Stephanie Linus Daily

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  • Skin Positivity, Not Skin Perfection

    I’ve had many women talk to me about their insecurities when it comes to their skin – from dealing with issues like acne or blemishes to not feeling confident about their skin color, the list is endless. It seems that now, more than ever, women are being forced to conform to certain standards the society has labeled as norms even though they are far from our realities. 

    This is what I think: the criteria for “good skin” and “bad skin” is purely subjective and doesn’t align with everyone else’s criteria all the time. And that’s OK! Girl…. breathe! 

    From skin to hair, and in general our identity, women need to encourage others to fully embrace themselves without judgment. Skin perfection is not attainable, but skin positivity is. Be positive about your skin at whatever place you find yourself. In order to overcome stereotypes about skin issues, we must start with our own mindset. My skin is a work in progress just like I am. As we go through life, our skin changes. It’s a journey. 

    So I encourage you to be kind to yourself. Take a moment to embrace the skin you’re in. Say to yourself: “You’re doing great”….light or dark-skinned, acne or no acne. You are beautiful.

     

  • Photos From The Official Launch Of UNFPA At 50 & ICPD At 25

    To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the trajectory-changing International Conference on Population and Development, also in tandem with UNFPA at the age of 50. 

    I attended the official celebration in my capacity as the UNFPA Regional Ambassador for West and Central Africa.

    The 1994 International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) in Cairo was a milestone in the history of population and development, as well as in the history of women’s rights.

    World population has grown from 3.6 billion in 1969 to 7.7 billion today (in Nigeria from 140.4 million in 2006 to 194 million in 2018 at a growth rate of 3.2%).

    Demographic trends are more diverse- aging in the developed world, youth bulge and underemployment in the developing world.

    There is increased urbanization, mobility and displacement as well as the threat of climate change among others.

    In Nigeria, one in four women who are in need of family planning services does not have access. Untold millions of women affected by war or disaster are cut off from reproductive health services. 

    The event called for full implementation of the ICPD Programme of Action in Nigeria because of its link to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

    More investment should be done for women and girls, especially in the area of reproductive health services.

    PHOTOS:
    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA At 50

    Stephanie Linus Okereke - UNFPA @ 50

    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA AT 50

    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA AT 50

    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA AT 50

    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA AT 50

    Stephanie Linus - UNFPA AT 50

  • Fistula Can Be Prevented, Let’s Take Action!

    Every time I go on an awareness campaign such as my recent visit to Sokoto, it reminds me of the importance of revamping our healthcare system.

    I’ll never get tired of saying this – Fistula can be prevented!

    We have a collective responsibility as a nation to continue the cause of eradicating fistula.

    Our girls and women don’t have to suffer like this.

    Let us ensure the health and dignity of the vulnerable people in our society by encouraging better health and lifestyle practices for all.

    Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa with about 180 million people.

    Despite the abundance of natural resources and cultural diversity, Nigeria’s health indicators are shockingly poor with high rates of maternal and infant mortality and a low life expectancy.

    Although Nigeria constitutes only 2% of the world’s population, it accounts for 10% of the world’s maternal mortality rate in childbirth.

    Obstetric fistula is a hole between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum, or both, caused by prolonged labor without prompt medical intervention, such as a Caesarean section.

    Affected women suffer chronic incontinence, which can result in stigma and social isolation.

    Estimate:

    An estimated 2 million women in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Arab region, Latin America and the Caribbean live with obstetric fistula and yet, the health condition is practically unheard of in the United States and other Western nations because fistula is largely preventable in places where there is access to timely obstetric care.

    Few things to consider to prevent o savage the existing situation.

    Policymakers must increase access to fistula treatment and promote interventions that can prevent fistula from occurring routine antenatal care and delivery under the care of a skilled birth attendant such as a doctor, nurse or midwife.

    Traditional rulers and officials must also work to prevent early marriage.

    Premature pelvis makes it more likely for a girl to experience obstructed labor during childbirth and develop a fistula.

    I hope someone is informed and inspired to take action today. Let us protect our girls and women!

  • World Population Day 2019

    There are more than 7 billion people on planet earth right now. Such a mind-boggling figure, but what does that really mean?

    The Governing Council of the United Nations created World Population Day in 1989 to raise awareness about the problems caused by overpopulation.

    This year’s celebration calls for global attention to the unfinished business of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development.

    However, 25 years have passed since that landmark conference, where 179 governments recognized that reproductive health and gender equality are essential for achieving sustainable development.

    I find this year’s celebration very interesting, because reproductive health and gender equality are brought to the fore. 

    On a day like this, advocates from around the world call on leaders, policymakers, grassroots organizers,  and others, to help make reproductive health a reality for all.

    Reproductive health, gender equality, and women’s empowerment are intertwined and they are necessary for the advancement of society.

    Securing reproductive health, individual rights and women’s empowerment is the obligation of every country and community and I join my voice today to say let’s take action!

  • Watch New Episodes Of Make Me Fabulous Season 2 Every Wednesday!

    Hey SL Fabz,

    I’ve got great news for you.

    Did you miss out on the Make Me Fabulous Season 2 episodes or do you just want a recap? Here’s your chance to watch new episodes of the show every Wednesday on the NextPage TV YouTube Page! It’s that simple.

    The episodes would be there for as long as you want and you can go over to watch them again and again. Don’t forget to share the links with your family and friends.

    On Episode 2, we featured Joyful and Temitope, a lovely couple who wanted to make their marriage better and stronger. You can see more photos from their lovely experience HERE, the fabulous gifts they received HERE, and the emotional moment they renewed their vows HERE.

    I hope you enjoy every bit of it!

  • Taking Fistula Advocacy To The Grassroots

    The vision for me is to end the suffering of girls and women who are left incontinent as a result of fistula in Nigeria.

    This gained some momentum recently when I took this campaign to the nooks and crannies of Sokoto state in northern Nigeria in my capacity as the UNFPA Ambassador for Maternal Health in West & Central Africa and an advocate for girls and women’s rights. 

    This campaign was particularly important as it not only took place in a region with the highest prevalence rate of fistula but also included meetings with traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, women leaders and other stakeholders who are tasked with creating policies and encouraging lifestyles that directly affect their communities.

    To deliver my advocacy message even better, I screened the award-winning movie, Dry, a masterpiece that connects the dots between underage marriage, poor maternal health and fistula.

    The movie which has now been translated into Hausa appealed to the local audience.

    The awareness campaign also included visits to fistula hospitals where I had discussions with various doctors, nurses, fistula patients, and health workers.

    Obstetric fistula is a preventable condition which is prevalent in Nigeria and most poor resource countries of the world.

    An estimated 50,000- 100,000 new cases occur annually in Nigeria, hence it is a major public health problem.

    The UNFPA has been at the forefront in tackling this issue, spearheading several outreach programs and putting its full weight behind campaigns such as this.

    The organization is also credited with ensuring the message of the movie gets to every relevant community.

    Dry has taken on a life of its own and continues to take me around the world.

    The education and awareness it delivers to everyone who watches it inspires me to do more.

    Dry is more than just a movie. It is a movement, and the plight of the girl child is a cause I must continue fighting for. I’m not slowing down anytime soon.

     

  • 3 Simple DIY Face Masks You Should Try Today

    When it comes to skincare, I’m definitely here for natural products. You can get some of the best results to stubborn problems like dry skin and acne by simply mixing up some ingredients you already have in your kitchen!

    NOTE: It is important to cleanse the face thoroughly before applying any kind of facial mask.

    BANANA
    You can use a banana as an all-natural, homemade face mask that moisturizes your skin and leaves it looking and feeling softer.

    1. Mash up half of a medium-sized ripe banana into a smooth paste
    2. Mix in a tablespoon of lemon juice and a tablespoon of honey
    3. Gently apply it to your face and neck
    4. Let it stay for 10 to 20 minutes
    5. Rinse it off with cold water.

    EGG WHITES
    Egg white contains protein which has skin-tightening effects and absorbs excess oil from the skin.

    1. Add one egg white and the juice of half a lemon to a bowl.
    2. Whisk the mixture together thoroughly until the mixture becomes frothy.
    3. Apply a thin layer to the face using a clean facial brush or cotton pad. Avoid rubbing the mixture into the eyes.
    4. Leave on for 10 minutes.
    5. Rinse off with warm water.

    OATMEAL
    An oatmeal mask will help your skin stay young and smooth. The anti-inflammatory properties in the grains make it suitable for sensitive skin.

    1. Mix one tablespoon of dry oats with two tablespoons of honey 
    2. Add one tablespoon of milk to this mixture and apply onto your face and neck.
    3. Leave it for 15 to 20 minutes
    4. Rinse with warm water.

    Have you tried any of these face masks? What other homemade masks do you like to use? 

  • Style Friday: Denim Goodness!

    Denim is my go-to style for that comfortable, but classy look. Denim on denim can be tricky to style, but when done correctly, it looks amazing and can be worn both day and night.

    Before delving into shades of double blue, start out by pairing different shades of denim together, like white jeans and a blue denim jacket, or black jeans and a chambray shirt. It’s almost impossible to go wrong this way.

    As long as you are wearing the right bottoms, you can layer a denim jacket over any shirt (like I did with a white shirt).

    Style Friday: Denim Goodness!

    You can wear two different colours of denim to reduce the monotone of the outfit. It can be a combination of light and dark shades.
    Style Friday: Denim Goodness!

    Play with different fits and fabric washes to put together an outfit that feels like it suits your fashion vibe.
    Style Friday: Denim Goodness!

    Shoes are super-important with this look, too, so wear a pair you love that broadcasts your own style, whether that’s sneakers, loafers or heels.

  • Pastor Paul Adefarasin Hosts Faculty Of The Del-York Creative Academy

    On Sunday 2nd June 2019, the founder of the Del-York Creative Academy (DCA), Africa’s premier filmmaking and media training hub M. Linus Idahosa and his wife, Actress Stephanie Linus alongside DCA Lecturers, DCA-US Representatives and the local Del-York Team were hosted by the Metropolitan Senior Pastor (MSP) of the House on the Rock (HOTR) Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his First Lady (FL) Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin.

    During the meeting at the HOTR Sitting Conference Room, MSP Paul Adefarasin appreciated the unrivaled and noble efforts of the academy in training African creative talents. The Lecturers expressed delight at meeting MSP Paul Adefarasin and his wife Ifeanyi Adefarasin. They revealed that the month-long training has been impactful; DCA students are eager and committed to changing the African narrative through storytelling and they were honoured to be in Nigeria building the African Creative Industry in partnership with the Del-York Creative Academy.

    While commending the founder of the academy, Mr. Linus Idahosa, for his world-class investment in African talents, MSP Paul Adefarasin celebrated the prolific DCA Lecturers for “sacrificing their time in a bid to better invest in the Nigerian Media and Filmmaking Industry.” He made the remark while assuring the founder of the academy and the DCA team that the academy’s training will greatly impact the African creative industry and improve the African storytelling culture.

    The visit was not concluded until MSP Paul Adefarasin and his wife FL Ifeanyi Adefarasin explained the significance of names and proceeded to give all the DCA lecturers native names.

    Pastor Paul Adefarasin and his First Lady (FL) Pastor Ifeanyi Adefarasin. presented them with several tomes on our Nigerian heritage and history (including the rich Benin culture and the notable Benin Wall), which he said he hopes will fuel their desire for knowledge of the motherland and influence their artistry about this vast and rich Nation and the African Continent as a whole.

    Pastor Paul said he believes unequivocally that their visit will greatly impact and strengthen the creative industry in Nollywood, improve our storytelling culture and birth many productive partnerships.

  • World Environment Day 2019

    World Environment Day celebrated annually on 5 June is an initiative that the United Nations launched in an attempt to effectively combat problems of environmental degradation.

    Every year, the UN marks a different focus to commemorate the day.

    The country hosting the main event for the year chooses the theme for World Environment Day.

    However, China took over the task, choosing ‘Beat Air Pollution‘ as the theme this year.

    Approximately 7 million people worldwide die prematurely each year from air pollution, with about 4 million of these deaths occurring in Asia-Pacific.

    World Environment Day 2019 will urge governments, industry, communities, and individuals to come together to explore renewable energy and green technologies and improve air quality in cities and regions across the world.

    Air Pollution facts:
    • 92 percent of people worldwide do not breathe clean air
    • Air pollution costs the global economy $5 trillion every year in welfare costs
    • Ground-level ozone pollution is expected to reduce staple crop yields by 26 percent by 2030

    I hope this video inspires us all to take better care of our environment, especially for the sake of our children: