Last fortnight in a rundown

With the last fortnight having been a time of wonderful events globally, I believe it has also been a time of learning and networking for you.

Hey and how are you?

You would easily remember that the first week of August was World Breastfeeding Week, especially because many events and conversations were held around the matter, and it affects each one of us.

Have you ever thought of it, that even though all children exclusively need breastmilk during their first six months, many lactating mothers find a real struggle in balancing between breastfeeding and attending to their professional commitments?

It is not their choice, but the structures to support this have been shoved onto the peripheries for decades.

Actually, data shows that only 20% of countries mandate employees to provide breaks and facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk, leaving a vast majority without the support they need.

We focused on one of these discussions , hosted by ESTHER KATIBA???? , a Certified HR Practitioner and Legal Professional, which brought experts from the workplace, health and other professional circles to deliberate on the situation and what must be done.

20% of countries mandate employees to provide breaks and facilities for breastfeeding or expressing milk, leaving a vast majority without the support they need.        

They pointed out that with fewer than half of infants under six months of age being exclusively breastfed, we must collectively strive to create an inclusive environment that enables and empowers women to embrace both their motherhood and professional roles.

The goal is to promote actionable steps to ensure breastfeeding works for all women, wherever they may work.

“We need family-friendly policies that support maternal and child health and also foster national progress.

The advantages of breastfeeding cannot be overstated,” Shaheen Nilofer , Kenya Representative, noted, in a different event on breastfeeding , which we also featured.

We need family-friendly policies that support maternal and child health and also foster national progress. The advantages of breastfeeding cannot be overstated.

But away from the advantageous breastfeeding, families, nations, continents and the whole world need peace and humanitarian advocates and professionals to keep pushing for better solutions to solve conflicts.

We highlighted the graduation of peace diplomats, humanitarian chaplains, peace volunteer corps and other peace and humanitarian action professionals.

The event, held at the International College of Peace Studies, ushered a new crop of highly-trained, equipped and certified professionals into the world, releasing them to move conversations with leaders, governmental and non-governmental entities concerning peaceful and diplomatic negotiations in combating conflicts and promoting humanitarian approaches to helping vulnerable people.

Of course, you will gain many insights about the courses and why the world needs them by reading our feature from the event.

Beyond the human-caused conflicts, pests also threaten humans and animals by destroying their food and vegetation.

In recent years, the East African region, including Kenya, has faced escalating challenges posed by transboundary pests.

These pests, notably desert locusts, have wreaked havoc on agricultural landscapes, jeopardizing food security, livelihoods and efforts toward sustainable development.

In response, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), in collaboration with member states and development partners, has embarked on comprehensive and innovative ways to tackle this pressing issue.

In recent years, the East African region, including Kenya, has faced escalating challenges posed by transboundary pests.        

Addressing the media at Serena Hotel recently, Dr. Guleid Artan, Director of IGAD Climate Prediction and Application Centre (ICPAC), noted that managing pest infestations requires coordination and collaboration between member countries and beyond.

We delved into the concerted efforts being made to strengthen transboundary pest control in Kenya and highlighted the collaborative strategies in the East African Region.

Undoubtedly, all efforts to make the world a better place require the efforts of the young people and empowering them has always been a genius stroke.

In Nairobi, on August 12, 2023, to commemorate the International Day of the Youth, the National Youth Caucus Kenya, founded by Lucy Mutuku , hosted delegates, politicians, young entrepreneurs and several other youths from all walks of life.?

Serving as a platform for recognizing youth-owned startups, the event also recognized individuals making a significant impact in the lives of youths in Kenya.

The summit was leaning towards the unification of youth voices as a catalyst for development in Africa .

Empowering young people is empowering future generations and securing posterity, and should be embraced.

Now, have you subscribed to our bi-weekly newsletter to ensure nothing escapes you? You can even?subscribe ?now to receive regular updates directly into your email whenever we share new thoughts.

Also, follow?our page ?to catch up with our stories on what matters.

As you read, you’ll realize our?website ?is your go-to for in-depth, well-researched and timely stories from across the continent.

Enjoy the second chunk of August.

Bye bye and let’s meet in September. Please stay safe and productive.?