Social Issues & Awareness Archives

Rewriting the Narrative: Emerging Voices in Gender and Literature

February 17, 2025 No Comments

— by Anna Hall In the ever-evolving landscape of literature, a chorus of new voices is rising, shattering the long-held narratives that have confined and constrained our understanding of gender. These are the trailblazers, the visionaries who wield the power of the written word to redefine the boundaries of identity and expression. “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it. It enriches the necessary competencies that daily life requires and provides; and in this respect, it irrigates the deserts that our lives have already become.” – C.S. Lewis As society evolves so does literature and, as literature evolves, so does society. The two walk hand-in-hand into a future influenced by the realities and the imaginations of the people who constitute their existence. Within literature, gender remains an ever-evolving subject. The transition from stringent stereotypes that have maintained a strict gender binary—with women as caretakers, damsels in distress, or measured by higher moral standards and men as strong, heroic, and stoic—has given way to more fluid interpretations of gender. Non-binary representation, along with characters that break from traditional binary gender roles, has grown in prominence. Over time, the authors have continuously pushed society’s ideas of gender, breathing life into characters with nuanced voices amongst a sea of cookie-cutter male/female dynamics. Breaking Gender Norms in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Over the years, Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels have enjoyed more freedom to break gender norms through more progressive and diverse gender representations (cite). This genre flexibility allows authors to imagine worlds that do not conform to traditional societal expectations. Becky Chambers, for example, uses the expansive possibility of science fiction to challenge conventional notions of gender in her Wayfarers series. Her characters span a broad spectrum of gender and sexual identities. Chambers creates species whose gender norms defy societal conventions, such as one that transitions biologically from female to male and ultimately allows individuals to choose their gender as they mature. She juxtaposes these characters with the human main character, Rosemary, who navigates her companion’s realities with curiosity and an open mind. Tasha Suri’s The Burning Kingdom series takes a fantasy approach to gender subversion by placing women in traditionally male roles. Both main female characters are placed in conventional roles with non-traditional characteristics. Priya, a religious figurehead, is a caretaker whose compassion and strength shape her community. Malini, a political figurehead, is a ruthless and determined leader driving her forces to reclaim her kingdom with ferocity. Additionally, the series centers on a queer romance, defying heteronormative expectations often found in fantasy. Suri’s work illustrates how authors can use their imaginative settings to critique and dismantle patriarchal norms. Subverting Gender Norms in Literary Fiction While speculative fiction often receives attention for its gender-bending narratives, literary fiction also interrogates and redefines gender roles. Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel, Open Waters follows the deeply introspective journey of a Black British man navigating grief, love, and personal growth. By centering a male protagonist who is vulnerable, reflective, and emotionally expressive, Nelson subverts the traditional stoic and emotionally repressed male stereotype. In the novel, the main character is not out to save a damsel in distress, but readers watch as he tries to save himself and grow from his circumstances and pain. Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah’s debut novel Chain-Gang All-Stars critiques systems of oppression, including those based on gender. By placing female characters in a position of power in a hyper-masculine world of death matches, Adjei-Brenyah interrogates how power dynamics shift when traditional gender dynamics are upended. Trailblazing Literary Figures: From Alice Walker to Today The contributions of contemporary authors build upon the foundation laid by literary pioneers like Alice Walker. In The Color Purple, Walker reimagines gender roles through characters like Celie. Celie evolves from a submissive wife and mother to a self-made businesswoman. She becomes the epitome of a self-made woman who builds a life for herself despite the role society places her in. Similarly, Shug Avery’s unapologetic embrace of her sexuality and independence defies traditional expectations of women during the time. These characters—and Walker’s broader body of work—paved the way for today’s authors to explore intersectionality, reject binary gender roles, and create more fluid, inclusive narratives. Looking Forward: Literature’s Gender Revolution As the literary landscape continues to evolve, more trailblazing voices are emerging to challenge traditional narratives around gender. Writers such as Becky Chambers, Tasha Suri, Caleb Azumah Nelson, and Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah represent just a handful of those contributing to this cultural shift. As the new year approaches, new authors will emerge to join the list of voices interrogating and reimagining gender norms, ensuring that the conversation remains dynamic, inclusive, and transformative

Beyond the Headlines: The Untold Stories of 2024’s Global Struggles

February 10, 2025 No Comments

— by Bright As we navigate through 2024, the headlines often overshadow the complex realities faced by communities around the world. Headlines were about wars, elections, and climate disasters which were not only for reading and watching, they also raised discussions around the world and on various platforms. When we talk of the CEO murder and the CCTV footage, we talk of how it brought a range of discourse on social media, especially Twitter. A few others like the CrowdStrike Update, and the HPE Buying Juniper in $14B Blockbuster Deal have been tagged as the 10 Biggest News So Far on the CRN channel. However, some of these headlines had a minimal attraction and some, remained untold. Gender-based violence and inequality have always been present in society but are frequently underreported, especially in societies that normalize or silence these issues. The struggles faced by women and marginalized genders extend beyond physical violence to include barriers to opportunities, autonomy, death, and safety. A case in point is one Alicia who is a woman from Montana. She had gone missing for some days. Alicia, a 46-year-old woman from Montana, went missing at the end of November. Her loved ones grew worried when no one could reach her for days. When the police started searching, they found her car abandoned on a highway, with bloodstains and a bullet casing inside. Days later, the investigation led them to a landfill, where they believed Alicia’s body might be hidden. It turned out that William Glenn Olson, a man with a history of domestic violence, had killed her. He admitted to putting her body in a suitcase and dumping it in a dumpster near a school. Her story is just one of the many struggles this year. Global conflicts, too, often leave fresh wounds than the headlines suggest. The immediate horrors of war and political turmoil are visible, but the long-term effects on displaced families, fractured communities, and the entire region persist in silence. This can be seen in the Russia-Ukraine war which has been ongoing for some years now. It has raised many concerns and caused a lot of distractions among people. Another sighting of global conflict is Sudan. It has led to displacement and movement and has brought deaths in Sudanese society. Economic growth has always been uneven, but this year shows just how much success for some can make struggles harder for others. Take Nvidia and Intel, two giants in the IT world, as an example. Nvidia has soared, thanks to smart planning and a growing demand for AI technology. Years of investing in cutting-edge tech and building strong partnerships have pushed the company into the same league as Apple and Microsoft. On the other hand, Intel, once a leader in semiconductors, is struggling to find its footing again. It’s working hard to rebuild through new strategies, investments, and a focus on its core strengths, but the competition is tough. This contrast between the two companies tells a bigger story about the economic challenges of 2024. Success often comes at a cost to others. In many industries, rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence have created clear winners and losers. Companies that innovate quickly and build strong networks thrive, while others struggle to keep up and risk being left behind. It’s not just about big corporations. These changes ripple through society, affecting workers, consumers, and communities. For every headline about record-breaking profits, there are untold stories of people losing jobs, rising inequality, and neighborhoods grappling with the effects of these rapid changes. Nvidia’s success shows what’s possible for some, but also demonstrates the barriers that keep others from achieving similar growth. This year has also exposed the ongoing tension between growth and fairness. Some places benefit from new investments and innovations, while others are left behind, unable to compete for resources. Supply chain issues from recent years still linger, making these gaps even worse and showing how broken our systems can be. These struggles aren’t just about companies—they affect real people and families who depend on stable and fair economic conditions to make a living. As we step into 2025, maybe it’s time to pay attention to the voices we didn’t hear this year. And listen to the ones beyond the headlines.

The Changing Landscape of Human Rights in the Digital Age

January 27, 2025 1 Comment

— by Dorcas Kongwie In the ever-evolving digital landscape, the very foundations of human rights are being tested and transformed. Like a tightrope walker navigating the dizzying heights of technological progress, we find ourselves grappling with new challenges and unprecedented opportunities in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world. The Changing Landscape of Human Rights in the Digital Age Before the widespread accessibility of technology or anything digital, a lot of people had concerns about the impact it would have on humanity in the long run. While others embraced it, others vowed not to get involved or even use anything related to it with little knowledge that technology has come to stay and has become a part of our lives. Their anxiety is felt considering the pace at which technology is evolving-there are emerging ways of doing things every passing second. The only way out is to accept it and learn how to evolve with it. It is not wrong to say that technology has positively impacted lives, for instance, it has provided platforms for marginalized voices to share their experiences and mobilize support globally. Also, how would life have been after the Covid-19 pandemic that hit the globe in 2019 and 2020? Technology plays a huge role in our individual lives. On the other hand, it has its own downside. Imagine a world where your most personal thoughts, conversations, and moments are just a click away from being shared, analyzed, or manipulated, it has become a tool for control and surveillance, so it is a YinYang affair or maybe a double-edged sword. A Ray of Light With Digital Revolution Gone are the times when sharing a human rights violation meant hoping a journalist might listen or the newspaper publishes it. Now, a smartphone can broadcast injustice to millions in seconds. A single video can spark global movements, topple oppressive narratives, and create instant solidarity across continents. Take the Kenyan youth who took to the streets to protest against an unfair financial bill in June 2024, with the use of social media like X, millions of people supported that protest even without traveling to Kenya. Take the Arab Spring or global climate protests – these weren’t just movements, they were digital revolutions. Activists who once whispered now roar through social media, turning local struggles into international conversations When Your Data Becomes Their Weapon Despite the government and other countries buying into the technology, there is a question mark about the invisible watchers. Freedom comes with a price. Every tweet, every search, every digital footprint is potentially a piece of a massive surveillance puzzle. Governments and corporations have developed an almost omniscient ability to track, predict, and influence our behaviors. The Human Cost of Connection Who’s Really Writing Your Story? Fate, God, or yourself? Digital privacy has become an oxymoron, your data is never private when it is online. Our personal data is bought, sold, and traded like a commodity. Facial recognition, fingerprints, scents, predictive algorithms, and data mining have transformed human experiences into marketable insights. Take this instance where your medical history, political views, and personal preferences are just data points in a corporate database. Where an algorithm might decide your job prospects, creditworthiness, or social standing before you even get a chance to speak, you are privately judged and jailed before you even speak to defend yourself. The Wide Divide That still Persists To date, there are still areas and people who are still in the dark when it comes to technology, especially in the global south. Technology promised universal access but delivered a new form of inequality. In many parts of the world, digital connectivity remains a privilege. While some scroll through infinite content, others struggle to get basic internet access. This divide isn’t just about technology – it’s about opportunity, education, and fundamental human potential. Potential Solutions The solution to this is not rejecting technology, that is highly impossible since it has gone beyond the ends of this world and has become ingrained in our lives. The solution lies on: The digital age presents a dicey landscape where technology simultaneously threatens and at the same time enhances human rights. There can be a balance if we harness technological potential while mitigating its risks. Governments need to work hand in hand with technology companies, civil society organizations, and individual citizens to create a digital ecosystem that respects, protects, and fulfills human rights.

The Role of Fiction in Exposing Global Injustice: Case Studies in Literary Truth-Telling

January 13, 2025 No Comments

In a world where the truth can be as elusive as a mirage in the desert, the power of fiction to expose the harsh realities of global injustice has never been more vital. Like literary detectives, authors armed with the pen have uncovered the darkest corners of our society, shedding light on the struggles of the marginalized and the oppressed

Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy: How Migrants Shape Art and Culture

January 6, 2025 1 Comment

— by maibrahimblog In the ever-evolving tapestry of our global community, the threads of cultural exchange have become the lifeblood of the creative economy. Like a symphony of diverse voices, the stories and experiences of migrants have the power to transform how we perceive and appreciate art, music, and literature. Introduction Migration, like most things, has existed since the existence of the earth. If you have any religious sentiments, the first created human, Adam, and his counterpart, Eve, were the first migrants; from the Garden of Eden to earth. On the other hand, if you are without religious inclinations, then the Primates (the first evidence of humanity), the ancestors of current humans, moved per the requirements of their needs. The needs of Primates during “the Miocene Epoch were characterized by major global climatic changes … that led to more seasonal conditions … stimulated novel adaptations involving locomotion” (Britannica 2024). Migration is the relocation of people from one place to another either permanently or temporarily: “Since the earliest times, humanity has been on the move. Some people move in search of work or economic opportunity, to join family, or to study. Others move to escape conflict, persecution, or large-scale human rights violations. Still others move in response to the adverse effects of climate change, natural disasters or other environmental factors” (UN 2024). The Role of Migrants in Creative Industries “The current global estimate is that there were around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020 … which equates to 3.6 percent of the global population” (IOM 2024). Typical of any creation, whether human or animal; migrants tend to move with their personal effects, in other words, their culture. These cultural effects; arts, storytelling, writing, language, drama, food, religion, music, dance, oral traditions, laws, capabilities, habits, symbols, architecture, etc are transported and wholly practiced or practiced in part or adulterated with cultures of the new place of settlement. Currently, migrants transmit culture and arts through the creative economy. Fostering Inclusivity in the Creative Economy The term creative economy is relatively new. Thus it is not exactly defined: “In some countries, the definitions revolve closely around the arts and culture. Other countries have broader definitions that include, for example, food and gastronomy on the basis that food and cuisine have both economic and cultural significance” (Newbigin, 2012). “There is no single definition of creative economy, and the different definitions usually overlap” (UNEN, 2024). However, the creative economy which is at the heart of the creative industry ( “ the cycles of creation, production, and distribution of goods and services that use creativity and intellectual capital as primary inputs” (UNEN, 2024) ) can be defined as making innovative use of cultural aspects with (or without) technology for economic gains. Thus the United Nations Economist Network (UNEN, 2024), says “The creative economy (also known as the orange economy) is an evolving concept based on the contribution and potential of creative assets to contribute to economic growth and development. It embraces economic, cultural, and social aspects interacting with technology, intellectual property, and tourism objectives.” “By 2024, the global creative economy market could reach $1T” (Sokolova, 2012). Economic Contributions of Diverse Artistic Perspectives The question is, “How do migrants shape arts and culture through the creative economy?” Through art, food, music, writing, fashion, language, sense of humour (comedy/stand-up comedy), etc migrants have been shaping cultures; and currently increasingly with the help of content creators and bloggers. A few cultural aspects that have become the subject of cultural exchange and the creative economy are visual arts, performing arts, and literary arts. Arts fall under culture. It encompasses visual arts (paintings, drawings, filming, architecture, etc), performing arts (music, dance, theatre), and literary arts (fiction, drama, poetry, prose). The UN Peace Window by Marc Chagall. Marc Chagall is among the notable visual artists in the world. He was born Moishe Shagal. He was of Jewish ancestry born in part of the Russian Empire (currently Belarus) in July 1887. He influenced French culture with (his modernist art ideology containing Jewish folklore) the establishment of the Ecole de Paris, stained glass windows for Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, Metz Cathedral, Fraumünster in Zürich, windows for the UN, Art Institute of Chicago, the Jerusalem Windows and a large-scale painting for the Paris Opera (Wikipedia, 2024). Music & dance Jazz and hip hop (rap) are among the well-known American music genres in the world. These two music art forms are very much like the Takamba of Mali and the appellations accompanied by the fomtomfrom of the Ghanaian drum, respectively. Thus these musical forms are believed to have been transferred by enslaved Africans to the Americans. The Ghanaian fontomfrom drum “The elements that make jazz distinctive derive primarily from West African musical sources as taken to the North American continent by slaves, who partially preserved them against all odds in the plantation culture of the American South” (Britannica, 2024). Ballet/Dancing en pointe (on toe) is a precise dance originating from Italy. It was transported to France when Catherine of Medici of Italy married the French King Henry II; “From Italian roots, ballets in France and Russia developed their own stylistic character. By 1850 A ballet troupe. Russia had become a leading creative center of the dance world, and as ballet continued to evolve, certain new looks and theatrical illusions caught on and became quite fashionable” (Atlanta Ballet, 2024). Salsa from Eastern Cuba, is another dance form that has been transported through migration. Food Pizza, spaghetti, and cheese were originally Italian foods that were world favourites. They are among the Italian cultures delivered to the world through migration. Pizza is a flat-round dish made from dough etymologically from “Pitta”, Greek for baked dough. It has become part of the world’s favorite foods. It originated in Gaeta (then part of the Byzantine Empire), Italy in 997 AD (Wikipedia, 2024). Yoghurt is another dairy product conveyed through migration from Turkey; “Its first known appearance was during the Neolithic period (around 5,000 BC) in Mesopotamia. That makes yogurt well over 7,000 years old! It’s believed that,

Writing as a Voice Against Transactional Crime

December 23, 2024 No Comments

Writing may not always change the world, but it keeps the fight for justice alive, inspiring others to continue the pursuit of truth despite the risks.

Confronting Censorship in Creative Writing: Solutions for Unrestricted Expression

December 18, 2024 No Comments

Censorship in the digital age is reshaping the boundaries of free speech, balancing efforts to curb misinformation with challenges for creative expression.

Global Adult Literacy: The Overlooked Generations

December 13, 2024 No Comments

by Anna Hall Explore the journey of global adult literacy, highlighting its significant progress and the ongoing challenges older generations face. Discover the disparities in literacy rates by age and gender, and learn about organizations working to improve adult education worldwide. Credit: NPR (Pinterest) Through the centuries, society has expanded beyond the imaginations of those who walked the same Earth thousands of years ago. One constant amid this progression is the principle that knowledge shapes capability. Education has always been one of the most critical processes for a flourishing life. The more one knows, the greater the opportunity to excel. Education has evolved as human understanding and exploration continue to grow, and an aspect of education that is integral to one’s quality of life is literacy. Around the world, literacy rates have improved significantly over the past two centuries. In 1820, only one in ten people were literate, whereas today, only about one in ten people are illiterate (Roser & Ortiz-Ospina, 2024). Literacy is an essential tool for the productivity and prosperity of not only the individual but also society as a whole. Global Literacy Today, the global literacy rate stands at 86.3%, a significant increase from 56% in 1950. National and global efforts to raise literacy rates have made significant impacts on reducing poverty, economic growth, improving health and preserving cultural heritage. While much of this progress has focused on providing free or accessible primary and secondary education, adult literacy has often been overlooked. According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), 750 million adults still lack basic reading and writing skills as of 2017 — two-thirds of whom are women. Additionally, UIS reported that in 2016, the adult literacy rate was only 86%, compared to 91% among youth (UNESCO, Literacy rates continue to rise from one generation to the next, 2017). The disparities in literacy rates between adults and children indicate that concerted efforts to reduce illiteracy have prioritized the younger generations. Though ensuring future prosperity by investing in the youth is provident, as a society we should also ensure the prosperity of those who are alive today. Adult Literacy and Disparities Adult literacy rates vary widely by country. Some nations boast near-universal literacy among their citizens, while others report their adult literacy rates between 30-40%. UNESCO defines literacy as the ability to read and write brief statements which are used for day-to-day interactions. However, the criteria for literacy vary across countries. Broad statistics often mask disparities within adult literacy, such as differences in age groups and gender. For example, an article by Roser and Ortiz-Ospina for Our World in Data highlights age-related data on literacy rates by two different groups—15-24 and 65+. The difference between adult literacy among those aged 15-24 and 65+ in Morocco is 82% and 14%. In Algeria, 92% of adults 15-24 are literate, while 16% of adults 65+ are (Roser & Ortiz-Ospina, 2024). As for gender disparities, as of 2021, 90.22% of men were literate as compared to 83.51% of women (Dyvik, 2024). Global Adult Literacy Organizations Several global organizations are dedicated to promoting adult literacy. ProLiteracy is a leading organization that provides funding, training, and resources to improve adult literacy programs. The organization was born from the coming together of the Laubach Literacy Foundation and the Literacy Volunteers of America, two organizations born from the desire to show people within their communities the transformative power of literacy. UNESCO’s Global Alliance for Literacy is a collaborative effort between 31 countries to improve youth and adult literacy. One success story from the organization involves a training program it launched with a community learning centre in Bangladesh to provide training on the effective use of technology in teaching and learning. Both organizations take innovative and collaborative approaches to tackle adult literacy challenges. The world has come far in its journey toward universal literacy. Every year, it sees improvements in overall quality and access to literacy. Though challenges remain, the progress achieved so far proves that there is hope for a future where everyone, regardless of age or gender, has access to education. With the continued dedication of organizations such as ProLiteracy and UNESCO, no one will be left behind, especially older generations who were previously overlooked. Literacy, after all, is the foundation upon which a thriving future is built. References UNESCO. (n.d.). Literacy rates continue to rise from one generation to … UNESCO Institute for Statistics. https://uis.unesco.org/sites/default/files/documents/fs45-literacy-rates-continue-rise-generation-to-next-en-2017_0.pdf Dyvik, E. H. (2024, July 4). Literacy rate by gender worldwide 2022. Statista. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1220131/global-adult-literacy-rate-by-gender/ Roser, M., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. (2024, March 6). Literacy. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/literacy Roser, M., & Ortiz-Ospina, E. (2024a, March 6). Literacy. Our World in Data. https://ourworldindata.org/literacy

My Quest for Adventure and Dolly Parton’s “Wildflower”

December 8, 2024 No Comments

In 2010, I made a bold decision to choose the Upper West Region of Northern Ghana for my national service, despite the skepticism of friends and family.

Health Literacy: Building a Healthy Foundation

December 3, 2024 No Comments

By: Hope K Explore the challenges of low health literacy and its impact on individuals and communities. Learn about strategies for improvement, the importance of education, and how factors like income and age influence health outcomes. image credit: Pinterest When it comes to health, understanding your situation and making informed decisions during complex scenarios is crucial. Health literacy helps you respond effectively to your body and environment, and strong health literacy can also improve your long-term health. In recent decades, countries have made efforts to improve their citizens’ health literacy, but it continues to be an ongoing challenge. To understand the barriers and advancements in health literacy, it’s important to first define what “health literacy” means. Understanding Health Literacy Health literacy is the ability to receive, understand, assess, and apply health information to your personal situation (Sørensen, 2013). It’s crucial for making informed decisions about your health, especially since illness or accidents are unpredictable. A strong health knowledge foundation improves your chances of staying healthy. Health literacy isn’t just for individuals; community health literacy involves understanding how environmental and social factors influence health (Sørensen, 2012). Since the 1970s, governments have increasingly recognized its importance, making strides to improve citizens’ health literacy. While the UN doesn’t associate health literacy with a specific sustainable development goal, it recognizes that improving it is vital for achieving health, education, and poverty reduction goals (World Health Organization). Roadblocks to Improving Health Literacy Health literacy remains low even in “economically advanced” countries (World Health Organization, 2024). This is especially concerning as low health literacy is linked to poor health outcomes, particularly among young people (Amanu, 2023). Therefore, improving health literacy is crucial. However, the absence of a clear, standardized definition of health literacy hinders the development of effective strategies. One challenge is the lack of research on health literacy. For example, a study analyzing health literacy studies among young people in Africa found only 17% met the required criteria (Amanu, 2023). Without understanding the current state of health literacy, it’s difficult to implement targeted interventions, as limited studies make it hard to separate general trends from outliers. Much of the health literacy conversation has focused on individuals, leaving gaps in community health literacy. Since health issues involve multiple stakeholders, all parties must be health literate for the best outcomes. Sørensen (2012) also notes that community and individual health literacy are often not adequately distinguished, leading to missed improvement opportunities. Lastly, factors such as education, age, and income affect the ability to develop and use health literacy, as well as access to trustworthy health information and services (World Health Organization, 2024). Addressing and Improving Health Literacy To combat roadblocks and setbacks, institutions such as the UN have incorporated strategies to improve health literacy. The WHO encourages and supports countries in ongoing evaluations of health literacy (World Health Organization, 2024). These comprehensive evaluations provide information that can help both individuals and groups, and the real-time information allows countries to stay informed when unique circumstances arise. Governments across the globe have also worked to introduce easier access to health information. For example, multiple countries have introduced pictorial or color-based warnings for food and tobacco products. The labeling allows individuals to become more aware of the health factor in what they consume, and the visual aspect helps to cut across language barriers (World Health Organization). Some countries have begun to incorporate health literacy when planning education courses (Health Literacy, 2021). For example, France includes a health education course “for pre-school to secondary students,” and Mexico offers a health literacy program for “vulnerable adults” (Health Literacy, 2021 p. 39). By incorporating health into early education and offering resources that engage individuals in the health-decision process, countries equip individuals to make informed personal health decisions. Health Literacy and Your Impact For health literacy to continue to improve at both the individual and community level, citizens and governments will need to work together. Governments can contribute, but it is also up to each individual to engage in the process. By growing your sense of health literacy, you can take better care of yourself, make more confident decisions during stressful medical situations, and contribute to your community’s future. References Amanu A, A., Birhanu, Z., & Godesso, A. (2023). Health Literacy Among Young People in Africa: Evidence Synthesis. Risk management and healthcare policy, 16, 425–437. https://doi.org/10.2147/RMHP.S399196. Health literacy around the world: policy approaches to wellbeing through knowledge and empowerment. (2021). The Economist Intelligence Unit. https://impact.economist.com/perspectives/sites/default/files/lon_-_es_-_health_literacy_paper_v8_0.pdf. Sørensen, K., Van den Broucke, S., Fullam, J., Doyle, G., Pelikan, J., Slonska, Z., Brand, H., & (HLS-EU) Consortium Health Literacy Project European (2012). Health literacy and public health: a systematic review and integration of definitions and models. BMC public health, 12, 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-80. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health Promotion: The mandate for health literacy. https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/ninth-global-conference/health-literacy. World Health Organization. (2024, August 5). Health Literacy. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-literacy.

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