditions leaned towards medical interventions to enhance their quality of life in their remaining years. Survival strategies often revolved around receiving financial support. This primarily took the form of remittances, often provided by their children. Additionally, some resorted to seeking alms as a means to sustain themselves.
An elderly begging for alms along the roadside
CONCLUSION
In each of these studies, participants shared their personal challenges and articulated their preferences for effective assistance as stated above. Therefore, it is crucial to provide support to the elderly through well-designed, need-based policies and initiatives. Drawing inspiration from established systems of care in countries such as Canada, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands, and China, there is an opportunity to examine and analyze these models with the aim of crafting a tailored approach for the elderly population in Nigeria.
Furthermore, it is proposed that a community-based healthcare system be developed, one that incorporates informal caregivers. This approach would ensure a seamless continuum of care, utilizing the support of individuals whom the elderly have been familiar with throughout their lives. To achieve this, a public-private partnership could be established. This partnership may encompass a well-structured home care and rehabilitation services framework, including specialized interventions like physiotherapy, delivered by trained professionals who collaborate with informal caregivers at the community level. Additionally, the implementation of innovative assistive technologies can play a pivotal role in enhancing the elderly’s independence and overall quality of life, and ensuring an ageing-friendly environment is crucial Establishing vibrant recreational centers that promote social engagement and combat feelings of loneliness and isolation is equally vital. This comprehensive approach strives to elevate social interaction equality, fostering a supportive environment for the elderly in Nigeria.
As the ongoing demographic transition continues, the imperative for a comprehensive collective welfare system becomes increasingly evident. This takes the form of a pension system designed to encompass all categories of the elderly, alongside community-based care and welfare policies, which together offer a targeted approach to policy interventions. In light of Nigeria’s commitment to achieving healthcare equity, the findings from these studies present a significant opportunity to address challenges and enhance access to healthcare and social safety nets for the elderly population. One potential avenue for achieving this is through the enhancement of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). While currently covering only a fraction of the population, strategic modifications can extend its benefits to elderly individuals, particularly those living with disabilities. A crucial step involves broadening the NHIS’s eligibility criteria to encompass elderly individuals and fostering community-based outreach efforts. Valuable lessons can be gleaned from successful schemes in other countries to inform these enhancements.
To further fortify the safety net for the elderly, the establishment of a dedicated health fund is strongly recommended. Given that elderly individuals often heavily rely on extended family and friends for both healthcare and social support, the creation of a health fund could alleviate the economic burdens borne by both the elderly and their households. Recognizing the pressing need, there is a call for the implementation of a sustainable unconditional, non-contributory pension scheme. This measure aims to mitigate the adverse effects of poverty and economic hardships prevalent in contemporary Nigeria.
Despite the current lack of prioritization of ageing-related issues by the Nigerian government, as evident in the widespread out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures and a lack of political will to enforce ageing welfare policies, it remains crucial to acknowledge the formidable challenges that have already surfaced, including catastrophic health expenditures. Addressing the issues of disability and the challenges faced by the elderly in Nigeria is, therefore, of paramount importance. Such efforts are essential to enhance their quality of life and imbue their lives with greater significance as they approach the end of life.
OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows: Judith I. Ani (August 15, 2023). Ageing in South-Eastern Nigeria: Issues, Personal Narratives and Lessons Learnt. Threads of Time. Retrieved May 19, 2025 from https://timethreads.hypotheses.org/149
Masculinity norms and gender socialization play a critical role in shaping boys’ attitudes, behaviours, and interactions within society. In South Africa, historical legacies of colonialism and apartheid, coupled with deeply ingrained cultural and societal expectations, have contributed to rigid masculinity norms that emphasize dominance, emotional restraint, and aggression. These constructs not only influence boys’ development but also have significant implications for gender-based violence (GBV). This paper explores the ways in which masculinity norms are embedded within societal structures and reinforced through family upbringing, education, media representations, and cultural traditions. By encouraging dominance, emotional suppression, and aggression, these norms contribute to power imbalances and normalize violence as a means of asserting control. Drawing on theoretical frameworks such as hegemonic masculinity, intersectionality, and social learning theory, the study examined how historical, racial, and socio-economic factors shape gender socialization and influence boys’ developmental trajectories. Through an intersectional lens, this paper underscored the urgent need to challenge harmful masculinity norms and promote alternative models that encourage emotional expression, empathy, and equitable gender relations. Finally, it provided recommendations for educational reforms, community interventions, media engagement, and legal frameworks to foster healthier masculinity norms and reduce GBV.
Background: Gender-based violence (GBV) poses a significant global threat to human rights, public health and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. There is a growing emphasis on researching to identify issues and understand the experiences of women relative to GBV. The increasing demand for policymakers and public health practitioners to adopt evidence-based approaches in addressing GBV highlights the need for research prioritization on experiences of GBV among women in resource-limited settings such as sub-Saharan Africa. This paper explored GBV among women in 25 sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries to identify and present key intervention priority areas for addressing GBV in these settings.
Methods: The study involved a cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative dataset from the Demographic and Health Survey of 25 SSA African countries. Data was analyzed descriptively and inferentially using the Pearson chi-square (X2) at a p< 0.05.
Results: Findings revealed that women aged 25–29, living in rural areas and with primary education were at a significant risk of experiencing GBV across 25 SSA countries. A notable 44.94% of women reported experiencing at least one form of GBV, with the prevalence varying by country. Women in Comoros had the lowest reported prevalence (10.76%), while Sierra Leone women had the highest (60.27%), followed by Uganda (56.92%). Emotional and physical violence were most prevalent in Sierra Leone, while sexual violence was most common in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In the face of global demographic shifts and rapid digitalization, ensuring digital inclusion for the aging population is imperative. Projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2050, older adults stand at the intersection of societal challenges and digital opportunities. The review emphasizes the multifaceted role of digital inclusion, aligning with the World Health Organization’s Global Strategy on Ageing and Health and supporting Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, and 10. Despite the potential benefits, the digital divide persists in developing countries like Nigeria, accentuated by limited technology access. Urgent research is needed to understand technology acceptance among older adults, highlighting the necessity for public-private partnerships to bridge these gaps. The comprehensive approach advocates for inclusive policies, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts, ensuring older adults are not left behind in …
