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What You Think You Know About HPV and Cervical Cancer Versus the Medical Facts

It’s a scary truth: HPV myths are everywhere, and they’re keeping people misinformed. Misinformation keeps our women and girls unprotected and vulnerable to high-risk strains of HPV and then cervical cancer. It also shames women into silence.  With the #StopHPVForHer campaign, we’re cutting through the noise with facts. The truth is, cervical cancer is almost entirely preventable. We want to put that power back into your hands. What matters is getting the facts right and having accurate information, accessible vaccination, and regular screening.  Below, we tackle the biggest myths about HPV, cervical cancer, and prevention. We’ve also compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the HPV vaccine, because you deserve clear answers to protect your daughter and yourself too.  The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Only people who are promiscuous get HPV False. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). Most sexually active people will get HPV at some point, even those in monogamous relationships. HPV is rare False. It is so common that nearly all sexually active men and women will get at least one type of HPV during their lives. If I have HPV, I will definitely develop cancer False. In 9 out of 10 cases, the body’s immune system clears the HPV infection naturally within two years. Cancer only occurs when a high-risk HPV infection persists. HPV only affects women False. HPV affects men as well, causing anal, penile, throat, and head/neck cancers, and genital warts. You can only get HPV through penetrative sex False. HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, often during intimate contact, not just intercourse. Condoms prevent HPV transmission Partially true, but misleading. Condoms can lower the risk, but they don’t cover all genital skin, so HPV transmission is still possible. HPV is the same as HIV or Herpes False. HPV is a different virus. Unlike HIV, most HPV infections are harmless and clear up on their own. The HPV vaccine is only for teenagers False. While most effective when given early (9-14), the vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 26 who haven’t been vaccinated, and some adults up to 45 may decide to get it after consulting their doctor. Please consult your doctor for medical advice. If I have warts, I will get cancer False. Genital warts are caused by low-risk types of HPV (usually types 6 and 11), which do not cause cervical cancer. HPV only affects older people False. Research from the USA shows that HPV infection rates are highest among young adults and teenagers. I have to have symptoms to have HPV False. HPV is often called the “silent infection” because most people with the virus have no signs or symptoms and never know they have it. If my daughter gets the vaccine, she will become promiscuous False. Studies globally have shown no link between receiving the HPV vaccine and an increase in sexual activity or risk-taking behavior in adolescents. The vaccine is not safe; it causes serious side effects False. Research from global health organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) confirms that the HPV vaccine has been rigorously tested and is proven to be safe and highly effective. Data shows that serious side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild and short-term, like soreness or redness at the injection site. If I’m already sexually active, the vaccine won’t work False. Even if you’ve been exposed to one type of HPV, the vaccine can still protect you against other types you haven’t contracted yet. Consult with your doctor for medical advice and screening. Only women who have had many partners need the vaccine False. The vaccine protects against low and high-risk HPV types, and even a person with only one partner is at risk of exposure. The vaccine also protects against low risk HPV types that cause genital warts.  I can get tested for HPV with a blood test False. The HPV test for cancer screening uses a swab of cervical cells. There is no standard blood test for HPV. Once I clear HPV, I am immune forever False. While your body can clear an infection, it does not make you immune to contracting HPV in the future. HPV is preventable by using antibiotics False. HPV is a virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against it. Vaccination is the primary prevention tool. My daughter is too young to think about HPV False. Health experts have selected ages 9-14 are the optimal time for vaccination because it targets protection before any potential exposure and research suggests a stronger immune response. If I have a new partner, I need an HPV test right away False. Routine HPV screening is only done as part of cervical cancer screening, typically starting from the age of 21 to 65. It’s once every 3 years if you do the Pap smear VIA or VILI, and once every 5 years if you do the HPV DNA testing. Cervical Cancer Cervical cancer is hereditary False. Cervical cancer is primarily caused by persistent high-risk type HPV infection, not genetics. Cervical cancer is always a death sentence False. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and curable cancers if detected and treated early. Once I’m vaccinated, I never need screening False. The vaccine protects against the most common high-risk types, but regular screenings (Pap smears and HPV tests) are still necessary. Cervical cancer is the same as uterine cancer False. Cervical cancer starts in the cervix (the lower part of the uterus); uterine cancer starts in the main body of the uterus (endometrium). The only symptom of cervical cancer is abnormal bleeding False. While abnormal bleeding is common, other symptoms can include pelvic pain, pain during sex, or unusual discharge. I am too old to worry about cervical cancer False. While the risk is present in younger women, most cervical cancer diagnoses occur in women over the age of 40. Cervical cancer is caused by stress or poor diet False. While lifestyle factors affect overall health, the direct cause of

Why Your Mental Health Matters as an Entrepreneur

Introduction: The Hidden Side of Hustle Entrepreneurship is often romanticized as freedom — freedom to create, to lead, to innovate. But what’s rarely talked about is the emotional weight of being the one who holds the vision, the payroll, and the pressure to “keep it all together.” For many African women entrepreneurs, the hustle culture is real — juggling business, family, finances, and expectations. Yet behind every success story, there’s often a silent battle with stress, anxiety, and burnout. Your mental health is not a luxury or a side project. It’s the engine that drives your creativity, leadership, and long-term sustainability. The Connection Between Mental Health and Entrepreneurship Entrepreneurship isn’t just a career; it’s a lifestyle that can blur the lines between personal well-being and business demands. Studies show that entrepreneurs are twice as likely to experience depression and three times more likely to struggle with addiction than traditional employees. Why? Because founders often carry the emotional weight of: When your mind is overwhelmed, your productivity, innovation, and resilience all take a hit. Why Prioritizing Mental Health Boosts Productivity Many entrepreneurs think rest is a reward for success — but in truth, it’s the fuel for it.Here’s how a healthy mind makes you a stronger business leader: The Burnout Cycle (and How to Break It) Burnout often creeps in quietly — late nights, skipped meals, canceled social plans — until suddenly you’re running on empty. Signs of burnout include: To break the cycle: Practical Self-Care Tips for African Women Entrepreneurs The Bigger Picture: Redefining Strength As African women leaders, we’re often taught that strength means endurance — keep going no matter what. But true strength is in awareness, balance, and sustainability. Your business is an extension of you. If you thrive, it thrives.Investing in your mental health is one of the most powerful business decisions you can make. Let’s shift the narrative. Success isn’t about how much you hustle — it’s about how well you honor your humanity while building your dreams. So, the next time you feel guilty for resting, remember: you are the most important asset your business has. Protect your peace, nurture your joy, and watch your impact multiply.

From a Spark of Passion to a Global Creative Movement: The Story of For Creative Girls

When Gbemi Lolade first started For Creative Girls, she didn’t imagine it would grow into the vibrant, global community it is today. At the beginning, it wasn’t about building a company or leading a movement. It was simply about sharing her excitement for women whose creative work inspired her. She would find women doing brilliant, bold things and think: the world needs to see this. That spark—a passion for amplifying voices that often went unheard—became the seed for For Creative Girls. A Passion Project with Global Footprints What began as a personal project in 2017 quickly caught fire. Over the years, For Creative Girls has hosted mentorship programs that have reached women across multiple countries and continents. Participants from Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, the UK, France, and beyond have been part of the journey, connecting through shared stories, guidance, and collaboration. This global footprint didn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistency, belief, and a community that kept showing up. From the early days of writing features to curating mentorship opportunities, Gbemi has watched the platform expand in ways that surprised even her. Tools for Today’s Creatives As For Creative Girls enters a new chapter, Gbemi is clear about one thing: it’s not about chasing trends or positioning the brand as a “tech-first” company. Instead, it’s about asking: how can we support creatives better in their day-to-day work? That question recently led to the creation of a custom GPT inside ChatGPT—digital assistants designed specifically for creatives. It basically helps improve creative portfolios, guiding users on structure, presentation, and storytelling. They’re not meant to replace human connection or mentorship; rather, they extend the heart of For Creative Girls into the digital space, giving creatives accessible tools at their fingertips. As Gbemi explains: “We’re not an AI company. We’re just experimenting with how new technologies can serve our community.” It’s a grounded, thoughtful approach to innovation. With this and more flagship programs coming up, For Creative Girls continues to focus on what has always mattered most: people, creativity, and community. The Heart of the Work Ask Gbemi what keeps her going, and she’ll tell you—it’s the stories. The stories of women who thought their work didn’t matter until it was seen. The stories of mentees who found confidence, clarity, or career direction after connecting through the platform. The stories of friendships and collaborations that never would have existed otherwise. These are the wins that keep For Creative Girls alive; the human heartbeat beneath the programs, articles, and now, tools. What’s Next Looking ahead, Gbemi is both reflective and hopeful. She knows For Creative Girls has come a long way from its humble beginnings, but in her words: “We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible.” The next chapter isn’t about becoming a tech giant or redefining creativity on a global stage. It’s about continuing to be a safe space where women creatives can grow, be seen, and be supported, no matter where they are in the world. Because at its core, For Creative Girls has never stopped being what it was at the start: one woman’s passion for shining a light on others, now multiplied, magnified, and carried forward by a global sisterhood.

Building a Tech Startup as a Woman

From Idea to Launch The Spark: Turning Ideas Into Opportunities Every successful startup begins with a spark — a problem you’ve experienced or observed and the determination to solve it. For many women founders, these sparks come from real-life challenges that others have overlooked. Whether it’s improving access to healthcare, streamlining payments, or creating tools for women in business, the best ideas are grounded in lived experience. The first step is validating your idea. Ask: Who is this for? Why does it matter now? Talk to potential users, gather feedback, and refine your solution. Don’t be afraid to start small — often, the most scalable products begin as a simple prototype. Navigating a Male-Dominated Tech Landscape Tech remains an industry where women are underrepresented, especially in leadership roles. That reality can feel intimidating. You might find yourself being the “only woman in the room,” questioned more than your male counterparts, or overlooked by investors who underestimate women-led ventures. But here’s the good news: women-led startups consistently outperform. Studies show that companies founded or co-founded by women deliver higher revenue — proving that diversity isn’t just nice to have, it’s a competitive advantage. To navigate the landscape: Building the Right Team No founder can do it all alone. A strong startup team balances technical skills with business acumen, creativity with execution. For women founders, team-building is also about creating a culture of inclusion and trust. Some tips: Fundraising as a Woman Founder Securing funding is often one of the biggest hurdles. Globally, less than 3% of venture capital goes to women-only teams. But this is changing, with more investors and funds dedicated to supporting female founders. To stand out when pitching: Remember: if traditional VC feels like a closed door, explore grants, angel investors, crowdfunding, or bootstrapping until you gain traction. Balancing Life and Leadership Building a startup is demanding. For women, there’s often added pressure — balancing family responsibilities, societal expectations, or the constant need to “prove” yourself. Some ways to manage: Celebrating Wins and Paying It Forward Every milestone matters: your first prototype, your first user, your first funding round. Celebrate them, but also document the journey. Your story can inspire the next generation of female founders. As you grow, pay it forward: mentor younger women, share resources, and advocate for inclusivity in the tech ecosystem. True innovation happens when diverse voices are heard and empowered. Final Thoughts Launching a tech startup as a woman is challenging — but it’s also an incredible opportunity to disrupt industries, create meaningful impact, and rewrite the narrative of who gets to build the future. Your idea is valid. Your voice is needed. And your journey, from idea to launch, is a powerful contribution to the global tech story. To every woman dreaming of building a startup: start where you are, use what you have, and keep moving forward. The world is ready for your vision. See other resources How Start-ups can build Scalable Financial Systems for Sustainable Growth The Smart Entrepreneur’s Guide to Cutting Startup Costs

Un empire ludique inspiré de la Rome antique

Le monde du divertissement en ligne a toujours été en quête de thèmes originaux pour se démarquer et offrir aux joueurs une expérience mémorable. Si de nombreuses plateformes s’appuient sur des concepts futuristes ou fantastiques, une approche plus classique mais tout aussi immersive gagne en popularité. C’est l’idée de puiser dans l’histoire, dans des époques majestueuses et pleines de grandeur, pour créer un univers de jeu unique. Loin des interfaces standardisées, ces plateformes construisent de véritables cités virtuelles où chaque joueur est invité à devenir un citoyen privilégié. C’est dans cet esprit que la plateforme que l’on peut trouver à l’adresse https://casinolyfr.com/ a choisi de s’inspirer de l’âge d’or de l’Empire romain pour concevoir un environnement de jeu majestueux et captivant. Chaque détail, des graphismes à la structure des menus, évoque les forums, les temples et les arènes de la Rome antique, invitant les joueurs à se sentir comme des empereurs dans leur propre empire ludique. L’ambiance est à la fois grandiose et sophistiquée, avec des illustrations de colonnes de marbre, de statues de héros et de motifs dorés qui plongent immédiatement le visiteur dans une époque de gloire et de puissance. Les jeux, piliers de l’Empire Au cœur de cette cité ludique se trouve une bibliothèque de jeux aussi vaste et diversifiée que le peuple romain lui-même. La plateforme s’est associée à de nombreux développeurs de renom pour offrir une sélection qui répondra aux attentes de tous les citoyens, qu’ils soient amateurs de machines à sous, de jeux de table traditionnels ou d’expériences en direct. La variété est le maître-mot, garantissant que chaque joueur trouvera son divertissement idéal. Des triomphes et des récompenses divines La plateforme se distingue également par son approche créative des bonus et des promotions, qui sont présentés comme des faveurs accordées par les dieux de l’Olympe. Loin des offres génériques, le site propose un système de récompenses qui encourage la fidélité et le développement de son empire personnel. Les nouveaux joueurs sont accueillis par des bonus de bienvenue généreux, qui leur permettent de commencer leur règne avec un avantage certain. Les citoyens les plus fidèles sont récompensés par un programme de fidélité qui les invite à progresser à travers différents niveaux. En accumulant des points, ils peuvent débloquer des avantages exclusifs, des bonus personnalisés et accéder à des fonctionnalités spéciales. Ce système encourage l’engagement sur le long terme en offrant des bénéfices concrets et en renforçant le sentiment d’appartenance à une communauté unique. Les promotions régulières, telles que les bonus de recharge, les offres de cashback et les tournois, sont autant de chances de découvrir de nouveaux trésors et de prolonger l’aventure. La légitimité de l’Empire : sécurité et équité La confiance est un élément fondamental dans l’univers du jeu en ligne, et la plateforme y accorde une importance capitale. La protection des données est une priorité absolue, avec l’utilisation de protocoles de cryptage avancés pour garantir que toutes les informations personnelles et financières des joueurs restent confidentielles. La plateforme opère sous une licence de jeu reconnue, ce qui atteste de sa légalité et de sa conformité aux normes internationales les plus strictes. Les méthodes de paiement proposées sont nombreuses et variées, incluant les cartes bancaires, les portefeuilles électroniques et les options de virement, offrant ainsi aux joueurs la flexibilité de choisir l’option qui leur convient le mieux. Les transactions sont traitées rapidement et de manière sécurisée, pour permettre des dépôts et des retraits fluides. La politique de jeu responsable est également mise en avant, avec des outils et des ressources pour aider les joueurs à maintenir un comportement de jeu équilibré. Un service d’accueil digne de la citadelle Chaque empire digne de ce nom doit veiller au bien-être de ses citoyens, et la plateforme propose un service client efficace et réactif pour accompagner les joueurs dans leur aventure. L’équipe de support est accessible par chat en direct et par email, et se tient prête à répondre à toutes les questions, à résoudre les problèmes techniques ou à fournir de l’aide en cas de besoin. Les agents sont formés pour offrir un support rapide et personnalisé, assurant que l’expérience de jeu reste agréable et sans accroc. Le site propose également une section de foire aux questions très complète, qui permet aux joueurs de trouver des réponses à leurs interrogations les plus fréquentes.

What No One Tells You About Raising Capital in Africa

Raising capital is a universal challenge for entrepreneurs, but in Africa, the journey has its own unique twists. From navigating investor skepticism to battling infrastructure gaps, founders often discover that the process is less about “closing rounds” and more about surviving a marathon of resilience, creativity, and relationship-building. Here’s what few people will tell you about the realities of raising capital in Africa. 1. It’s More About Relationships Than Pitch Decks In Silicon Valley, investors may write checks after a few calls and a polished pitch deck. In Africa, it often doesn’t work that way. Investors want to know you personally before committing. Many deals happen because of long-standing trust, introductions through networks, or personal credibility rather than slides or metrics. 2. Investors Are More Risk-Averse Than You Think Africa is often pitched as the “final frontier” of opportunity, but the truth is most investors are cautious. Many have had bad experiences or still view African startups through a lens of risk-first, opportunity-second. 3. Foreign Capital Still Dominates While local venture funds and angel networks are growing, foreign capital—especially from Europe and North America—still drives much of Africa’s startup funding. This creates its own set of challenges: 4. Infrastructure (and Regulation) Can Make or Break Deals Investors don’t just evaluate your business model—they evaluate the ecosystem around it. Payment bottlenecks, internet reliability, logistics, and bureaucracy all influence investor confidence. Being upfront about how you’ll work around infrastructure or policy challenges can increase credibility. 5. You’ll Spend More Time Fundraising Than Building Founders in Africa often report that raising capital can consume 6 to 12 months or more—sometimes longer than in mature markets. This extended cycle can drain energy and distract from execution. 6. Not All Capital Is “Smart Capital” In the rush to secure funding, many founders overlook the importance of aligned investors. Some investors may push for unrealistic growth timelines, unfamiliar with the slower adoption curves in many African markets. Others may lack the networks or insights to actually support your scale. 7. Storytelling Is as Critical as Metrics Yes, investors want traction. But in Africa, many early-stage startups operate in sectors where “hockey stick growth” isn’t immediate. The difference-maker is often the founder’s ability to tell a compelling, authentic story that connects market pain points with a credible vision for the future. 8. Grants and Development Funding Are a Double-Edged Sword Africa has no shortage of grant opportunities and impact-driven capital. While this can provide early runway, it can also skew incentives if founders build for grants rather than sustainable businesses. Smart founders use grants strategically—without letting them define their entire roadmap. 9. Raising Capital Is Just the Beginning Securing funding is not the finish line—it’s the starting point of a new set of challenges. Investors will expect rigorous reporting, governance structures, and accountability. The pressure to deliver quarterly numbers can be intense, especially in volatile markets. Grit & Growth | Raising Capital in Africa: It’s Not Just About the Money Raising capital in Africa is not just about money—it’s about navigating an intricate web of relationships, perceptions, and structural challenges. Founders who succeed often combine grit with storytelling, resilience with flexibility, and a long-term view with short-term adaptability. The best-kept secret? The process itself forces founders to become sharper, more resourceful, and more resilient leaders. And in Africa, that’s often the biggest competitive edge you can have.

Mastering the Art of Personal Branding in 2025

Your Glow-Up Guide to Career Growth & Digital Presence Let’s be real—personal branding in 2025 is not about having the perfect headshot and sprinkling motivational quotes on your feed. It’s about owning your story, showing up consistently, and making the internet say “That’s her!” Whether you’re building your career, starting a business, or becoming a thought leader, your personal brand is your digital handshake. And in a world where opportunities are one DM away, your brand can open doors before you even knock. 1. Know Your “Why” Like You Know Your Favorite Afrobeats Hook If you can’t answer “What do you want to be known for?” in one sentence, start there. 2. Your Digital Footprint is Your Resume Google yourself. What comes up? That’s your first impression. In 2025, recruiters, collaborators, and clients will stalk your LinkedIn, Instagram, or even TikTok. 3. Storytelling is the New Selling People connect with people, not robots. Your wins matter, but so do your struggles and growth moments. 4. Network Like You Mean It—Online & IRL Your brand grows faster when people talk about you in the rooms you’re not in. 5. Audit & Align Every 90 Days Trends move fast, and so should your brand. Every quarter, check: Final Thought: Your personal brand is an asset, not an accessory. Treat it with the same care you would a career-defining project. In 2025, the women who stand out are those who own their narrative, build authentic connections, and show up boldly—both online and in real life. Your move, Queen: What’s one thing you’ll do this week to level up your personal brand? Share it with the SLA community—we’re rooting for you. Learn more here

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