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Gambia Upholds Ban On Female Genital Cutting, But Activists Say Fight Far From Over

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Gambia Upholds Ban On Female Genital Cutting, But Activists Say Fight Far From Over

Gambia’s lawmakers have rejected a proposal to reverse the country’s ban on female genital cutting (FGC), a centuries-old practice also known as female circumcision. However, activists say the real battle is still ongoing, particularly in rural areas where FGC remains prevalent.

“When I was standing there with a banner, once we got the news that the ban was kept in place, we danced and cried,” said Metta, a mother of six who underwent FGC as a child and now fiercely opposes it.

Despite the ban, an estimated 75% of women in Gambia have undergone FGC, which can cause serious health complications, according to the United Nations. “It’s our culture and it’s also a part of the teaching of the prophet,” said one woman who attended an awareness meeting, defending the practice.

But activists like Habibou Tamba, who attended the rally outside the parliament, disagree. “We will never be subjected to the Western ideology,” said a message he received from a prominent community member. “This is the beginning of the war.”

Tamba says the fight is about women’s rights, not Western values. “I came here because of her,” said Rabietou, a 42-year-old mother of six, cradling her 7-month-old daughter Fatima. “I will not let my daughters go through the same pain as I did.”

The World Health Organization describes FGC as a form of torture, and local activists are determined to break the cycle. “Before, people used to say: If you don’t cut your daughter, she will not listen. She will not have discipline,” said Metta. “But going to the bush and teaching your children discipline are two very different things.”

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PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party in Texas

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Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas

Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End of Year Party In Texas

It was a night of glamour and excitement as the Austin Branch of the People’s Club of Nigeria International (PCNI) held its end of year party on Saturday, November 30, 2024.Diaspora Watch reports that the well-attended event, which took place at Wingate by Wyndham Round Rock Hotel and Conference Center, Texas, was a celebration of the branch’s achievements and a show of appreciation to God for His blessings throughout the year.

In his address, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, the Action Chairman of PCNI Austin Branch who doubles as Akudo 1 of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom welcomed guests and appreciated the presence of dignitaries from various branches of the club.

The event was also graced by the presence of Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro, Hon. Patron Chief Dr. Don Ibekwe, Ulu Nimo from Galveston Branch, Patron, Chief Dr. Onyekachi Okoro, Patron-Elect, First National PCNI Vice President Emeritus, Chairman Emeritus, Secretary Emeritus Dallas Branch and the Sponsoring Chairman of our awesome Austin Branch, Assistant National Secretary Hon. Emmanuel Onwukamuche, Secretary Emeritus, First International Branch Houston, High Chief Humphrey Enyioha, Ikoroukwu Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Bright Nwokocha, Ugwumba, Chairman Emeritus, First International Branch – Houston, Hon. Nze Dr. Bon Ikwuagwu, Omekaozuo, Chairman 1st International Branch Houston, Hon. Ichie High Chief Sir Dr. Peter I. Okafor, Agbawodike Izu, Chairman Emeritus Dallas, Hon. Chief Chris Ogbuehi, Chairman-Elect – Dallas, Hon. Prince Ike Ginigeme, Founding Chairman Waco Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe – Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, Hon. Chief Dr. Emma Igwe, Founding Chairman Texarkana Branch, and Hon. Chief Clara Obidike-Egbim, Okwuru Okarisia 1 of Ebikoro Kingdom, Anyanwu Nwanneka – Founding Chairman of People’s Club of Nigeria- Gainesville Branch and PA to PCNI International President.

Other dignitaries included the President General of Enyimba, Honorable Ubabuike, UBA, Chief Martin Osuji, president Coal City, Chief Francis Odu, president Enyimba Austin, and Chief Fred Ojiyi, President IPC, Hon. Chief Chris Lemchi, Akudo 1 Of Okwelle Ancient Kingdom, Action Chairman PCNI Austin Branch, First Lady, Lolo Rachel Lemchi, Kpakpandudiya, Adakekeocha and Patron-Elect Ichie Napoleon Onyeje, Mirienweiro.

Dignitaries, Chiefs, Others In Attendance As PCNI Austin Branch Celebrates End Of Year Party In Texas

 

 

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Cybersecurity Expert Kimma Wreh Releases Two Essential Books To Empower Digital Safety

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Cybersecurity Expert Kimma Wreh Releases Two Essential Books To Empower Digital Safety - Diaspora Watch Vol. 29

To promote cybersecurity education and awareness, Excel TeKay LLC has announced the release of two critical books, “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim,” written by renowned cybersecurity expert Kimma Wreh. Now available on Amazon in paperback and hardcover, these books aim to equip readers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and protect themselves in today’s digital world.

Diaspora Watch reports that “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” is a comprehensive resource that simplifies complex cybersecurity topics, offering step-by-step guidance for individuals, families, and small businesses. Readers will learn practical tips for creating strong passwords, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), managing IoT devices, and defending against threats like malware and phishing.

The book also explores mobile security, incident response, and pathways for pursuing cybersecurity careers, making it an accessible resource for anyone seeking to improve their digital safety. Wreh’s expertise and experience in the field shine through in this book, pro-viding readers with a solid foundation in cybersecurity principles.

In “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim”, Wreh exposes common online scams, including phishing, romance fraud, and malware attacks. Using real-world examples, including her personal experiences, she equips readers with tools to detect red flags, protect sensitive in-formation, and recover from breaches.

Highlighting the staggering $10 billion lost to cyber scams in 2023, Wreh provides actionable strategies to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals in today’s digital landscape. Her expertise and in-sights in this book are in-valuable, helping readers to develop a deeper under-standing of the tactics used by cyber scammers and how to protect themselves.

Kimma Wreh, a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), draws on over 15 years of expertise in cybersecurity and digital literacy. She is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Excel Global Media Group Inc. and a Principal Consultant at Excel TeKay LLC.

“I want readers to feel confident about their digital safety and see cybersecurity as something they can master,” said Wreh. Her passion for empowering individuals and businesses to take control of their digital safety is evident throughout both books.

Both “Intro to Cybersecurity: Guide for Beginners” and “Cyber Scams: Don’t Be A Victim” are available now on Amazon.

 

Cybersecurity Expert Kimma Wreh Releases Two Essential Books To Empower Digital Safety - Diaspora Watch Vol. 29

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Guyana Government Approves $123 Million For CARICOM Nations

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Guyana Government Approves $123 Million For CARICOM Nations - Diaspora Watch newspaper

In a move to strengthen regional stability and provide humanitarian support, Guyana’s National Assembly has approved $123 million (approximately $587,940 USD) for CARICOM nations, Diaspora Watch can report. This decision was made during the 89th Sitting of the National Assembly, where Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting its neighbors in need.

Diaspora Watch was told the funds will primarily support Haiti, which has been plagued by severe gang violence, resulting in over 2,500 people killed or wounded between January and March this year. Recall that the violence has led to a shortage of food, water, and other essential items, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Minister Todd highlighted Guyana’s history of providing support to its Caribbean neighbors, citing the recent example of Hurricane Beryl, which devastated several Small Islands Developing States (SIDS) in the region.

Guyana provided contributions in kind to affected OECS countries, demonstrating its commitment to regional solidarity. The approval of these funds comes on the heels of a recent meeting between Heads of Government of Caribbean nations in Guyana, where they discussed the pressing issues of crime and gang violence in the region. The meeting highlighted the need for collective action to address these challenges, which have resulted in a 154% increase in regional security budgets between 2019 and 2024. In July, Guyana provided its first shipment of relief aid to Grenada, comprising vital items such as generators, water purification tablets, and hygiene products. This donation demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to providing tangible support to its neighbors in need.

Guyana Government Approves $123 Million For CARICOM Nations - Diaspora Watch newspaper

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