The Spark Magazine (Feb 2018)

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The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve www.thesparkng.com In as much as the internet and the profusion of social media outlets can be a link to the world for business and for those who might otherwise be completely isolated, it can also be an avenue through which people with more predatory instincts can more effectively target their prey of choice. These cyber bullies can ruin many lives from the relative safety of the obscurity provided by their computer screens. 24 hour all access with little to no editorial oversight or censorship from social media platforms themselves (who by the way, insist that they are not responsible for this by claiming not to be publishers) means that social media provides unfettered access to disturbing and sometimes radicalising material that can easily be utilised by terrorist organisations to radicalise and recruit vulnerable individuals to their ranks. The incessant demand placed on susceptible individuals to constantly update their profiles leads to untold levels of stress for many. Manifestations of excessive time spent on social media platforms include poor sleeping patterns, self-isolation, low self-esteem, relationship breakdown, irritability, stress, mood disorders and anxiety disorders. On a somewhat less malignant note, many people yearn for social recognition, and often pursue this by providing an incessant stream of personal information to people they can barely call “friends.” Mostly, people present a white-washed and ostensibly perfect version of their lives, but at other times, the information shared online is tantamount to washing one’s dirty linen in public. improve the tedium of daily living, and social media can serve as one. However, we must be careful not to succumb to its addictive potential, because it is becoming clear that for some people, social media is the drug of choice. One well known and much used platform has recently admitted that their programming was specifically designed to make it difficult for people to navigate away from their platform, thereby making it easier for vulnerable people to become addicted. That should give us pause. We must therefore carefully consider the digital footprints we leave behind, that is, the online record of our digital activity. We should ensure that we create a positive trail of comments and images, and once on the internet, it is nigh impossible to erase. Digital Detoxing is a concept that appeals to me. I recommend that we all have periods of time during which we actively disengage from social media. This time could last anything from several hours to several days, if we can manage. Parents should monitor their children’s online access and ensure that they are only viewing age appropriate content, balancing online activities with real life, face to face interactions with peers and appropriate adults. On a final note, I challenge us all to become more aware of our personal use of social media, and aim for a healthy balance between our digital lives and our real lives. We all need some adaptive mechanism that helps to alleviate boredom or 22 @thesparkng
www.thesparkng.com The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve Features 10 Organisations Empowering Nigerian Women Women supporting each other is vital. This list has been compiled to serve as a resource tool: here are 10 different organizations you can reach out to. - By Tabia Princewill On the 5th of September, 1995 during the United Nations Fourth World Congress on Women held in Beijing, Hillary Rodham Clinton, then First Lady of the United States of America, delivered what would become known as one of the most important speeches of her political career. “It is no longer acceptable to discuss women’s rights as separate from human rights”, she said. “Human rights are women’s rights and women’s rights are human rights”. The world was beginning to fully accept (and to promote) the notion that societies could neither develop nor prosper without tackling the heart of inequality and injustice, that is, women’s rights abuses around the world. Indeed, many studies show that the health and prosperity of women is directly linked to the wellbeing and overall welfare of not just their dependents but the entire community. Here are ten organizations empowering women through various means and ensuring Nigerian women are able to disrupt stereotypes and break new ground for the benefit of society. 2. TechHerNg Women in Nigeria are still too marginalised on many fronts. Besides facing abuse and violent acts in many communities, women and girls are underrepresented in science; a number of organizations are working to reverse this trend by empowering girls to excel in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects by promoting technology as a lifechanging tool for female entrepreneurs. TechHerNg is a female centred community that provides support for women in technology, particularly those interested in using it as a tool to start, grow and strengthen their businesses. To join this community of women, send them an email at hello@techherng. com and if you simply want to submit an article, then mail them at submit@techherng.com. You can visit their website www. techherng.com for more information. 1. STER Nigeria Youth led organisations don’t always get the recognition they deserve. STER Nigeria campaigns against sexual violence by promoting prevention mechanisms and providing psychosocial services to survivors. Too often, rape and violence are part of women’s stories in a patriarchal society that doesn’t always fully recognise the centrality of women’s safety and overall happiness for generalised peace and development. To report a case, visit 1B Godson Ilodianya Close, Off Ayo Babatunde Crescent, by Akiogun road, Oniru, Lekki, Lagos or Second Floor, FCT City Library, 2 Gwani Street, Opposite IGI House, Zone 4, Wuse, Abuja. You can also contact them via email at contactus@standtoendrape.org or standtoendrape@gmail.com. Check their website for more information: www.standtoendrape.org 3. Visiola Foundation Women share their challenges, gain insight from each other and become more productive by connecting with a diversity of voices ready to disrupt the status quo. Mentorship plays a key role in creating the next generation of women leaders which is something the Visiola foundation understands. It mentors and trains young Africans in STEM, encouraging them to learn skills which are particularly useful for the growth of Africa’s industrial and manufacturing base. To apply for scholarship, mentorship and all other benefits that the foundation offers, you can visit them at Rutyono Offices, 1, Kandi Close, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja or send an email at info@visiolafoundation.com. Visit their website www.visiolafoundation.org for more information. @thesparkng 23
Page 1: FEB 2018 YOUTH EMPOWERMENT MAGAZINE
Page 4 and 5: The Spark | Ignite/Connect/Achieve
Page 14 and 15: Do What You Love Tokini Peterside
Page 16 and 17: Live Life and Love Colette Otusheso
Page 18 and 19: Don’t Just Exist, Live! Nkemdilim
Page 20 and 21: Dare To Dream Yetunde Sanni
Page 23: www.thesparkng.com The Spark | Igni
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Page 34 and 35: Engage Show us what you’ve got by

The Spark Magazine (Feb 2018)

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