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Amidst Continuing Gaza Conflict, UNOCHA Highlights Alarming Maternal Health Crisis

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By Solomon A.

As the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza persists, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (@UNOCHA) highlights the disproportionately severe impact on women and children. The recently released report on Sunday, November 12, 2023, reveals alarming statistics, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and support.

Approximately 50,000 women in Gaza currently find themselves in a vulnerable state of pregnancy, with over 180 women giving birth each day.

Approximately 50,000 women in Gaza currently find themselves in a vulnerable state of pregnancy, with over 180 women giving birth each day.

The imminent delivery of thousands more in the coming weeks intensifies the strain on the region’s already beleaguered healthcare system.

The well-being of these mothers and their newborns is in peril due to a lack of access to essential resources such as food, water, medicines, fuel, and obstetric care. The ongoing hostilities in Gaza only exacerbate the urgency of addressing these critical needs.

Key Findings from the UNOCHA Report:

Pregnancy Statistics: Around 50,000 pregnant women are trapped in Gaza.
Daily Birth Rate: Over 180 women are giving birth each day.
Upcoming Deliveries: Thousands more are expected to deliver in the coming weeks.


Critical Dependencies for Maternal Health:

Access to Food: Ensuring a stable and nutritious diet for pregnant women
Clean Water: Hydration and sanitation are crucial for maternal and infant health.
Medicines: Adequate medical supplies are essential for safe pregnancies.
Fuel: is needed for maintaining medical facilities and transportation.
Obstetric Care: Essential for the well-being of both mothers and newborns.


The UNOCHA report’s timely release is a clarion call for international attention and support to address the escalating maternal health crisis in Gaza. Urgent action is imperative to ensure the safety and well-being of pregnant women and newborns in the region, considering the exacerbated vulnerability caused by ongoing hostilities.

As the global community confronts this humanitarian challenge, it is crucial to mobilize resources, medical assistance, and support to safeguard the lives of those affected in Gaza.

Help share and tweet to help pregnant women and infants in Gaza get the needed help

For more information and to access the full UNOCHA report, please visit their official Twitter page, @UNOCHA.

GazaCrisis #MaternalHealth #HumanitarianAid #UNOCHAReport #GlobalSupport

African Girls Empowerment Network Calls for Girls’ Education Investment on International Day of the Girl Child.

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By Elizabeth Jonah

Ogun, Nigeria, As the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2023, the African Girls Empowerment Network, a young women and girls-led group in Nigeria, is calling for increased investment to secure girls’ rights to education and leadership inclusion in Nigeria.

The group hosted a one-day LetGirlsLead summit to commemorate the Day of the Girls Child 2023 for girls from Elite Comprehensive College Sango Ota, Royalty International School, and Access College and to build girls’ agency, skills, and leadership and improve their knowledge to reduce their vulnerability to teenage/unwanted pregnancy, child marriage, HIV/AIDS infection, and school dropout.

Ms Matina Ebri, the group administrator, while taking a session at the summit, said, “Today, October 11, 2023, marks the 11th anniversary of the International Day of the Girl Child, and the theme of the year is “Invest in Girls Right; our leadership, our well-being.” As a leading girls’ movement in Africa, I would like to take the opportunity to call upon you as parents and teachers, the society, and the government to invest in girls’ education in Nigeria. Education is the right of every child, including girls. But as we all know, Nigeria currently accounts for the highest number of out-of-school children and child marriages in Sub-Saharan Africa and a home to nearly 26 million child brides, and this calls for urgent action.

She also enjoined the girls to exercise their right to education,  avoid risky behaviors, stay in school, and develop their interest in STEM education. Talking about the importance of education and reminding the girls that they are the changemakers of tomorrow, she said, “Girls, do not forget that education is not just a right; it is your passport to a world of opportunities and a key to unlocking a bright future for yourselves,” said Ms Ebri, “Being educated opens doors, breaks the cycle of poverty, and empowers not just you but your families and communities as a whole, so you have to challenge yourself to enroll in STEM courses,” she added.

Mrs. Aderonke, a member of the group who also facilitated a session on girls’ agency and leadership at the summit, said leadership is not a gender thing. “Girls, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t be a leader just because you are a girl, because leadership knows no gender. So, you have to embrace your power and know you can fulfill your potential to be a leader no matter what it takes”.

During the event, the girls participated in interactive sessions that empowered them to embrace their leadership potential. They were also made to understand that they hold the key to creating impactful change in the world, and they must realize their rights are equal to those of boys. The group also emphasized the girls’ right to choose when and whom to marry, safeguarding them from early marriages and any form of sexual abuse. Through the event, the girls were empowered to stand up for justice, reminding them that their voices can make a difference in the world.

For more information about the #LetGirlsLead Campaign & to get involved, or to arrange interviews, please contact Mrs Aderonke or #LetGirlsLead Team, African Girls Empowerment Network: operations@agenetwork.org, Tel/WhatsApp +2348062762068

Notes to editors:

African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network) is a registered young feminine frontline civil society organization dedicated to reducing gender inequality by empowering and advancing the human rights of young women and girls, particularly those in displacement & vulnerable settings. We advance gender equality in girls’ education, promote young women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, bolster women’s role in leadership and economic inclusion, as well as strengthen the capacity of young women and girl-led groups in Nigeria. (www.agenetwork.org, stem.agenetwork.org)

AGE Network remains dedicated to its mission of empowering and uplifting girls, ensuring they realize their full potential and become the leaders of tomorrow. To support this cause, we invite everyone to join us in investing in girls’ education and creating a brighter future for all.

Cross River State Ministry of Health Holds a One-Day Stakeholder Meeting to Disseminate the National Guidelines on State-funded Procurement of FP Commodities

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By Solomon A.

Cross River, Nigeria, September 22, 2023, The Cross River Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), convened a one-day stakeholder meeting aimed at disseminating the National Guidelines on State-funded Procurement of Family Planning (FP) Commodities. The event, held on September 22, 2023, at Dannic Hotel Ekorinim 2 Calabar, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders with the common goal of improving family planning services and accessibility within Cross River State.

The meeting’s primary objective was to introduce and disseminate established procurement criteria for family planning commodities to various relevant ministries and civil society organizations (CSOs) operating within the state. These guidelines were formulated with the overarching goal of standardizing, documenting, and institutionalizing processes related to forecasting, quantification, procurement, warehousing, inventory management, distribution, pipeline monitoring, service delivery, and utilization of FP commodities across Nigeria.

Key attendees at the event included Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, the honorable commissioner for health of Cross River State, and Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey, the wife of the state governor, who represented the highest echelons of the state government. Additionally, representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, UNFPA, Marie Stopes International, the Society for Family Health, the African Girls Empowerment Network, the Girls Power Initiative, the Cross River State Ministry of Women Affairs, Humanitarian and Social Justice, among other relevant ministries, and the state’s CSOs were present.

The stakeholders in attendance expressed their optimism that the newly introduced guidelines for state-funded procurement of family planning commodities would address some of the persistent barriers to access and uptake of these vital resources in Cross River State.

One notable participant, the African Girls Empowerment Network, a prominent young women and girls’ rights civil society organization, voiced its hope for transformative change resulting from the implementation of these guidelines. The organization pointed out that Nigeria currently grapples with 2.5 million cases of unwanted pregnancies annually. They emphasized the urgent need for these guidelines to increase access and uptake of modern contraception and family planning services, a campaign they aptly tagged as #BelleByChoice. This initiative aims to reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, particularly among women and adolescent girls, including those living in vulnerable and displaced settings within Cross River State.

As Cross River State continues to prioritize family planning and reproductive health, this stakeholder meeting signifies a significant step towards achieving improved access, reduced unintended pregnancies and enhanced reproductive health services for its residents. The collaborative efforts of the government, UNFPA, and various stakeholders have the potential to bring about transformative change in the lives of women and families across the state.

AGE Network Set to Launch 10,000 Men Give Belle by Choice Challenge

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Elizabeth Jonah

Ogun State, Nigeria, African Girls Empowerment Network, a young feminist civil society organization, has announced the launch of “#10000 MenGiveBellebyChoice Not by force challenge” to reach 10,000 Men and boys across Nigeria and engage them to end sexual/intimate partner violence, rape, child marriage, and stigma against women’s rights to pregnancy by choice from September 1st 2023 to commemorate the the 2nd Anniversary of its flagship program #BellebyChoice not by chance Campaign and the World Contraception Day 2023.

This year, the group is setting another challenge to reach 10,000 Men and get them involved to end forced, unwanted, and unplanned pregnancies among women and adolescent girls and their attendant problems such as child marriages, girls’ school dropout, and unsafe abortion to reduce the current maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 100,000 births in Nigeria.

Studies have shown that involving men and boys in reproductive health decisions can significantly and positively impact society. Therefore, through the campaign in Lagos, Ogun, and Cross River States, the group wants to address the root and underlying causes of unwanted pregnancies; such as rape, sexual/intimate partner violence, child marriages, and stigma surrounding women’s uptake of contraception, by engaging men and boys, particularly the community leaders, family heads, religious/traditional leaders, youths, and men, including those in the hard-to-reach communities, to join the cause and actively work towards ending unintended pregnancies and their associated problems in these states.

Disclosing the launch of the 10,000 #MengiveBellebyChoice Challenge to our correspondence on 3rd August 2023, the group said “Men’s involvement is crucial in ensuring reproductive rights and health for all individuals. By actively engaging men in these discussions and encouraging shared responsibilities, we can create a more equitable society for everyone.”

The group also called for joint efforts and collaboration with relevant stakeholders to promote women’s sexual & reproductive health rights in the country “We are calling on the women’s sexual rights advocates and civil society actors, development partners, and government to join our #BelleByChoiceMovement and together we will reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancy and its attendant problem such as unsafe abortion, maternal mortality rate, girls’ school dropout, child marriage among others.

For more information about the #BelleByChoice Campaign or to volunteer, donate or coordinate the 10,000 Give Belle by Choice campaign in your community or State, please get in touch with Ronke Omotoyinbo, or send us an email, African Girls Empowerment Network: operations@agenetwork.org, Tel/WhatsApp +2348062762068

Notes to Editors

African Girls Empowerment Network (AGE Network), is a registered young female frontline civil society organization dedicated to reducing gender inequality by empowering and advancing the human rights of young women and girls, particularly those in displacement & vulnerable settings. We advance gender equality in girls’ education, promote young women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, bolster women’s role in leadership and economic inclusion, and strengthen the capacity of young women’s and girls’-led groups in Nigeria. (www.agenetwork.org, stem.agenetwork.org)

Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE) holds a 3day capacity building workshop for women-led civil society organizations in Nigeria

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Elizabeth Jonah

Abuja Nigeria, a non-governmental organization, Widows and Orphans Empowerment Organization (WEWE) has successfully launched a women-led and women-focused network, uniting NGOs, CSOs, and women-owned businesses through the USAID program partnered with Palladium International. The joint platform aims to amplify the voices of these organizations, advocating for women’s and girls’ rights, particularly in issues related to gender-based violence, child marriages, and trafficking.

The network, which comprises 198 member organizations, recently gathered in Abuja, with the first batch of 30 organizations commencing their capacity-building and strengthening planning Workshop. The workshop was aimed at women-led organizations that lacked adequate resources and guidance, enabling them to bolster their capacity and continue their impactful work.

Speaking during the 3days capacity building workshop on “Organizational Sustainability and Resource Mobilization” organized for the first 30 batches of the women-led CSOs hosted at the Hawthorn Suites in Area 11, Abuja from the 26th – 28th of July 2023, the Executive Director, Dr. Mrs. Josephine Ogazi, expressed overwhelming joy and admiration for the energy and commitment exhibited by the participants during the capacity-building workshop. She revealed, “In all my 20 years of capacity-building and strengthening, I’ve never seen this sort of energy and compliance. It brought tears to my eyes when the women-led organizations expressed gratitude for receiving support they had never experienced before. The knowledge sharing and learning in these support networks have been remarkable.”

“Today’s training focused on sustainability and capacity-building, aiming to equip the first members of the network with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive” She added

Some participants also shared their positive experiences during the workshop:

Ronke Ojeikere, the Initiator of the Society to Heighten Awareness of Women and Children Abuse (SOTHAWACA), expressed her initial reservations but was pleasantly surprised by the interactive and personalized approach of the facilitators. “The workshop was really interesting and educating. I learned so much from people’s experiences. I am grateful to USAID, Palladium, WEWE, and The American Government for the funds and support,” she said.

Also, Oluwatoyin Adebayo, the Programs Manager of the Youthcare Development Empowerment Initiative in Ibadan, was particularly impressed with the Organizational Capacity Assessment, which offered valuable insights into areas of improvement for her organization. “I will put what I’ve learned to good use and ensure we implement all that has been taught. Thanks to USAID, WEWE, Palladium International, and The American People for the training and support network,” she stated.

Professor Obioma Paul FAS, the Executive Director of the Global Health Awareness Research Foundation in Enugu, lauded the assertive and educative nature of the workshop. After 26 years of NGO work, she found this workshop exceptional in its simplified approach to developing objectives and building organizational capacity. She thanked USAID, WEWE, Palladium, and all the collaborating CSOs and NGOs.

The training workshop provided a powerful platform for women-led organizations to equip themselves with the tools and knowledge to drive meaningful change. The united efforts of USAID, Palladium, and WEWE have demonstrated a resolute commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality in Nigeria.

Request for Proposals: Engaging Faith and Cultural Leaders to End Gender-Based Violence in Nigeria

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UN Women is seeking proposals from qualified and reputable Faith-Based Organizations as Responsible Partners (RPs) to effectively engage and collaborate with traditional and faith leaders in preventing and ultimately ending VAWG in line with the goal of the “Faith and Cultural Leaders for Ending GBV by Advancing Advocacy, Policy and Social Norms Change in Nigeria and West Africa” (LEAP) project.

For more information and how to submit your proposal, visit UN Women.

Women Deliver Conference 2023 Kicks off with Youth Pre-Conference, Reinforcing Commitment to Emerging Leaders

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Kigali, 17 July 2023- The much-anticipated Women Deliver Conference 2023 commenced today, heralding a week of transformative discussions and advocacy aimed at advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment. The event began with a dynamic Youth Pre-Conference, setting the tone for the conference’s focus on amplifying the voices and aspirations of young people.

As the leading global advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women, Women Deliver recognizes the vital role that young people play in shaping the future. For over a decade, the organization has actively engaged with young individuals, offering platforms for their voices to be heard and their visions to be realized. The Youth Pre-Conference serves as a testament to Women Deliver’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and investing in emerging leaders.

“Young people are the heart of Women Deliver,” declared the organizers. “For over 10 years, we have believed, listened, invested, and collaborated with young people. We’re doubling down on our commitment to all emerging leaders.”

The Youth Pre-Conference attracted a diverse and vibrant cohort of participants, including activists, advocates, researchers, and policymakers from around the world. The day-long event featured thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect, exchange ideas, and co-create innovative solutions to address the multifaceted challenges faced by girls and women globally.

Youth participants expressed their enthusiasm and determination to bring about positive change during the conference. With a strong sense of purpose and a shared commitment to gender equality, they embodied the spirit of collective action necessary to drive progress.

The Youth Pre-Conference also paved the way for the main Women Deliver Conference, which will continue over the next few days, bringing together a diverse range of stakeholders, including world leaders, policymakers, activists, and researchers. The conference will tackle critical issues such as sexual and reproductive health rights, gender-based violence, economic empowerment, and climate justice, among others.

The atmosphere is charged with energy and optimism. The Youth Pre-Conference has set a powerful precedent for the transformative discussions and actions that lie ahead. With a resolute focus on young people and their agency, Women Deliver Conference 2023 is poised to drive meaningful change and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future for all.

Follow the Women Deliver Conference 2023 on social media with the hashtags #WD2023 and #YouthPreConf to stay updated on the latest discussions, insights, and commitments emerging from this global gathering of change-makers.

About Women Deliver:

Women Deliver is a leading global advocate for gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women. Through strategic partnerships, innovative programs, and catalytic advocacy, Women Deliver mobilizes commitment and investment in gender equality. The organization believes that when the world invests in girls and women, everybody wins. For more information, visit www.womendeliver.org.

Malala Yousafzai Celebrates Birthday with Girls in Nigeria, Continuing a Decade-Long Tradition

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Date: July 12, 2023

Renowned activist and Nobel laureate, Malala Yousafzai, marked her birthday in a heartfelt and empowering manner by celebrating with girls in Nigeria. The co-founder of the Malala Fund, an organization dedicated to promoting girls’ education, took to her verified Twitter page on July 12, 2023, to disclose her meaningful annual tradition.

In her tweet, Malala shared her joy in spending her special day with young girls, emphasizing her commitment to empowering them through education. She stated, “Today I’m in Nigeria celebrating my birthday with girls, a tradition I started 10 years ago.”

Malala’s decision to spend her birthday with girls in Nigeria speaks volumes about her dedication to uplifting the lives of girls around the world. By engaging directly with these girls and shining a spotlight on their potential and challenges, she emphasizes the critical importance of education as a means to unlock opportunities and break down barriers.

The tradition initiated by Malala a decade ago has become an impactful and inspiring event, symbolizing the ongoing struggle for girls’ rights and equal access to education. By personally celebrating her birthday with girls, Malala encourages them to pursue their dreams and advocates for their rights on a global stage.

Malala Yousafzai’s journey as an education activist began when she was targeted by the Taliban in Pakistan for her advocacy work. Surviving a near-fatal attack, she became a resilient voice for girls’ education and an emblem of courage worldwide. Her unwavering commitment to empowering girls has led her to establish the Malala Fund, which focuses on providing resources, opportunities, and advocacy to girls in underserved communities.

Nigeria, with its own challenges in ensuring education for all, is an apt choice for Malala’s birthday celebration. The country has made significant progress in recent years, but millions of Nigerian girls still face barriers to education, including cultural norms, gender-based violence, and lack of resources. Malala’s presence and support provide encouragement and highlight the urgency to address these obstacles.

Malala’s birthday celebration with girls in Nigeria not only reinforces the significance of her cause but also serves as a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to prioritize girls’ education worldwide. It highlights the need to address systemic inequalities and create an environment where every girl can access quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.

As Malala Yousafzai continues to champion the rights of girls globally, her commitment, resilience, and compassion remain an inspiration to millions. By choosing to celebrate her birthday with girls in Nigeria, she amplifies their voices and reaffirms her unwavering dedication to the cause of education for all.

The impact of Malala’s visit will undoubtedly resonate within the hearts and minds of the girls she spends time with, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with determination and empowering them to become catalysts for change within their communities.

On this momentous occasion, The Moment for Women joins in celebrating Malala’s birthday and applaud her relentless efforts in advancing girls’ education and rights worldwide. May her advocacy continue to ignite hope and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Food Action Accelerates Climate Action in Sub-saharan Africa

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By Solomon Asuquo

Climate change has become one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. The need for urgent action to mitigate and adapt to climate change has become increasingly apparent. While various sectors contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, in this article, I will share with you how the food system holds significant potential for climate action particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. In Nigeria for instance, with the establishment of many food processing companies, The food system encompasses all the processes and activities involved in the production, processing, distribution, and consumption of food. By adopting sustainable practices within the food system, I believe we can make substantial progress in addressing climate change and building a more resilient future.

Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which Food Action Accelerates Climate Action in Subsaharan Africa

  1. The Impact of Food on Climate Change:

The food system is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that food production and supply chains account for about one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions. This includes emissions from deforestation, land use change, agricultural practices, transportation, and food waste. The intensive use of fossil fuels, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides in agriculture further exacerbates the environmental impact on the food system. Therefore, transforming our food system is crucial for achieving climate goals.

“Transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices can play a vital role in mitigating climate change.”

2. Sustainable Agriculture and Ecosystem Restoration:

Even though the majority of the farmers in the region are subsistence, some of their activities are harmful to the planet Earth. Transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices can play a vital role in mitigating climate change. Sustainable agriculture focuses on regenerative farming techniques that promote soil health, biodiversity, and water conservation. Practices such as organic farming, agroforestry, and precision agriculture reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve soil carbon sequestration, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems. By adopting sustainable agricultural practices, we can restore degraded lands, protect biodiversity, and mitigate climate change simultaneously.

3. Reducing Food Loss and Waste:

Food loss and waste contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally. This not only represents a significant waste of resources but also leads to unnecessary emissions. When food decomposes in landfills, it generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By implementing measures to reduce food loss and waste throughout the supply chain, we can lower emissions, conserve resources, and improve food security.

4. Shifting Towards Sustainable Diets:

The food choices we make have a direct impact on the environment. Shifting towards sustainable diets that are plant-based, low in carbon-intensive animal products, and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Livestock production, particularly the rearing of ruminant animals, is a major source of methane and nitrous oxide emissions. By promoting sustainable diets and raising awareness about the environmental impact of food choices, we can empower individuals to make more climate-friendly decisions.

5. Strengthening Food Systems Resilience:

Climate change poses risks to food systems, including increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, water scarcity, and disruptions to agricultural productivity. Building resilience within food systems is essential to adapt to these challenges. This involves enhancing agroecological practices, diversifying crops, investing in climate-smart infrastructure, and improving access to financial resources and technology for small-scale farmers. Strengthening the resilience of food systems will not only ensure food security but also enable communities to cope with climate-related shocks and stresses.

In conclusion, I will like to add that Addressing climate change requires a holistic approach that encompasses various sectors, and the food system plays a pivotal role in this endeavor. By embracing sustainable agriculture, reducing food loss and waste, promoting sustainable diets, and enhancing the resilience of food systems, we can accelerate climate action and create a more sustainable future. Governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in transforming the food system and realizing its potential as a powerful lever for climate mitigation and adaptation. It is through collective action and collaboration that we can build a resilient and climate-smart food system that nourishes both people and the planet.

Aisha Salaudeen leaves CNN after four years of service

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Nana @AishaSalaudeen   has announced her exit from Cable News Network after working for four and half years.

Nana who recently received the One Young World Journalist of the Year Award, disclosed on her verified Twitter account on July 1st, 2023 her exit from CNN; “I’m leaving CNN after four and a half years. I’m grateful for all the time spent working with some of the world’s best producers and journalists.”

Recounting her experience   at CCN she said; “During my time, I interviewed, documented, and produced hundreds of stories across 20+ African countries and across different multimedia platforms.”

The reason for her exit from CNN is not known as at the time of filling this report, but the award-winning Journalist said that she is scared and at the same time hopeful about what the future would bring.

“I’m super terrified but excited about the road ahead. Regardless of what’s next, the goal, for me, remains to continue to tell stories – forever and ever. Aisha said

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