Reflections on the UN Summit: Beyond Silos and Dynamics of Gender, Power and Youth Voices
By Surabhi Shrivastava
By Surabhi Shrivastava
In this special LightRay! Media Empowering a Brighter Future: Celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child series, we put together a collage of young African teens and adults between the ages of 11 to 25 who are spreading their #BlackGirlMagic across the globe.
October 11th marks the International Day of the Girl Child, a global observance declared by the United Nations in 2012. This day serves as a catalyst for promoting girls’ empowerment, advocating for their rights, and addressing the unique challenges they face. The theme “My Voice, Our Equal Future” emphasizes the importance of listening to girls’ voices as well as boys to create a more equitable world.
The International Day of the Girl Child highlights the disparities and inequalities that girls encounter daily, including:
– Limited access to education and healthcare
– Child marriage and teenage pregnancy
– Gender-based violence and discrimination
– Lack of representation in leadership and decision-making
However, empowering girls is only half the equation. To create a truly inclusive and equitable society, it’s essential to engage and educate boys as well. By involving boys in the conversation, we can:
– Break down harmful gender stereotypes
– Foster healthy relationships and mutual respect
– Promote positive masculinity
– Encourage boys to become allies and advocates for girls’ rights
On this International Day of the Girl Child, we recognize that empowering both girls and boys is crucial for achieving:
– Gender equality
– Social justice
– Economic growth
– Sustainable development
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child, we shine a spotlight on remarkable young Black girls who are breaking barriers and achieving excellence in STEM, writing, speaking, and career achievements. Their stories serve as inspiration and testament to the potential of girls everywhere.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen presided.
Submit your entries now and join the True Story Award community in celebrating outstanding journalism.
In this special report on LightRay! Media, by Roland Bayode, we delve into the resilience of the African Spirit.
Journalism is not blogging. Content creation are different information types. Understanding how journalistic content is distinct yet significant in the digital age, gives journalists a better approach in reaching the interests of the public it serves based on truth, fact and balance reportage.
Creative Writint vs Longform Journalism and the power of language to Unite or divide.
“In the digital era, the democratization of information has empowered millions worldwide, breaking down traditional barriers to access and sharing. Digital platforms have further amplified this freedom, allowing users to personalize and engage with content on an unprecedented scale. This shift has challenged the dominance of conventional news media, reducing their vulnerability to censorship and manipulation by oppressive regimes and special interests.
However, the unchecked proliferation of digital content has also enabled the spread of misinformation, disinformation, propaganda, and conspiracy theories on a massive scale. The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and chatbots has exponentially increased the reach and influence of these harmful narratives, posing significant threats to informed decision-making, social cohesion, and democratic values.
As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s essential to recognize the critical role of responsible journalism in combating the erosion of truth and promoting a well-informed public discourse. By embracing innovative storytelling formats, fact-checking initiatives, and collaborative reporting efforts, the news media can reclaim its role as a trusted guardian of fact-based information and a champion of democratic accountability.”
Plans to unveil an ambitious strategy to decommission notorious dump sites across Lagos state in the wake of air pollution and cholera outbreak within the next 18 months is to commence.
In a stark revelation on the nature of air quality in Lagos, findings revealed the alarming extent of air pollution in Lagos. In a 15-kilometer run from Maryland to Ikeja which not only brought community together but also collected real-time data, revealing no areas with good air quality and highlighting severe pollution along major routes, the findings, with air quality ranging from moderate to very unhealthy air, underscored the urgent need for comprehensive action to combat the hazardous air conditions threatening the health of Lagos residents.
By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor