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  • Seven people who are excluded from fasting during Ramadan

    Seven people who are excluded from fasting during Ramadan

    In the course of fasting during the Ramadan season, it is important to note there are some devout Muslims who are automatically exempted and permitted by Allah from partaking in the holy exercise.

    Below are some valid reasons for excluding oneself from the fast:

    1. Sickness

    Sickness means that a person is not healthy.

    One of the great scholars of Islam, Ibn Qudamah said: “The scholars agreed that it is permissible for the sick person not to fast in general. The basis of that is the ayah in which Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

    “But if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.” [al-Baqarah 2:184]

    It was narrated that Salamah ibn al-Akwa’ (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “When this ayah was revealed – ‘And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day)’ [al-Baqarah 2:184 – interpretation of the meaning] – those who wanted not to fast could do that, and pay the fidyah (i.e., feed one poor person for each day). That remained the case until the following ayah was revealed, i.e., the verse:

    ‘And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day)’

    [al-Baqarah 2:184 – interpretation of the meaning] – so it abrogated it.”

    The sick person who fears that fasting may make his sickness worse or that it will slow down his recovery or damage a part of his body has the option of not fasting, indeed it is Sunnah for him not to fast and it is makruh for him to complete his fast, because that may lead to his death. So he has to be cautious and protect himself. Moreover, if the sick person is very ill, that makes it permissible for him not to fast. But if a healthy person fears difficulty or tiredness, it is not permissible for him to break his fast, if all that happens to him when he fasts is that he becomes tired.

    2. Travelling

    For travelling to result in a concession excusing one from fasting, the following conditions must be met. The journey must be long enough that prayers may be shortened. The traveller must not intend to settle in the place to which he travels.

    His journey must not be for any sinful purpose, rather it should be for a sound purpose, according to the majority of scholars. That is because being allowed not to fast, is a concession and relief that the sinner does not deserve on his journey, because the purpose of his journey is to sin – such as one who travels to commit banditry, for example.

    3. Cancellation of the concession for travelling

    This concession of travelling is cancelled for two things: When the traveller returns home and enters his hometown, which is the place where he resides.

    When the traveller decides to stay indefinitely, or for a lengthy period in one place, and the place is fit for settling in. Thus he becomes a resident (or non-traveller), so he should pray in full and not break his fast in Ramadan, because the rulings on travel no longer apply to him.

    4. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    The fuqaha agreed that pregnant and breastfeeding women may break their fast in Ramadan, on the condition that they think there is a risk that they or their children may become ill or more ill, or be harmed or may die. The evidence for this concession in their case is the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): “And whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number [of days which one did not observe Sawm (fasts) must be made up] from other days.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]

    This does not refer to merely being sick, for the sick person who will not be harmed by fasting is not allowed to break the fast; here sickness is mentioned as a metaphor for any situation where fasting when sick may cause harm. This is what is meant by sickness here. That may be the case in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, so these two cases are included in the concession of breaking the fast. The evidence that women in these cases are allowed not to fast is the hadith of Anas ibn Malik al-Ka’bi (may Allah be pleased with him), who said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has relieved the traveller of fasting and half of the prayer, and He has relieved the pregnant and breastfeeding woman of fasting.”

    5. Senility and old age

    Senility and old age refer to one who is old and has lost his strength, or who is approaching death, so that every day he becomes weaker until he dies, or who is suffering from a terminal or incurable illness and has no hope of recovery. The evidence that it is prescribed for such people not to fast is the ayah (interpretation of the meaning): “And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a Miskin (poor person) (for every day)” [al-Baqarah 2:184]

    Ibn ‘Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said that this ayah has not been abrogated, and it applies to old men and old women who cannot fast, so for each day, they should feed one poor person.

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    6. Intense hunger and thirst

    If a person is overtaken by intense hunger or unbearable thirst, then he should break his fast and eat just as much as he needs to ward off that hunger, then he should refrain from eating for the rest of the day, and make up for that fast later on.

    The scholars added to intense hunger and thirst the fear of weakness when meeting the enemy, or fearing or expecting an attack, such as when one is surrounded. So if a fighter knows for sure or thinks it is most likely that there will be fighting because he is facing the enemy, and he fears that fasting may make him weak when fighting, and he is not travelling, then he may break his fast before fighting.

    7. Compulsion

    Compulsion means one person forcing another to do something or not to do something against his will, using threats.  And Allah knows best.

  • Six ways to pass WAEC exams well

    Six ways to pass WAEC exams well

    Are you looking forward to taking WAEC SSCE in 2024? If it is your dream to smile your way to a desired tertiary institution with amazing results, you’re in the right place.

    The West African Examination Council (WAEC) is an institution that conducts the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) – a final year exam for Secondary School leavers.

    The following are six important tips to help you pass your WAEC exams:

    Know the syllabus

    There is always a syllabus for every WAEC exam. You must Familiarise yourself with it. In it, you’ll find all the necessary textbooks and topics you should know.

    Compare the syllabus with what you have in your school notes and identify if there are any gaps. That way, you’ve prepared yourself against any surprising shocker from possible strange questions.

    Have a study plan

    You must plan for your examination. This helps you deal with anxiety. Before examination draws nearer you must have identified subjects that easily sink into you and the ones you are having difficulty with. It is even possible not to have issues with any subject. Yes, you can be the master in all.

    Regardless of the category you fall into, you must discipline yourself, get serious, and create a plan like a timetable with each subject including the time you intend to read or study each. Don’t blur the lines between your study plan and something else; it is a guide for you to excel.

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    Start studying early

    Unless you have a different plan from what we’re planning for you, you should study early. Just joking, I’m sure you aim to excel. So, don’t give yourself an excuse for not studying, probably because of school work or extra lessons.

    Again, for you to conquer exam anxiety, you should start reading early; start writing down major points or short notes to revise what you’ve read. This style helps many people including myself. You’ll be able to comprehend more topics very well.

    Trial exam

    How about a trial exam to know how well you understand each subject? Yes, it’s very important. When you acquaint yourself with past questions, you will learn time management and your strong and weak areas.

    You have to treat it as the exact examination and prepare your mind for it. You may even get a strict face among your siblings to invigilate. If you constantly adhere to this, you’ll be more relaxed and looking forward to WASSCE.

    Seek help

    It’s normal to find some topics difficult. Yes, but what is not normal is refusing to ask for help. It could be your teacher, classmate, or your tutor. From there, you have a clearer picture on what you’re not getting right.

    Take a rest

    Once you’re convinced, make sure you take a rest in between your studies. It is not good enough to overwhelm yourself with multiple tasks without any gain. Let there be a gap in your schedule because if you don’t embrace rest, it can cause fatigue which can affect your mental preparedness.

  • 10 tips to prevent high blood pressure

    10 tips to prevent high blood pressure

    You can maintain a healthy blood pressure range by leading a healthy lifestyle. By avoiding hypertension, or high blood pressure, you can reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.

    Here are the 10 tips to prevent high blood pressure:

    * Eat healthy diets

    Choose healthy meal and snack options to help you avoid high blood pressure and its complications. Be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

    Talk with your health care team about eating a variety of foods rich in potassium, fiber, and protein and lower in salt (sodium) and saturated fat. For many people, making these healthy changes can help keep blood pressure low and protect against heart disease and stroke

    *Get active

    Regular exercise can also help you lose weight, which will also help lower your blood pressure. Regular exercise for about 30 minutes three times a week is a good start.

    *Limit your alcohol intake

    Limiting alcohol intake is also crucial. Also, monitor your blood pressure regularly. A reading in the range of 120-139/80-89 mmHg increases risk of developing hypertension.

    *Lifestyle habits

    Lifestyle habits also help to prevent hypertension. Conquer small goals, such as snacking on fruits and vegetables instead of junk food, and continue to practice these good habits until they are a part of your daily routine.

    *Do not smoke

    Smoking raises your blood pressure and puts you at higher risk for heart attack and stroke. If you do not smoke, do not start. If you do smoke, quitting will lower your risk for heart disease. Your doctor can suggest ways to help you quit.

    *Get enough sleep

    Getting enough sleep is important to your overall health, and enough sleep is part of keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy. Not getting enough sleep on a regular basis is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke.

    *Lose weight

    Being overweight forces your heart to work harder to pump blood around your body, which can raise your blood pressure.

    If you do need to lose some weight, it’s worth remembering that just losing a few pounds will make a big difference to your blood pressure and overall health.

    *Cut down on caffeine

    Drinking more than 4 cups of coffee a day may increase your blood pressure.

    If you’re a big fan of coffee, tea or other caffeine-rich drinks, such as cola and some energy drinks, consider cutting down.

    It’s fine to drink tea and coffee as part of a balanced diet, but it’s important that these drinks are not your main or only source of fluid.

    *Monitor your blood pressure

    Make sure that you have your blood pressure measured regularly, either at your doctor’s office or at home. High blood pressure often occurs with no symptoms, so only blood pressure readings will tell you if your blood pressure is on the rise

    *Managing stress

    Learning how to relax and manage stress can improve your emotional and physical health and lower high blood pressure. Stress management techniques include exercising, listening to music, focusing on something calm or peaceful, and meditating.

  • Five major international airports in Nigeria

    Five major international airports in Nigeria

    •  Ayooluwa Ayobami

    Nigeria has 21 airports operated by Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) with five functional international airports.

    Here’s is a full list of the five International airports in Nigeria:

    1. Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos)-  An international airport located in Ikeja, the Lagos state capital, and is the major airport serving the entire state. The airport was initially built during World War II and is named after Murtala Muhammed (1938–1976), the fourth military ruler of Nigeria.

    2. Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (Abuja)- An international airport serving Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. It is also the nation’s second busiest airport.  It is the main airport serving the Nigerian capital city, and was named after Nigeria’s first President, Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996).

    3. Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano)- Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport is an international airport serving Kano, the capital city of Kano State of Nigeria. It was a Royal Air Force station before the country became independent. It is the main airport serving northern Nigeria and was named after politician Aminu Kano. The airport has an international and a domestic terminal.

    4. Port Harcourt International Airport– Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) is an international airport located in Omagwa, a suburb of Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State. The airport plays a very important role in the economy of the country. The Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA) allows direct air connections between the country and major destinations around the world, especially to and from Western countries, because it is located in Port Harcourt, at the centre of the country’s oil and gas industry.

    5. Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu- The Akanu Ibiam International Airport is located in Enugu. This airport is one of the five international airports in the country and operated by FAAN. The airport is named after the late Akanu Ibiam (1906–1995), a medical doctor and statesman who hailed from Afikpo in Ebonyi State.

  • Seven countries never colonised by Europeans

    Seven countries never colonised by Europeans

    From history, European powers travelled the globe in search of territories to conquer, exploit, and govern. Although some countries came under its rule, some were not colonised by the Europeans maintaining their sovereignty and cultural integrity against all odds.

    These countries managed to retain their independence through various means, including diplomacy, military resistance, and strategic alliances, despite the widespread colonization efforts of European powers during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

    Here are some countries that were not colonized by Europeans:

    1. Japan 

    Japan is one of the few countries that managed to resist European colonisation maintaining its independence throughout its history, despite attempts by European powers to establish trade relations and exert influence. 

    The country was aware of the threat of Western invasion and in response initiated the political revolution called Meiji Restoration of 1868 that brought about the final demise of the military government Tokugawa shogunate who was ruling in Japan since 1603 returning control of the to the direct imperial rule under Prince Mutsuhito.

    2. Thailand

    Earlier known as the Kingdom of Siam – which was located between Indochina (now Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia) and Burma (now called Myanmar) – Thailand avoided colonisation through a combination of diplomatic skill and strategic concessions. It maintained its independence as a buffer state between British-controlled Burma and French-controlled Indochina.

    King Chulalongkorn, who is considered one of the greatest kings of Thailand, worked to adopt several European customs and became interested in European technology. He also made diplomatic efforts in Britain, thereby minimizing the possibility of colonization by Europe and France.

    3. Liberia

    Established in the 19th century by freed African-American slaves, Liberia was never colonised by Europeans, although it faced significant influence from the United States.

    4. Saudi Arabia

    Saudi Arabia, which has been ruled primarily by tribal leaders from across the region has remained independent and uncolonised, largely due to its geographic isolation and the strength of its ruling family, the House of Saud.

    In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire that controlled much of Southeastern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa between the 14th and early 20th centuries gained control of the majority of Saudi Arabia and remained in power until 1918.

    During this reign, the Saudi royal family began to fight for control of the country. This political movement coincided with World War I when Britain was fighting the Ottoman Empire. To weaken the Empire, Britain supported a pan-Arab revolt. At the end of the war, the Empire lost control of Saudi Arabia and since then it has become one of the powerful regions in the world.

    5. Bhutan

    Bhutan maintained its independence by carefully navigating its relations with neighboring powers, particularly Britain and later India, throughout the colonial period.

    The small country with a population of around 7.8 lakh located east of the Himalayan mountain range makes it difficult to invade. The British, however attacked the country from 1772 to 1774 and defeated them in North Bengal and gained control of some insignificant areas of the Kingdom of Bhutan.

    However, despite being defeated by the British army, Bhutan still managed to negotiate power. After it did not receive any help from Tibet, the Druk Desi, a regent of Bhutan, also known as Deb Raja in Western sources signed a Treaty of Peace with the British East India Company on April 25, 1774.

    In return for withdrawing British troops, the Kingdom of Bhutan agreed to pay them 5 horses and give them permission to harvest timber in Bhutan. Despite this agreement, the two countries were in constant border conflict until 1947, when India gained independence and British forces withdrew from the area.

    6. Nepal

    Nepal maintained its sovereignty through a combination of strategic alliances and military prowess, despite being between British India and Qing China during the colonial era.

    From 1814 to 1816, the Nepalese military forces fought in the Anglo-Nepalese War that was also known as the Gorkha War between 1814 to 1816.

    Reluctant to face the terrain after the been impeded by the mountains, British forces left the rest of Nepal as an independent state, creating a border area for British India.

    7. China

    China is sometimes called a partially dominated nation, especially in relation to certain Chinese territories under the control of foreign powers. Although, no country has ever controlled the entire territory, during the European powers’ attempt to control the world, the Chinese Empire was not easy to conquer as it had a powerful army and government like the Ottoman Empire.

    Its large size became an advantage, making it an elusive target for colonization. Britain and France, instead of gaining colonial rule, were able to gain some power over China through their imports and exports.

    Their status as favoured nations grew during the First and Second Opium Wars from 1839 to 1842 and from 1856 to 1860.

    Seeing the benefit of being a favoured nation, the United States, Russia, and Italy wanted the same status. Rather than being colonized, China’s coastal areas were divided between Western powers, causing the Qing dynasty to lose some but not all of its control.

  • Five positive reasons to consume alcohol

    Five positive reasons to consume alcohol

    By Ayooluwa Ayobami

    Drinking alcohol in large quantities carries health risks. While the risk is low for moderate intake, the risk increases just as the quantity you drink goes up.

    However, research has shown that Alcohol is healthy when consumed moderately.

    The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), defined moderate drinking as one drink per day or less for women and two or fewer drinks per day for men.

    While there has been little scientifically-backed research on the benefits of drinking alcohol, some health benefits that have been linked to moderate alcohol consumption include:

    Helping the Heart

    Moderate drinking makes you 25% to 40% less likely to have a heart attack, stroke, or hardened arteries if you are in good shape. This may be in part because small amounts of alcohol can raise your HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels. Heavy drinking, on the other hand, boosts your risk of heart disease.

    Prevents kidney stones

    Regular moderate drinkers are less likely to get kidney stones – research from WebMD shows that chances of having kidney stones are 41% less likely for those who drink beer, 33% for wine drinkers. Part of the reason may be that alcohol, like caffeine in coffee and tea, makes you pee more often. That helps clear out the tiny crystals that form stones. Drink too much, though, and you can get dehydrated, and that increases your risk of kidney stones along with other health problems.

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    Makes you more active

    Moderate drinkers are far more likely to exercise than people who don’t drink. And they may even get more healthy effects from it.

    Helps the brain

    A drink or two a few times a week may make you less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills.

    Boost s3x life

    Intimacy helps you deal with stress, and a little alcohol may move things along. A drink or two may boost arousal, but it’s not a sure bet. Drinking alcohol increases testosterone levels in a man. This male sex hormone plays a role in sexual desire. It may be a factor in females reporting more sexual desire when drinking. But men who drink too much can lose the desire and the ability to have sex.

  • Ramadan day two: Seven guiding rules for Muslims

    Ramadan day two: Seven guiding rules for Muslims

    In the season of Ramadan, there are outlined rules to guide the Muslim faithfuls on how to better and diligently accomplish the 30-day fast. 

    Here are seven guiding rules of fasting for Muslims:

    1. Apart from offering the daily five daily prayers at the time of Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (evening) and Isha (night), the rozedaars should not eat or drink anything intentionally in a state of fast and abstain from smoking or else the fast will become invalid.

    2. Consumption of any food item due to absent-mindedness or by mistake will not have any negative effect on one’s fast nor make it invalid hence, a person can immediately repent and continue with their fast after realising they have consumed something due to forgetfulness.

    3. Refraining from false speech, insulting, cursing, lying and fighting is a must for Muslims all though their lives but observed more strictly during Ramadan so as to not negate the reward of fasting.

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    4. Those chronically ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, old and sick with health restrictions are exempted from observing a fast during Ramadan. However, they should compensate for it by performing Fidiya which is done by feeding a poor person on every day of Ramadan or every day of missing one’s fast.

    5. A woman during her menstrual cycle or post-childbirth bleeding is not obliged to observe fast but the missed fasts need to be compensated later.

    6. Giving alms to the needy is called Zakat which is an obligatory charity in Islam. This is another compulsion during the holy month of Ramadan and the amount to be given out in Zakat is a fixed percentage of one’s savings that is required to be given to the poor which is different from Sadaqah or voluntary charity that is the amount Muslims donate above and beyond what is required from the obligation of Zakat.

    7. A very important rule for Muslims observing the Ramadan fast is that physical intimacy like indulging in sex is not allowed during the sacred month as rozedaars are required to channel their spirituality while seeking forgiveness through letting go of the worldly pleasures during these 29 or 30 days when they observe fast with their family and friends.

  • IWD: Five female celebrities whose achievements have made Nigerians proud

    IWD: Five female celebrities whose achievements have made Nigerians proud

    To celebrate women in a male dominated world, March 8, has been set aside to globally recognise the female gender for their impacts, achievements and contributions to the society.

    In commemoration of International Women’s, The Nation collated five famous Nigerian women who have been able to carve niches for themselves. Despite stiff competition, they strived hard to become household names.

    Funke Akindele

    The Nigerian Box office queen, Funke Akindele, has repeatedly proven that she is a force to be reckoned with in the Nigerian movie industry. For the past three years, Funke has continued to break records and set the bar high with her fantastic storytelling and acting.

    In 2023, Funke Akindele’s movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah,’ hit over NI billion in cinemas within three weeks of its release and became the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of all time.

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    Hilda Baci

    The celebrity chef, Hilda Baci, became a Guinness World Record holder that birthed a wave of cooking competition in Nigeria and Africa.

    In June 2023, the 27-year-old chef broke the record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual after cooking for 93 hours and 11 minutes to clinch the coveted title.

    Tiwa Savage

    Despite being in a highly competitive and male-dominated music industry, sensational Nigerian singer, Tiwa Savage, has continued to maintain her position as one of the top female stars in the country.

    In May 2023, the music star made Nigerians proud after he became the only African musician to perform at King Charles’ coronation concert.

    There is no doubt that Tiwa Savage inspires many Nigerian women as she proves they can achieve anything regardless of the environment.

    Yemi Alade

    Nigerian singer, Yemi Alade, has also continued to break boundaries in the male-dominated music industry despite the criticisms she often gets for her music.

    Mama Africa, as she is also called, recently performed at the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening ceremony in Ivory Coast.

    Mo Abudu

    Nigerian movie producer cum director, Mo Abudu, has created a career marked by innovation, resilience, and creativity in the movie industry.

    Mo Abudu has been a driving force behind the success of numerous blockbusters such as “Fifty,” “The Wedding Party,” “Your Excellency,” and “Òlòtūré.”

  • Five top healthy fruits during Lent, Ramadan

    Five top healthy fruits during Lent, Ramadan

    As the Lent period continues for Christians and the Ramadan fast approaches for Muslims, here are some fruits recommended for consumption during fasting to bolster your immune system.

    It’s important to note that during this fasting period, hard foods should be consumed with care.

    Banana

    Banana should be consumed during fasting as it helps in increasing energy level in the body. Research has shown that there is really no feeling of hunger after consumption and it also increases the strength of the body.

    Bananas contain nutrients like potassium, carbs, magnesium, fiber. Some people would love to consume banana with milk during the fasting period.

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    Orange

    In order to increase the energy of the body, eat oranges during fast. Nutrients like vitamin C, phosphorus, fiber, iodine, sodium, calcium are found in oranges.

    Orange contains 84 to 89 percent water. Consuming this helps in keeping the body hydrated. Consuming oranges helps in controlling cholesterol levels. Along with oranges, lemon water can also be consumed.

    Apple

    Apple is rich in nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin B, and potassium and helps remove the deficiency of fibre in the body. You can also consume fresh homemade apple juice during the fast.

    By drinking apple juice, metabolism remains good and the body gets strength. Consuming apple also increases immunity and reduces oxidative stress. During the fast, small pieces of apple can be cut and eaten in the morning and after night meal.

    PawPaw

    Eating pawpaw, also known as papaya increases the immunity of the body. Papaya is rich in antioxidants. Papaya can be consumed during fasting.

    Consuming papaya is also beneficial to overcome the problems related to digestion,the presence of Papain in pawpaw aids in digestion of proteins. People who have constipation and acidity problems should also include papaya in their diet.

    Coconut

    Coconut can be included in the diet during the fast as it keeps the body hydrated. Consuming coconut is also considered beneficial to overcome the lack of energy in the body. Along with eating coconut, one can also consume coconut water during the fast.

  • All you need to know about 2024 International Women’s day

    All you need to know about 2024 International Women’s day

    The International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on March 8 as a global occasion to reflect on the significance and history of the global movement towards gender equality.

    It serves as a reminder of the achievements of women worldwide while also highlighting their contributions to culture, politics, society across various sectors and the challenges that persist in the fight for women’s rights.

    March 8 was designated as International Women’s Day by the United Nations in 1975 although it was traced back to the early 20th century when women across the world began advocating for their rights, equality, and better working conditions.

    The idea of International Women’s Day stems from the 1908 labour movement of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries during which numerous women garment workers marched in the streets of New York, demanding better pay, shorter working hours, voting rights, amongst others according to the National Women’s Council.

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    The first celebration of International Women’s Day took place on March 19, 1911 with rallies and demonstrations in various countries to demand right to vote, better working conditions, and an end to gender discrimination in the United States and several European countries.

    Since then, International Women’s Day has evolved into a global celebration that not only honors the achievements of women but also serves as a platform for raising awareness about gender inequality and promoting women’s empowerment where each year, March 8 is marked by events, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at addressing various issues such as gender-based violence, unequal access to education and healthcare, and disparities in the workforce.

    In recent years, there have been significant strides toward gender equality in many parts of the world. Women have broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings in politics, business, science, and the arts. However, despite these advancements, gender inequality persists in various forms, and women continue to face systemic barriers and discrimination in many aspects of their lives.

    The overall theme of International Women’s Day 2024 is ‘Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,’ which emphasizes the critical role of investing in women’s education, healthcare, economic empowerment and leadership development to accelerate progress towards gender equality while the campaign theme ‘Inspire Inclusion’ shows the importance of creating an inclusive society where women are valued, respected and empowered fully in all aspects of life.

    On this day, we celebrate the resilience, courage, and achievements of women around the globe honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for progress and recognizing the countless women who continue to advocate for change in their communities and beyond.

    International Women’s Day 2024 is also an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to gender equality and to amplify the voices of women who are still marginalized and oppressed. It is a time to reflect on the progress we have made and the work that still lies ahead in the journey towards a more just and equal society for all.

    As we celebrate, let us stand in solidarity with women everywhere and pledge to continue the fight for equality, dignity, and respect for all individuals, regardless of gender. Together, we can break down barriers, accelerate progress and inclusiveness and create a brighter, more equitable future for generations to come.