Chris Infotainment

The Growing Threat of Digital Violence Against Women and Girls The impact of digital violence on women and girls is devastating, often leading to emotional distress, reputational damage, and even physical harm. As technology continues to evolve, so do the methods used by perpetrators to exploit and harm vulnerable individuals. According to a recent statement from the United Nations Women, the increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital tools is amplifying existing patterns of violence against women and girls. This has led to new forms of abuse and exploitation that are difficult to detect and combat. Alarming Statistics and New Forms of Abuse One of the most concerning issues highlighted in the statement is the prevalence of deepfakes. It was reported that 90 to 95 per cent of all deepfakes online are sexualized images of women. These images can be created and spread with ease, causing significant harm to the victims involved. Image-based sexual exploitation, ...

A Nobleman’s Search for a Bride: A Unique Approach to Legacy and Family Sir Benjamin Slade, a 79-year-old aristocrat, has embarked on an unusual journey to find a bride. His goal is not just to find a life partner but to secure the future of his sprawling 1,300-acre Somerset estate. The nobleman is seeking a woman who can serve as the “Lady of the House” and help manage the estate while also providing him with male heirs. Requirements for the Ideal Bride The first and most obvious requirement is age. Sir Benjamin insists that his future wife must be at least 20 years younger than him. This means women in their 60s are not eligible. He is looking for a “good breeder” who can give him at least two male heirs, though he is open to having three if possible. However, he is not strict about whether the candidate has already given birth. He emphasizes that women play a crucial role in managing households, stating, “You always have a lady of the house, women run houses. People think that i...

The arrival of autumn is often marked by a distinct scent, one that carries the weight of history and transcends geographical boundaries. In cities like Seoul, this aroma is closely tied to the ginkgo trees lining the streets. These ancient trees, known for their resilience and beauty, have become a symbol of the season. However, their presence is not without challenges, particularly when it comes to the fruits they produce. Ginkgo Trees in Gangnam-gu Gangnam-gu, one of the most densely wooded areas in Seoul, is home to the highest number of street trees. Among these, ginkgo trees are the most prevalent, with 6,946 of them, 30% of which are female. Female ginkgo trees produce fruits that fall from the trees, creating a mess and an unpleasant odor. The annual accumulation of these fruits amounts to 4 tons, prompting local authorities to take action. A representative from Gangnam-gu explained, "While we quickly clean up the fallen fruits, budget and manpower constraints have for...

Enhancing Life Skills Education for Girls in Tanzania As the world observes the International Day of the Girl Child, Tanzania is taking significant steps to enhance life skills education in schools. This initiative aims to promote gender equality and empower students, especially girls, to become confident, resilient, and active contributors to society. The Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) has been at the forefront of this effort. Dr Fika Mwakabungu, Director of Curriculum Training at TIE, emphasized the importance of equipping teachers with the necessary tools to integrate life skills effectively into the learning process. During a commemoration event on October 11, 2025, she highlighted the need to create gender-responsive learning environments that support all students. In 2023, TIE revised its training policies to define seven core areas of life skills education. Teachers have been trained and provided with guides to implement these skills, with ongoing professional developm...

A Conversation That Changed Everything On this International Day of the Girl, my thoughts are not on statistics, but on a single conversation. It was a moment that left an indelible mark on me and reminded me of the power that lies within every girl. A few months ago, I visited a school in Epworth and observed a group of teenage girls, buzzing with energy, huddled over a science experiment. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and their curiosity evident. I asked one of them about her future aspirations. Without hesitation, she replied that she wants to be “a biochemist. We need African solutions, created by us, through science, to solve our own challenges.” Her clarity and ambition were profound. In her, I saw not just a student, but a future leader, innovator, and problem-solver. She embodies this year’s theme: The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis. She understood that her potential is intrinsically linked to the progress of her community and her country....

Kogi State Launches Initiative to Empower Adolescent Girls The Kogi State Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) has taken significant steps towards promoting the education and empowerment of girls in the state. This initiative, supported by the State Ministry of Women Affairs, civil society organisations, and other key stakeholders, aims to create a supportive environment where girls can thrive and reach their full potential. This collaborative effort was highlighted during a special event held on Saturday in Lokoja, marking the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child. The event featured a road walk and panel discussion, bringing together various groups to celebrate the rights and contributions of girls in Kogi State. A Call for Recognition and Action Project Coordinator, Alhaji Ahmed the Oricha, spoke about the importance of recognising the rights, voices, and limitless potential of girls across the state. He emphasized that education is a powerful tool...

The Role of Toy Preferences in Developing Spatial Skills Toys designed for boys, such as miniature cars and model planes, encourage the development of spatial skills in a way that tea sets and dolls do not, according to recent research. A seven-year study conducted in Hong Kong has revealed that playing with toys typically associated with boys helps children develop these skills more effectively than toys aimed at girls. This can provide an advantage if they pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Professor Ivy Wong Wang, director of the Chinese University of Hong Kong's gender studies programme, highlighted that boy-typical play, such as toy cars or assembling models, generally encourages spatial skills. In contrast, toys for girls, like tea sets or baby dolls, rarely require such skills and instead focus on nurturing. Her research found that children, regardless of their sex, who played more with boy-typical toys had better mental transforma...

Breaking Barriers: Five Nigerian Women Defying Gender Norms For many years, certain professions in Nigeria were considered off-limits to women. Fields like engineering, law, sports, and even piloting were often dominated by men, shaped by the country's deeply rooted cultural beliefs. However, a powerful shift has been taking place over the past few decades, with Nigerian women steadily challenging these traditional roles and redefining what is possible. Through sheer determination, talent, and resilience, these women have shattered long-standing stereotypes and paved the way for future generations. Their stories are not just about personal success but also about inspiring change and proving that gender should never be a barrier to achievement. Here are five remarkable Nigerian women who have made history and continue to inspire across various fields. 1. Kafayat Sanni – Nigeria’s First Female Fighter Pilot In 2019, Kafayat Sanni made history as the first female fighter pilot in ...

Understanding the Mind-Body Connection through Gunas In ancient times, Ayurvedic scholars explored the intricate relationship between the mind and body. One of the most notable figures in this field was Charaka, a revered Ayurvedic physician who analyzed the human mind through three fundamental qualities known as Gunas. These Gunas are Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas, each representing distinct energies that influence an individual's personality and behavior. Sattva is associated with goodness, harmony, and constructive tendencies. It represents a state of clarity, balance, and positive thinking. Individuals dominated by Sattva tend to exhibit peaceful and enlightened characteristics. On the other hand, Rajas is linked to passion and action. This Guna drives individuals towards ambition, activity, and energy, but it can also lead to confusion and restlessness. Tamas, the third Guna, is connected to darkness, inertia, and destruction. It signifies ignorance, lethargy, and chaos, often le...

The Persistent Crisis of Child and Women Abuse in Pakistan Child abuse and the harassment of women have long been pervasive issues in Pakistan, often going unnoticed or unaddressed by authorities. These crimes are not only deeply disturbing but also reflect a broader societal failure to protect the most vulnerable members of the population. While children and women are the primary victims, it is typically men who perpetuate these acts with little fear of consequences. In many cases, working women face constant harassment in public spaces and at their workplaces, while those confined to their homes endure domestic violence, honor killings, or punishment for giving birth to daughters. Gender-based discrimination continues to undermine the rights, property, and opportunities of women solely based on their gender. This systemic issue has deep roots in cultural norms and legal loopholes that allow such abuses to persist. Child abuse, in particular, takes various forms, including neglect,...

Addressing Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence Through Training More than 25 journalists and social media influencers recently completed a three-day training in Kigali focused on technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). This issue is becoming increasingly relevant as internet usage continues to rise across the country. The workshop, organized by the Health Development Initiative (HDI), aimed to enhance participants’ ability to identify, prevent, and report on TFGBV using ethical and gender-sensitive communication methods. Annonciata Mukayitete, Senior Programme Officer for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion at HDI, highlighted that the training was created to address a problem that has often been overlooked in Rwanda. She explained that while TFGBV may seem like a new concept, it is part of the broader issue of gender-based violence, but one that is exacerbated by technology. “Online violence takes various forms. It’s a global issue, and Rwanda is not immune t...

The Intersection of AI and Gender Inequality In an era where Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global workforce, a troubling pattern emerges: women's bodies often become the ultimate sites for the exertion of force by men. This issue has gained urgency as AI replaces human labor in various sectors, leading to widespread job displacement and societal upheaval. As machines and algorithms take over tasks once performed by humans, the structure of labor is being redefined, and with it, the dynamics of power and vulnerability. Historically, during times of societal disruption, women have often borne the brunt of instability. Whether due to colonization, pandemics, or technological advancements that rendered certain skills obsolete, the consequences have frequently fallen heavily on women. These periods, while distinct in their causes, share a common outcome: the redirection of male frustration and disempowerment toward women. This phenomenon highlights a deep-rooted patter...

Understanding the Challenges of Women's Participation in Science, Innovation, and Technology A recent study conducted by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (CSIR-STEPRI) has highlighted a significant gap in the participation of women in Science, Innovation, and Technology (STI) research. This issue is particularly evident in research institutions across various sectors, including public and private organizations. The findings were shared during a policy dialogue focused on women's involvement in STI research, capacity-building, and mentorship, which took place in Accra. The study aimed to identify both the barriers and the enablers that influence the career progression of individuals working in scientific research environments. Key Barriers Identified in the Study One of the primary challenges identified was the unequal access to well-resourced laboratories and research tools. This disparity limited the abilit...