Author: Amkeni Organization

Gender norms are societal expectations and standards of behavior that are typically associated with one’s gender. Unfortunately, many gender norms can be oppressive to individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles. Here are a few examples of gender norms that can oppress individuals of other genders:

1. The expectation that women should be nurturing and emotional: This gender norm can be oppressive to men and individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer, as they may be expected to suppress or hide their emotions in order to conform to traditional masculinity.
2. The idea that men should be strong and dominant: This norm can be oppressive to women and individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer, as they may be viewed as weak or inferior if they do not exhibit traditionally masculine traits.
3. The expectation that women should be subservient to men: This gender norm can be particularly oppressive to women, as it can lead to gender-based violence, discrimination, and unequal treatment in various areas of life, such as education, employment, and politics.
4. The belief that only two genders exist: This gender norm can be oppressive to individuals who identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or transgender, as they may face discrimination and exclusion from society because their gender identity does not fit into the traditional binary of male and female.
5. The idea that certain professions or activities are only for one gender: This gender norm can be oppressive to individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles, as they may face discrimination and stigma when pursuing careers or activities that are seen as “not for their gender.”

The contributions of women to the LGBTQ community go far beyond activism and advocacy. Women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or queer have made invaluable contributions to every aspect of society, from the arts and literature to science and technology.

We celebrate the resilience, strength, and creativity of women who have faced discrimination, stigma, and violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We honor their courage, determination, and unwavering commitment to fighting for a world where everyone, regardless of who they love or how they identify, can live free from fear and discrimination.

Today, let us celebrate and uplift all women, including those who identify as LGBTQ. Let us honor their voices, their experiences, and their contributions to our communities and the world. Happy International Women’s Day!

Rape culture refers to a society where sexual violence is normalized and excused, and victims of sexual assault are often blamed or not believed. It is a pervasive problem that affects people of all genders and ages.

Here are some ways you can stand up against rape culture:

1. Believe survivors: When someone comes forward with their experience of sexual assault, believe them and offer them support. It takes a lot of courage to speak out about something so traumatic, and survivors often face disbelief and blame. Let them know that you believe them and that it’s not their fault.
2. Speak up: If you witness someone engaging in behavior that perpetuates rape culture, speak up and let them know that it’s not acceptable. This can include jokes, comments, or actions that are demeaning or objectifying towards others.
3. Educate yourself: Learn about rape culture and how it perpetuates sexual violence. Read books, watch documentaries, and attend workshops or events that focus on sexual assault prevention and survivor support.
4. Support survivors: Offer your support to survivors of sexual assault. This can include listening to them, helping them find resources, or accompanying them to medical appointments or court hearings.
5. Hold perpetrators accountable: If someone you know has been accused of sexual assault, hold them accountable for their actions. This can include reporting them to the authorities, confronting them about their behavior, or supporting the survivor in taking legal action.

Standing up against rape culture is an ongoing process that requires collective effort. By taking these steps, we can create a culture where sexual violence is not tolerated and survivors are supported and believed.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, leading to a condition called AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Some people who are infected with HIV may not experience any symptoms for several years, while others may experience symptoms within a few weeks of infection.

Here are some common symptoms of HIV infection:

• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, and night sweats
• Fatigue or weakness
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash
• Sore throat
• Mouth or genital ulcers
• Joint pain or muscle aches
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

It’s important to note that these symptoms can be caused by many other illnesses and may not necessarily indicate HIV infection. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. HIV tests are typically done using blood or oral fluid samples, and can detect the presence of HIV antibodies or the virus itself.

If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV, it is recommended that you get tested as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the virus and improve your long-term health outcomes.

Sexual abuse refers to any type of sexual activity or behavior that is unwanted, non-consensual, and/or coerced. This can include a wide range of actions such as sexual touching, fondling, kissing, oral sex, vaginal or anal penetration, and sexual exploitation.

Sexual abuse can occur in many different settings, including within families, in intimate partner relationships, at school or work, in religious institutions, or in other community settings. It can be perpetrated by someone known to the victim, such as a family member, friend, or acquaintance, or by a stranger.

Sexual abuse can have serious and long-lasting effects on the victim’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being, as well as their ability to form healthy relationships and engage in sexual activity. It is important for victims of sexual abuse to seek help and support from trusted professionals, such as therapists or counselors, and to report the abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Zero Discrimination Day is an annual event observed on March 1st to promote the idea that everyone has the right to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality. The day is an opportunity for individuals and organizations to raise awareness about discrimination and its negative impact on society, and to promote the principles of inclusion, tolerance, and diversity.

The United Nations first celebrated Zero Discrimination Day in 2014 as a way to support the global movement to end discrimination and promote human rights. Discrimination can take many forms, including discrimination based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic that makes a person different from others.

Zero Discrimination Day aims to promote a world where everyone is treated fairly and without prejudice, and where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential. The day encourages people to take action to prevent and stop discrimination, and to celebrate the diversity that makes each individual unique.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The signs and symptoms of TB can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected, but the most common symptoms of pulmonary TB are:

Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for more than two weeks, often producing phlegm or sputum, which may contain blood.

Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest, especially during breathing or coughing.

Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak all the time.

Loss of appetite: A decreased desire to eat or feeling full after eating small amounts.

Here are some preventive measures that can help reduce the risk of TB:

Vaccination: The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is the most common vaccine for TB prevention. It is usually given to infants and young children in countries with a high incidence of TB.

Avoid close contact with people who have active TB: TB is spread through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. So, try to avoid spending time with people who have active TB.

Cover your mouth and nose: When you’re in close contact with someone who has TB, wear a mask or a respirator that covers your mouth and nose.

Improve ventilation: TB bacteria can survive in the air for several hours, especially in enclosed spaces. So, make sure that your living and workspaces are well-ventilated.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A strong immune system can help prevent TB infection from turning into active disease. So, eat a healthy diet, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.

Test and treat latent TB: If you’ve been exposed to TB or have a higher risk of developing TB, your healthcare provider may recommend a TB skin test or blood test. If you test positive, your healthcare provider may recommend preventive treatment to reduce the risk of developing active TB.

It’s important to note that TB is a serious condition that requires medical treatment. So, if you think you may have been exposed to TB or are experiencing symptoms, such as coughing, fever, weight loss, or night sweats, talk to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Regenerate response

Weight loss: Losing weight without trying or unintentional weight loss.

Fever: A low-grade fever that persists for several weeks.

Night sweats: Profuse sweating during sleep, causing damp bedding and clothes.

Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing, especially during physical exertion.

Chills: Feeling cold or shivering, usually in the late afternoon or evening.

It is important to note that these symptoms may not be present in all cases of TB, and some people with TB may have no symptoms at all. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have TB, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Coming out as an LGBTQ+ person can be a challenging and emotional process. There is no one right way to come out, and everyone’s experience is unique. However, there are several common stages that many people go through when coming out. Here are some of the most typical stages:

Self-acceptance: The first stage of coming out is usually self-acceptance. This involves acknowledging your sexual orientation or gender identity to yourself and accepting it as a part of who you are. This can be a difficult process as you may have grown up with societal norms and expectations that do not align with your identity. However, self-acceptance is an important step towards living an authentic life.

Exploration: After self-acceptance, many people begin to explore their identity further. This can involve seeking out resources such as books, websites, or support groups to learn more about the LGBTQ+ community and connect with others who share similar experiences.

Coming out to a trusted person: Once you have accepted and explored your identity, you may decide to come out to someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, or partner. Choosing who to come out to and when is a personal decision that requires careful consideration.

Building a support network: After coming out to one or more trusted individuals, many people begin to build a support network. This can involve connecting with LGBTQ+ organizations, attending events or meetings, or seeking therapy. Having a support network can be crucial during the coming out process and beyond.

Living openly: The final stage of coming out is living openly as an LGBTQ+ person. This can involve telling more people in your life about your identity, being visible in the community, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance.

It’s important to remember that everyone’s coming out journey is different, and there is no set timeline or right way to come out. It’s essential to prioritize your safety and well-being throughout the process and to reach out for support when needed.

Dos & Dont’s when you Get Arrested.

The Dos

* Do be polite and as courteous as possible to the police.

* Do ask for the police officer name and badge number, or read it off of his or her badge. Try to remember it.

* Do place your hands where the police can see them.

* Do , if you are taken into custody, demand the right to have an attorney present before speaking to the police

* Do ask if you are under arrest. If you are , you have the right to be told WHY.

* Do remember that you do not need to answer ANY question that the police ask of you. If you answer a question which at first seems harmless, be aware that it my came back to haunt you later.

The Dont’s

* Don’t offer information to the police, ko matter what tactics they use.

* Don’t get into an argument with the police, no matter how hard they may try to bait you into losing your temper.

* Don’t initiate physical contact with the police, even if you mean them no harm.

* Don’t run away from a police officer if you see one (or more) approaching you.

* Don’t resist arrest even if you think you are innocent, the time to protest comes later, if you resist arrest, you may face additional changes.