Month: November 2023

By Abdulgaffar Tukur Kalgo

As an aspiring young politician in Nigeria, there are several key lessons you can learn from Dr Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s exemplary leadership and political career.

As a leader, you most likely admire the political and leadership influence of Kwankwaso. His rise through the ranks of Kano politics demonstrates how one can gain political influence through vision, hard work, and perseverance.

Kwankwaso began his political career with his election as a Nigerian House of Representatives member at just 26 years old. His rise from humble beginnings to governor of Kano State and Nigeria’s presidential candidate is a valuable lesson for young leaders to learn to build a meaningful political career.

Kwankwaso focused on grassroots development and empowering youth and women, which gained him a reputation as someone who could get things done.

Though his presidential bids were unsuccessful, Kwankwaso’s accomplishments showcase how vision, courage, relationships, and mentorship can shape a leader. He illustrated that a leader can emerge from anywhere through hard work and perseverance. For aspiring leaders, Kwankwaso exemplifies the dedication and skills needed to lead in Nigeria’s complex political landscape. By learning from his experiences, young leaders can work to shape a brighter future for their region.

Key Leadership Qualities of Kwankwaso:

You must cultivate certain vital qualities to become an influential leader like Kwankwaso.

Vision and Purpose

Effective leaders have a clear vision and a sense of purpose that motivates and inspires followers. During his governorship, Kwankwaso envisioned a Kano State that invested in education and infrastructure and worked tirelessly to make that vision a reality. Young leaders should develop their vision for positive change and pursue it with passion and perseverance.

Integrity and Ethics

Leaders build trust through integrity, honesty and ethical behaviour. Kwankwaso was praised for his incorruptibility. Aspiring leaders must demonstrate strong moral principles and lead by example.

Confidence and Decisiveness

While seeking input from others, leaders must ultimately be confident and decisive in their judgment. Kwankwaso pursued his agenda boldly and took action when needed based on the information available. Young leaders should trust their abilities while also accepting responsibility for their decisions.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is essential for motivating and guiding followers. Kwankwaso connected with his people and groups through charismatic and persuasive rhetoric.

To build a meaningful career, you must develop a vision for progress, take risks, make alliances, and empower others.

I think that’s Kwankwaso’s Political Philosophy.

Abdulgaffar Tukur Kalgo wrote via abdulgaffarkalgo@gmail.com.

By Manasseh Mercy

Social media integrates digital media platforms, including combinations of electronic text, graphics, moving pictures and sounds in a structured computerized environment that allows users to interact with the data for appropriate purposes or otherwise. The digital environment can include the Internet, telecommunications and interactive digital television. The Web is now part of the overall business of communication, sales and services. It changes business practices across the globe.

Its technical limitations affect the amount of material and the speed of access. The network depends mainly on the connections of the telephone line, so the more they are good on a territory, the more the service will be reliable. As a result, messages can reach audiences and target groups in real-time and generate changes and trends.

Nowadays, younger generations grow up having good contact with different social networks, easily acquire digital culture and live in a digital world where only adults are naturalized citizens. Trends can bring awareness to other organizations and not just for selling products. 

In 2014, the ice bucket challenge was a popular trend that spread across Instagram’s platform. The trend was created to help bring awareness and donations to Lou Gehrig’s Disease, also known as ALS, which stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Pete Frates, a former baseball player for Boston College, helped promote the nonprofit organization ALS Association because of his diagnosis of the disease. Both celebrities and regular social media account holders made videos of pouring ice water on themselves while tagging at least three friends to post themselves participating.

This trend was an example of one of the many situations that brought light to very serious topics. The millions of people posting about the ice bucket challenge resulted in the organization raising millions of money. That year, an estimated $115 million was raised for the cause in just a few months. The Ice Bucket Challenge was created to raise money for research purposes in hopes of finding a cure for ALS disease.

The Ice Bucket Challenge is just one of the many trends that took over social media platforms. Many nonprofit organizations have been going viral over the years, bringing awareness to millions of people. Situations like these can come out of pure luck to get everyone on the Internet to discuss a topic. Getting people to talk about specific issues brings attention to a cause that can get people to donate money. It’s not only companies and organizations that get attention online but also individuals as well.

TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. Young people use the App to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy and lip-syncing. It allows users to create videos and share them across a community. It is one of the most popular social media platforms in the 21st century. 

In Today’s generation, popular trends on social media have a significant influence on younger generations. Trends can consist of different things such as makeup, clothes, music, toys, and interests. TikTok trends are viral short videos that use popular features, songs, sound effects and hashtags. 

Some current TikTok Trends (November 2023) include Bird’s-eye View — November 17, 2023. In this trend, you grab your friends or coworkers, tape your phone to the ceiling, and record yourselves dancing and being silly. Another was (Added November 20, 2023) Smug Corgi/Confused Dog Meme Trend. Example: Posting a video with the CapCut template from the example with a funny text overlay describing a situation where you (the corgi) would be smugly doing something while the other person (represented by the other dog) is super baffled, often about spend a lot of money on something like Christmas decorations.

What are the potential risks? Users may be exposed to foul language and sexual content. Users can comment on other videos, which leaves the potential for online bullying or negative comments. The App promotes positive comments and encourages users to ‘say something nice’. However, if you encounter an inappropriate comment, you can report it as abuse. 

Stalking, identity theft, personal attacks and misuse of information are some of the threats social media users face. Most of the time, the users themselves are to blame as they share content that should not be in the eye of the public. 

These dangerous trends are not only harmful to the individuals who participate in them, but they also hurt society as a whole. When young people engage in these trends, they send their peers messages that it is acceptable to engage in risky and inappropriate behaviours. This can lead to a culture of recklessness and disregard for personal safety and etiquette.

It is essential for parents and educators to be aware of these dangerous trends and to talk to young people about the potential consequences of participating in them. It is also essential for social media platforms like TikTok to take responsibility for the content shared on their platform and to take steps to remove the dangerous content.

In conclusion, TikTok trends influence the social behaviour of Nigerian youths in one way or another. Nigerian youths engage in time-consuming and energy-draining trends, and sometimes, they cost money because they want to be famous and act like their peers. The Nigerian government should closely monitor and adequately regulate TikTok trends so as not to destroy Nigerian youths’ moral and social behaviour.

Mercy Manasseh is a student of Mass Communication from the University of Maiduguri and can be reached via mercymanasseh951@gmail.com.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

Sheikh Bala Lau, the national leader of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah wa Ikamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), has expressed commendation for Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State for his dedication to the social welfare of the citizens. 

The commendation came during the closing ceremony of the annual Quranic recitation competition held in Kaduna on Sunday. 

Sheikh Bala Lau, appreciating the governor for his monetary donations and other gifts awarded to winners across various competition categories, stated that Governor Sani has showcased a sincere commitment to enhancing citizens’ lives through numerous initiatives. 

A statement released by his spokesman, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, highlighted the governor’s gesture of providing Hajj seats to the best two overall candidates from the male and female categories for the 2024 exercise. 

Encouraging Muslims to integrate Quranic teachings into their daily lives, Sheikh Bala Lau noted the transformative power of the Quran in all aspects of life.

He urged the faithful to embrace its wisdom and guidance beyond challenging circumstances. 

Addressing concerns raised by clerics about the inadequate handling of pilgrims’ welfare in previous Hajj seasons, Governor Uba Sani took decisive action by announcing the formation of a committee. 

The committee’s purpose is to ensure a seamless and improved pilgrimage experience for the future, addressing the welfare issues raised by the clerics. 

Governor Uba Sani’s proactive measures and commitment to citizens’ well-being have received praise not only from the religious community but also from those anticipating positive changes in the management of future Hajj exercises.

By Bilyamin Abdulmumin

A few days ago, while a friend and I were at a restaurant for breakfast, we had an unexpected encounter with Honourable Mansur Musa Danjamiah, who represents the constituency of the Jega Gwandu Aleiro. Having greeted him, he showed us familiarity to join our table for his breakfast. The challenge he threw on us on why we eat outside and the justification he offered for himself for the same act will be a discussion for another day.

Whenever a giveaway or money politics is discussed, two alpha northern politicians come to my mind: Ahmed Sani Yerima Bakura and Muhammed Adamu Aleiro. From 1999 to 2007, when Yeriman Bakura swayed as Zamfara State governor, he donated everything to the masses. The ‘giveaway’ of Sharia pioneer transcends borders; it did not stop from usual donations of money, houses, cars, food, fertilisers, and Hajj tickets only but other unconventional donations like donkeys, camels, or other domestic animals. Everyone who played the slightest role during Yerima’s tenure talks about this with nostalgia.

However, since playing a significant role in 2011 enthroning his godson, Abdulaziz Yari, Yerima’s political influence in the state has been going southward. He became a caricature of himself, living only at the mercy of the godson.  All the money and the donations splashed have vanished into thin air. Unlike Yerima, Abdulaziz Yari made capital projects his signature throughout the state. You find Shehi capital projects in every nook and cranny of the state.

So, instead of only giving Zamfara fish to eat, Abdulaziz goes beyond by etching his name in gold through developmental projects. Shehi currently commands cult-like followers in the political arena of Zamfara state. This is evidenced in the 2023 general elections when the PDP swept all of Zamfara State but did not affect the water’s rock. This is a profound testament to something remarkable: the looming paradigm shift in the money or giveaway politics.

In another instance, in the build-up to the 2011 general elections, the hostility between Usman Nasamu Dakingari and his godfather Adamu Aleiro reached a climax, with the latter vowing to dethrone the former. However, in a twist of events, the former ousted the latter. The Kebbi State result sends shivers down the spine of Aliero’s camp, sending them all packing.

 What was behind that unpredictable turn of events? Capital projects. It said if you want to challenge Dakingari, show him a problematic project. Dakingari took infrastructure development head-on. Unlike Abdulaziz, who combined both money and projects in politics, Dakingari maintained a fisted hand; because of this, as a Fulani, he was even bantered during his tenure by being a committed Fulani nomad, ready to pursue with a symbolic stick anyone dares to come closer to Kebbi state treasure. Despite that, he pushed over all his opposition because of the widespread infrastructure developments.

Fast forward to the present, Adamu Aleiro (PDP) was fortunate to turn the tide. As the past chairman of work and present chairman of Land Transport committees in the red chamber, Senator Adamu Aleiro has been unleashing capital projects in Kebbi Central. This feat has endeared him to the people of Kebbi State like never before. This is evidenced in the 2023 general election, where he not only won the senate ticket against the sitting governor, but the majority of his loyalists did. Several local governments in Kebbi Central, like Jega and Aliero, can be described as work in progress because several main roads have been at different levels of completion.

Honourable Mansur Musa Danjamiah (PDP), who won a surprise victory in 2023 to unseat the sitting representative, has also recognised this paradigm shift. He has followed Muhammad Adamu Aleiro’s footsteps by focusing on capital projects. People were saying that Mansur Musa had uncovered the ‘mismanagement’  of all the previous representatives because no one had thought a House of Rep could deliver such capital projects.

With the current trajectory that Danjami’ah and Aleiro are following – prioritising capital projects, there is no end in sight for their flourishing political careers. To other politicians, it’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. The tide is changing, and the era of money-driven politics may be giving way to a new paradigm.

By Laraba Jauro

Women advocates in Nigeria, like other women in the world, encounter numerous challenges in undertaking advocacy, especially in the country’s northern region. The women’s voices are not heard, and want to be heard. And their vulnerability is a high risk in society.

The United Nations declared 1975 through 1985 a “Decade for Women”. Four world conferences on women were held: Mexico City 1975, Copenhagen 1980, Nairobi 1985 and 1995 Beijing. These conferences directed the searchlight on various issues affecting women’s status in society. 

These issues, among others, include Violence against Women, Women’s Rights as Human Rights and Women’s Reproductive Health. It was not until then that the woman’s question entered the political agenda in Nigeria. 

Various national development plans were gender-blind and gave no specific place to gender issues in Nigeria. These Conferences encouraged Nigerian women to come and form their Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to empower themselves.

Being a woman in Nigeria comes with deliberate discrimination, social, religious and economic inequality, misogyny and gender-based violence. Being a woman in Northern Nigeria sometimes comes with the aforementioned challenges.

Northern Nigeria is a diverse region with people from different groups, religions and cultural orientations towards women’s rights.

In an interview with executive Director Zenith of the Girl Child and Women Initiative Support, Aishatu Kabu Damboa, a gender equality activist in Maiduguri, said, according to the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, of the 7 million people affected by the insurgency in north-east Nigeria, about 1,750,000 are women and girls of childbearing age who need sexual and reproductive health services.

“Through my foundation, I worked on sensitisation programs on the prevention of SGBV and provision of re-washable menstrual sanitary pads at camps for internally displaced persons in Maiduguri. She is also actively working to support adolescent girls in IDP camps by providing access to vocational skills.”

She added that women and girls in Borno state, like any other place in Africa, deal with poverty, rape, domestic violence and gender discrimination, and there is a need to raise their voices for government to take necessary action.

She said being a woman advocate in Borno state and anywhere in the north is full of threats, insults and rejection. When men, and even some women, hear you mentioning equality for women and girls, they think you are starting a war with men. 

Threats of physical violence, name-calling, trolling and online abuse come with the territory. The abuse used to hurt me, but then I understood that here in the community where I came from, it is not the norm for women to be outspoken.

Women in politics or who hold public office are called prostitutes. But she isn’t letting it get to her or stopping her from her mission of educating women and ensuring a gender-balanced society. I strongly believe in education. Our people must be educated; it is the long-term plan to change things.

However, she believes education is the key to lifting women and girls out of poverty. She said women are breaking the culture of silence, unlike their forebears who kept it to themselves and died in silence. 

Being vocal about women’s rights on a public platform as a young Northern Muslim woman has a challenge in northern Nigeria. She also advised the government to ensure women representatives on every issue in Borno state. People should understand their aim and stop harassing women advocates in northern Nigeria at large. 

Laraba Jauro wrote from the Department of Mass Communication, University of Maiduguri.

By Dr Salisu Uba, FCIPS

The Federal Government’s recent initiative to review and refine the 2007 Public Procurement Act is a significant step towards optimizing public spending and fortifying economic efficiency. This endeavour, spearheaded by a committee led by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s quest for enhanced transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in procurement practices.

Amidst the constellation of stakeholders enlisted in this laudable undertaking, the conspicuous absence of representation from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Nigeria and other domestic procurement-related bodies raises pertinent questions about the breadth of expertise and comprehensive insight into contemporary procurement standards within the country.

The involvement of CIPS Nigeria and analogous local bodies bears paramount significance. It is imperative to recognize that these entities serve as bastions of professional knowledge, embodying a wealth of experience in global best practices in procurement and supply chain management. Their inclusion in the committee would infuse the discourse with nuanced perspectives, aligning the proposed amendments not only with global benchmarks but also with the unique fabric of Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape.

Professionalism in procurement transcends mere technical expertise; it encapsulates a commitment to upholding ethical standards, ensuring transparency, and driving value for money across procurement processes. The infusion of such professionalism into the review of the Public Procurement Act is fundamental. It is the bedrock upon which the trust of citizens and investors in the procurement ecosystem is built.

Highlighting the importance of professionalism in this review process signifies a resolute dedication to promoting best practices. Leveraging the expertise of bodies like CIPS Nigeria and local procurement organizations will not only consolidate the legal framework but also imbue it with a pragmatic touch rooted in real-world applications.

Furthermore, the committee’s scope should extend beyond the confines of governmental offices. It is crucial to cast a wider net, seeking insights from outstanding Nigerian professionals who have excelled in the procurement and supply chain domain globally. Drawing from their experiences and achievements would inject the committee’s deliberations with a potent dose of practicality and innovation.

The call to look outward and tap into the reservoirs of Nigerian expertise scattered across the globe is not just a strategic imperative but a visionary approach. Nigeria boasts a diaspora of procurement and supply chain professionals who have garnered commendations and achievements in various sectors globally. Harnessing their knowledge and insights would foster a holistic and comprehensive review process.

Amidst these aspirations for a comprehensive review, one cannot disregard the urgency for swift action. The one-month timeline stipulated for the committee demands focused and efficient collaboration. However, the pursuit of expediency should not overshadow the importance of thoroughness and inclusivity in gathering diverse perspectives to fortify the amendments.

As the committee embarks on this crucial task, the overarching objective should be to nurture a procurement landscape that not only meets contemporary economic realities but also paves the way for sustainable growth, resilience, and equitable access to opportunities for all Nigerians.

In conclusion, the successful review and subsequent amendments to the Public Procurement Act stand as a beacon of progress for Nigeria’s economic transformation. The incorporation of professional expertise from esteemed bodies like CIPS Nigeria and the inclusion of outstanding Nigerian professionals from around the world will serve as catalysts in shaping a procurement ecosystem that is robust, transparent, and aligned with global best practices.

The future of Nigeria’s procurement landscape hinges on the committee’s commitment to professionalism, inclusivity, and forward-thinking strategies that encapsulate the diversity and dynamism of the nation’s procurement sphere.

Salisu is a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) and a member of the CIPS Education Committee in the UK. He is the founder and CEO of NarQuest Limited – a supply chain technology company based in Glasgow, UK. 

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

In what appears to be what the Hausa people describe as “nakasa ba kasawa ba ce” (roughly translated into English as “a disability doesn’t make one disabled”) Engausa Global Tech Hub, a leading institution dedicated to imparting digital skills mainly in Hausa, recently recognised the extraordinary achievements of Halima, a graduate described as a “person living with unique abilities.” 

This was made known in a Facebook post by the digital skills institution today.

During the Engausa Startup Friday programme held at the Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) conference centre, Halima’s brilliance stood out among her peers. 

The guest of honour, Mal. Kabiru Umar, the Technology Incubation Centre Manager, presented her with an award—a set of smartphone repair tool kits. 

Halima’s recognition was not just a testament to her academic accomplishments but also highlighted the inclusive and empowering initiatives fostered by the ENGAUSA Global Tech Hub. 

In an emotionally charged moment, Mal. Kabiru Umar praised Halima’s dedication and aptitude, noting the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive tech community. 

The award for the smartphone repair tool kit symbolises not only Halima’s academic prowess but also her potential to significantly contribute to the technology landscape. 

As the news of Halima’s recognition spreads, it serves as an inspiration for others, reaffirming the commitment of the ENGAUSA Global Tech Hub to empower individuals from all walks of life. 

Halima’s journey exemplifies the transformative impact of digital skills education and the possibilities that open up when technology is made accessible to everyone.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

The armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, announced on Saturday a delay in the handover of a second group of hostages.

This was part of a truce deal with Israel, contingent on Israel’s adherence to the terms of the agreement. 

The issues at the centre of the delay involve the entry of humanitarian aid to the north of the Gaza Strip and the criteria for selecting prisoners for release.

The truce agreement, spanning four days, included the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for a three-to-one ratio. 

Initially, a Hamas source informed AFP that the handover of 14 hostages to the Red Cross had commenced but later reported a halt in the transfer process.

However, an Israeli official countered, stating that the hostages had not yet been handed over to the Red Cross. 

Despite the delay, the Israeli source maintains that Israel has not violated the agreement, alluding to a a different perspective on the situation.

The intricacies of these negotiations continue to unfold against the backdrop of the fragile truce between Israel and the Islamist movement.

By Mohammad Qaddam Sidq Isa (Daddy)

There is a general but simplistic assumption that electoral victory necessarily implies Allah’s endorsement of the winner and His disapproval of the loser. 

Politicians, potential beneficiaries of the electoral victory of politicians, and overzealous followers engage in supposedly wholehearted Addu’a for their and their benefactors’ electoral victory.

The practice of Addu’a for electoral victory has grown into a phenomenon and has indeed become an integral part of politicking in Nigeria. It has, in fact, turned into an industry of a sort where huge amounts of resources are invested in engaging amateur, part-time and professional Addu’a service-providing malamai who provide their services to the highest bidders or whom they expect higher gain from them of whatever kind.

Besides, with the growing phenomenon of holding the so-called special prayer sessions in public places for the success of one politician or another, the ‘political Addu’a industry’ has been growing further, attracting more investments from politicians. This is even though such so-called special prayer sessions bear the hallmarks of Bid’a.

On their part, winners in elections and their followers brag that their electoral victory necessarily implies Allah’s acceptance of their Addu’a hence His endorsement of them. They equally mock their opponents and attribute their loss to Allah’s disapproval of them. Whereas, in reality, nobody knows for sure whether or not a particular electoral victory implies Allah’s endorsement, or whether or not a particular loss implies His disapproval.

Because the fact that politicking under democracy is inherently characterized by gross dishonesty, hypocrisy, cunning, deceitfulness, bribery and other serious vices, which arguably all politicians perpetrate in their struggle to outmanoeuvre one another, makes the whole system too filthy for Allah to have anything to do with it, in the first place,  let alone endorse any politician against another.

The winner, therefore, only wins thanks to his ability to somehow outdo his opponents in that regard, and the losers only lose due to their failure to outplay the winner, while none enjoys Allah’s endorsement, for all are equally guilty of the same grave sins, regardless of the extents of their involvements, respectively. After all, they actually never take Addu’a seriously in the first place; they only feign commitment to it in the context of their manipulation of religion for political interests.

Electoral victory under democracy is just like winning in gambling, which obviously never implies Allah’s endorsement.

Though craving for power and the temptations of what comes with it are irresistibly tempting, they aren’t worth the price of politicking under democracy, with all that it entails, which those involved pay in the hereafter. 

Mohammed Qaddam wrote via mohammadsidq@gmail.com.

By Aisha Musa Auyo

In simple terms, body shaming is defined as the action or practice of mocking or stigmatising someone by making critical comments about the shape, size, or appearance of their body.

Body shaming involves humiliating someone by making inappropriate or negative comments about their body size or shape. As well as “fat shaming,” you may also hear negative comments if you’re underweight or about a specific body part.

This type of criticism can be made to others or yourself. You may feel unhappy with your weight or body’s appearance and judge yourself harshly. You may even engage in negative self-talk, such as “I feel so fat today” or “I need to stop stuffing my face with food.”

The act of body shaming can be carried out in person or remotely via the internet and social media and can be done by your parents, siblings, friends, or people you’re not even close to.

Even in a joking manner, remarks about what you eat or how much food you consume constitute body shaming. Giving someone advice about dieting or praising weight loss is also considered body shaming, whether intentional or not. 

Your friends and family often don’t want to hurt your feelings, but their comments can still be critical. They may not realise the negative effect that questions like “Have you lost weight?” or “Do you need to eat all of that?” can have.

Why Do People Body Shame?

You know how hurtful these behaviours can be if you’ve received those judgments—or even within earshot of words, looks, and gestures that judge others. So why do people do it?

Before I discuss why people choose to body shame others, I would say right up front: reasons don’t equal excuses! Ever. There’s no appropriate reason to make another person feel bad about the skin they’re in.

At the same time, it can be helpful to understand the motivation behind a person’s hurtful words. Doing this gives us perspective. Perspective helps us decide on the best path forward. Depending on the situation, we might:

* Shake off what another person says about us

* Remain confident as we see the lack of confidence in others

* Understand the heart behind hurtful words

* Call out misbehaviour in a calm, respectful manner

* Shut down rude talk without room for more to be said

With this in mind, let’s gain some perspective on why people do it.

We could talk about many interesting things—and have many good reasons to laugh. So why talk about how a person looks, right? Unfortunately, plenty of people do. Let’s look at some of the reasons why

1. Insecurity: When a person feels self-conscious about their body, they may talk badly about another person’s body to make themselves feel better. 

2. Societal norms: For so long, joking about how people look has been something that many people were brought up thinking is okay. This is learned bias.

3. Societal norms: For so long, joking about how people look has been something that many people were brought up thinking is okay. This is learned bias.

4. Best of intentions: Friends, family members, and even medical professionals can think they’re helpful by pointing out perceived areas for improvement in another person.

5. Lack of awareness: A person may refer to a friend’s stature or frame and not realise that they’ve crossed a line or that the person on the receiving end doesn’t like it.

5. Immaturity and lack of empathy: Some people don’t take the time or care to consider their words or how they might affect another person.

Please, allow me to be blunt. Beyond gaining perspective, it doesn’t matter why a person chooses to body shame. After all, the results are the same. Body shaming is known to cause mental health problems, eating disorders, low self-esteem, etc.

Most of us know firsthand about the adverse effects of body shaming because we’ve been on the receiving end of it at one time or another—especially when we were growing up. Research shows that 94% of teen girls and 64% of teen boys have been body-shamed.

The effects of body shaming and how to overcome it

Hearing negative comments about your appearance can impact your body image and leave you feeling anxious and self-conscious. However, there are ways to manage body shaming or other critical remarks and achieve body acceptance.

Supermodels and prima ballerinas have insecurities and imperfections, but we still perceive them as the ultimate representations of beauty. You may feel inadequate and unworthy if you don’t meet these standards.

And if you experience body shaming by others and take their negative comments to heart, it can lead to unhealthy behaviours and mental health problems, such as:

Eating Disorders: Having a negative body image is one of the main factors for developing disordered eating or an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating.

You may start a diet that involves restrictive eating to change your body shape or size. However, such dieting can spiral into harmful behaviours like skipping meals, fasting, vomiting after eating, excessive exercising, or overusing laxatives. Over time, you deprive your body and brain of essential nutrients necessary for optimal health.

Body shaming comments such as “Did you lose weight? You look so much better” can be triggering and create more disordered eating habits in an attempt to maintain or lose even more weight.

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Experiencing body shaming can interfere with your self-image and make you feel highly self-conscious. This can escalate into body dysmorphic disorder, where you become obsessed with a perceived appearance flaw that can create repeated avoidance behaviours.

Daily life can become consumed with concerns about a minor flaw or one not apparent to others. You may constantly look at yourself in the mirror or avoid mirrors altogether, conceal body parts you don’t like, pick at your skin, or frequently ask others if you look okay.

Being constantly ashamed of your body can also impair your performance at school and interfere with your relationships with peers, teachers, and family members. Fears about being judged by others may cause you to limit or avoid social activities.

Anxiety and depression: Body shaming can trigger or worsen existing symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you are body-shamed in public or on social media, you may try to avoid going to school or other situations where this shaming might occur. You may withdraw from others and feel isolated and alone.

Hearing critical comments about your appearance can also be humiliating, heighten your insecurities, and damage your self-esteem. Consequently, you may engage in negative self-talk as you internalise these feelings of worthlessness. You may tell yourself things like “I am a bad person” or “I am completely worthless.” This can escalate into extreme loneliness, depression, anxiety, and poor body image.

Physical Health Issues: Fat shaming, in particular, is rampant in our society as obesity is associated with being lazy, unattractive, and lacking the willpower to lose weight. In one study, over 70% of adolescents reported being bullied about their weight in the past few years. This can be harmful to your physical as well as psychological health.

Rather than being a motivating factor for losing weight, fat shaming has the opposite effect. The stress has been linked to a reduction in physical activity and the consumption of more calories.

Don’t body shame others

Research shows that when you promote body positivity to others, you also feel more positively about your body. Surround yourself with people who are courteous and treat others with respect. Avoid bullies who engage in body shaming and talk about the flaws of others.

Establish boundaries with your friends and clarify that you will not tolerate comments about your body or weight. You can also set an example by standing up for others who are the targets of body shaming.

So, let’s work together to stop body shaming and talk about more interesting things. The truth is, we all body shame one another. We are sometimes the villains and sometimes the victims. And the society has made it very normal. If we genuinely believe that every one of us is created by our Lord, none of us chooses how we look in most cases, and none of us knows how we will look tomorrow (life happens… story for another day), then we should stop body shaming. It starts with you and I. 

Were you ever body-shamed? Please share with us how you felt, how it affected you, and what you did to overcome it.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology. A wife, a mother, a homemaker, caterer, parenting, and relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.