Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going.
Green Menstruation - Day 2
Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome to the second day of our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints!
The main objective of this campaign is to educate women and girlson the benefits of green menstruation and empower them in making reusable pads.
Most menstrual pads are made from 90% plastic. Plastic products can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfills or in the ocean. Considering the affordability and environmental impact of sanitary pads, cloth is an effective option.
Our guest today is Luquenia Rodrigues, she will tell us about her preferences regarding pads and personal hygiene.
Lady good afternoon!
Good afternoon, Thank you!
What's your name?
My name is Luquenia Rodrigues.
How old are you?
I am 18 years old.
Alright. Which of these pads do you use?
I use this one, the disposable.
Why?
Because I like this one more.
Why doesn't the washable pad appeal to you?
I feel distressed and not comfortable.
Have you ever used the cloth pad?
Yes once, but I didn't like the experience.
What concrete did you not like?
This caused me diaper rash, and I also don't feel good seeing and smelling smell of blood.
Ok, thank you!
One sanitary pad could take 500 to 800 years to decompose as the plastic used is non-biodegradable and can lead to health and environmental hazards. One sanitary pad has plastic equivalent to five plastic bags, so one woman is using menstrual hygiene products equivalent to 60,000 - 75,000 plastic bags.
Every household needs to ensure that sanitary waste should be properly wrapped. The rules say that sanitary waste should be kept in the dry waste bin and should be handed over separately.
What is Green Menstruation?
Green menstruation is the term used where women use biodegradable menstrual hygiene products, green because they are environment friendly. The products include menstrual cups, organic cotton based pads, reusable cloth pads, and period panties. These options are not only environment friendly but also pocket friendly and really good for women's vaginal and reproductive health.
In a scenario, where safe menstruation for every female is imperative, the debate over sustainable menstruation is still far. This is the perfect time when along with period education we can make women aware about sustainable menstrual hygiene products and the impact on the environment.
Women Without Plastic - Swap single use menstrual pads for reusable alternative
Leveraging girls’ and women’s education is a powerful part of the solution to climate change
BOOM! That's the sound of our new campaign Women without Plastic as key to reduce Climate Change.
Even though girls are significantly impacted by climate change, they are also powerful agents of change, capable of strengthening a country’s response to climate change.
Ladies Without Plastic - Key to reduce our Carbon Footprints
This movement helps to end period poverty in Angola by empowering women and girls in making reusable pads. Disposable pads contains plastic, artificial fragrance and chemical gel. When disposed it takes hundreds and thousands of years to break down in the landfills!
Moreover, the manufacturing of disposable menstrual hygiene products (an almost $6 billion industry) generates a total carbon footprint of about 15 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. That’s the equivalent of burning about 35 million barrels of oil. On average a woman has her period from 3 to 7 days menstruating approximately 468 periods over 38years between ages 13 – 51 years. This implies 2,280 days with her period and uses an average of 11,000 sanitary pads in her life time.
Climate change affects women
We advocate for behavioural change to reduce earth vulnerability to climate change and global warming from disposable sanitary pads. Work on women liberation against harmful restrictions surrounding menstruation.
We mobilise women to switch back to the use of reusable sanitary pads and napkins than disposable sanitary pads that have local ecosystem vulnerable to climate change and global warming.
With an estimated 200 million adolescent girls living on the frontlines of the climate crises, the link between girls´ education and climate change deserves urgent attention. In our cloud platform we explore the powerful role that education can play in tackling climate change.
133 years ago, the disposable menstrual pads grew from a Benjamin Franklin invention created to help stop wounded soldiers from bleeding. However, these cultural norms did not stop technological innovation: the first disposable pads hit the market in 1896. Today, menstrual products are a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry, with prime-time ads and countless products on the market.
COP26: why education for girls is crucial in the fight against climate change
Last week the Glasgow climate change conference also dedicated to recognising gender equality, and the empowerment of women and girls in climate policy and action.
Education for girls can be a pathway for fighting the climate crisis in three key ways:
education in both the sciences and social sciences is necessary to address climate change. Girls’ participation in these fields will drive innovation in green technologies as well as a social approach to resilience built on equality
formal education can build on women and girls’ existing community-based knowledge regarding disaster risk reduction and help them respond to climate emergencies
education creates pathways to more independent decision-making for women and girls around work, family planning and community engagement. It also creates opportunities for leadership and participation in formal decision-making.
Business Breakfast with World Bank's Vice President, Hafez Ghanem
The World Bank Regional Vice President for Eastern and Southern Africa, Hafez Ghanem, arrived in Angola on the 8th of this month, for a new partnership with the Angolan Executive. In addition to Hafez Ghanem, the full delegation also includes Sรฉrgio Pimenta, Regional Vice President of the IFC-International Finance Corporation, one of the arms of the World Bank Group (WBG).
The joint visit to Angola, from 8 to 11 November 2021, aimed to discuss the work of the World Bank Group and the new partnership for Angola, focused on the agenda of reforms and economic diversification strategies. Climate change and adaptation, empowering women and girls are other items on the agenda.
During the joint visit, Hafez Ghanem and Sรฉrgio Pimenta met with Angolan Government officials, civil society organizations, development partners and representatives of the private sector.
Hafez Ghanem was concerned about the poor efficiency of the health and education sectors in Angola, as well as the despair of young Angolans who have been in the unemployment situation for many years and the increased domestic violence against women during the pandemic.
The Digital Entrepreneur Sofonie Dala, had the privilege of presenting to the World Bank delegation the Africa Educates Her Campaign and also spoke about the barriers that prevent Angolan girls from accessing education, caused by poverty, teenage pregnancy, child marriage, cultural norms and practices, poor infrastructure, violence and fragility, Covid-19, etc.
Sofonie Dala when presenting her new campaign Women Without Plastic - Swap single use menstrual pads for reusable alternative, stressed that education for girls can be a pathway for fighting the climate crisis. This initiative will help to end period poverty in Angola by empowering women and girls in making reusable pads.
Another reason for the visit of the World Bank delegation to Angola, was to evaluate and deepen the partnerships of the Bretton Woods institution with the Government of Angola, which obtained support of 700 million dollars (more than 400 billion kwanzas) this year.
The IFC (International Finance Corporation) is the arm of the World Bank dedicated to supporting the private sector in emerging markets. It works in over 100 countries, using capital, experience and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. For the year 2021, an amount of 31.5 billion dollars is forecast to support private companies and financial institutions in developing countries.
๐ Celebrating 4 Years of Talentos Multiplus! ๐
Today marks a significant milestone for Talentos Multiplus as we proudly celebrate our 4th anniversary! Founded on July 24, 2020, at precisely 17:47:10, our journey has been one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission.
Over the past four years, Talentos Multiplus has not only survived but thrived, standing high and strong without any setbacks. We have empowered countless individuals, inspired young minds, and fostered sustainable change within our community and beyond.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to our incredible team, dedicated supporters, and the vibrant community that has stood by us every step of the way. Without your passion and perseverance, this remarkable achievement would not have been possible.
The main celebration will take place in August, where we will gather in a rural community to honor our shared success and look forward to a future filled with even greater accomplishments. Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to celebrate with us!
As part of our celebration, we will be featuring some of our impactful old campaigns, starting with "Ladies Without Plastic." These campaigns will be highlighted on our landing page under Breaking News, allowing everyone to revisit and be inspired by our journey and achievements.
Women Without Plastic - Swap single use menstrual pads for reusable alternative
Leveraging girls’ and women’s education is a powerful part of the solution to climate change
BOOM! That's the sound of our new campaignWomen without Plastic as key to reduce Climate Change.
Even though girls are significantly impacted by climate change, they are also powerful agents of change, capable of strengthening a country’s response to climate change.
Ladies Without Plastic - Key to reduce our Carbon Footprints
This movement helps to end period poverty in Angola by empowering women and girls in making reusable pads. Disposable pads contains plastic, artificial fragrance and chemical gel. When disposed it takes hundreds and thousands of years to break down in the landfills!
Moreover, the manufacturing of disposable menstrual hygiene products (an almost $6 billion industry) generates a total carbon footprint of about 15 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. That’s the equivalent of burning about 35 million barrels of oil. On average a woman has her period from 3 to 7 days menstruating approximately 468 periods over 38years between ages 13 – 51 years. This implies 2,280 days with her period and uses an average of 11,000 sanitary pads in her life time.
Climate change affects women
We advocate for behavioural change to reduce earth vulnerability to climate change and global warming from disposable sanitary pads. Work on women liberation against harmful restrictions surrounding menstruation.
We mobilise women to switch back to the use of reusable sanitary pads and napkins than disposable sanitary pads that have local ecosystem vulnerable to climate change and global warming.
With an estimated 200 million adolescent girls living on the frontlines of the climate crises, the link between girls´ education and climate change deserves urgent attention. In our cloud platform we explore the powerful role that education can play in tackling climate change.
133 years ago, the disposable menstrual pads grew from a Benjamin Franklin invention created to help stop wounded soldiers from bleeding. However, these cultural norms did not stop technological innovation: the first disposable pads hit the market in 1896. Today, menstrual products are a multi-billion dollar worldwide industry, with prime-time ads and countless products on the market.
Here's to many more years of growth, impact, and excellence. Happy 4th anniversary, Talentos Multiplus! ๐๐
With gratitude and excitement, The Talentos Multiplus Team!
Connecting People and Plants: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation
World Nature Conservation Day is celebrated annually on July 28 to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the environment and natural resources. This global observance highlights the necessity of a sustainable lifestyle to ensure the well-being of current and future generations. Here's the theme, significance, and ways to conserve natural resources this World Nature Conservation Day.
World Nature Conservation Day 2024: Theme
The theme for World Nature Conservation Day 2024 is “Connecting People and Plants: Exploring Digital Innovation in Wildlife Conservation.” This theme emphasizes the critical role that conservation efforts play in maintaining the balance of our ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources.
Significance
World Nature Conservation Day serves as a reminder of the delicate balance that exists between humans and nature. It underscores the need for a collective effort to protect our planet's biodiversity and natural habitats. By fostering a deeper connection between people and plants, and leveraging digital innovations, we can make significant strides in wildlife conservation and the sustainable use of resources.
Ways to Conserve Natural Resources
Adopt Sustainable Practices: Reduce, reuse, and recycle to minimize waste and conserve natural resources.
Support Conservation Efforts: Participate in or donate to organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Educate and Advocate: Raise awareness about environmental issues and advocate for policies that promote conservation and sustainability.
Use Technology Wisely: Utilize digital tools and innovations to monitor and protect wildlife, and to promote sustainable practices.
Plant Trees: Engage in tree-planting activities to restore natural habitats and improve air quality.
Conserve Water: Implement water-saving techniques in daily life to reduce wastage and preserve this vital resource.
Reduce Carbon Footprint: Opt for eco-friendly transportation, energy-efficient appliances, and renewable energy sources to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
By embracing these practices, we can contribute to a healthier planet and ensure that future generations inherit a world where nature thrives.
Join us this World Nature Conservation Day in celebrating our planet and committing to actions that safeguard our environment. Together, we can make a difference!
Poverty and hunger remain the biggest development challenges of our time.
The International Day of Family Farming is celebrated on July 25th each year. This day highlights the crucial role that family farmers play in ensuring food security, preserving traditional food products, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Family farming is essential for maintaining biodiversity, managing natural resources, and supporting rural communities.
World Family Farmer Day is part of the broader UN Decade of Family Farming (2019-2028), which aims to highlight the crucial role family farmers play in eradicating hunger and shaping the future of food. Family farming is essential for ensuring food security, improving livelihoods, managing natural resources, and achieving sustainable development, especially in rural areas.
Family farmers produce over 80% of the world’s food and occupy around 70-80% of farmland globally. They are key to preserving traditional food products, contributing to a balanced diet, and safeguarding agro-biodiversity.
Shaping the future of food and agriculture
Improving agricultural performance
Starvation in Africa is now believed to be the most serious problem of all. Different sources say that every year hunger kills more people than diseases such as COVID-19, AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined all together. Many of those people are kids who die at very young age because of lack of food. The situation is very serious and African continent is in a grave danger. Hunger became a grim reaper who takes away countless numbers of lives each and every day.
Poverty seems to be the most important factor. Many African families simply do not have enough money to buy food. As a result, parents and children are starving and the state is not concerned with their situation.
Agriculture in Africa is expected to meet the dual objectives of providing food and helping people to escape poverty. African agriculture is dominated by smallholdings and donors generally target their agricultural support at the smallholder sector.
The expectation is that if the gap between actual and potential yields can be closed, smallholders will grow sufficient crops to feed their families, with a surplus to sell, thus meeting food security needs and bringing in an income to move them out of poverty. In practice, this is often not possible.
Hunger facts
There are many different causes of hunger but most common are: poverty, environment, harmful economic systems, conflicts, and rapid population growth.
Environment is another problematic issue. People have to face erosion, desertification, deforestation, and of course droughts and water shortages. The agricultural production is sometimes extremely reduced. This reduction has a direct effect on hunger increase.
In July 2024, the founder of the startup Talentos Multiplus, Sofonie Dala, along with other entrepreneurs and managers of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), benefitted from a support program aimed at improving access to financing. This initiative, known as the "Projecto Envolver," is part of the Angolan Government's PRODESI program and is funded by the European Union. Its primary goal is to create a favorable environment for the sustainable growth of MSMEs by providing business training tools across various sectors.
During an intensive two-day training session with highly qualified Portuguese specialists from the Polytechnic Institute of Setรบbal, participants were trained in entrepreneurship, business management, and corporate finance.
The vision of the Projecto Envolver is to create a conducive environment for financing, where financial institutions, incubators, investors, the judiciary, trainers, schools, and businesses collaborate to facilitate economic growth.
The scope of the "Envolver" project includes an integrated and comprehensive approach involving various stakeholders, ranging from commercial banks to both public and private sector actors, whose activities significantly impact the country's economy.
The training took place at the Centralidade do Kilamba in Luanda from 22 to 25 of July 2024, where over 300 young people were trained.
According to Jorge Chaves, the coordinator, over 300 young people were trained in financial literacy, business management, and how to establish and make their companies profitable.
The level of satisfaction is high among both the trainers and the entrepreneurs. So far, more than 2,000 entrepreneurs have been trained and are awaiting the next phase of the Envolver Project, which involves incubators and banking.
The project includes 19 commercial banks from our country.
Expatriate trainers from the Polytechnic Institute of Setรบbal (IPS) and national trainers trained by ENVOLVER in Portugal ensure the training.
The innovation projects presented by entrepreneurs in various sectors such as digitalization, services, healthcare, education, and transportation offer solutions.
Dstl, DE&S and industry have worked together to enable the development of this critical new capability and help prepare the UK's armed forces for the future.
Speed of light laser weapon trialled for first time on a British Army vehicle.
Lightweight, portable and cost effective.
Developed to defeat enemy drones.
For the first time scientists and engineers have successfully fired a high powered laser energy weapon from a British Army combat vehicle.
This ground-breaking test, conducted at Dstl’s range in Porton Down, saw the laser weapon neutralise targets at distances in excess of 1km.
The high-energy laser weapon mounted on to a British Army Wolfhound armoured vehicle, represents a major leap forward in the UK Ministry of Defence’s Land Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) Demonstrator programme, providing increased operational advantage on the battlefield.
The lightweight portable high energy laser system is the first laser weapon integrated on a land vehicle to be fired in the UK.
The advanced capability demonstrator will allow the Ministry of Defence along with the British Army to understand the utility of LDEW systems against an evolving threat.
The next phase of testing will involve trials with Army personnel later this year, further evaluating the system’s capabilities and benefits in real-world scenarios.
The low cost system is fully portable, low cost and easy to operate. The system can track multiple targets and engage faster than the speed of light.
Dstl chief executive Dr Paul Hollinshead OBE MBA said:
This is another significant milestone in accelerating the adoption of directed energy weapons.
Working ever closer with DE&S and industry to develop critical new capabilities, we are preparing the armed forces for the future so they can detect, disable and destroy future and novel threats.
Team Hersa, which pairs Dstl’s technical expertise with the best acquisition skills from DE&S, is managing delivery of the demonstrators and is responsible for preparing Defence for the introduction of innovative weapons systems, ensuring the UK Armed Forces can successfully exploit this potentially game changing capability at pace.
Matt Cork, Dstl Programme Lead, said:
The joint working between Dstl, DE&S and industry has enabled rapid evolution of this laser demonstrator. The successful testing of this high-powered laser weapon marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to enhance the future operational capabilities of the British Army. This technology offers a precise, powerful and cost effective means to defeat aerial threats, ensuring greater protection for our forces.
The laser system, developed in collaboration with a consortium of UK suppliers, showcases the potential of advanced technology in modern warfare.
The system operates with a command and control system and can be integrated with wider battle management radar and surveillance systems. The weapon can be mounted on various platforms to meet different operational needs.
We are pleased to announce that applications for the next Chevening cohort will open on 6 August 2024.
Successful applicants will receive a fully funded scholarship to study for a master's degree at a leading UK university in 2025.
With just two weeks to go until applications open, it's time to start getting your Chevening application ready. Click below for our tips on how to prepare.
Chevening Scholars get the chance to explore everything the UK has to offer, from cultural events and fun day trips, to exclusive networking opportunities with like-minded future leaders.
Discover what 2023/24 scholars found most surprising about British culture.
Congratulations to all of our successful candidates who have already been selected for the 2024 Chevening cohort.
Shishu Ranjan shares what it means to him to be #ChosenForChevening:
‘As a first generation learner from a remote village of India, I see Chevening as a platform to inspire meritorious students of marginalised communities to dream of making inclusive education policies for their country.’
There is plenty of advice on choosing the right postgraduate course but once you have decided on your subject area, how do you narrow it down into the right specialism or even the right type of master's degree? Do you want to specialise in a niche field or study a broader course?
The article below will guide you through what to consider when choosing a course.
For the latest postgraduate news, events, and essential advice make sure you are following @postgrad_com on Instagram.
And don’t forget to check if your chosen course is eligible for a Chevening Scholarship in our course finder.
Fast-track your Chevening application with the Chevening Resource Hub
We are delighted to introduce brand new guidance on our website to help you navigate each step in the Chevening application process with confidence. Head to the application guidance section of the new Chevening Resource Hub to check if you’re ready to apply to Chevening, find step-by-step guidance on Chevening’s new application system, and lots more resources to help you prepare your Chevening application and your UK university application.
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