Vaginal care and harmful practices
News
The narrative of sex and sexuality continues to be male dominated to a point where women resort to extreme measures to keep up with societal expectations of a small tight vagina. The market is currently flooded with an assortment of creams, salts, soaps and herbs which are all created to cleanse, rejuvenate and reduce the size of the vagina. These vaginal condiments can be purchased by anyone without any consultation, prescription or clear dosage and usage instructions which can be deemed extremely dangerous considering the sensitivity of the skin tissues in and around the vagina.
Why do women resort to this? According to a professional Counsellor Tshepo Shoshong there is an enormous psycho social aspect that needs to be considered when trying to understand why some women resort to these acts. “Social Media plays a huge role in our lives and we have influencers with millions of followers claiming to undergo vaginal rejuvenation to keep themselves tight and endorsements from renowned celebrity medical professionals, followers just follow suit without any form of research or verification,” says Shoshong. He further stated that it seems like nowadays everyone has an opinion about lady parts on how they should look, smell or feel and should someone find themselves not conforming to the stereotypes they fall victim of shaming and it tampers with their self-esteem thus leading them to the herbs, creams and soaps.
Shoshong points out that most of this pressure comes from men who mess up women’s self-esteem to cover up for their lack of sexual prowess. “There is a lot of ignorance when it comes to the body of a woman by most men, there are women who have never experienced an orgasm whilst having sexual intercourse with a man but can easily pleasure themselves,” he said.
The pressure to be the perfect woman to maintain a relationship results in what according to Shoshong is known as Body Dysmorphia; a mental disorder where someone is never satisfied with how they look and is constantly trying to fix themselves. Shoshong further stated that the reality is that men control sex and sexuality and it is all about them and for this reason orgasms remain a myth to women. In desperation for love, loyalty and commitment women resort to harmful practices to try and keep it interesting for their partners.
Gynaecologist, Dr Ndiwo Baisana Memo explained that, “There are a lot of products in the market that are said to be able to tighten the vagina unfortunately most have not been medically studied or proven.” Dr Memo further stated that the vagina is actually a muscle which contracts and relaxes naturally whenever stimulated during intercourse and there are pelvic muscle strengthening exercises that have been proven to improve the pelvic muscles performance including those of the vagina as an alternative.
Regarding the use of products that are inserted into the vagina Dr Memo explained that, “They can have adverse effects including but not limited to allergic reactions, vaginal infections such as bacteria vaginosis and repeated candida overgrowth due to interference with the pH of the vagina.”
The publication also spoke to a few ladies regarding this matter who chose to remain anonymous, one stated that “Ï used some steaming herbs to try something new after reading a lot of positive reviews about it on social media, I did not witness any really change except an increased libido and I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone because I think it is just one of those cosmetic things that no one really needs.” Another lady claimed to never have used them but believes women use them to reduce the size of their vaginas for increased sexual pleasure. She further stated that some use them for cleansing their wombs and regulate their periods as the herbs are said to have medicinal features.
Unless products have been medically it tested it is advised for women to seek medical help for any enquiries regarding their intimate body parts and should not be pressured into any harmful practices that could lead to severe reproductive implications.
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The Department of Broadcasting Services (DBS) roadshow has found and trusted the Botswana Musicians Union (BOMU) as a companion it could trust in empowering and facilitating the creative sector, in particular, performing artists and musicians.
BOMU exits to ensure that musicians in Botswana are supported by all platforms and services that are aligned to what they do, which at most times is the production of music.
In 2023, the Union put together grand music awards prized at a whooping P3 million. Indeed, the man working behind the awards, Seabelo Modibe of Total Music Group understood the assignment. For the very first time, BOMU awards left an impressive mark, leaving people murmuring.
With that said and done, BOMU became a very important stakeholder in the on-going DBS roadshow. The relationship started in 2022 when the project was initiated. In this massive project, BOMU plays a role of mobilizing and registering new artists.
In the previous years, the Union has been clouded by dispute and back-and-forth. It was accused of being bungling, purposeless and served no interests of its members (artists). Following the effective execution of the eleventh music awards, artists progressively joined BOMU and the DBS roadshow added cherry on top.
Some of the artists who made it to the Top 30 of the DBS roadshows much-admired the platform, saying it played a major part in changing their lives. Some of them started getting booked, changed their mindsets and consider music as a business entity.
These are some of the few nuggets of wisdom they raked from the man behind the roadshow, Thato Sikwane. He is known as DJ Fresh in the music sector and his company, Big Dawg Productions is the brainchild behind the DBS roadshow.
Matter of fact, DJ Fresh and Modibe worked on this concept together with an aim of unearthing new talent in as much as music is concerned. In order to achieve this goal, the duo had to engage BOMU to allow for the artists to have a body that governs them.
When speaking in an interview with WeekendLife, BOMU Secretary General Rasina Rasina said the roadshow is actually a blessing in disguise, as it was initially considered a tall show.
“This is a much-needed platform for a sector that has been deteriorating over the years. We believe it is here to resurrect the music industry. The DBS roadshow cultivate talent from scratch and nurtures it. This will help us as a Union to have a solid foundation and as BOMU, as we are highly appreciative.”
Rasina said BOMU is very much aware of Season One challenges, adding that they too experienced them. “As BOMU, we therefore appreciate that it was the beginning. Naturally, beginnings have challenges but we are optimistic that everything will be in order as together as a team, we can work to solve all pressing matters that delay the progress of artists in Botswana.”
Successful artists during the DBS roadshow will reap from what they sow. BOMU has been allocated a budget to help artists access the roadshow. Rasina has however refused to divulge the total amount but specified that they ensure artist participation and mobilization, as well as feeding.
“We have learnt from past challenges. We do not pay artists but we assist them with transportation funds to mobilize them to attend the roadshow and showcase. What we offer them is not payment. We ensure their participation, transport mobilization and feeding. They compete, showcase and get the platform they need. We partner with them to deliver a product. Essentially, there is a car, a record deal, airtime deal and cohesion.”
Thus far and during the Season 2 roadshow, BOMU has registered an average of five hundred (500) members. In the process, it has managed to rebuild an average of ten BOMU District chapters nationwide.
Rasina commended the government for coming up with a project that caters for the welfare of artists and creative minds in Botswana.
“Our expectations from the next season is that it will be bigger and better. We appreciate the contribution of DBS and the recent focus towards the creative industry by government. Importantly, it is important to note that the creative industry should never be treated from a blanket approach view. Every region, district, village or town has its own talent. The heritage of Botswana is defined by the creative industry talent.”
Child poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of children around the world, and the link between child poverty and disability is a particularly concerning aspect of this problem. The recent research paper published by the Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis (BIDPA) sheds light on the stark reality that children with disabilities are more likely to be living in poverty compared to their non-disabled peers.
The findings of the research paper reveal that children with disabilities face higher levels of deprivation in basic capabilities such as education and health. This means that they are often excluded from essential services and opportunities that are necessary for their well-being and development. The wider gap in education outcomes between children with disabilities and their non-disabled peers highlights the systemic barriers that prevent children with disabilities from accessing quality education.
Moreover, the higher rates of deprivation in health and food security among children with disabilities further exacerbate their vulnerability to illness and malnutrition. This not only impacts their physical well-being but also hinders their overall development and potential. The research paper also highlights the economic disparities faced by children with disabilities, indicating that they are more likely to experience poverty across demographic and economic variables.
The implications of these findings are profound and call for urgent action to address the inequalities faced by children with disabilities. Affirmative action is needed to ensure that policies and interventions are specifically targeted towards addressing the unique needs of children with disabilities. It is crucial to prioritize the inclusion and empowerment of children with disabilities in all aspects of society to ensure that they have equal opportunities to thrive and succeed.
In conclusion, the link between child poverty and disability is a critical issue that requires immediate attention and action. It is essential for policymakers, stakeholders, and communities to come together to create a more inclusive and equitable society where all children, regardless of their abilities, have the opportunity to reach their full potential. By addressing the root causes of poverty and discrimination faced by children with disabilities, we can work towards building a more just and compassionate world for all.
Botswana continues to make significant strides in its digital trasnformation aspirations, as it secures its position among the top-ranking African countries for mobile internet speed. Based on statistics from the Speedtest Global Index, Botswana has been rated the second fastest mobile internet speed in the continent, with an impressive 43.79Mbps, according to a recent study by Business Insider Africa.
This accomplishment demonstrates Botswana’s dedication to improving the quality of broadband internet in the country; and re-affirms its position as a leader in Africa’s telecommunications and ICT services. “The acknowledgment of Botswana’s internet as the 2nd fastest in Africa reflects our commitment to cultivating a digitally inclusive society,” remarked Mr. Keabetswe Segole, Acting CEO of Botswana Fibre Networks (BoFiNet). “This achievement highlights our ongoing endeavors to enable all citizens to participate in the digital economy.” BoFiNet, the leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Botswana, has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s digital landscape.
Reflecting on BoFiNet’s contribution to Botswana’s digital connectivity, the Acting CEO stated:”BoFiNet takes pride in its role in securing Botswana’s position as the 2nd fastest country in Africa for mobile internet. Our robust fibre optic and microwave network has been pivotal in delivering high-speed connectivity to both urban and rural areas, ensuring access to reliable internet services for all citizens. We remain committed to fostering innovation and digital inclusion, thereby paving the way for a prosperous digital future in Botswana.” Through the recently launched SmartBots Village Connectivity project, 1,138 premises across 144 villages in different Botswana districts are able to connect to this fast internet.
Botswana’s population is utilising connectivity creatively as a result of a boom in mobile penetration, which is advancing the nation’s digitalisation. Rapid advancements in mobile high-speed internet are causing a digital revolution in Africa, bringing about changes in areas including the economy, education, healthcare, and empowerment.