People & Lifestyle
Satan Must Not Be Woman- Playwright Dedicates work to Hands Off Our Girls Project
An African Poet, Novelist and Playwright Cookey Iwuoha has released his latest creative work titled Satan Must Not Be Woman an African Literature against the scourge of Child Marriage in Africa and dedicates it to the Hands Off Our Girls Project Sierra Leone of Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio.
The Books is a surreal drama of the intricacies of human emotion, as a young Nkolika finds herself in an un-wanted relationship. Just encountering puberty, she is coerced into marriage to an affluent, wealthy and older Nwokolo by her father, as a means of alleviating the hardships at home. The devastating outcome of this marriage of strange bedfellows, driven by Nkolika’s desire for her stolen childhood, leads to murder and suicide.
Satan Must Not Be Woman regardless of its theme that is built around child marriage and unwanted relationship is also about the tenacity of the human will. The African literature is an intriguing narrative of a dead man’s struggle with lost memory and a young girl’s battle with an unwanted relationship intertwined in a conflict of emotions that unites their past and present.
This spellbinding and mystical narrative unravels the tapestry surrounding child marriage in Africa and attempts to deconstruct the cultural ideologies supporting this outdated act of child exploitation, offering a pathway to eliminating this crime against the girl child in communities of Africa.
Global statistics report that every year approximately 15 million girls are married before the age of 18. The region of West and Central Africa has the highest prevalence rate of child marriage in Africa, and the world’s second highest prevalence rate (after South Asia).
Child Marriage and its avoidable tragedies in West Africa
The year 2014 In Northern Nigerian State of Kano Rahma Hussein, a young woman was accused of killing her husband to protest her forced marriage. She stabbed her newlywed husband, Tijjani Basiru, to death at Darmanawa quarters, in Tarauni local government area of Kano. She was 16 when she committed the offence. She was charged for culpable homicide and pleaded not guilty. And was released after 7years in Prison.
In 2015,15 year-old Wasila Tasi’u was accused of killing Umar Sani and three other men with rat poison shortly after they were married in Kano State Nigeria. The forced marriage left in its wake four dead men and a thoroughly traumatized little girl who saw Poison – the only feasible escape to freedom – devised from the wild imagination of a naive, depressed little girl caught up in a painful forced marriage to a much older man. A tough lesson for families, communities and a government that is still ambivalent about sanctioning the perpetrators of child marriage.
Cookey Iwuoha drew Inspiration for this work from this tragedies in his home country Nigeria and dedicated the work to every young African girl that was married against her will and particularly to Hands off Our Girls Project Sierra Leone of Mrs. Fatima Maada Bio for her effort in bringing child marriage to the spotlight, drawing global attention to the scourge as well as beaming the Sierra Leone Government’s searchlight on it, to ensure its perpetrators are discouraged as well as punished when caught.
Hands Off Our Girls Campaign and Child Marriage in Sierra Leone.
Sierra Leone has the 19th highest child marriage rate in the world, with 13% of girls married by age 15, and 39% by age 18. These statistics only provide a partial picture of the extent of the problem, as many young people enter unions that are not registered as formal marriages. According to published report from Save the Children Org.
According to the Demographic Health Survey 2013, 21 per cent of adolescents aged 15-19 years in Sierra Leone have begun childbearing. Teenage child bearing contributes to nearly one third (28 per cent) of all pregnancies nationwide, and 40 per cent of maternal deaths occur as a result of teenage pregnancy.
‘Hands off Our Girls’ Campaign, which was rolled out in 14 districts across the country in 2019, reaching teachers, school pupils, traditional leaders, wives of paramount chiefs, religious and government functionaries, young people, the media, civil society and local council authorities . The campaign is estimated to have reached over 1,000,000 participants with messages on the urgency of ending child marriage, teenage pregnancy and rape.
A total of 149 Paramount Chiefs made an official commitment to end child marriage and these local authorities were crowned Champions of the Hands off Our Girls Campaign in their various districts.
About The Author
Cookey Iwuoha a seasoned journalist, is a contemporary Africa literary voice, a prose stylist and poet, dialogue facilitator, columnist and author of numerous published articles aimed at the development and decolonization of the mind of African youths. He is an alumnus of West Africa Cohort 1 of Barrack Obama Foundation. This is his third literary work. His maiden literary fiction work, The Contents of Our Empty Graves, was published in 2011 and presented to the public at British Council Auditorium Ghana , followed by The Tragedy of Being Born Beautiful in 2022.
People & Lifestyle
Adansi Travel Wins Marketing Oriented Hospitality Company Of The Year
Ghana’s leading travel and tour company, Adansi Travels has been adjudged the Marketing Oriented Hospitality Company of the Year, 2022.
At the 34th Annual National Marketing Performance Awards ceremony at the Labadi Beach Hotel, the hospitality company was again crowned for the second time after winning it first in 2020.
Adansi Travels which started a decade ago with a staff strength of 3 people in the Obuasi area in the Ashanti Region of Ghana has become a major tourist promoter, introducing locals to foreign tourist sites and foreigners to breath-taking local tourist sites in Ghana.
The C.E.O, after picking up the award said, We extend our profound appreciation to all our partners, clients, and well-wishers. To our valued clients, who have entrusted us with their travel experiences and have become cherished members of our travel family since 2016, we are deeply thankful. Your unwavering support has inspired us to continually innovate and enhance our offerings.”
He further added, “This recognition will serve as a constant reminder to us to consistently provide nothing less than our very best. We are immensely grateful to CIMG for bestowing this significant honor upon us for the second time, and it serves as a driving force for us to continue striving for excellence.”
This award is in recognition of Adansi Travels’ excellence in strategic marketing which has led to delivering excellent results over the years.
Travels’ tenants for work is hinged on professionalism, trust and loyalty. This leads them to create a niche market that allows people irrespective of their budget to explore Ghana and the world.
People & Lifestyle
Is a Free VPN Safe to Use? Exploring the Risks and Benefits
In our current digital age, online privacy and security have become an importantt concerns for internet users around the world. With the increasing prevalence of cyber threats and data breaches, people are actively seeking ways to protect their online activities. Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, have gained popularity as tools that promise safeguarding your digital footprint. While there are many VPN options available, free VPNs, in particular, have garnered significant attention due to their accessibility. In this article, we will explore the risks and benefits of using a free VPN, with a focus on free VPN for Windows.
Understanding VPNs: What Are They?
Before delving into the world of free VPNs, let’s understand what a VPN is and how it works. A VPN is essentially a service that establishes a secure, encrypted connection between your device (in this case, your Windows PC) and a remote server. This connection masks your IP address and encrypts your internet traffic, making it difficult for third parties, such as hackers or government agencies, to monitor your online activities.
The Benefits of Using a Free VPN
Enhanced Privacy: One of the primary advantages of using a free VPN is the boost in online privacy. Your internet service provider (ISP), websites, and even potential cybercriminals won’t be able to track your online behavior when you’re connected to a VPN.
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Free VPNs often allow users to access geo-restricted content. For example, if a streaming platform or website is only accessible in certain regions, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re browsing from an eligible location.
Protection on Public Wi-Fi: When you connect to public Wi-Fi networks, your data becomes vulnerable to interception. A free VPN can add an extra layer of security when you’re using unsecured public Wi-Fi at cafes, airports, or hotels.
The Risks Associated with Free VPNs
Data Logging: Many free VPN providers track and log user data. This can include your online activities, websites visited, and even personal information. This data may then be sold to third parties or used for targeted advertising.
Inadequate Security Measures: Some free VPNs might not implement robust encryption protocols, leaving your data vulnerable to breaches or leaks.
Limited Features: Free VPNs often come with limitations, such as slower connection speeds, data caps, and fewer server locations. These restrictions can hinder your online experience.
Malware and Adware: Some free VPN services have been found to include malware or adware in their software, potentially infecting your device.
Uncertain Jurisdiction: Free VPN providers can be based in countries with lax data privacy laws, which means they may not be obligated to protect your data.
Choosing the Right Free VPN for Windows
If you decide to use a free VPN for your Windows device, it’s essential to exercise caution and select a reputable service. Here are some simple tips for selecting the right one:
Read Reviews: Research and read user reviews and expert opinions to find out which free VPNs have a good reputation for security and privacy.
Check for No-Logs Policy: Look for a free VPN that has a strict no-logs policy. This means they don’t store your online activities or personal information.
Transparent Privacy Policy: Ensure that the VPN provider has a clear and transparent privacy policy that explains how they handle your data.
Encryption Standards: Check what encryption standards the VPN employs. The stronger, the better.
Server Locations: Opt for a free VPN with multiple server locations so you can access content from different regions.
Trial Period: Some premium VPN providers offer limited free versions or trial periods of their services. These can be a safer option than entirely free VPNs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the decision to use a free VPN for your Windows device comes with both benefits and risks. While free VPNs can enhance your online privacy and help you access geo-restricted content, they may also compromise your data security and privacy due to certain limitations and potential pitfalls. To maximize the benefits of using a free VPN while minimizing the risks, it’s crucial to conduct thorough research, choose a reputable provider, and be aware of the privacy policies and security measures in place. Ultimately, your online security is in your hands, and a well-informed choice can help you navigate the digital landscape more safely.
People & Lifestyle
Edem, Camidoh, Cina Soul, Chief One, Keeny Ice to rock Asogli Yam Festival 2023 stage this Sunday in Ho
Celebrated Ghanaian Rapper/CEO, Edem, parades his fellow Volta Artistes for this year’s big stage at the Asogli Yam Festival.
Edem will be joined on stage by ‘Sugarcane’ hitmaker, Camidoh, who for the first time will be rocking such a big stage in Ho since his major break.
Chief One and Keeny Ice, current Volta Heavyweight Artistes with banging back-to-back hits will also grace the stage with Edem.
Cina Soul, the swooning singer is the surprise Act listed for the concert as well. She joins the big line up for the show slated for this Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Budding artistes, Rizzlah Stylah and Tuf B have also been named as performers on the night with DJ Cyril being the top man on the music decks.
White House Forecourt is the venue for the show and event kick starts from 5:00pm on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Events 21 and Beenie Words are producers of this event.
The big celebration is in line with T