The article addresses the theme of World AIDS Day 2024, emphasizing the importance of human rights in combating AIDS. It highlights the World Health Organisation's call for global leaders to address inequalities hindering progress against AIDS. The text debunks myths about HIV/AIDS, such as transmission through mosquitoes and the notion of it being a death sentence, while stressing the importance of antiretroviral therapy for a normal life span. It also discusses the impact of HIV on childbirth and fertility, underscoring the significance of treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission. The article concludes that while there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, early detection and treatment can lead to fulfilling lives.

In Busia County, Kenya, underaged girls face severe sexual abuse, often by trusted individuals, leading to significant physical and psychological harm. Despite increased awareness and legal frameworks like the Sexual Offences Act of 2006, justice is often delayed due to systemic issues and societal pressures. Organizations like the Rural Education and Economic Enhancement Programme and Equality Now are working to protect victims and advocate for legal reforms. The establishment of specialized SGBV courts aims to address these cases with sensitivity, though challenges remain in scaling these efforts across Kenya.

Rwanda is highlighted as a leader in promoting gender equality and addressing gender-based violence through media initiatives. The Women of Impact Initiative, led by Nibakwe Edith, is transforming the media landscape by creating safe spaces for female journalists, such as the Gender Café, which fosters dialogue and develops strategies to combat workplace harassment. Recent sessions have led to commitments from media houses to establish gender desks and policies for safer workplaces. The initiative aligns with the Kigali Declaration's goals, promoting ethical reporting and gender-sensitive practices, and aims to expand its impact by engaging more journalists and students.

The article highlights the pervasive issue of sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Sudan, focusing on the personal account of Bushra, a journalist who faced harassment by police officers. It underscores the societal and legal challenges women face in Sudan, where patriarchal norms and inadequate legal frameworks fail to protect them. The narrative extends to the broader context of Sudan's ongoing conflict, which exacerbates the risks of violence against women. Efforts to draft laws to combat such violence are hindered by the country's transitional political phase. The article also touches on the plight of refugees and displaced women, emphasizing the need for international support and protection.

The article discusses the challenges and efforts towards achieving gender parity in politics in Malawi, highlighting the underrepresentation of women in political roles despite making up over half of the population. It emphasizes the cultural, financial, and systemic barriers women face, including violence and intimidation. The article also outlines initiatives by organizations like the Malawi Electoral Commission, European Union, and Oxfam to support female candidates and promote gender equality. It advocates for measures such as quotas and increased support for women in politics, drawing on successful examples from other African countries like Rwanda and Namibia.

In Eswatini, rural women like Theresa Mavuso and Simangele Mathonsi – Kunene are overcoming adversity through traditional basket weaving, a skill passed down through generations. Despite challenges such as poverty, gender inequality, and high HIV/AIDS rates, these women are using their craft to provide for their families and contribute to the local economy. The initiative Gone Rural has played a significant role in supporting over 780 artisans, offering sustainable income and education opportunities. The informal sector, particularly traditional crafts, is crucial to Eswatini's economy, with women making up nearly half of this workforce. Efforts to support these women include providing access to microfinance and financial literacy training. The stories of these women highlight resilience, empowerment, and the preservation of cultural heritage, challenging traditional gender roles and creating a ripple effect of positive change in their communities.

African Women in Media (AWiM) has partnered with UNESCO to launch a program aimed at promoting the adoption of the Kigali Declaration in African newsrooms. The initiative, funded by UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC), seeks to enhance media stakeholders' capacities in addressing Generative AI and Technology Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TF-GBV). The program will include training sessions for journalists and content creators from various countries, focusing on information literacy, capacity building, and knowledge sharing. The program will commence at the African Women in Media conference in Dakar, Senegal.

Pamella Makotsi-Sittoni, a renowned Kenyan journalist, shares her journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a significant figure in journalism. Her story underscores the value of self-drive, empathy, and integrity in leadership, influenced by her experiences as the youngest of nine children. The narrative promotes the empowerment of women in media, highlighting the role of organizations like African Women in Media.

Dr Yemisi Akinbobola, a Senior Lecturer and Co-Founder of African Women in Media, discussed the gender gap in media representation on TVC's Breakfast Show. She highlighted AWiM's efforts to amplify women's voices and address the roles and opportunities available to women in media. Anikeade Funke Treasure, a media trainer, joined the conversation, attributing under-representation to the 'Male Gaze theory'. Both emphasized the need for increased representation and empowerment of women in media.

Breast cancer, a prevalent disease affecting both women and men, is surrounded by numerous myths. While family history is a factor, most cases are not hereditary, with lifestyle and environmental factors playing significant roles. Men, though less frequently affected, can also develop breast cancer. The risk increases with age, but younger women are increasingly being diagnosed with aggressive forms. Post-treatment, patients must remain vigilant as recurrence is possible. Global statistics from WHO highlight the disease's impact, emphasizing the need for awareness and early detection, particularly in developing countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya.