Ladies Without Plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Webisode 8

 Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going 

Green Menstruation - Webisode 8

Good evening ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to the eighth  day of our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints! 

Girls’ education can strengthen climate strategies in three ways: by empowering girls and advancing her reproductive health and rights, fostering girls’ climate leadership and pro-environmental decision-making, and developing girls’ green skills for green jobs.

 

Isabel Marques is our guest today, she will share a little about her hygiene preferences, and she will know the consequences of her choices.

Good morning lady!

Good Morning.

What's your name?

My name is Isabel Marques.

How old are you?

I am 28 years old.

Okay. Which of these pads do you use?

I use the disposable.

Why do you prefer this one?

Because I like it more.

Have you ever used the reusable absorbent?

No, never used it.

Wouldn't you like to try it?

I don't know, I never thought about that.

Did you know that this disposable pad contains plastics that harm the environment causing global warming?

No, I didn't know that.

For this reason, we recommend using the washable absorbent.

Okay, I'll try using the cloth pad, let's see what happens.

Well-educated girls and women have been identified as a powerful part of the solution to the climate change problem.  By educating girls, you empower them to be women leaders in their families, communities, and nations “who really understand the context and the challenge.

Countries with a lower rate of girls’ education like Angola, also have higher rates of deaths and illness of women and girls in weather-related disasters. In contrast, 
Countries with more women in government also more likely to adopt climate protection policies. Providing girls with green skills enables adaptation to a world impacted by climate change as well as a changing world of work.

China-Africa conference opens in Dakar

The three-day triennial Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (Focac) conference has officially opened in Senegal’s capital, Dakar.

Delegates from the continent and China are in attendance as well as hundreds of participants.

The gathering comes amid biting economic and social challenges on the continent fuelled by the Covid pandemic and climate change.

Ministers and representatives of African countries and China are due to chart a joint response to deal with Covid-19 and unveil other plans that would guide the relationship for the next three years and beyond.

A communique will be released on Tuesday.

China’s President Xi Jinping is expected to address the delegates via video link, but a high-profile delegation led by China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is in Dakar.

Ahead of the conference, Senegal’s President Macky Sall praised China, saying its economic success offered lessons and hope to African countries which have “had similar historical experiences”.

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Barbados becomes a republic and parts ways with the Queen

Barbados has officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state and become the world’s newest republic.

In an overnight ceremony in the capital, Bridgetown, Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as president.

The Prince of Wales and Barbadian singer Rihanna attended the event, which coincided with the country’s 55th anniversary of independence.

In a speech, Prince Charles acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery” the Caribbean island suffered.

The new era for Barbados ends Britain’s centuries of influence, including more than 200 years when the island was a hub for the transatlantic slave trade.

To signify the official change of power, a final salute was made to the British monarchy and the Royal Standard flag was lowered and replaced.

Speaking as the guest of honour at the event, Prince Charles reiterated the continuing ties between the two nations despite the constitutional status change.

He described the moment as a new beginning before being awarded the prestigious Order of Freedom of Barbados by the new president.

The Queen sent the country her “warmest good wishes” for “happiness, peace and prosperity in the future” and said the nation holds a “special place” in her heart.

Dame Sandra Mason, 72, the island’s governor-general since 2018, was named as president-elect of the nation following a vote in parliament last month. She now replaces the Queen as the head of state.

“Vessel Republic Barbados has set sail on her maiden voyage. May she weather all storms and land our country and citizens safely on the horizons and shores which are ahead of us,” she said after being sworn in.

Barbados announced its plan to become a republic last year, but it will remain within the Commonwealth.

Prince Charles travelled to Bridgetown as a guest of honour at the ceremony

Rihanna was declared a national hero at the independence day event

Leading national figures, including Prime Minister Mia Mottley, swore allegiance to Barbados in front of the new president at the ceremony, which lasted for several hours.

She later announced that pop star Rihanna would be named a national hero by President Mason. The artist and businesswoman, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, was previously named an ambassador by her home country in 2018.

“May you continue to shine like a diamond and bring honour to your nation,” Ms Mottley said, in reference to one of Rihanna’s songs.

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Lionel Messi Wins The 2021 BALLON D’OR

Messi has made history this evening by winning a SEVENTH Ballon d’Or! What a player he is! Is he the greatest of all time? His record in this award certainly suggests so!

The 34-year-old won this award for the first time back in 2009. Luis Suarez is now on stage to hand Messi the trophy.

Lionel Messi has won an historic seventh Ballon d’Or after picking up the prestigious individual award at a ceremony in Paris.

The 34-year-old has now won the Ballon d’Or in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019 and 2021, meaning he has lifted the prize handed to the best player in world football more times than any other male player in its history, two clear of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi beat out Robert Lewandowski who finished in second place and Chelsea midfielder Jorghino who was ranked third in the voting.

| OFFICIAL: Barca legend, Leo Messi, has won the 2021 Ballon d’Or!

2009: Leo Messi

2010: Leo Messi

2011: Leo Messi

2012: Leo Messi

2015: Leo Messi

2019: Leo Messi

2021: Leo Messi

Congrats GOAT! You are the best EVER! #BallonDor

 Chelsea are Club of the Year

2021 was a memorable one for Chelsea and they have been handed the award for the Club of the Year!

Of course, Thomas Tuchel’s team won the Champions League and are top of the Premier League while Emma Hayes’ side made the final of the Women’s Champions League last season.

Kante 5th, Benz 4th, Jorginho 3rd!

Two Chelsea players in the top five of the 2021 Ballon d’Or! N’Golo Kante is ranked fifth with Jorginho, who had been tipped to win the award after success with Chelsea and Italy, in third place!

Karim Benzema split the two after an exceptional year for France and Real Madrid!

Donnarumma wins Yashin Trophy!

Italy and PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has won the 2021 Yashin Trophy, beating out Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy who had been tipped for the award.

Donnarumma won the Best Player award at Euro 2020 and made the switch from AC Milan to the French capital in the summer.

CR7 in 6th!

There will be no sixth Ballon d’Or for Cristiano Ronaldo this evening with the Portuguese forward finishing sixth in the ranking!

Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid poses for photos with his FIFA Ballon Dor Trophies

KdB 8th, Salah 7th!

Kevin de Bruyne has been ranked sixth in the Ballon d’Or voting with Mohamed Salah in seventh place! Both players have enjoyed brilliant years with Salah arguably in the form of his life right now!

Of course, de Bruyne helped Manchester City to their third Premier League title in four years.

 

PUTELLAS WINS WOMEN’S BALLON D’OR!

Barcelona Femeni’s Alexia Putellas has won the 2021 Women’s Ballon d’Or following an exceptional season which saw her help her club to the 2020/21 Champions League title!

Jennifer Hermoso finished in second place in the voting with Chelsea’s Sam Kerr rounding off the top three!

Mbappe 9th, Donnarumma 10th!

Mbappe has been ranked ninth in the Ballon d’Or voting with Gianluigi Donnarumma in 10th. The former has been in excellent form for PSG in Ligue 1 and the Champions League.

Donnarumma found his best form for Italy during Euro 2020 with the goalkeeper awarded the prize for the tournament’s best player!

Lewandowski is Striker of the Year!

Bayern Munich and Poland striker Lewandowski has won the Striker of the Year award! He enjoyed an excellent 2021, breaking Gerd Muller’s long-standing record for the most Bundesliga goals in a single season!

Will Lewandowski add the Ballon d’Or trophy itself to his haul this evening?

 

 Pedri wins the Kopa trophy!

Pedri has won the Kopa trophy handed to the best male player age 21 or under. It’s certainly true that the teenager had an incredible year for Barcelona and Spain!

Bukayo Saka came sixth in the voting with Mason Greenwood fifth and Jude Bellingham in second place!

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Uganda launches air strikes against rebel group ADF

The Uganda Army has launched joint air and artillery strikes against the rebel group the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Uganda People’s Defence Forces Spokesperson Brigadier General Flavia Byekwaso has confirmed this via her official twitter account.

She said that the operations were carried out with Congolese allies, against ADF camps, but did not give further details on the areas they have been conducted.

Ugandan authorities blame the ADF, which is affiliated to the so-called Islamic State, for a series of bomb attacks in the country since October.

Two weeks ago, the IS claimed responsibility for twin bombings just outside the capital Kampala’s central police station and near parliament.

At least five civilians have been killed in these bombings, some of which were suicide attacks, according to the Ugandan police.

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UN Women celebrates people working to defend women’s human rights

Ms Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women, has commended those working to protect women, and girls as well as defend their human rights.

In a statement to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, 2021, and to kick-start the 16 Days of activism – the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

“As we mark these occasions we welcome new partners — governments, organizations, institutions, community groups, people everywhere — to join us, raise your voices and work together to transform lives, not only during the 16 Days of Activism, but every day,” the UN Women statement made available to the Ghana News Agency in Tema stated.

“Today, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence also opens some exciting hopes, it begins the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, with a series of events aimed at creating real change.

“For 2021, the theme is, “Orange the World: End Violence Against Women Now! “Orange” symbolizes a brighter future, free of violence.

“Women’s groups and concerned people everywhere have been vital to the progress that has been made. Going forward, together, we can make life better and brighter for many more girls and women across the world,” she said.

Ms Bahous noted that violence against women is a global crisis, “in all of our neighbourhoods, women and girls are living in danger, around the world, conflict, climate-related natural disasters, food insecurity and human rights violations are exacerbating violence against women.

“More than 70 per cent of women have experienced gender-based violence in some crisis settings and countries, both rich and poor, gender prejudice has fuelled acts of violence toward women and girls”.

The UN Women Executive Director said violence against women often goes unreported, silenced by stigma, shame, fear of the perpetrators, and fear of a justice system that does not work for women.

She noted that the COVID-19 pandemic, with all its isolation and distancing, has enabled unseen violence: a second, shadow pandemic of violence against women and girls, where they often found themselves in lockdown with their abusers.

“In all corners of the world, helplines for violence against women saw an increase in reports. The human rights of women, including the right to security, dignity, equality, and justice are core principles of international law.

“And we know that the leadership and safety of women, in all their diversity, plays a vital role in economic progress, community welfare, children’s health, and education, and more,” Ms Bahous stated.

She, however, acknowledged that in recent years, much has been achieved to prevent and reduce violence against women and girls, but the challenge now is to expand global efforts and make a difference in more lives.

“We must ensure that essential services are available and accessible to women of all ages. We need to support environments, online and off, in which women can participate safely in decision-making,” the UN Women Executive Director stated.

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Omicron: WHO warns of ‘high infection risk’ around the globe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Omicron coronavirus variant poses a high risk of infection surges around the globe.

The variant could lead to severe consequences in some regions, the WHO said on Monday.

The head of the organisation, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, renewed a call for a global push to get vaccines to poorer nations.

Covid-19 is “not done with us” yet he warned.

The variant was detected in South Africa earlier this month with initial evidence suggesting it has a higher re-infection risk. South Africa has been praised for its prompt reporting of the variant.

“Omicron has an unprecedented number of spike mutations, some of which are concerning for their potential impact on the trajectory of the pandemic,” the WHO said.

Speaking on Monday, Dr Tedros said scientists around the world are working to discover if the new variant is associated with higher transmission, risk of reinfection and how it reacts to vaccines.

“Omicron’s very emergence is another reminder that although many of us think we are done with Covid-19, it is not done with us,” he said.

He added that no deaths have been linked to the new variant yet.

Cases have already been reported in a number of countries including Canada, the UK, Portugal, Belgium and the Netherlands.

The new variant has prompted the UK, EU and US to issue a travel ban on Southern African countries – a decision criticised by South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Japan has announced it is closing its borders to new foreign visitors from midnight on Tuesday, while Australia has paused its long-awaited plan to ease border restrictions.

Travel into Australia for international students and “skilled workers” holding visas was meant to re-start on Wednesday but has now been delayed until 15 December.

Israel has also banned foreigners from entering the country.

In the UK, Covid booster jabs are set to be offered to all over-18s to help stop a new wave driven by Omicron.

The US has also followed suit with Joe Biden telling Americans to “go get your booster”. He also urged people to wear masks indoors.

But Mr Biden also said he did not anticipate any further US travel restrictions or lockdowns at this time.

There have been more than 261 million cases and five million deaths around the globe since the pandemic started in 2020, according to data from Johns Hopkins University.

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Myanmar court postpones verdict for ousted leader Suu Kyi

A court in Myanmar postponed its verdict on Tuesday in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to allow testimony from an additional witness, a senior member of her political party.

The court agreed with a defense motion that it allow Zaw Myint Maung, who had previously been unable to come to court for health reasons, to add his testimony, a legal official said.

The court had been scheduled to deliver a verdict on Tuesday on charges of incitement and violating coronavirus restrictions.

The verdict would have been the first for the 76-year-old Nobel laureate since the army seized power on Feb. 1, arresting her and blocking her National League for Democracy party from starting a second term in office.

She also is being tried on a series of other charges, including corruption, that could send her to prison for dozens of years if convicted.

The judge adjourned the proceedings until Dec. 6, when Zaw Myint Maung is scheduled to testify, said the legal official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the government has restricted the release of information about the trial. It was unclear when a verdict will be issued.

The cases are widely seen as contrived to discredit Suu Kyi and keep her from running in the next election. The constitution bars anyone sentenced to prison from holding high office or becoming a lawmaker.

Zaw Myint Maung, who was chief minister of the Mandalay region, a major state-level post, was also detained when the army took over. He is vice chairman of Suu Kyi’s party and a medical doctor, and like her faces several criminal charges, including corruption. He is 69 years old and reportedly suffers from leukemia.

He accompanied Suu Kyi during campaigning for last year’s election, including in Naypyitaw, where her presence was the basis for one of the charges of violating coronavirus restrictions.

Suu Kyi’s party won a landslide victory in last year’s polls. The army, whose allied party lost many seats, claimed there was massive voting fraud, but independent election observers did not detect any major irregularities.

Suu Kyi remains widely popular and a symbol of the struggle against military rule.

The army’s takeover was met by nationwide nonviolent demonstrations which security forces quashed with deadly force, killing nearly 1,300 civilians, according to a tally by the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners.

With severe restrictions on nonviolent protest, armed resistance has grown in the cities and the countryside to the point where U.N. experts have warned the country is sliding into civil war.

Suu Kyi, who received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991 for her nonviolent struggle for democracy, has not been seen in public since being taken into custody on the day of the military’s takeover. She has appeared in court at several of her trials, which are closed to the media and spectators.

In October, Suu Kyi’s lawyers, who had been the sole source of information on the legal proceedings, were served with gag orders forbidding them from releasing information.

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Sudanese activists call more protests

Sudanese activists have called for more protests across the country on Tuesday to denounce the 21 November political deal that reinstated Abdalla Hamdok as prime minister, despite a meeting between Mr Hamdok and members of Resistance Committees on 28 November.

“If the creation of fictitious bodies could protect the authority, then [ousted president Omar] al-Bashir would still be in power,” Khartoum State Resistance Committees reportedly said in response to Prime Minister Hamdok’s meeting with alleged representatives of Resistance Committees, according to privately-owned Al-Sudani newspaper website.

On Monday Mr Hamdok reiterated that the “political atmosphere does not allow for the beating of protesters”.

In recent demonstrations held before his deal with the military, at least 42 people were killed after security forces fired live bullets at the protesters, according to the Central Committee of Sudanese Doctors.

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Libya, UN warn intimidation stopping Kadhafi son’s appeal

Libya’s government and the UN expressed concern on Monday over an intimidation campaign that has shut the court where the son of slain dictator Moamer Kadhafi is appealing his rejected presidential bid.

The elections on December 24 come as Libya seeks to turn the page on a decade of violence since a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Kadhafi in 2011.

Last Wednesday, Libya’s electoral commission announced the rejection of the candidacy of his son Seif al-Islam Kadhafi, who is wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes.

Unsuccessful applicants were given 48 hours to appeal in court.

But on Thursday morning, a “group of outlaws” launched an “odious” attack on the court in the southern city of Sebha, forcing it to shut hours before Seif al-Islam had been due to appeal, the government in Tripoli said.

Similar incidents have been reported since, with footage broadcast on local media showing gunmen — presented as belonging to the eastern-based strongman and presidential candidate Khalifa Haftar — blocking access to the court.

The Libyan government said in a statement late Monday that it was “following with great concern the tensions around the court in Sebha, which threaten the legitimacy of the judicial institution”.

“Threatening the lives of judges or trying to influence their work risks plunging Sebha back into civil war,” it added.

The United Nations Libya mission UNSMIL also said in a statement that it was “following with great concern the continued closure of Sebha Court of Appeal” where it said “judges were physically prevented from conducting their legally mandated duties, directly impeding the electoral process”.

“UNSMIL is also alarmed by increasing reports of intimidation and threats against judges and judicial employees, particularly those dealing with electoral-related complaints, as well as against candidates, in a number of locations in Libya.”

Dozens of people, including supporters of Seif al-Islam, protested in Sebha on Monday to denounce an “attack on the work of justice”.

Seif al-Islam was among 25 of the 98 hopefuls whose presidential bids were turned down.