PERSONAL STORIES“My Colleagues Call Me Woman Wrapper Because I Support My Wife” – Michael

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In many African societies, a woman is expected to be solely responsible for taking care of the children and domestic chores. This expectation places a lot of burden on women, especially new mums who need support to be able to take care of themselves and the new born.

As the world celebrates breastfeeding, one father has spoken out on how he support his wife in spite of what people say.

Unicef  Nigeria shared this inspiring story of Micheal. Read below:

#‎WeAreStillHere‬! Michael is a truck driver with a construction firm in Abuja. A proud father of three, Michael is a proud winner of the prize of model father and defender of exclusive breastfeeding at a baby show in Abuja. Michael supports his wife with various house chores to give her opportunity to exclusively breastfeed their baby. “My colleagues call me “woman wrapper” because I support my wife so she can exclusively breastfeed our baby, but I don’t care. I know the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding,” he said. Support your wife today to exclusively breastfeed, it is a healthy start in life for your baby. ‪#‎breastfeeding‬

Inspiring Story Of Rosmary Amponsah, A Welding Student Who Is Following Her Passion Against What People Say

In many African societies, there are some certain occupations that a woman is not expected to venture into. When they do, they are often faced with all sorts of stigma and discrimination, but thankfully many women are overcoming these barriers!

Unicef Ghana shared this inspiring story of Rosmary Amponsah, a welding student who is following her passion against what people say. Read below:

My mother said I should become a policewoman, a nurse or a doctor.

She said those are the jobs that people respect. When I left high school, there was very little to do. I worked at a filling station selling petrol but had very little fulfillment. I always asked myself, what if this company collapses or the owner decides to sack me?

My father brought me here to learn welding. My mother hated the idea and always compares me with my sister who went into nursing training. But my dad supports me. Everybody says it’s a man’s job. In my class, there are fifteen boys and I was the first girl to join them.

I walk a very long distance to get to school and each time, I get someone who passes a negative comment. Like the last time, one man saw me and said if I continue with this job I can’t get married and it would be difficult to give birth.

I think they are trying to pull me down but I’m not interested.

Rosmary Amponsah, Welding & Fabrication student, Bechem (BA/R).