Empowering to Empower 2021

EMPOWERING TO EMPOWER 2021: YOUR CHOICE

By Dr Esther Oenga

Throughout Covid-19 pandemic, the word empowerment has been used more often than before. This was so because during the pandemic with social distancing and social isolation, many members in the communities, whether young or old became lonely than before. It became apparent that it was everybody’s responsibility to reach out in one way or another to their neighbours. Knowingly or unknowingly many men, women and young people have engaged in providing small and big services that have made a difference in people’s lives. One of the ways through which individuals have been empowered is through online services such as Zoom which Utulivu has used, and it has worked well for over 18 months. Utulivu knows and has experienced the importance of empowering others in order to empower. Utulivu Women’s Group has tirelessly on a week in and week out, run sessions on various topics to empower women, men and young people through ‘Let’s Talk’ empowering sessions on parenting, mental health, suicide, employability, parenting, ageing among others. Individuals and families have been empowered and they have gone ahead to empower others. In August 2021, Utulivu organised the annual conference and the theme was on “EMPOWERING TO EMPOWER”. One of the presentations given was based on the acronym EMPOWERING to reflect what Utulivu has done to empower as seen below:

E-Explore: During the let’s talk sessions, individuals were reminded to explore who they are and what they can Do. Many people were re-energised and ignited to find out what they would do in the community and many people have not remained the same because they have explored.

M-Motivate: In many sessions, many people were reminded that empowerment is about first being motivated and then motivating others. Once you are motivated, you always talk about positive things and encouraging other. Motivation is not an event but a daily practice of thinking and talking positive.

P-Potential: In the Zoom talk, many were reminded that empowerment is about unleashing their potential. Many who felt that they would not talk and share their lived experiences that would impact other positively. Now, they attend the sessions weekly and contribute because they have realised their huge potential. Have you realised your potential? Challenge yourself to use it. An example is that Covid-19 has been devastating on one hand, but it has created lots of opportunities. A simple advice FOCUS on the positivity rather the negative and you will create opportunities not only for yourself but for others.

W-Worth: Empowerment is about changing the mindset. Rather than focusing on worry, you realise of how worth everyone is. The pandemic reminded all of us that we are worth, valuable no matter the current status. Your yesterday can never define your tomorrow. You are important to your neighbours. Change your mindset and start impacting others. You will smile and your smile will impact another. That is empowerment.

E-Empower: Empowerment is about encouraging and empathising. Many who attended the sessions were empowered and they went to their communities and gave back in small and big ways. Standing in the GAP.

R-Recognise: Empowerment is about doing right without anybody seeing or asking. In other words, being a role model that many can emulate your actions. Fir actions speak louder than words.

N-Never give up: Covid-19 tested everyone, and many wanted to give up. Through the empowerment sessions, many realised that together we can SUCCEED. Everyone has a responsibility to make our communities better than yesterday. NEVER! NEVER! NEVER! GIVE UP.

G-Give: The empowerment sessions reminded many of us that, yes, the pandemic is challenging but we have a lot to give. Just give! Just Give and Just Give.

SUMMARY: Empowering to empower is a Daily business. It is a NOW business; it is Everyone’s Business. It is a Doable business. You have been empowered, just empower, and make this world a better place than yesterday. THAT IS THE POWER OF EMPOWERMENT.

COVID VACCINE MYTHS

By Neelaveni Padayachee and Varsha Bangalee

Despite this uptake, many people especially those of Caribbean/African heritage are still hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine. The circulation of misinformation about it poses the danger of hampering efforts to control the pandemic. In this article, we aim to dispel some of the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines. Social media plays a huge role in propagating myths and conspiracy theories. Before you share any information, you should ensure that it is from a scientific and reputable source.

Myth 1: The COVID-19 vaccine will affect a woman’s fertility

This myth was sparked when a social media post was shared in December 2020 by Dr Wolfgang Wodarg, a physician and former chief scientist for allergy and respiratory therapy at Pfizer, and Dr Michael Yeadon, a pulmonologist. They claimed that the spike protein on the coronavirus was the same as the spike protein that is responsible for the growth and attachment of the placenta during pregnancy. The fear was that, as a result of the vaccine, the immune system would not be able to differentiate between the two spike proteins and would attack the placental protein. This is untrue. The overall makeup of the placental protein is very different from the coronavirus spike protein. Additionally, during the Pfizer vaccine tests, 23 women volunteers became pregnant after taking the vaccine. Furthermore, the benefits of being vaccinated outweigh the risks of infection for pregnant women.

Myth 2: I’ve had COVID-19, so I don’t need a vaccine

Reinfection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can occur even in individuals who have previously contracted the virus. But receiving the vaccine can provide protection against severe COVID-19 complications. The level of protection that is achieved from natural immunity after being infected by the virus is unknown. But scientists believe that the vaccine provides better protection than natural infection.

Myth 3: COVID-19 vaccine side-effects are dangerous

Several studies have been conducted since the start of the pandemic that have measured people’s perceptions of vaccine issues. Most of the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are mild. They include low grade fever, sore arm and fatigue, and these usually subside after one to three days. Rare side effects such as blood clots have been reported from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The chances of experiencing this side effect are low. The risks of blood clots as a result of COVID-19 infection are 8-10 times higher than risks associated with the vaccine. Doctors are aware of this concern and are trained to identify and treat the condition quickly. A recent article by Healthline – a medically reviewed, and fact checked website – compared the benefits and risks of being vaccinated with those of contracting COVID-19. Lung damage is a complication of COVID-19 while muscle fatigue can be a side effect of the vaccine. This risk-benefit decision is left to the individual to make, but vaccinations have been proven to be safe.

Myth 4: Vaccines have a microchip that will track and control an individual

This conspiracy theory has been propagated by antivaxxers who believe that the American business magnate, investor and philanthropist Bill Gates will implant microchips to track people’s movement, using the vaccine as the method of delivery. This is untrue and has been clarified by Gates in the media. This myth gained traction when a video was shared on Facebook making false claims about the optional microchip on the syringe’s label of the COVID-19 vaccine. This microchip’s purpose is to confirm that the injectable and the vaccine are not counterfeit and haven’t expired. It will also confirm if the injection has been used. People commenting on the video appeared to have misinterpreted the technology as an injectable. But the microchip is part of the syringe label and not the injectable substance itself.

Myth 5: The COVID-19 vaccine development was rushed, so it may not be effective

The vaccine was developed very quickly. This was possible because the vaccine technology had been

in development for many years. When the genetic information of SARS-CoV-2 was identified, the process could begin quickly. There were sufficient resources to fund the research and social media made it easier to recruit participants for the clinical trials. Because SARS-CoV-2 is contagious, it was easy to tell whether the vaccine worked or not.

Myth 6: The COVID-19 vaccine can alter my DNA

The messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer) and the viral vector vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) cause your body to develop protection, so that when you are infected by SARS-CoV-2, your body is prepared to fight the virus. DNA is located in the nucleus of your cells and the vaccine material does not enter the nucleus. So, it does not alter the DNA.