HEALTH FOCUS

AN END TO THE NIGHTMARE HIV/AIDS

Dr Fru Richard

GAEINAMED-CAM


The issue of HIV/AIDS is very intricate, considering the fact that HIV/AIDS has been ravaging many people especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, in spite of the fact that since 1982 as Statistician proclaimed four million condoms have been shipped to Sub-Saharan Africa as preventive measures.

The Holy Bible does recommend healing with the use of herbs as seen in Ezekiel 47:12-14 and Revelation 22:1-2. With reference to Jeremiah 8: 21-22 we can question why HIV/AIDS remains a nightmare?

The mystery as to the remedy of HIV/AIDS has caused many Medical Practitioners to be alert due to the menace HIV/AIDS is creating. A renowned Tradi-Medical Practitioner in Cameroon, Dr. Richard Fru, Founder and CEO of Garden of Eden Institute of Natural Medicine CAMEROON, has come up with herbal medications for HIV/AIDS. GAEINAMED-CAM in November 2005 and December 2007 won an award of Excellence as the best and most popular traditional clinic for research in Cameroon.

Dr. Fru holds that, the condition of HIV/AIDS is as a result of the destruction of one’s immune system. Through profound research, he discovered that apart from HIV, other conditions like stress, poor nutritional intake, too much consumption of chemical drugs and protracted illnesses like typhoid, can affect the immune system thereby leading to AIDS. As a matter of fact, there are situations where some people have been diagnosed of AIDS in conventional hospitals meanwhile they never had HIV.

According to Dr. Fru, God has endowed a lot of mystical powers in plants, which transcends scientific explanations; as a result, there is no ailment without cure or remedy. God has bestowed wisdom and knowledge to some people to be able to understand the different plants and their uses.

The herbal medications of Dr Fru are meant to boost the immune system, thereby rendering the virus inactive. Moreover, it should be noted that one’s immune system is made strong and effective from the consumption of natural foods.

The Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Communication, instead of investigating the authenticity of these claims have placed an embargo that, any Traditional Healer who publicly declares can treat HIV/AIDS would be imprisoned for five years and a fine of ten million franc CFA awaits any defaulter.

To ascertain the efficacy, safety and quality of Natural Therapy, the READER’S DIGEST titled FOODS THAT HARM, FOODS THAT HEAL, an A-Z GUIDE TO SAFE AND HEALTHY LIVING, states on page 186 with the caption – HERBS FOR HEALTH that, “herbs in the diet and herbal remedies are making a comeback as people rediscover the value of natural ingredients and natural cures and question the side effects of pharmaceutical drug …Nevertheless, there is much wisdom in the general approach of herbal medicine and there are usually with fewer or no side effects…. Certain forms of Eczema appear to respond to herbal remedies where orthodox medicine has little to offer.
The medicinal value of herbs, known to earlier civilization through a combination of keen observation, trial and error, is being rediscovered and confirmed by modern scientific tests. But while research continues to investigate the uses of new plants, many Doctors and Scientists still do not acknowledge the healing powers of herbs, preferring instead to rely on “tried and tested” pharmaceutical drugs.

A press release dated February 21, 2003 and titled ‘FirstAfrican Traditional Medicine Day to be commemorated on 31 August 2003’ states that, the decision to observe an African Traditional Medicine Day follows an adoption in 2000 of a resolution on promoting the role of traditional medicine in health systems. A strategy for the African Region, by the region’s Health Ministers, requesting the institution of the day on the WHO calendar for observance in member states.
The image and profile of traditional medicine received a boost in Africa in 2001, that research into traditional medicine should be made a priority. They followed up this declaration with another in Lusaka in July 2001, designating the period 2001 – 2010 as the decade of African Traditional Medicine.

Traditional Medicine is one of the priority program of AFRO which in 2000 developed the above mentioned regional strategy document. The development and adoption of the African Regional Strategy was complemented by the launching in 2002 of the first Global Strategy on Traditional Medicine by WHO.

Dr Fru is a young advocate of African Traditional Medicine / Natural Therapies. He has attended conferences in and out of Cameroon, especially on HIV/AIDS. The most recent being the Global Summit on HIV/AIDS - Traditional Medicine and Indigenous knowledge held in Accra, Ghana on March 14-18, 2006. His discourse was titled “The Importance of Traditional Medicine in Our Society and Its Role in the Fight against HIV/AIDS”.

He participates in several radio and TV talks shows and publishes articles in local Newspapers. Most important, he has consulted and treated many HIV/AIDS patients.

By Enie Ndoh Cecile

HEALTH FOCUS

A Growing Population and HIV/AIDS

The United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) promotes the human rights of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. Every minute, one woman dies during pregnancy and birth because she did not receive adequate care and prompt treatment. By increasing the intervention for safe motherhood , we can save the lives of half a million women and seven million infants, and prevent millions of women from suffering from infections, injury and disability each year.

HIV/AIDS is becoming more of global crises every day. At present, 40 million adults and children are living with HIV/AIDS, and at least 10.4 million children currently under the age of 15 have lost their mother or both parents to AIDS.

Perhaps nowhere is the need for reproductive health services more urgent than in the fight against HIV/AIDS. Every day, 14,000 people are newly infected, and half are young people under the age of 25. Many know little about the disease and how the virus is transmitted. Young women are especially vulnerable and more likely to be infected than young men. Reproductive health services that empower women and people with life-saving information and skills will help prevent HIV from spreading and reduce further suffering and social and economic disruption.

According to 2004 estimates by the population division of the UN Secretariat, despite declining fertility rates, world population is expected to rise in the next 45 years by 2.6 billion, to reach a total of 9.1 billion in 2050. Nearly all the growth will take place in less developed countries, and will be concentrated among the poorest populations in urban areas. The population of the 50 poorest countries is projected to more than double by 2050, and to at least triple in Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Chad, Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea -Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Timor - Lester and Uganda, Sub - Saharan Africa, the world's poorest region, is the fastest growing, despite increasing population losses from AIDS deaths.

Overall figures on life expectancy in developed countries mark some striking regional differences. They have been increases in mortality and a severe decline in life expectancy in Eastern Europe since the late 1980s. Particularly in the Russian Federation and the Ukraine. In 2005 life expectancy in Eastern Europe was 66.6 lower than it was in 1955. Better life expectancy in the poorest countries depends on the implementation of effective programs to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS. AIDS have killed some 20 million people since 1981: 3.1 million people died in 2004. Today 39.4 million are HIV positive, the highest level ever. In 2004 alone 4.9 million people were newly infected. Women are increasingly at risk.

With regards to HIV/AIDS and population, the AIDS pandemic has had an impact on life expectancy and population growth, particularly in Sub - Saharan Africa, where it is more prevalent In Sub Saharan Africa life expectancy decline precipitously from 62 in the first half of the 1990s to 48 just ten years later. It projected to decrease even further to 43 over the next decade before a slow recovery starts. Botswana life expectancy decline is among the most alarming, with more than a third of the population infected with HIV in 2003, life expectancy has fallen from 65 to 37 in less than two decades.

As a result of AIDS, population growth in the region is slow down in the next 15 years. In Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland the population will actually decrease, as deaths outnumber births. In most of the other developing countries, affected by the pandemic, population will continue to grow, as moderate or high fertility will outweigh the rise in mortality. The number of people living with HIV has been rising in every region with the steepest increases in East Asia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia: In East Asia, the number of people who are HIV positive rose by almost 50 % between 2002 and 2004, an increase that is attributed largely to China's growing epidemic in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, there were 40% more people living with HIV in 2004 than in 2002. The AIDS epidemic is increasingly affecting women and girls globally; just under half of all people living with HIV are female. In Sub- Saharan Africa 76% of young people 15 - 24 years old living with HIV are female.

Condoms can save lives by preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. Access to testing and counseling must be given high priority in every country. Everyone has the right to voluntary and confidential counseling and testing for HIV/AIDS and the right to be protected from discrimination of any kind related to her or his HIV/AIDS status.

ENVIRONMENTAL FOCUS

OZONE LAYER DEPLATION AND

ITS EFFECT ON THE POPULATION

Environmental protection is a vital aspect of life and any negative and positive impact on the environment, affects lives not only human lives but all living things In fact, it is detrimental if the impact is negative and profitable when it is positive.

Recently we all are perturbed about the excess heat we experience today. Incidentally we are ignorant of the causes and how we can protect ourselves from the effects. Definitely, we are all aware sunrays heat the earth. The sun is a flaming star full of burning hot gases. Its heat makes life on earth possible but along with its warmth, comes deadly Ultra Violet Rays- Uvs.

This Uvs harm all life on our planet, people, animals and plants. Luckily, our planet earth is protected by little molecules, which form the ozone layer. Our ozone defenders are very strong and smart. They actually let the sun’s life – giving warmth in, while keeping the deadly UVs out. Even so, the activities on earth are dangerous to the ozone defenders.

Chloro Floro Carbons (CFCS) are chemicals that destroy the ozone layer and even make a hole in it. In many countries CFCs are now replaced by new ozone friendly products, but there are still equipments containing these harmful chemicals such as some old refrigerators and air conditioners contain CFCs. Examples of CFCs are Halon used in some fire extinguishers, methyl Bromide, a pesticide used on some farms is also dangerous. These gases are not harmful when they are inside equipment but they become dangerous to the ozone layer once they escape.

It is not uncommon for one to have fun in the sun but we must protect ourselves, because getting too much sun can posse a lot of dangers. It should be noted that UV rays not only burn but also wrinkle ones skin and make the person look old. They also cause cataracts in eyes and this can lead to blindness, they can weaken ones body’s resistance to diseases, which can cause one to get sick more easily. Children are particularly in danger because Uvs damage could result to cancer later.

HOW DO WE PROTECT OURSELVES

To protect ourselves from the dangers of Uvs, we have to protect our skin with clothes, which cover our arms and legs. We should wear a hat to cover our heads and sunglasses to protect our eyes. Stay inside when the sun is high up in the sky, as a matter of fact, we should always try to stay in the shade. We could use sunscreen lotions if we can afford it. We advice our friends, sisters and brothers to protect themselves from the sun when they are outdoors. We should choose ozone friendly products. We should be conscious of the fact that only human beings can make a difference to save the ozone layer.

It is therefore an obligation for us to join in protecting all nature and us too. The United Nation Environment Programme booklet on OZZY OZONE DEFENDER OF OUR PLANET advices that, every one around the world can make a difference, because when it comes to protecting our planet earth, everything counts. Andjongo Raoul a young Environmentalist advised that we should seize from purchasing old refrigerators and air conditioners from abroad. They might be cheap, but very dangerous to our environment. However, parents need to check first the label behind these items to check the components they are made off. More so, our international traders who help clean up foreign countries from CFCs, think only of their lucrative income, but undermine the fact that lives are endanger.

CORRUPTION AND LAXITY IN THE CIVIL SERVICE

Years back as measures to combat the economic crises, as declared by the State of Cameroon under the leadership of the Cameroon People Democratic Movement (CPDM), with their Zeus Paul Biya at the helm; the salaries of Civil Servants were slashed.
It could be supposed that, the government had employed more workers and for convenience in order to facilitate payments they had to consider such stringent measures.

Intrinsically, this has ignited and kindles corruption and laxity in the civil service. Civil servants now lack diligences and job satisfaction.
The atmosphere in administrative offices and other public institutions is a cause for concern. Workers come to work and leave when they like, such that some do not even spend up to three hours in their offices.

They expect money before rendering services and above all their offices have been transformed to shops, where they sell wares.
Equally, State teachers, have this laissez- faire and nonchalant attitude and it tells on the students.

At the Ministry of Finance for instance, just to go in to visit or business, along side ones identification document, one is expected to give money, before the one can be allowed to go into the building.

Officially, tariffs are neatly displayed on walls of offices, ultimately; one is made to pay more than the stipulated amount on display. The actual amount paid is not indicated on the receipts and no explanation is accorded.

To sit for a professional exam, commonly referred to as ‘concour’, the compilation includes all sort of certificates, meanwhile it is usually lost effort for those without godfathers or fairy godmothers, who can secure their successes without even going through such hurdles or even sitting for the exam.
All in a bid to exploit and extort citizens, any small registration or application that has to do with the State, numerous certificates requiring official stamps are requested.

In the judiciary and public security, laws are passed, like the new criminal procedure code by law no. 2005/007 of 27th July 2005. Thus far, the application of the penal code on issues of police custody, bail, and arrest are usually not accurately implemented.

It is openly announced that, road check points or illegitimate and unaccountable road check points have been banned or closed; still they spring up like mushroom from each corner in the towns and along the highway. Nobody has absolutely anything what so ever to say or do about it to correct such discrepancies.
I wonder if those who came up with the decision do not ply our roads to notice, that their order is being violated.

However, as they say, ‘A fish starts getting rotten from the head’. As such, the rottenness of bribery and corruption, has eaten deep in to the fabrics of our public sector, sailing from top to bottom and now contaminating the private sector and individuals, - Contractors takes contracts, which of course must have bribe their way through to secure the contract, then they either do an incomplete or completely poor job, butchers have phony weighing scales, a taxi driver will not want to give you the right change or as a stranger fake the distance to charge you more. A technician will do fake repairs and even sell parts of the item brought for repairs. A tailor or seamstress will collect money then disregard the agreed appointed collection date and then hide from you. Entrepreneurs or their employees inflate bills like in drinking joints or restaurants, filling station attendants fake the gauge pump and sell limited amount of fuel for money paid.
Vendors especially those by the roadside, sell fake wares and sometimes trick you by giving you trash instead of the attractive item you purchase in the process of packaging.
This is the actual image of our country Cameroon. Providence is now required in dealings while trust is now farfetched.

To shamelessly stage a show of rigor and moralization, in checking the epidemic which has eaten deep, causing our economy to suffer, leaving many in deplorable situations and abject poverty, it is openly publicized that this or that Minister or Director has been arrested for mismanagement of state funds and embezzlement.

By the way, some civil servants stay for months without salaries, pensioners may even die before receiving their pension that is; if they succeed in compiling the required documents, roads, public offices and school infrastructures are way below standards, social amenities limited. Yet, the amount of money announced to have been embezzled leaves some of us bewildered, whether that amount of money actually existed in our state coffers. More so, how- be-it if not anarchy that, an individual can have complete access to such gross sum.

Whatever the names of the various operations staged – ‘Antelope’, lion, cat or fox, the State embarks on in the pretext of combating corruption is all drama. For years this aspect has just been a merry-go-round. The Presidency more or less a monarchy, a Minister is appointed to head a particular ministry or rotate ministries; same as Directors and when he must have enriched himself enough, they are dismissed on grounds of mismanagement and embezzlement.

We are never in the know of the exact verdict - whether they are compelled to give back what they had stolen – sorry, embezzled is a more classic term to use. The seizure of their declared properties and freezing of their bank accounts is a logical approach.
Perhaps, if they have been obliged to pay back, how have these monies been accounted for? These are questions that answers are sort. Whereas, the game or play continues another brother in the brotherhood is also given an opportunity to enjoy the national cake, all in the guise of cabinet re-shuffle.

Apparently, there are certain unnecessary implementation of policies, projects and activities, in which the state fund is used at taxpayer’s expense.
For instance, the Prime Minister displaces to launch the construction of a road and then after opening. This certainly requires out station allowance for him, Minister, Directors, drivers and all others in the entourage. Thence, much is spent on entertainment. Still months after months the road launched is still untouched.

For those with the responsibility of objective reporting, they are subjected to treats.
The truth is always bitter but must be said.


Enie Ndoh Cecile,

POLITICAL FOCUS

AUTOCRACY IN GOVERNANCE UNDER BIYA’S REIGN

It is sad to absorb Cameroon a once peaceful nation, has today become a nation of political turmoil, unrest and agitation. Many allude to the fact that, those perpetuating the riots are societal dropouts, idle and frustrated people; but the question is who, did they expect to speak out? Is it the Directors and Ministers who are on the tree top harvesting as much as they deem fit?The bottom line is every one is bitter. To my utter astonishment, even some members of the Arm forces have expressed their dissatisfaction on the situation of things.It would not surprise me that, behind are hypocrites in the system, who stay back instigate these hoodlums or hooligans to carry out their treats.

Fredrick Douglass states, ‘without struggle, there can be no progress’.Obviously, no one with right senses can opt for war. But to go by Fredrick’s’ concept, history has shown, like the apartheid in South Africa, the 2008 power struggle in Kenya and in the USA with an African American rise to power after decades of cries of non-violence and freedom, thereby bringing Dr. Martin Luther King Juniors’ dream to be realized.Evidently, there are times that silence can’t just bring about progress.

To therefore attain solutions necessary for communal growth, we need to combat whatever ills we face in our society, and speaking out in one solid voice can only do this.It is quite understood that most of us are totally not responsible for our actions, holding it on the system and putting aside our virtues and moral precepts. May be, some times we decide to stick to the general principles rather than the particular.Meanwhile, general tendencies or reactions are usually not the best approach to handle or treat issues of life.

Consequently, autocracy in governance and centralized governing system has invoked a lot of falsehood, detrimental to nation building. In both the public and private sector, inelasticity in rendering services provokes disappointment, dismay and frustration, thus slowing down progress.

Sometimes, we cannot comprehend whether this situation is associated with the office being under-staffed, causing some people to have cumulative functions, thereby being overworked or some of these workers vehemently have to stay as ‘Alpha and Omegas’ (the beginning and the end.)

Furthermore, those at the helm of services are not assisted or cannot be assisted. Whichever or whatever the situation is actually. But, it has been noted that such operational tendencies dampen spirits especially when one cannot have an instant ‘d’accord’ because the one to certify is absent and no other bona fide person can act as deputy.

Lets visualize some critical situations faced with such harden policies or stumbling blocks. Imagine someone with an important document to sign, payment voucher, marriage or death certificate, and contract authorization, you list them.Then figure out the dilemma the one may face, if the sole person in charge of signing the document falls ill, dies suddenly or is probably called up by hierarchy for an extraordinary official duty or appointment. The consumers at this juncture are bound to wait inconveniencing them one-way or the other.

In our court of law, cases are adjourn over and over because the Magistrate ‘the Lordship’ cannot be present to preside,People are thereby displaced, causing waste of precious time and money. Mark you; the defendant and the plaintiff have a price to pay for their Attorneys to appear in court.

Yet, individually we are expected to be productive in order to boost the economy.With such references, when our activities are prolonged or at a stand still, how are we then expected to make ends meet? Is this not rather ridiculous?
It is hoped that this point is taken, for it is needless to cite examples, which have cause much tension, embarrassment and loss. It is said that’ when the going gets tough, the tough gets going’ likewise, ‘when the tough get going the going gets tough’. In this wise, our Leaders and Service Heads should at least ease up things for the common man, to make life worthwhile.

Apparently, if this of course happens to be management procedures, then it is high time for this condition to be revamped. For elasticity and liberalization is the manure for a progressive nation.Those at the head should not assume dictatorship and be authoritative with an- I- don’t- care attitude.

It is absurd and preposterous that, with a lot of pitfalls in the system and recent global development and crises, Members of Parliament (MPs) of the ruling Cameroon Peoples Democratic Movement (CPDM) and their comrades in different parties, despite opposition, and boycott from authentic opposition parties, could consider the only issue at stake to amend in an old and outdated constitution was the removal of the clause on the term limit for the president set at two, seven – year term, paving the way for President Biya who has been in office since 1982 to stand for the next presidential election.

It is ridiculous and horrendous to imagine that a gigantic movement in the likes of the Cameroon’s People Democratic Movement (CPDM) can have just one person to rule till his death as age is certainly catching up on him. We can see, like the case of America how many Democratic and Republican candidates set up for the presidential race. Yes, it could be said it is America, so CPDM cannot nominate even two candidates. With little or nothing to show as the party’s achievement for the past 26 years in power, it can only be greed and dictatorship to steer or advise him to accept to stand again for an election to rule indefinitely.

CHILDREN'S RIGHT'S : STOP THE EXPLOITATION

Gender discrimination, race or religion, irresponsible parenthood, poverty and ignorance have infringed the rights of children, giving rise to the prevalence of child labor and violence against children.

In Cameroon, like in most African countries, children are seen heavy-laden with items to sell around parks, markets and streets. They are made to work hard labor and long hours which in some cases extend late at night, and above all they are brutalized -- in the guise of correction. These children are being exposed to rape, violence, drug abuse, and prostitution.
The issue of rape has also become predominant not only to women and girls but even to babies as young as nine months. It is also common to see older men gallivanting with younger girls in the name of "sugar daddies," while some teachers exchange marks for sex.

According to the fact sheet, "Today's Fight for Tomorrow's Freedom," some types of work make useful, positive contributions to a child's development. Work can help children learn about responsibility and develop particular skills that will benefit them and the rest of the society. Often, work is a vital source of income that helps to sustain children and their families.

However, across the world, millions of children do extremely hazardous work in harmful conditions putting their health, education, personal and social development, and even their lives at risk. As stated by Kofi Annan, former U.N Secretary General, "child labor has serious consequences that stay with the individual and with society for far longer than the years of childhood. Young workers not only face dangerous working conditions, they also face long-term physical intellectual and emotional stress; they face an adulthood of unemployment and illiteracy."

Evaluating the problem, the fact sheet published by Anti- Slavery International UK states that:
The International Labor Organization (I.L.O) estimates there are 246 million working children age between 5 and 17.
179 million children are estimated to work in the worst forms of child labor - one in every eight of the world's five to seventeen years old.
111 million children under 15 are in hazardous work and should be "immediately withdrawn from their work ".
8.4 million Children are in slavery, trafficking, debt, bondage and other forms of forced labor, recruitment for armed conflict, prostitution, pornography and other illicit activities.
Child domestic work in the houses of others is thought to be the single largest employer of girls worldwide.

As action against child labor, the International Law forms the basis of Anti - Slavery Internationals work against the worst forms of child labor. The conventions of the International Labor Organization, the 1926 and 1956 Slavery Conventions and the U.N Convention on the rights of the child are the major tools protecting children's rights. Article 32 of the U.N Convention on the rights of the child (1989) stipulated thus, "State Parties recognize the right of the child to be protected from economic exploitation and from performing any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with the child's education or to be harmful to the child's health or physical, mental, spiritual, moral or social development"

The Convention 182 of the International Labor Organization (1999) states that its main aim is to eliminate the worst forms of child labor. It stresses that immediate action is needed to tackle the worst exploitation of children and that measures taken by the authorities should start as soon as the government is able following ratification. The main provisions of the Convention are to clarify which situations could be classified as the worst forms of child labor, and to specify what government must do to prohibit and eliminate them.

We should not forget children are our future generation. Today some children have form their own organizations and movements to stand up for their fundamental rights such as, that of the African Movement wanting the realization of twelve rights, amongst which are health care, education and freedom of expression.
Listen to the voices of our children, "help us preserve our physical and mental integrity and the purity of our hearts and thoughts, stop violence against children, child labor and child abuse." If we listen to this appeal, then we must have paved the way for posterity, better prospects and continuity.

Enie Cecile

OUTSTANDING WOMEN IN THE OLD BOY'S CLUB

For decades women have been relegated to the background and considered inapt for certain professions. However, some women took up the challenge and exhibited their worth and prowess especially in the media. Two of such women are Helen Thomas and Haifa Zangana.

Helen Thomas has been a pioneer throughout her career in Journalism. She began her career as a copy girl on the old Washington Daily News joining the UPI in 1943 as a radio writer and filing the Washington city news wire designed as a tip service for news bureau and government offices in the nation’s capital.She later covered the Departments of Justice, Health, Education and welfare (now Health and Human Services) and a score of other agencies.

She resigned from UPI on May 2000 and became a Columnist for the Hearst Newspapers in July 2000.Forty years as White House Correspondent she has cover Presidents and --- as she likes to put it-- history everyday. She also was among the Washington News Women who worked to open the doors of Press Organizations closed to them. She became the first woman officer of the National Press Club after it agreed to admit women as members, the first woman and President of the White House Correspondents Association, the first woman to be member and later President of the Gridiron Club.

As White House Bureau Chief for the United Press International (UPI) from 1974 – 2000, Helen was the first woman to have the privilege of asking the opening question at Presidential news conference.In 1961, during John F. Kennedy's term, she became the first woman reporter to close a Presidential news conference with the traditional “Thank You Mr. President”.

Today at eighty-eight years, listening to Helen Thomas account of her experiences and views, one cannot help but notice and admire her as a woman of valor and courage. Courage she recommends and stress for women in the media to uphold. She has written many books.

Haifa Zangana is an Iraqi Political Commentator and Novelist. Born in Baghdad in1950, (half-Kurdish, and half-Arab) she is a fierce witness to her native war-torn country and the only Iraqi woman in the west writing about the situation.

In 1958, when Haifa was just eight years old, Iraqi's flooded the streets in celebration of their hard- won freedom from the British colonial rule, which had begun in 1917. Not since before the Ottoman Empire a century before had Iraq known self -rule and autonomy.

Zangana then came of age in one of the most open societies in the Middle East – but the tyrannical yet secular Ba’ath Party shut it down in the 1970’s. Joining in armed struggle against Saddam Hussein, Zangana was captured, imprisoned and tortured as a young woman and finally released from Abu Ghraib prison after six months of detention, she was forced to live in exile and has ever since.

An Iraqi Woman's account of war and resistance - ' CITY OF WIDOW, S’ a book by Zangana, she offers a clear – eyed, forceful and moving account of the recent history of her people and of Iraq women in particular, amidst years of sanctions, war and occupation – despite the ‘help’ of NGOs and the rebuilding efforts of occupying forces.

She is now a contributor to the Guardian in London, a weekly Columnist for al-Quads Newspaper and a Commentator for the Guardian, Red Pepper, and al-Ahram weekly. Since 1976, she resides in London with her husband. She lectures regularly on Iraqi culture, literature, and women issues. She worked with the PLO in Damascus, Syria, in 1975.

As a Painter and Writer, she participated in various European and American surrealist publications and group exhibitions in the 80s, and performed one-woman shows in London and Iceland. She has worked as an adviser for the United Nations Development Programme, writing a report on empowerment of women in the Arab world, and as a member of the advisory board of a Brussels tribunal on Iraq. She co-founded Act Together: Women Action for Iraq and is the chair of Iraqi Patriots in Media and Culture (IPMC). She was a founding member of the International Association of Contemporary Iraqi Studies (IACIS), and edited and published Halabja, homage to the eponymous Kurdish town by Iraqi and Arab writers and artists. An article on Tuesday, 17 September 2002 in the Guardian by Haifa - Bombs Will Deepen Iraq's Nightmare, she states, ' This war plan forces me to stand by the dictator who tortured me.

In an exclusive interview with Haifa Zangana during the 2008, Women, Action and the Media conference, held at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Stata Center, Cambridge, Boston, Massachusetts, where she and Helen Thomas gave keynote talks, she answered to these questions.

Cecile: Haifa, if maybe you have to re-live the past, do you have any regrets?

Haifa: I am so busy and have no time to regret anything. I feel like many Iraqi women. I was brought up in politics at an early age because the society is highly aware politically, so you will hear discussions continue with the family itself, the neighborhood or area. As such, one is bound to take part one way or the other.Iraq is a secular country, but not against Islam for we have Islam as culture, however we understand we are not forced to do things against our will also. It is not back as it is now; the meaning of Islam has change totally, because it is being used politically, in a sectarian way not as Iraq as a whole.If you move along the road, you would love and enjoy the Islam architecture for it is beautiful – our heritage that is Islamic.Iraq was the capital of Islamic world for so many years. We have Scientist, Writers, all the civilization from one century to another, so it is the combination of all.

Cecile: Was there any bias against women as women?

Haifa: There were of course, we had backward things in the society. It had more to do with tradition than religion. Many people see Islam as humiliating women, not as it is seen nowadays.As regards female subordination there was a balance with the generation I was brought up in Iraq, where we reached the balance gentle and within the society itself. We pushed aside the things we did not want and kept the good things.

Cecile: What motivated you to embark on your activities?

Haifa: Well! I think is injustice. That's what kept me going to see and not to sit down and accept things as they are or keeping silence – I don't belief in that. Especially as a Writer, we feel responsibility. There is huge responsibility to say what you think of, clear away and also the responsibility of defending people’s rights.This may not be the same thing with Writers in your country, but with us literally, we do not have it for our sake, it has always-social responsibility combining it with politics, literature, arts and everything.

Cecile: From your profile, what you went through during Saddam's regime was quite traumatic and pathetic. So therefore, what is your impression about the hanging of Saddam?

Haifa: I think it was terrible, because this is exactly something we fought many decades not to see happen in Iraq when we were preaching democracy.It was not ordinary hanging, it was lynching in front of cameras. It was horrendous. Most Iraqi's were angry about it and the Arab community. Most people say they will never forget that day it took place.We wanted fair trial and justice, but not like the mockery of justice the way it happened. Iraq under occupation there is no real justice for this is what we see.

Cecile: In your opinion, do you think female Journalists should be limited or interested in particular beats, especially those that have to do with mainly gender issues or they should have a general and wide spectrum of interest?

Haifa: The issues for us at the moment, we are now down to the basics and survival level of the population, but we are talking about maybe tribute free occupation and what we hope for the future. We do want to pick up the way for women and we have it in Iraq within the media in all the outlets of journalism – TV, Radio, Newspapers and all.I am with what is called the positive discrimination on behalf of women, where you have the curtail system, even huge product discussions. In that sense, women being citizens have to be bona fide according to the merits of what they do.

Cecile: What’s your word of encouragement to women back in Iraq, considering what they are going through and now that you are on exile, if given the opportunity to go back home, would you love to go back?

Haifa: Yes. I went back in 2004 and 2005 but I am active all the time. In the media, I am always on satellite television most of the time, it is getting very dangerous for me to get back and settle, because they have list of names at the airports and borders and people disappear when they step in Baghdad or at the border.Before, I had just Saddam to deal with and being a political Activist we expect arrest and torture. But now with the occupation of Iraq, I now have other forces to deal with – allied forces. Making my security situation more grievous are the presence of the Military, Public Government, Sectarian device and others.Hopes in Iraq has reduced, now people are captured, tortured and killed by Americans, British or any other forces in the world and no one is taking responsibility.

For the women back in Iraq, I cannot advice them, they advice me. All we do is to support them. They are there having all the difficulties and struggles, they shoulder all the burdens, so I am not in a position to advice them, I am learning from them. I have close contacts with the women in Iraq, at least women Organization, Human rights, but the majority of the Iraqi women have been reduced to sheer survival.

Cecile: Thanks Haifa it has been my pleasure and honor to talk to you.

Haifa: Thanks.

Cecile Enie

GENDER ISSUES

WOMEN, ACTION, AND THE MEDIA 2008 JAMBOREE

Jaclyn Friedman

Program Director for the Center For New Words

The Women, Action and the Media (WAM) conference is an annual national event hosted by the Center for New Words (CNW) that brings together progressive women media professionals and students to discuss ways to improve women's visibility in the media.

CNW is a Cambridge – Massachusetts – based non profit organization dedicated to providing a space for the power and creativity of words to strengthen the voice of progressive women and women speaking from the margins of society. Built on twenty–eight years of experience running New Words Bookstore, CNW nurtures women's culture, confidence and public voices, host a wide variety of programming throughout the year showing why women's words matter.

WAM 2008 the fifth edition, was held at MIT's Stata Center in Cambridge MA from March 28th – 30th, and brought together six hundred participants chiefly from the US and Canada, then Iraq, Cameroon, Pakistan, Quatar and India for countries noted.

On Friday after breakfast, the Press had a Networking Pre- conference, moderated by Ann Friedman and E.J Graff, reviewing setbacks faced by the female Journalist and coming up with resolutions and solutions to ameliorate the situation.

The entire WAM conference had a rich package of forty sessions, which centered on the social, economic, educative, creative, legislative and religious/ cultural feminine issues with one hundred and three Presenters.Other activities at WAM 2008 were, Feminist Duck Tour of Boston, WAM! Benefit Reception – an intimate reception with Helen Thomas and Haifa Zangana to benefit the WAM! Scholarship & travel assistance funds, Saturday's Lunch Caucuses, an opportunity to gather, network and plan with people who share your interest. In a more relax setting was the Queer Women of Color (QWOC) + Boston Reception for women of color and friends and the WAM! Party by AlterNet. Also screened where films - Silent Choices a live Q&A with Filmmaker Faith Pennick, is a sixty minutes film about abortion and its personal and political impact on the lives of African American women. The film is a 'hybrid' documentary, part historical pieces, part social and religious analysis and part first person narrative.

- Un Poquito de Tanta Verdad / A little Bit of So Much Truth a ninety minutes film produced and directed by Irene Freidberg, is about a broad- based, non-violent, population uprising exploded in the Southern Mexican State of Oaxaca in the summer of 2006. Some compares it to the Paris Commune while others called it the first Latin American revolution of the 21st century, but it was the people's use of the media that truly made history in Oaxaca.

- Itty Bitty Titty Committee a sixty-eight minutes film directed by Jamie Babbitt. It Centered on Ann a shy, just –out-of–high –school lesbian, still living with her parents and working at a Plastic surgery clinic. She is coming out not as a gay but as a revolutionary. Itty Bitty Titty Communittee is a rockin'love song to the heady rush of sex, freedom and rebellion that happens when an everyday girl discovers her own strength and the righteousness indication needed to take action and change the world.

To further spice WAM 2008 were two formidable women as keynote Speakers. Friday Helen Thomas, first lady of the press and former White House Bureau Chief, shared her experiences, views and opinions. In her presentation, she cited that the media in her era was a male dominated profession – 'THE OLD BOYS' CLUB' as some women call it. When the men went for war, women filled the gap in professions like teaching and journalism. Women, who embraced the media, faced tough times and still do. Nonetheless, women need courage to meet challenges and make an impression. She is also dismay about the wars America has indulge in, adding that she asked one officer why he was at war and he said he had no idea.Helen Thomas has written many books, mostly based on her experiences.

Saturday Keynote talk with Haifa Zangana, Chair of Iraqi Patriots in Media and Culture (IPMC), Novelist, Columnist and former prisoner of Saddam Hussein's Iraqi regime, touched many hearts perceived from the number of head gestures whilst she was delivering her speech.

Her account of her ordeal and the plight of present day Iraq, especially the women and children would leave any one with a pure conscience with goose bumps.Before the Iraqi people had just their government to deal with but today with allied forces like the US and others occupying Iraq, the situation of Iraq has change from bad to worse – mass destruction, men are killed, women raped, people disappear, hunger, gross unemployment, fallen literacy level; since it is unsafe for children to go to school, limited utilities like power supply and above all women against their religion and culture are now compelled to bury the death.

According to her, the amount of money America has spent to destroy Iraq could have been used to build and beside Iraq, America too has incurred losses considering the number of Americans who have lost their lives.In a modest manner after portraying the actual dilemma of the Iraqi people, Haifa said she is also learning and would welcome possible solutions and proposals by the women present to assist the Iraqi women in their struggle for peace and justice.

There were exhibition stands featuring books, arts and craft, natural products and organizations profiles.

According to Jaclyn Friedman, Program Director CNW and WAM Director in an exclusive interview, WAM initiative was suggested five years ago by CNW Executive Director, Laura Zimmerman, It started off with a panel for a one-day session and from positive responses turned to a three days conference.By Jaclyn's assessment, WAM 2008 went beyond her expectations. Participants have expressed their satisfaction, hence, although tired she is proud, please and inspired by all the wonderful ideas and talents exhibited during the conference. However, she can only speak further after the final evaluation but it is her intention and wish to make WAM 2009 even bigger and more powerful ' cause the turn out this year doubled last years.

From feedbacks WAM's come together has served as a platform for contacts, between Writers and Editors/Publishers, thus many more female articles have been published, Organizations have been strengthened, there have been links and collaboration Directors further expectation is to change the media landscape for good. She also extends her gratitude and appreciations to all who contributed and work relentlessly to make WAM 2008 a success.

Generally; Participants lauded the WAM Organizers and cannot wait for WAM 2009 especially for those who were attending for the first time.On a personally viewpoint, it can be deduced that, the forum WAM is geared towards working with women to make them make reflections and actions for a more equitable society, with the dynamic participation of the women.

Cecile Enie

THE PERCEPTION OF MORALITY

As a Christian I am vest with the scriptural passage which states “we are all born sinners”, “judge not so not to be judged”, and the story of the man and woman caught in the act of adultery. The law of the land forbids such acts and anyone guilty is to be stone to death. Now when the people of the land was about to execute their punishment by stoning the lady, the Master came up to them and challenged them saying “if there is anyone amongst you with no sin, let that person be the first to throw a stone”. Definitely, no one had the guts for they were all guilty of one sin or the other.
I needed to go back to the book of life, to cite this tendency that plagues our today’s society especially in the US.

As human beings, we have one body yet carry out diverse functions or activities and most at times one of the functions does not necessarily affect or influence the other.
The point I’m trying to drive through is that, once there is some one who is affluent or have a high official rank, the media always delve more on the person’s negative aspects and pitfalls, just to tarnish the person’s reputation bringing about their downfall and popularity. We seem to disregard the fact that human beings are vulnerable and susceptible to certain natural weaknesses.

Individually depending on the instances, we can be viewed as mothers/fathers, wives/husbands, sisters/brothers, children, cousins, administrators and all the titles to go by. But then, we do have different official or civil, social and private lives. We have our weak and strong points peculiar to each one of us.

There have been scandals of people in high ranking positions who have lost their jobs because of their lust and involvement in illicit sexual affairs. What puzzles me is that, does their involvement in these acts play on their official roles and commitment thereby causing them not to function accordingly?

Please I pray that my intention should not in any way be misconstrued. I don’t approve of immorality or irresponsible conducts in any form, ‘NO’. My viewpoint centers on the way this issue is perceived and the big deal about the whole situation. Most times these people try to be discreet but the Paparazzi are all over them like swam of bees. I wonder why some people would spend their entire life to be nosy, minding other peoples business and focusing mainly on their negative tendencies.

Even so, we are individuals and responsible for our actions, as such the misdeed of any of our family members should not be hold against us, nor should it plague us.
As a matter of fact, my parents might not have been successful but that does not limit me to strive for success and be successful.
Some of us, our parents are jerks and irresponsible, but this does not inhibit us from being responsible parents to our own children.

To throw more light for a better understanding of this view point, I will like to use the news about Sarah Paulin’s daughter’s pregnancy as an example.
I dare say some parents face the ordeal to have children who do not live up to their expectations, because their offspring’s choose to ignore the precepts of moral rectitude imbued in them. As a result, no matter how hard they try to harness their children’s morals these children go contrary to their upbringing. None the less, we are bound to show them love.

Sarah Paulin’s daughter was already pregnant before she was nominated to run for the post of Vice President for the Republican Presidential nominee John Mccain.
Then the media turns erratic. In fact, in an internet article a Writer stated that Paulin as Vice President accepting her daughter to keep her pregnancy; is by all means stipulates she will encourage teenage pregnancy. Why must her daughters’ odds be linked to her?
I find this really absurd. I wonder if the scandal would have simmer down if it was known that she did opt for her daughter to commit abortion.
Besides how does her daughter’s pregnancy interfere with her leadership capacities?
She is a Governor and might be Vice President tomorrow but that does not conflict or cancel the fact that she is also a mother, wife, sister and daughter too. Naturally, she is to function under these roles with management strategies.

Bill Clinton’s profile rates him one of the best President’s that ever ruled in the US with several achievements, yet the Lewinsky episode was used to make him unpopular.

The Paparazzi haunt those in the limelight of showbiz, just to get a glimpse of their private lives and make money of it.

Apparently, why are we more interested or concern to broadcast, publish and read about the vices and sometimes ignore the virtues of the aforementioned group of persons in this write-up. In essence, they could only be reprimanded when they are not apt in carrying out their official duties judiciously and then allow their families to deal with their illicit affairs.

My question is those who have opted for the profession and delight in prying and exposing others negative attitudes and pitfalls, how decent are they? Are their moral stances unquestionable?

By Cecile Enie

IS OBAMA FIT TO LEAD?

I guess this question should be the focus and issue for all Americans to reckon with.
It is downright irritating to watch racist delve on the issue of color to determine his leadership prowess, putting aside or rather ignoring his intellect, intuition and charisma.

Elected already as the Democratic Presidential nominee; I really can’t fathom why at this juncture the press and racist should belabor on the point of color.
It is a trivial matter to concentrate on; meanwhile there are lots of stuff that plagues our contemporary society to be preoccupied with.

More so, is it not true that Barack Obama has proven his worthiness as an ambitious and successful young American, which I belief qualify him to run for the presidency.
And how many of those who parade their superiority because of their white color against black can qualify or excel as Obama.

I must say, it is indeed sad to know the entire world view America as a world power that perpetuate and advocate equality, human rights and freedom in every sphere.
Yet some of its citizens who are naïve are contrary to the precepts of viewing and treating all humans as equals despite their color, race or ethnicity.

I do have reasons to belief that an American is an American thus, they all have the right despite their color to equally enjoy their civic rights. To this I say, Obama is a bona fide American. It is a fact that, many white color people have not the guts and talents he posses.

When I have the misfortune to listen to how some of these whites view blacks and sometimes even mistreat them, I asked myself if it has been proven that being a black or hybrid is a deficiency as such, affects their human anatomy thereby limiting their skills and aptitude.

By my observation, those who grudge Obama and openly vent their bias and prejudice by using his color as a base to acknowledge his incapacity to lead, are those who suffer from self complex because in their wildest dreams they could never accomplish or measure up with Obama’s accomplishments.

Basically, instead of lauding and appreciate his vision for bringing change, they center on his color, African background and name to discredit and debase him; trying to intimidate and play on his self complex.
Perhaps just maybe Obama was totally white he might not have excelled as he has done with his present statues quo.

By Cecile Enie