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Tag: women

  • ITF empowers 300 youths, women in Zamfara

    ITF empowers 300 youths, women in Zamfara

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has empowered 300 youths and women with various vocational skills in Zamfara State, under its National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

    Agency reports say ITF also supported the beneficiaries with tools as part of its efforts at reducing unemployment.

    At the closing of the three-month programme and presentation of the empowerment tools in Gusau, ITF Director-General Sir Joseph Ari said the NISDP was initiated by the ITF in line with the Federal Government policy on job/wealth creation and poverty reduction.

    Ari, represented by the Director, Technical and Vocational Services Department, Mr Isiyaku Yusuf, said the programme was aimed at equipping a large number of youths with vocational skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

    According to him, the over 11,000 trainees are expected to benefit from the programme across the 36 states of the country and Federal Capital Territory.

    “Three hundred youths and women were selected from the 14 local government areas of the state for the training,” he said.

    In his remarks, the state’s Deputy Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, commended the ITF for initiating the programme, saying that it was a timely and welcomed development.

    Wakkala said: “What ITF has done is in line with the state government’s policy to partner the Federal Government, organisations and private partners on training of youths in various skills acquisition to empower them to become self-reliant.

    “We are ever ready to partner and provide enabling environment to any organisation to improve the future of our youths.’’

    He urged beneficiaries of the programme to utilise all the skills learned from the programme for their future development.

    Earlier, the state ITF Area Manager, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, said the trainees were trained in tailoring and fashion design, welding and fabricating as well as plumbing and pipe-fitting.

    Umar said the training was carried out at the four ITF zonal centres in Gusau, Gummi, Kaura-Namoda and Talata-Mafara.

    He commended the co-operation given to the programme by the state government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

  • ITF empowers 300 youths, women in Zamfara

    ITF empowers 300 youths, women in Zamfara

    The Industrial Training Fund (ITF) has trained and empowered 300 youths and women in various vocational skills in Zamfara State under its National Industrial Skills Development Programme (NISDP).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ITF also supported the beneficiaries with empowerment tools as part of its efforts to assist in reducing unemployment in the country.

    Speaking at the closing ceremony of the three months programme and presentation of the empowerment tools in Gusau yesterday, the Director-General of the ITF, Sir Joseph Ari, said the NISDP was initiated by the ITF in line with the Federal Government policy of job/wealth creation and poverty reduction.

    Ari, represented by the Director, Technical and Vocational Services Department, Mr Isiyaku Yusuf, said the programme was aimed at equipping large number of the Nigerian youths with vocational skills for employability and entrepreneurship.

    According to him, the over 11,000 trainees are expected to benefit from the programme across the 36 states of the country and Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

    “300 youths and women were selected from the 14 local government areas of the state for the training,” he said.

    The state’s Deputy Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, commended the ITF for initiating the programme, saying that it was a timely and welcomed development.

    Wakkala said: “What ITF has done is in line with the state government policy to partner with the Federal Government, organisations and private partners on training of youths in various skills acquisition to empower them to become self-reliant.’’

    “We are ever ready to partner and provide enabling environment to any organisation to improve the future of our youths.’’

    He urged beneficiaries of the programme to utilise all the skills learned from the programme for the future development.

    Earlier, the state ITF Area Manager, Alhaji Yakubu Umar, said the trainees were trained in Tailoring and Fashion Design, Welding and Fabricating as well as Plumbing and Pipe-fitting.

    Umar said that the training was carried out at the four ITF Zonal Centres in Gusau, Gummi, Kauran-Namoda and Talata-Mafara.

    He commended the support and cooperation given to the programme by the state government, traditional rulers and other stakeholders.

  • Organisation trains 80 women

    Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigeria (CWEENS), an NGO, on Wednesday trained 80 women community leaders in Mangu and Riyom Local Governments on conflict management.

    Mrs Niri Goyit, the programme Manager of CWEENS stated this at the end of its project: ‘Voices and Visibility of Women in Peace and Security stakeholders’ meeting.

    The event, which took place in Jos, aimed at empowering the women leaders on leadership and public speaking skills to facilitate their engagement in peace and security building processes.

    “The 80 women from eight communities in Mangu and Riyom Local Governments also conducted a step down training for 400 women who were inducted in the Women in Peace and Security Network.

    Cultural, religious, economic and psychological factors such as low self-esteem had affected women in participating in these processes,” she said.

    Niri said 94 women were engaged courtesy of the Plateau traditional Council funded by the United Nations.

    The CWEENS official said that the project would be sustained through the women leader’s monthly meetings, advocacy visits and group dues.

    Mrs Rufina Gurumyen commended CWEENS for all its efforts in ensuring that it builds on government’s efforts and ensuring peace in Plateau.

    Mrs Mairo Sani, the Plateau leader of the Federation of Muslim Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and partners in the project implementation, pleaded for its expansion to more local government areas.

  • YWCA empowers women on leadership skills

    Empowering women with leadership skills to become positive change agents within their community was the focus of a leadership training programme by Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) last week.

    Tagged empowering young women to lead change programme, the training attracted 15 women from different professions in Lagos.

    It featured interactive sessions, role play and lectures on human rights, women in leadership, justice, female sexual, health and reproductive rights as well as gender equality, among others.

    Chairperson of YWCA Lagos State Branch, Mrs. Olapeju Shofowora, noted the training was designed to support the development of young women skills and enable them to provide leadership on the issues that concern them.

    Shofowora added the module for the training fostered self- determined approaches to developing leadership skills and awareness of their strength and right.

    She informed that the training is a global one-year programme, where participants are expected to come with two projects to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child and one week action against violence against women in October.

     

  • Understanding why women fall out of love

    Understanding why women fall out of love

    WHEN it comes to relationships, there is nothing more magical or fulfilling than falling in love. It’s the ultimate in emotion, the prize, the best part of being with another person. It’s not surprising, then, that falling out of love is one of the most confusing feelings we can experience in life. Yet many women, for many reasons, find themselves in this unexpected place – feeling as if the magic of love has taken a nosedive. But evaluating the relationship midflight can be a tricky proposition. Before you decide if you are fully out of love, read on to see what matters can be changed.

    The notion that the grass is greener is notorious for creeping into, and destroying, relationships. Just because you’ve settled into a comfort zone with your partner doesn’t mean there is excitement around the bend with someone else. The devil on your shoulder may tell you differently, and listening to that voice will pull you away from listening to your partner.

    Communication is critical if a relationship is to grow, and it becomes even more important when there are bumps in the road.

    Concerns that love may be diminishing will start small, with subtle changes in the way you think. The following are all indicators that you need to work on your relationship:

    * You no longer enjoy thinking about your partner throughout the day like you once did.

    * You don’t look forward to your time together.

    * You don’t share the same goals and plans for your future, and you avoid talking about them.

    * The little “things” are beginning to annoy you in a major way.

    * You no longer think of new ways to please him.

    * You are thinking of someone else.

    Evaluating your feelings

    There may be valid reasons for the way you feel, especially if your partner is not giving you what you need. But before you throw in the towel, take a good look at where you’ve been together, and take some time to decide if the relationship is worth saving. Feeling as if you’re falling out of love may simply be a wake-up call that you need to catch each other and take the stairs – together –one by one.

    Before your relationship turns from passionate to lukewarm, notice the warning signs that trouble may be ahead. Has sex become a distant memory for you and your partner? Is there only an occasional physical reminder of the passion you used to share? Sex is an important part of any relationship, so if your sex life has diminished, there is likely some underlying emotional reason for it.

    Communication issues and unrealistic expectations are two of the main reasons people find themselves falling out of love. But there are things that can be done to stop the fall. Relationships are hard work; they should be viewed as investments, particularly if there is a marriage.

    Take stock of your feelings, and do it often. Ask about his feelings, and do it regularly. Growing apart can happen quickly and unexpectedly, particularly if your lives involve changes in kids, work, hobbies, goals, and values. In marriage, falling out of love can have particularly devastating consequences.

    It may be more difficult for women to come to terms with, or even admit, that they are having problems maintaining the feelings of love for their spouses. They have to make a decision to dissolve or save the marriage while battling conflicting emotions.

    Men seem to be getting all the attention when it comes to relationship muck-ups and falling out of love. Bestselling book, Why Men Fall out of Love(2005), by Michael French, was a big hit with readers, but no such book has been written about women. Women, meanwhile, often think they are the “fixers” of the relationship, and tend to seek out information to remedy the problem. They may perceive men to be indifferent and construe their lack of communication as cruel. As the women feel more neglected, the slow process of falling out of love begins. Neglect isn’t as concrete as infidelity or physical abuse, so it is a tougher area to discuss directly.

    See your partner for who he is. If he treats you poorly now, he will later. If he has a bad habit of putting you down in front of his friends, see it as a red flag. These actions may not make you feel like falling out of love now, but soon enough they will wear on you.

    Looking at the Numbers

    Many marriage counselors advise waiting until after the age of 25 to tie the knot; others say waiting until at least 30 is best. Of course, the level of maturity is certainly more important than the calendar years, but give these numbers a little thought.

    Are you on the rebound? If so, beware of getting involved with a new partner too quickly. Regardless how right or perfect he seems, your heart needs time to mend, and your brain needs time to make rational decisions. Rebound romances tend to be hot and heavy at first, but you could find yourself in a sticky situation if things get out of hand. If the relationship is strong and worthy of going the long haul, a little caution is necessary. The same goes if he is the one nursing a broken heart.

    This leads to the topic of second marriages. Despite the notion that you learn from your mistakes and won’t make them again, second marriages are not always the lucky charm. The added pressures of stepchildren and ex-spouses is one of the major stressors on relationships. Those who enter a relationship where children already exist face an even greater potential for problems down the road. Setting ground rules right away is necessary for the relationship to grow and succeed. Without them, falling out of love is an unfortunate possibility.

    4 Reasons We Fall in Love, Falsely

    Some of the reasons why women fall out of love is because they never fell in love for the right reasons to start. Check this list and see if you are a culprit.

    1. The biological clock. That biological clock’s tick-tock may be driving you nuts, but you’re better off finding something to drown out the noise than give in to its chimes. With all of the technological advances we have seen in recent times, age is much less a factor today than it was a generation ago. If a family is part of your plan for the future, make yourself happy first. If that involves being in a healthy relationship, focus on making good choices; the rest will follow.
    2. Social acceptance. Don’t just date someone because having a boyfriend makes your mother happy. Figure out what makes you happy and go with it. Take a class, participate in a new activity or take a trip by yourself. Whether you are hoping to meet a man or a friend, there are many great ways that don’t involve bars.

    A growing number of women are finding that being single is fun. In fact, the 2005 census shows that there were more single women, 51 percent, than married women.

    1. Sympathy. Who hasn’t dated a guy because he had those sad puppy-dog eyes and looked like his heart would break if you said no? The problem is that one date turns into another and the next thing you know, he has moved into your life, your apartment and your checkbook. Don’t play the martyr; it can lead to disaster.
    2. Sex. Come on ladies, this isn’t a reason to fall in love. If sexual intimacy is tops on your list of priorities, there may be other issues you need to work on first.

    Many women fall in love for the wrong reasons. That doesn’t mean the love is any less passionate or meaningful; it just means women set themselves up for disaster by not paying close enough attention to the details. Wanting to fall in love is a normal, natural part of our social makeup. But if you are desperate to find love, for whatever reasons, you risk productive future relationships and your own happiness.

    Are You Headed For A Divorce?

    You may be worried that you or your spouse is getting ready to file for a divorce. This can be a scary time where you question whether your marriage is over and try to determine what went wrong. Whether you are already preparing to take the divorce plunge, or you are worried about life after divorce, take this quiz. Find out if you and your spouse are headed for a divorce.

     

    Source: http: www.lifescript.com

  • Stakeholders urge more women participation in manufacturing

    The Chief Executive Officer, Ruff ‘N’ Tumble, Mrs. Adenike Ogunlesi, has commended the women in manufacturing.

    She said though women have done a lot in the sector, they still need more voices and opportunities to enable them grow and mentor others to succeed.

    Ogunlesi spoke on the sidelines of the celebration of Women in Manufacturing in Africa (WIMAfrica) conference organised by Lafarge Africa Plc.

    Speaking on the topic, “Perspective from a woman in manufacturing,” Ogunlesi said women have been building iconic brands from their kitchen.

    According to her, women in Africa are 50 per cent more entrepreneurial than their counterparts in other continents and should be encouraged more.

    Ogunlesi added that to further position women properly, the challenge of finance, culture and social status has to be addressed. “We have to change the narrative. We can easily transit from subsistence manufacturing to industrial manufacturing,’’ she said.

    The Ruff ‘N’ Tumble chief said women are creative, passionate, imaginative, beautiful, intuitive and have the capacity and capability to deliver on all fronts.

    An Executive Director, Access Bank, Mr. Victor Ikoku, revealed that his organisation was very sensitive to gender issues, which has made the bank to be flexible for female workers.

    He further revealed that this flexibility made the bank to give three months’flexible working hours for women after maternity leave and paternity leave for men whose wives give birth.

    “We call it gender inclusiveness. We know the biggest sector in the world is the female sector because over 90 per cent of household consumption is decided by women. That is why we have taken it as a business by the establishment of women desk,” Ikoku said.

    Similarly, the Executive Vice President for Ghana and Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Mr. Yaw Nsarkoh, said as part of the firm’s belief in the female gender, it has a global diversity board that represents various strata.

    He warned that women should not be viewed based on gender, but be seen as partners in development.

    “It is the value that links us together as human beings and what is important is meritocracy,” Nsarkoh said, adding that Unilever has extended maternity leave and flexible working hour after resumption for nursing mothers.

  • Women to Buhari: we’ve been abandoned

    Women to Buhari: we’ve been abandoned

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) women wing, under the auspices the Concerned Women of All Progressives Congress (aka Caucus of Likeminds), have written to President Muhammadu Buhari, complaining of marginalisation of women by the current government, especially those who worked for the party’s success.

    In an open letter to the President by conveners of the group, Miriam Yakubu Ikunaiye and Ayoade Simisola, the women said though they laboured for the success of the party at the risk of losing their families, their contributions have not been appreciated by the government and the party.

    They are, however, seeking audience with the President ahead of preparations for the 2019 elections to discuss their plight and solutions found as they are tired of waiting endlessly for their contribution to be recognised.

    The statement reads: “We have patiently watched with all humility, the sidelining of Women of intellect and character of our great party, APC in the Political Appointments made till date.

    “These are women who worked out their hearts and spent their resources, sometimes at the detriment of their families; traveled the length and breadth of this country to get fair deal for the Women and Youths; Justice; good Governance, succor to the Down Trodden; development to our people and dear nation which in turn ushered in the Progressives’ Government and our great Party to where we are today.

    “Your Excellency, we are women of great capacities, intellect and political sagacity, with huge followership across the country, still championing various causes to effect the desired change in our own little ways, but unfortunately, like other great Women of our party, APC whose interests we represent, we are still the unsung heroines of our time!

    “Unfortunately, we were neither appreciated, nor recognised for our bravery and; we can only wonder when we will be able to further bring our skills, experience and passion for change to bear its full cause in this curent administration.

    “To this effect, and as 2019 approaches, we would appreciate it if we are given an audience with Your Excellency to further express our plights as a caucus.”

  • 11 women die in accident after wedding

    11 women die in accident after wedding

    Eleven women returning from a wedding died on Saturday at an accident in Na’ibawa ‘Yan Lemo, Kano State.

    Their vehicle, a Sharon bus with 18 passengers, crashed into a toll gate booth.

    While trying to a avoid a speeding Golf car, the bus, also on to speed, lost control and ran into the toll gate kiosk.

    Eyewitnesses said the vehicle somersaulted and fell  by the roadside.

    Eight passengers died instantly. The others were rushed to Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital, where three died.

    It was gathered the deceased were buried yesterday morning.

    A survivor, Aliyu Yusuf, said the women were returning from the family home of a newly married man in Wailari, on their way to the bride’s home at Unguwa Uku quarters.

    “We were coming back from the groom’s family house when we suddenly saw a speeding Golf car behind us. The driver was trying to force himself into our lane because there was a huge pothole on his lane through the toll gate.

    “So, to avoid being hit, our driver tried to swerve to the other lane, but unfortunately, there was a trailer coming behind us leaving us with no choice but to return to our original lane. It was in the process the driver lost control and rammed into the toll gate building.

    “I didn’t know how I survived. I just saw myself standing by the roadside with another boy who was also in the vehicle. But when I looked at the car, I noticed that it was completely damaged.

    “When the bus finally stopped, I just saw blood and bodies everywhere; a woman’s hand was severed from her body while her lifeless body had a baby screaming on its back,” Yusuf said.

    The driver of the other vehicle escaped with a broken arm.

    Another witness, pointing at blood stains on one of the cubicles, said: “This blood smeared this wall after the rolling head of one of the victims flew and hit it.”

    He said the driver of the Golf car sped away, adding that a tricycle rider tried to catch up with him.

    It was learnt the couple lost consciousness after receiving the news.

    At the bride’s home, sympathisers wore long faces and condoled with her father.

    A spokesman for the Federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) in Kano, Kabiru Daura, confirmed the incident in a text message.

    “Yes, we are aware. A vehicle conveying women believed to be on high speed ran into the toll gate building at Yanlemo on Zaria road. Eight died on the spot while three died in hospital,” Daura said.

  • Buhari’s wife to women: go back to school

    Buhari’s wife to women: go back to school

    Wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has urged northern women to go back to school to better their lot.

    She spoke at the graduation ceremony of 1,000 women trained under a skill acquisition programme funded by her pet project, The Future Assured, at the multi-purpose indoor sports hall in Bauchi State.

    Her words: “Any woman who is not educated will lose  opportunities in the modern world. If you cannot read, many opportunities will pass you by.”

    The First Lady, who was accompanied by wives of the Adamawa and Nasarawa states governors, as well as top government officials, said the Federal Government set aside N500,000 billion to support women and youths. She added that he NGO was working to ensure they are empowered in education, health and skills.

    She appealed to corporate organisations, politicians, community and traditional leaders to support the graduates to stand on their own.

    Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed, who founded the Bauchi Sustainable Women Economic Initiative and Peace (B-SWEEP), thanked the First Lady for the gesture to better the lives of the women.

    She said Mrs. Buhari, on her last visit to the state, brought foodstuff “which we shared to all the women in the 20 local government areas”.

    Chairman of the Bauchi State Commission for Youth and Women Rehabilitation And Development (BACYWORD) Ahmed Farouk said the 1,000 trainees were carefully selected for the programme, adding that the commission has gotten Governor Mohammed Abubakar’s approval to source and rehabilitate about 1,000 women and youths involved drug abuse and other related behaviours at the Citizens and Leadership Training Centre, Shere Hill, Plateau State.

    According to him, at the end of the rehabilitation, 500 of them would be trained on the repair of smart phones and other sophisticated electronic gadgets, while the other 500 would receive specialised training in the design and creation of software applications.

    Already, 2000 youths have been recruited to provide security and social services by ensuring orderliness in public places and government facilities in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and in the 20 local government areas in the state. Each of them gets between N15,000 to N18,000 monthly.

  • Ex-Zimbabwean VP: women are not weak

    A former Zimbabwean Vice-President Dr. Joice Mujuru, and former Liberian First Lady Senator Jewel Howard-Taylor have urged women to brace themselves for top leadership roles, instead of accepting the weaker sex tag.

    The two leading African women were special guests at the opening, on Wednesday, of this year’s National Women’s Summit at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    The three-day annual summit, with the theme: The Resilient Woman: Making a Difference, was organised by the Officials’ Wives’ Association (OYSOWA), under the auspices of wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi.

    The event, which attracted over 1,000 delegates, was attended by four governors: Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos), Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun), Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti) and the host, Abiola Ajimobi.

    Wives of governors of Lagos, Enugu, Abia, Osun, Imo, Delta, Nasarawa, Edo, Ogun, Kebbi and Zamfara states were present, while those of Sokoto, Ondo and Ekiti states were represented.

    Dr Mujuru, who delivered a keynote address, urged women to stop placing themselves at the mercy of men.

    The former vice-president advised them to brace themselves for challenges of leadership at the top echelon in all spheres of human endeavour.

    She recalled that her 10-year position as the first female vice-president of Zimbabwe in 2004 did not come on a platter of gold, having been in the trenches with Zimbabwean liberators since 1973.

    According to her, women must be inspired to rise up to the occasion, even when the challenge appeared to be daunting and insurmountable.

    Dr Mujuru said: “We must have the desire to make a positive transformational difference and not be satisfied by being helpers of men. We must run businesses and be leaders of nation, not rulers.

    “Our desire must not only be about making money, but the difference we make in people’s lives. The major driver behind our positive transformation must be anchored on our ability to implement a unique vision, which must arouse the consciousness of the African society.

    “We cannot continue to play a second fiddle simply because of gender. We must rise up to the occasion. We should no longer accept the tag of the weaker sex.”

    Mrs Howard-Taylor, who is a ranking senator and running mate to the presidential candidate of the Coalition for Democratic Change, Mr. George Weah, in the Liberian presidential election, echoed similar sentiments.

    She said: “Women are currently in difficult circumstances across our world and especially in Africa as we struggle to deal with issues of violence against women, unequal opportunity and lack of economic opportunities.

    “Resilience is a life journey. I dare not say that it is something you wake up in the morning and you have. But you have to go through the fire and get better and become a more resilient person. There is something you can do now in your shape your life.

    “Women must tell their own stories to inspire those who think they cannot make it to the top. Seek help when you need it. You will be surprised that many people will be willing to help. We must mentor the next generation of women leaders.

    “If you put woman in a position of authority, you have put somebody in charge of maternal mortality, you have put somebody in charge of emancipation of women; you have put somebody in charge of campaign against violence and other vices against women and children.

    “In a 30-member Liberian Senate, I was just one of the only three women. There is this particular guy that was constantly my harasser each time I made attempt to speak, all because my husband was a former president. But, one day I decided to square up against him and that was the day I gained freedom from him.”

    Ajimobi, Dickson, Ambode and Aregbesola noted that women have pivotal roles to play in the development of the country.

    They said men would find it difficult to change the society without the support of women.

    Mrs. Ajimobi said the conference was initiated in 2012 to support the state government’s Three-Point Agenda of Restoration, Transformation and Repositioning of the state to its pacesetter status.

    Annually, she said OYSOWA assembles women for the conference to prepare them for the challenges of life and position them to be in good stead to support their families.

    The governor’s wife noted that it is also an avenue to recognise women achievers.

    Mrs Ajimobi said: “The theme for this year’s summit was coined out of our appraisal of the life of the average woman and how she is able to survive and succeed against all odds. In the course of this appraisal, we discovered that the greatest strength of a successful woman is her resilience.

    “A woman is, therefore, only able to make a difference in her society and the world, if she is able to recover quickly from the setbacks and vicissitudes that life may throw across her path. These setbacks could be financial, physical, emotional or even psychological.

    “It is not these drawbacks that matter but how we are able to deal with them and return to status quo after being bent, compressed or stretched by the issues of life.

    “To call woman the weaker sex is a libel. It is man’s injustice to woman. If strength is assumed to be brute strength, then indeed women are less brute than men. If strength is assumed to be moral power, then women are immeasurably superior to men.”