http://kevin.tigblog.org/ What's on the minds of young leaders from around the globe? en-us http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/4192

Around the world at least one woman in every three has been beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime. Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. Increasingly, gender-based violence is recognized as a major public health concern and a violation of human rights.
The effects of violence can be devastating to a woman's reproductive health as well as to other aspects of her physical and mental well-being. In addition to causing injury, violence increases women's long-term risk of a number of other health problems, including chronic pain, physical disability, drug and alcohol abuse, and depression. Women with a history of physical or sexual abuse are also at increased risk for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Yet victims of violence who seek care from health professionals often have needs that providers do not recognize, do not ask about, and do not know how to address.


What Is Gender-Based Violence?
Violence against women and girls includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse. It is often known as "gender-based" violence because it evolves in part from women's subordinate status in society. Many cultures have beliefs, norms, and social institutions that legitimize and therefore perpetuate violence against women. The same acts that would be punished if directed at an employer, a neighbor, or an acquaintance often go unchallenged when men direct them at women, especially within the family.
Two of the most common forms of violence against women are abuse by intimate male partners and coerced sex, whether it takes place in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood. Intimate partner abuse—also known as domestic violence, wife-beating, and battering—is almost always accompanied by psychological abuse and in one-quarter to one-half of cases by forced sex as well. The majority of women who are abused by their partners are abused many times. In fact, an atmosphere of terror often permeates abusive relationships.


How Health Care Providers Can Help
Health care providers can do much to help their clients who are victims of gender-based violence. Yet providers often miss opportunities to help by being unaware, indifferent, or judgmental. With training and support from health care systems, providers can do more to respond to the physical, emotional, and security needs of abused women and girls.
First, health care providers can learn how to ask women about violence in ways that their clients find helpful. They can give women empathy and support. They can provide medical treatment, offer counseling, document injuries, and refer their clients to legal assistance and support services.

Family planning and other reproductive health care providers have a particular responsibility to help because:


Abuse has a major—although little recognized—impact on women's reproductive health and sexual well-being;
Providers cannot do their jobs well unless they understand how violence and powerlessness affect women's reproductive health and decision-making ability;
Reproductive health care providers are strategically placed to help identify victims of violence and connect them with other community support services.
Providers can reassure women that violence is unacceptable and that no woman deserves to be beaten, sexually abused, or made to suffer emotionally. As one client said (379), "Compassion is going to open up the door. And when we feel safe and are able to trust, that makes a lot of difference."

Societal Responses
Health workers alone cannot transform the cultural, social, and legal environment that gives rise to and condones widespread violence against women. Ending physical and sexual violence requires long-term commitment and strategies involving all parts of society. Many governments have committed themselves to overcoming violence against women by passing and enforcing laws that ensure women's legal rights and punish abusers. In addition, community-based strategies can focus on empowering women, reaching out to men, and changing the beliefs and attitudes that permit abusive behavior. Only when women gain their place as equal members of society will violence against women no longer be an invisible norm but, instead, a shocking aberration.

i will send more later

]]> Wed, 22 May 2002 10:34:00 EDT http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/4192 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/3276 Around the world at least one woman in every three has been BEATEM, COERECED INTO SEX, or otherwise ABUSE IN HER LIFE - TIME. Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. Increasingly, gender - base violence is recognized as a major public health concern and a violation of HUMAN RIGHTS ............
]]> Mon, 25 Mar 2002 04:25:00 EST http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/3276 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/2902 Greetings from me 2 u all! This is my quote 4 u all out there..."Since we understand that Potential is what we are capable of Doing or Becoming.However, each aspect of our potential must be discovered,developed and put to good use in order for us to be real blessing to Humanity. There is also the need for each of us to make every effort to improve upon the Talents,Skills,Ambitions and Abilities God has invested in everyone of us,MALE or FEMALE.
If u hv a passion 2 help Humanity n ready drop a mail 4 me n check my site 2 get involved with me 2 help Mankind.
Thanx n i Respect u all
Kevin]]> Fri, 22 Feb 2002 11:27:00 EST http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/2902 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/1325
The chairman gave the podium to TIG Country Coordinator (Ghana) Mr. Ezekiel Kevin Annan to explain further what TIG stands for and strategies which has been put in place to move ITGlobal forward – the prospects and how we can work together to assist each other as a youth. He went further to read out an interview that he was involved in to the members. He also gave the goal of his Team (i.e. TIG Ghana) as far the youths are concerned. Furthermore, the coordinator briefed the house about how TIG itself started, where it has reached now, and the heights it wants to attain in the near future.

After his briefing the members were also given the opportunity to ask questions and make their contributions. A member (Konadu Yebaoh) wanted to know why the network is art-oriented and what science can also do to advance the course of TIG. Ezekiel explicitly explained this. He cited examples such as using writing as a form of ones contribution to TIG. In adding his voice to the explanation, the chairman also cited an instance where only 0.6% of our dreams are exploited hence TIG is not for the artist alone. The coordinator took his turn again and dilated on TIG and showed members a write-up that he and Dapaah have come out with. This he said, is on the website and members in other parts of the world have expressed interest to publish it for them. Ethics of TIG were also dilated on. Dapaah stressed on investing in our lives with TIG and used the globe to explain how we can coordinate around the world. He again touched on registration of members and the procedures we should take.

During the brainstorming section, Dora expressed that being a member should attract a fee because the group will need money for stationary charges. Joana also added her voice to it to second her opinion. In addition Dapaah came out with the idea that the cost of I.D Cards should be inclusive in the fee. He showed the whole group a sample/miniature of the I.D card to the members. He further explained that it will bear code number, name and expiry date. The other of his argument was that new members during a conference would have I.D’s which will take a different form. The house initially agreed to pay Ë 5,000 for both the registrations and the I.D card but upon another concensus, it was however established that it should be at least Ë 10,000 and that Joana should assist the house in the costing of the I.D. This presupposes that the cost of the I.D will be added to the amount that the group may decide on for the registration fee. The idea of costing the I.D for the next meeting was brought up by Tony. It was agreed upon that Joana does the costing of the I.D for later discussions. Konadu expressed the feeling of the students especially those at the Junior Secondary School level. Dues, according to Dapaah, who was the chairman for the occasion, should be paid yearly. In furtherance of this, it was agreed upon that the paying of dues (i.e. The amount to be paid) could take a different criteria hence subject to change.

Concerning the venue, days, time etc for meeting schedules, Joana made a suggestion that Sunday will be appropriate but it was opposed by Dora who said that Sundays are used as preparation days for the following school week. Arafat expressed concern about the boaders but the chairman emphatically stated that people in that category are potential coordinators at their respective schools. There was a controversy on Sunday/ Saturday and voting indicated that 7 members were in favour of Sunday as against 5 for Saturday. However there was one person who was not indifferent to the motion. Hence the agreed day was Sunday. On the number of times to meet some were of the view that twice a month will be good while others said once. Reasons were demanded from members and once a month was agreed upon with the main reason being that activities of TIG do not end after a meeting (i.e. It is ongoing and emergency meetings can crop up any time). Dora said seeking a venue that will be given for free or at a fee at chemusec should be considered. Konadu also mentioned the Tema Municipal Centre (TDC) Park with some canopies. Tony promised to seek a place at Roman Church for the group. The chairman dilated on the project and how members should make it their priority to come out with ideas and other projects.

There was a struggle on whether or not the project that the chairman in his capacity decided that we postpone it to our next meeting. This was supported by other members because most of the members were not around. Frank Yeboah was elected as the school Rep for Augustine’s College while Brew Acquah was also elected as the Chemusec and Community 7 Rep. Respectively. Joana was elected Community 9 Rep, Sarah was selected to assist her whereas Dora was selected for Community 1. Finally, the chairman stressed on board of Governors and members were also asked to notify other members about the election of executives and planning committee for the December Conference. The later part of the agenda was brought to a halt and Dora seconded the motion. The closing prayer was said by Sarah. The meeting ended around 3:30 pm. Appiah – Korang Akyeampong TIG (Ghana Creative writer)]]> Mon, 22 Oct 2001 16:25:00 EDT http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/1325 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/897
TakingITGlobal Workshop 2001
Kenneth Agyei
Isaac Ankomah
M.C. Milton Miller
Kow Akwa – Brew
Narh Solomon
Haizel Acheampong
Emmanuel Quainoo
Ohenebu Boakye
Yaw Asiamah
Comfort Nyarko
Vanessa Yeboah
Gifty Agyemang
Ernest Vorvor
Karen Yorke
Isaac Akuffo
Arafat Sayibu
Danso Evans ?
Edem
Elsie Kudiabor
Theophilus Obrah
Rhoosa Frempong ?
Aretha Yeboah
Emmanuel Aggrey ?
Robert Crentil ?
Micahel Kweku
Edem B.Aqbe
Enoch Gyan
Abu Iddrisu
Ebow Essien
Margaret Baah
Eddie Odan
Rigobert Sam
Michael Ntow
Kingsley Frimpong
Godwin Benya
Pobee Elizabeth
Hannah Kramoh
Benjamin Anim
Godwin Ocansey
Emmanuel Ocansey
Paul Kofi Annam ?
Mary Akpene ?
Esther Junu
MarCarthy Jonathan
A.B. Benard
Justice Simpson
Tordzno Nicholas
Eric Asin
Ayelsuman]]> Wed, 12 Sep 2001 15:13:00 EDT http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/897 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/859

Ezekiel Kevin - Annan is a young Ghanaian innovator and leader, bringing tremendous inspiration and motivating Youth; with the intention of igniting their untapped potentials inside them. Ezekiel's experience includes developing and building strategies for Youth oriented projects in a more pragmatic approach - to allow the web of youth empowerment. Ezekiel was selected as one of 20 world Youth panelist for Planet Pollstar project organized by Against All odds Company U.S.A" conference held in China in 2000 was the founder, engineer for an organization dedicated to creating and promoting awareness of “Home Economics and Visual Arts (HEVA).


Researching and contributing as a volunteer on projects for organizations, Youth kids Across Afrika, Wait Campaign, Institute of Youth Ministry, Alcom (Alfred International Computer Monitoring Institute) Ghana Branch, Laws of Life, Cleft Buddy Project, Peace Mural, Building Project.

In 1998, Ezekiel co-founded an initiative with his brother called “SANPREX” a screen Printing Firm, with the intention of occupying as well as training, and community to allow youth from within his environment through entrepreneurship. Most recently, the firm was commissioned by four schools and the Tema Municipal Assembly to print for them, their ceremonial dresses which was about “1,230 yards” and 450 T-shirts. The firm wished to expand it’s working force and place mother to employ more youths and pay its workers as well.

For now, most of its workers work on volunteer basics but with some incentives. Sanprex and wait campaign were the official sponsors for the first ever TakingITGlobal workshop in Ghana.

This last June, Ezekiel was elected as a participant to a two-day seminar by the church of Pentecost for the Tema-Area, with theme “The effective youth leader and Youth related issues” from the 29th to 30th.

Currently, Ezekiel is on the international Youth Representatives and Country Outreach Co-ordinator International Advisory member of TakingITGlobal Network. He also participated in a seminar organized by Wait Campaign titled “Youth Culture @ 2001” were they showed (America’s Pie) movie and Wait Campaign Forum 2001, all this year 2001.

Ezekiel was named as one of the Wait Campaign Penetrators of our Future in year 2001. He recently, will be helping and engineer a project in October with Mr. Eric Sakyie Ofori called “Clean up the world” aims at getting youth to volunteer in cleaning some principal streets of his community – area.]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2001 14:30:00 EDT http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/859 http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/843
My whole being is devoted to making my small area of existence a work of art. I am building a world.]]> Mon, 10 Sep 2001 15:55:00 EDT http://kevin.tigblog.org/post/843