Joke of the Week
now browsing by category
Malawi to Launch “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence” for 16 Days of Activism 2025
Lilongwe, Malawi The Government of Malawi, through its Ministry of Gender, Community Development and Social Welfare, has announced that the 2025 edition of the global campaign 16 Days of Activism against Gender‑Based Violence will be observed from 25 November to 10 December under the national theme “Unite to End Digital Gender-Based Violence in Malawi”. This year’s official launch is scheduled to take place in Balaka District, signalling a strong focus on emerging forms of violence inflicted via digital platforms.
According to the published concept note, the campaign will primarily address the growing challenge of online abuse and digital gender-based violence (DGBV) targeting women and girls. Specific priority areas include image-based violence (such as non-consensual sharing of intimate images), cyber-bullying, online sexual exploitation, harassment on social media platforms (including Facebook, WhatsApp, TikTok) and other forms of digital misuse. UN Women+2UN Women+2
The Ministry emphasises that while Malawi has long been active in the 16 Days of Activism campaign, the 2025 edition marks a deliberate shift toward digital spaces, acknowledging that technology has become a significant vector for gender-based harm. The concept note highlights that perpetrators increasingly exploit digital tools to inflict gender-based harm, abuse, hate speech, control, harassment and violence a trend documented across the continent. UN Women+1
Objectives & Key Activities
The campaign in Malawi is set to achieve several key objectives:
-
Raise awareness among citizens especially young women and girls about the nature and risks of digital gender-based violence and how to report it.
-
Promote safer online spaces by engaging telecommunication companies, social-media platforms, digital rights organisations and community groups to implement awareness-raising and preventive measures.
-
Strengthen legal and community responses by reviewing existing policy frameworks, improving coordination across the justice and cyber-security sectors, and mobilising local leaders to challenge harmful digital practices.
-
Encourage investment in prevention not only reacting to violence but proactively designing digital-safe programmes, supporting survivors, and changing the digital culture around gender.
Launch in Balaka District
The official launch event in Balaka District on 25 November will bring together government officials, civil society organisations, youth and digital activists, traditional and religious leaders, as well as representatives of private-sector tech and telecommunication firms. The event is expected to include public pledges, digital-safety workshops, community dialogues and a youth-led online-campaign component.
Why This Matters
Malawi’s decision to centre the 2025 campaign on digital gender-based violence comes at a time when data from local studies indicate a rising prevalence of cyber-violence against women and girls. One survey highlighted malicious online behaviour such as cyber-bullying, online defamation, revenge pornography and harassment via WhatsApp or social media in Malawi. arXiv
Moreover, aligning the campaign with the global UN-run 16 Days initiative ensures that Malawi remains part of a broader international movement tying together gender-based violence and human-rights violations. The initiative symbolically runs from International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (25 November) to Human Rights Day (10 December). Women Lawyers Association of Malawi+1
Looking Ahead
As the launch approaches, key themes to watch include:
-
How Malawi’s digital-safety and cyber-regulation frameworks respond to this thematic shift.
-
The role of private-sector partners (telecommunications & tech platforms) in supporting prevention of digital GBV.
-
Engagement of youth and digital natives in shaping peer-to-peer campaigns and online activism.
-
Implementation of community-level interventions that link offline gender-based violence with its digital counterpart.
-
Monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track the impact of the campaign — especially in reporting, prosecution, and survivor support in the digital domain.
Title: A Celebration of Friendship and Diplomacy: Sierra Leone and Türkiye Strengthen Bilateral Ties
On October 29, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio had the honour of serving as the Guest of Honour at the 102nd Anniversary Celebration of the Proclamation of the Republic of Türkiye.
The event also commemorated 54 years of strong, brotherly, and diplomatic relations between Sierra Leone and Türkiye a partnership built on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared goals for sustainable development.
In her remarks, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio congratulated the people and government of Türkiye for their remarkable progress and extended sincere appreciation to H.E. Yusuf Burak Rende, the Ambassador of Türkiye to Sierra Leone, for his unwavering support and efforts in fostering unity between the two nations.
The celebration served as a shining example of how diplomacy and friendship can bridge continents, strengthen partnerships, and inspire mutual growth.
First Lady Fatima Maada Bio Secures Turkish Partnership for New Medical Centre in Bo
Following her official visit to Türkiye, Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, had the honour of meeting with H.E. Emine Erdoğan, the First Lady of Türkiye, where she passionately appealed for the establishment of a hospital in Sierra Leone.
In a remarkable gesture of goodwill, H.E. Emine Erdoğan graciously accepted the request, marking a major milestone in strengthening healthcare collaboration between both nations.
Upon her return, the First Lady warmly received the Turkish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, H.E. Amb. Yusuf Burak Rende, alongside Mr. Mirzet Muezzinoglu, the TİKA Country Director, to discuss the implementation plans for the proposed medical centre in Bo.
Mrs. Bio emphasized that, even when she travels abroad, her heart remains with her people especially women, girls, and children reaffirming her lifelong commitment to improving their wellbeing through sustainable healthcare initiatives.
~ FMB
Rice Prices Crash Across Lagos Markets Amid Increased Supply
In a major relief for consumers, rice prices have dropped sharply across multiple markets in Lagos State, following a surge in border imports and increased local supply.
Traders and market observers noted that the influx of imported rice has boosted availability, reducing the strain of high food prices that had affected many households in recent months.
This recent development has sparked optimism among consumers and retailers alike, with expectations that other staple food items may also experience price drops as supply chains stabilize.
2027: Enugu Unity Forum Pledges Grassroots Mobilization for Governor Peter Mbah’s Reelection
The Enugu State Unity Forum (EUF), a key support group backing the reelection bid of Governor Peter Mbah in the upcoming 2027 general election, has vowed to embark on an extensive grassroots sensitization and mobilization campaign across the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
According to the group, their mission is to ensure seamless reelection for the governor by reaching every community, ward, and local council with a message of continuity and progress.
The EUF leadership emphasized that Governor Mbah’s administration has brought visible transformation and development to Enugu State, making it imperative to sustain his policies for another term.
Oil Prices Surge as Trump Targets Russian Oil Giants with Heavy Sanctions
Global oil markets witnessed a sharp spike of over 2% on Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to impose heavy sanctions on two major Russian oil companies.
The move, which immediately sent crude prices soaring, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to pressure Moscow economically. Analysts say the sanctions could tighten global supply chains and further destabilize energy markets already reeling from geopolitical tensions.
Meanwhile, renewed U.S.-China economic optimism helped lift global stocks, as investors balanced the sanctions shock with hopes of improved trade cooperation between the world’s two largest economies.
Dangote Refinery Resumes Bulk Petrol Sales at ₦877 per Litre, Intensifying Market Price War
The Dangote Refinery has resumed bulk petrol sales at ₦877 per litre, up from its previous price of ₦820, sparking a renewed price war across Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.
According to Vanguard News, this sudden price adjustment has placed depot owners under heavy pressure, as competition tightens and profit margins shrink. Industry observers say the move could reshape the market, forcing smaller players to reconsider their pricing strategies.
Analysts note that while Dangote’s decision aims to stabilize supply, it also highlights the volatility of Nigeria’s fuel market amid ongoing economic reforms and currency fluctuations.
Source: Vanguard News
Six Major Challenges Facing Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu After the Gaza Ceasefire
Following the recent Gaza ceasefire, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting challenges that could shape both his political legacy and the country’s stability.
According to a report by Al Jazeera, Netanyahu must now navigate six key issues — including domestic political unrest, international pressure, security rebuilding, humanitarian recovery efforts, public trust erosion, and strained diplomatic relations.
These challenges will test his leadership as Israel attempts to move forward from months of conflict and tension, with global eyes watching how his administration manages post-ceasefire reconstruction and reconciliation.
Fatima Maada Bio Departs Freetown for Istanbul to Attend International Climate Change and Zero Waste Forum
Her Excellency Fatima Maada Bio, an Eminent Member of the United Nations Zero Waste Advisory Board, has departed Freetown for Istanbul, Türkiye, to attend the International Forum on Climate Change and Zero Waste.
This significant global event brings together world leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts who are dedicated to advancing innovative strategies and sustainable solutions for a cleaner, greener, and healthier planet.
Through her continuous advocacy, Fatima Maada Bio remains a strong voice for environmental preservation and global sustainability.
Vote: Who Has the Better Career Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi?
Football fans, it’s time to weigh in! ⚽
Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have defined an era in world football with their incredible talent, record-breaking performances, and global influence.
Ronaldo is known for his athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and longevity, while Messi is celebrated for his vision, dribbling skills, and playmaking brilliance.
Now, the question is yours: Whose career would you rather have? Cast your vote and let us know why in the comments!
📌 Source: AfrinityTV
D5 Creation