Gender Issues in Africca Expressed through Literature Term Paper

Gender Issues in Africca Expressed through Literature - Term Paper Example The rest of this essay will highlight, compare and contrast the gender issues discussed in these novels. In particular it will argue that the two books in question bring key insight, understanding and a message of hope to women’s issues in their respective countries. So Long a Letter (originally published in French as ‘Une si longue lettre’), gives voice to women of Senegal in particular and Western Africa in general. It is written by Mariama Ba and is semi-autobiographical in content. Ramatoulaye Fall is the protagonist and first-person narrator of this epistolary novel. Addressed to her close friend Aissatou Ba, the letter was prompted by the narrator’s recent and unexpected widowhood. Ramatoulaye recounts to Aissatou the circumstances and the shock accompanying her husband’s death due to heart-attack. But having adopted the novel form, the letter touches upon topics far and beyond that of her immediate grief. And through her forays into all aspect s of women’s social rules and restrictions the feminist voice of the author comes alive. (Ba-Curry et.al, 2008, p.112) Especially astute are Ba’s grasp of interpersonal equations and balance of power between the two genders: â€Å"A woman is like a ball; once a ball is thrown, no one can predict where it will bounce. You have no control over where it rolls, and even less over who gets it. Often it is grabbed by an unexpected hand...Whereas a woman draws from the passing years the force of her devotion, despite the ageing of her companion, a man, on the other hand, restricts his field of tenderness. His egoistic eye looks over his partner's shoulder. He compares what he had with  what  he no long has, what he has with what he could have. (Ba, 1980, p.42) The novel Everything Good Will Come by Sefi Atta has thematic similarities in that its protagonist also is a girl living in postcolonial Nigeria and England. But compared to Miriama Ba’s work, Atta’s novel is created in a much broader canvas, covering political developments, ethnic conflict, crime as well as interpersonal relationships. The chief character in the novel is that of Enitan, who is confronting in her life various issues that have engulfed postcolonial Nigeria. Some of the most realistic and poignant passages in the novel pertain to the ethnic strife between groups such as Youruba, Igbo (Biafrans) and Housas, which has stifled progress and development in sovereign Nigeria. (Olowonmi, 2008, p.55) Sefi Atta emphasizes ‘bonding’ as a mechanism for achieving communal bliss. Via bonding, key characters in the story are able to share their burden and fight bravely to resist their oppressors and seek freedom for their loved ones. Dismantling this cloak of disillusionment then becomes a text-type for the survival of democratic governance in her country. According to the United Nations’ Global Human Development Report (2002) governance in action includes i nstitutions, rules and political processes. And these factors determine if economies grow, children go to school, and whether human development moves forward or backward. Thus, this perspective â€Å"is in consonance with the writer's vision when he/she moves through enormous materials to organize and orchestrate in order to open a window to prospective horizons as his/her art reflects reality. And conclusively, the writer caves for the deepening of democratic governance in Nigeria to ensure that the use of power in public affairs gives premium to human

Learning profile Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Learning profile - Essay Example In the cardiac placement, I came across situations wherein patients would start complaining of chest pain and immediately nitroglycerine spray would be given three times after five minutes interval; later patient would be sent for angiography as patient would still be complaining of chest pain. All the above circumstances helped me increase my critical thinking skills. The role of nurses in all these encounters was very important and all of the situations were handled by the nurses very well. My previous clinical experience has helped me to use the critical thinking skills to provide patient care and will help me in this perceptorship. 2. Strengths in Clinical Practice (reflect on previous clinical rotations). I know my medications before administration e.g. effectiveness, side effects, signs of adverse drug reactions and/or drug interactions. I understand the importance of administrating medication on time and signing them on MAR after administration. I review documentation, prior d ocumentation and provide adequate time to document appropriately. My fluency in different languages (English, Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi) is an added asset for provision of care. E.g.

Company Strategic Analysis - General Mills Research Paper

Company Strategic Analysis - General Mills - Research Paper Example The company has strong brand equity in the market place. The company’s financial position is strengthening even at the time of recession. The company has a diversified product portfolio. The company’s brands have strong brand identity. The company’s internal processes for acquiring raw materials for its products are very strong. Weaknesses: The scale of companies operations are hiding inefficiencies in its operations. General Mills is not taking enough measures to raise its productivity. Opportunities: Recent social trends have created a market for convenience food items. General Mills can export its product to the Asian Markets. Threats: The environment of recession is creating unprecedented operating challenges for the company. Kraft and Kellogg are formidable competitors of the company, having strong brands of their own. Suppressed consumer demand is threatening company’s revenues. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis: Threat of Substitutes: This dimens ion falls on the higher end of the spectrum because consumers have the option to buy convenience food items from food stalls and cheap hotels. Moreover, consumers can even decide to cook themselves fresh meals. So it can be concluded that there are alternatives available to consumers. Rivalry amongst competitors: This dimension is also ending up on the higher end of the spectrum because as mentioned earlier Kraft Food and Kellogg, both are formidable competitors having strong management and brand portfolio. In addition to this these companies also have strong capital base to support their operations. Suppliers Bargaining Power: This dimension also falls on the higher end of the spectrum because there are few quality suppliers of raw material in the marketplace. Companies who want to gain quality raw materials have to adhere to suppliers’ terms and conditions. Moreover, the price of the raw material is also very elastic, which leads companies to the future markets; in order to protect themselves from price risk and inflationary pressure. Customers Bargaining Power: This dimension again lies on the higher end of the spectrum because recessionary pressure has made consumers to curtail their expenditure. Consumers are demanding higher value at lower price from companies, in order to draw them to spend. Companies therefore have to adhere to the demands of consumers in order to utilize their huge asset base. Threat of New Entrant: This dimension falls on the lower end of the spectrum because the market conditions are not that encouraging for any new entrant to enter this market. Since the industry is engulfed by recession and has strong competitors in it, therefore no new entrant will be able to operate effectively in this marketplace. Firm’s overall Performance: Even at the time of recession the company has managed to perform exceptionally well. Almost all of its financial indicators are on the positive side of the spectrum, reflecting the fact that t he company has been successful in implementing its year start strategy. The company’s 2010 sales figure is up by 1 percent as compared to its 2009 sales figure (General Mills e, 2011). Operating profits have increased substantially, that is by 8 percent. Net income of the come has also increased drastically (17 percent) (General Mills e, 2011). The company’s asset utilization has also increased as reflected by the head of â€Å"Return on Average Total Capital†. This figure is up by 150 basis points, which is very encouraging. For the share

Should free access to Birth Control be Provided by every By Every Essay

Should free access to Birth Control be Provided by every By Every Government as a Basic Human right - Essay Example Some of the commonly encouraged contraceptives are barrier contraceptives. They include male and female condoms. They prevent unwanted pregnancies including sexually transmitted diseases. In addition, they do not have any side effects and are provided free by the government in hospitals, universities and other public places. The hormonal and intrauterine devices prevent unwanted pregnancies, but also possess side effects (Darney 23). They do not prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Side effects include cardiovascular risks, blood clots and breast cancer. There is economic growth when there is birth control. That is why the government is always campaigning for a couple to get children that they can afford and to reduce population growth. Economy grows because there is no large population that is depending on the few resources that the government has (Darney 23). There are fewer dependent children and both parents can participate in workforce contributing to the growth of the economy. Politically, birth control has been encouraged by licensing birth control devices. The government offers free birth control pills and devices to poverty stricken areas. Health education is also encouraged in school by the government. Primary schools, high schools and universities pupils are taught against the consequences of unsafe sex. Health workers have been trained in providing health care services in hospitals and this is encouraged by the government. Free access to birth control should be provided by governments as a basic human right because people will be in a position to have a child when they are financially and emotionally stable. Teenagers who do not have access to free birth control often end up getting pregnant while they are still in school. This is often embarrassing to the girl and the girl’s parents (Weschler 55). The pregnant girl drops out of a college or high school to take care of

Operations Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 6

Operations Management - Essay Example For example the case study for Mark and Spencer that is involved in providing high quality fashionable products, product design is very essential so as to produce products that are highly competitive in the market (Vilcox & Thomas 2007). The company is known for innovation of its fabrics from its own textile technologies laboratories that is part of the product design. The process of product design however requires the input of several resources so as to come up with a presentable product in the market. The most essential requirement for the design of products in the apparel industry the raw material used to design the product. For the final product to be highly competitive in the market, the used raw materials should be of high quality although relatively low priced (Paulin & Hillery 2009). The raw material should be provided as low prices so as to regulate the product cost in the market. To enhance the constant provision of the raw materials, Mark and Spencer invested in a close re lationship with its materials suppliers. Due to these factors the company is known for the use of easy synthetic fibre to design its clothing. The company also prides in the application of high health and hygiene standards in the processing of their food products. The company has invented the design of new styles by providing new brands over shorter periods (Malcom 2007). Despite operating in a highly competitive market, Mark and Spencer has embraced innovation using the latest technology to suit the changing trends, the fashion and design sector (Jones 2006). The values of quality and service which were used by Mark and Spencer however led to higher prices of the products. Designing of products is essential because in determine different characteristics of the product as well as how well the product functions (Jones 2006). The essential activities involved in product design include research and development, marketing and engineering. Some of the factors of the product that are dete rmined by the design process include the products cost and quality (Beauchamp, Norman & Arnold 2008). The main purpose of design is to develop a product or service that appeals to the consumer at convincing prices and at the same time. For the product to achieve this it has to be designed using high quality but low cost raw materials. The technology applied in the development of the product also determines the p

Partnerships between the United States and Morocco Effect Essay

Partnerships between the United States and Morocco Effect - Essay Example The essay "Partnerships between the United States and Morocco Effect" overviews the ways to support the partnership between the USA and Morocco in order to ensure the economic development, stability and security along the coast of Morocco. Morocco hosted a meeting that was aimed at addressing security concerns along the coast of Morocco. The U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa and Royal Moroccan Navy's attended the meeting to launch a joint commitment to regional that would ensure that country remains economically stable with the assurance of a security in the coastline. Security along the coast is a factor that the Moroccan government is interested in ensuring that trade in the region is not compromised and the country’s command of trade in North Africa remains beneficial to the Economy. The guided-missile frigate USS Simpson joined the deputy chief of strategy, resources, and plans at the meeting where they visited Casablanca, Morocco, for the three-day meeting. Most of the leaders at the launch made it known to the delegates that a strong sense of teamwork was required if they were true to the faith of meeting any force protection plan. With such comments from the leaders in both countries, it was clear that the talks between the prospective naval forces would strengthen their ties to each other and ensure that their goal of maritime security is met. Simpson’s commanding officer informed the delegates that his crew was committed to working hand in hand with the forces in Morocco. for a join affiliation that would see the interests of both parties brought to book. Such a move would promote peaceful coexistence, maintain security and stability and boost trade in the region. With Milliken’s confident assurance to the African nation, he made it clear that although it was his crew’s first time in Morocco, they were willing dock along the shores of Morocco because their ship was ready to cruise for an operation of such import ance. The U.S. ambassador to Morocco, Samuel Kaplan, was equally impressed by the hospitality displayed between the U.S. and Morocco. He viewed this as a show of unity, commitment and devotion of the hardworking men and women of the navy. Morocco does not often receive a lot of visits from the American forces except on special occasions organized to meet a well thought for objective that has a bearing to either or both of the economies. The meeting was the most opportune moment for the delegates to visit Morocco and come to terms with the beautiful sceneries that the country had to offer. Among the famous sites that could not go unnoticed by the delighted delegates were the Hassan II mosque and the legendary Rick's Cafe. U.S. Chamber Leads Delegation of U.S. Companies to Morocco A partnership in the Energy and development sectors is the most opportune way for Morocco to reduce unemployment and boost its renewable energy capacity. Morocco planned to host a professional meeting that w ould bring together eleven companies that comprised of the First Solar as well as the General Dynamics. The others included Harris Corp. together with Honeywell International. Objectively, the meeting sought to find decisive ideas that would hasten the economic development of Morocco and in the long-run create jobs to the unemployed citizens in their economy. The meeting was intended to involve two major signing ceremonies which were to be presided over by Minister of Equipment and Transport, Aziz Rabbah. Job creation is one of the major ways of reducing unemployment rates which characterize a number of third world countries including Morocco. The move to bring into the economy talks that would hopefully result into construction of a port along the shores of Morocco was a way in which the country had intended to reduce unemployment rates. This move was commendable because it was aimed at benefiting both Morocco and the U.S. Apart from Morocco, it would provide jobs in the United Sta tes as well to skilled personnel who would be participate in building and construction of the port and the

Will Genderless Fashion Change Retail Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Will Genderless Fashion Change Retail - Essay Example Additionally, gender fashion is becoming the norm in many fashion centres. Many people in the fashion industry are wondering whether the genderless mode of fashion will apply in the retail industry. Some, however, are quite confident that people will do away with gender codes that have been considered for many years. For example, some women go for Givenchy men’s collection. On the other hand, men have been found eyeing and buying brands for women such as the Celine. Traditional demographic segments such as location, age and gender no longer applies in the fashion industry. The fact is that many people are creating their brands that are not dictated by traditional demographics noted earlier. For example, it has been noted that close to 30% of menswear are genderless. However, research shows that women, many of them, go for men’s clothes. Despite the move by both sexes to any store regardless of their gender, there is a problem of size. For example, with both sexes going for the same product, it is quite complicated to tell their sizes based on specifications such as medium size. The future is, however, bright for a genderless fashion. This can be noted from a few things that women and men share such as makeup (Mellery-Pratt). Picture A and B shows men dressed on women fashion. Those are some of the strategies called by Franà §ois-Henri Pinault, the chief executive who noted that there should be a change in the industry. Women have, for many decades dominated the fashion industry. The solution to Michele’s ailing industry is having both sexes on the runway. They should also have fashions with some similarities. As noted from the two pictures, the two men are dressed in women’s fashion. This is a change that has to go beyond the fashion industry to retail centres. Some fashion centres have tried the strategy of having women and men models. Saint Laurent is one that