ABSTRACT
Despite numerous initiatives and resources to save and protect the health and sexual rights of girls and women, the persistently high rate of unwanted pregnancy, abortion, and sexual violence in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has remain a topical public health challenge. This study hypothesised that the continuous conspicuous omission of boys/men in the interventions to combat this menace could be a long-life impediment to the realisation of sustainable health for girls and women in the region. The study adopted a systematic review of extant population-based published studies from Scopus, Google Scholars, PubMed, EMBASE, and AJOL. Literature coverage included the post-United Nations' coordinated International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), Cairo, 1994, which marked the beginning of a massive campaign for women/girls sexual rights. The obtained qualitative data were appraised and synthesised towards spurring policy recommendations for gender balanced initiatives on the sexual and reproductive health rights in SSA. The study highlighted that unwanted pregnancy occurs only when a boy/man has unprotected sex with a girl/woman without considering her choice or rights. It is considered ironic that the dominant factors are boys and men but many enlightenment initiatives/campaigns are concentrated on girls and women. The study developed a schematic save-a-girl-child framework that illustrated the possible dividends inherent in the training of a boy-child to achieve a safer world for the girls/women. It recommends increase in the exposure of boys and men to sexual education and counselling, which can motivate them to be supporters of family planning, supporters of only wanted pregnancy, wanted fatherhood, marital fidelity, intimate partners' harmonious living rather than violence, and wife or partner empowerment.
Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility , Human Rights , Humans , Pregnancy , Male , Female , Women's Rights , Family Planning Services , United NationsABSTRACT
Whenever the term "Gender" is mentioned, many readily attribute it to the womenfolk who, in many societies, are challenged and often put in a disadvantaged position concerning the men. As a result, many women empowerment programs are being championed to cushion the effects of this subjugation on women. This paper attempts to look into gender and understand what has been in existence concerning gender roles, especially for females, and how it contributes to development. It is also important to note that development is not something that happens in space or the product of eventualities but a concrete phenomenon that requires all to achieve. There is a specific role to play by both men and women to attain African development. Therefore, gender issues with all that relates to it can impinge on societal development. The secondary data collection was used by empirically engaging literature and British council report in tracing how Gender inequality began to be perceived. The study applied the theory of recognition by Axel Honneth and the functionalist approach in explaining the issues of gender and how it can engender development if adequately handled. It was discovered that if both genders are correctly appreciated with each playing their role, not discriminating or demeaning any position, the resultant effect will not only result in development; instead, sustainable development will be attained.
ABSTRACT
The globalization trend in the 21st century has come with tremendous impacts across the nations of the world. Notable among the impacts is the emergence of megamalls and people's changing lifestyles, resulting in socio-economic and infrastructural development. This study examines megamalls as an offshoot of the globalization process and the changing urban landscape in many cities with their growing population in Nigeria. It focuses on examining the relationship between megamalls and urban dwellers' lifestyles in Nigeria with implications on population and human infrastructure for sustainable development. The study was conducted in three main cities of Ibadan, Lagos, and Ota in Southwest Nigeria. The study employs a descriptive research design using quantitative (questionnaire) and qualitative (interview) research instruments to elicit information on respondents' views on shopping malls and how it has contributed to human infrastructure and urban centers' development. The modernization theory was employed to provide a theoretical guide for the study. Findings show that megamalls, with their aesthetic and magnificent structures, have contributed immensely to the development of urban centers and their dwellers by beautifying the urban environment, sales of quality and affordable goods, and a place for social gatherings relaxation. Therefore, it was recommended that more megamalls be built to meet up with urban dwellers' growing demands and attract more social development.
ABSTRACT
Much of the study on democracy in Africa focuses on the implication of democracy on development, human rights, and security. Few have examined the implication of democracy on women's rights. To fill the gap, drawing from extant literature and relying on liberal feminist theory, this paper examines the relationship between democracy and women's rights in Nigeria between 1999, when Nigeria re-introduced civilian rule, after 15 years of military dictatorship and 2019. It is generally believed that democracy promotes human rights and by extension, women's rights. The paper finds, contrary to popular expectation that democracy does not translate to gender equality in elective and appointive positions across all levels of governance in Nigeria. The study suggests the need for the protection of women's rights through the recognition of women's rights as human rights, democratizing party governance structures to be gender representative and strengthening the capacity of democratic institutions in Nigeria.
