African press review 12 February 2013

Teenage pregnancies in Liberia, Valentine's Day wardrobe tips and Gambia’s music scene are among the eclectic mix in today’s African papers.

1.7 million births every year are unintended, says Uganda’s New Vision. It features a study which shows that fifty six percent of the pregnancies in Uganda are unplanned, leading to a high birthrate, unsafe abortions and maternal injury and death,

According to the report, Uganda has the world's third fastest growing population (after Qatar and Zimbabwe), with at least three million pregnancies annually. The increase in pregnancies went from 2.2 million in 2008 to 3 million this year, says the article.

The paper quotes a doctor who says that one in three sexually active women in Uganda, both married and unmarried, want to avoid pregnancy but are not using a method of contraception.

The article also says that 50 per cent of the girls in Uganda have had sex by the age of 16, with the percentage shooting to 80 per cent when they reach the age of 19.

This epidemic of unintended pregnancy takes a "devastating toll on women, families and communities by leading to over 30,000 abortions annually,” concludes the paper.

Liberia is facing teenage pregnancy epidemic, says Liberia’s Analyst.

The paper features 2011 Nobel Laureate and women advocate Leymah R. Gbowee, who is alarmed that the rate of teenage pregnancy across Liberia continues to "climb astronomically".

According to her, the result of a recent study on the issue show that “most teenagers in the country are left with no other option but to marry a man old enough to be their father only because their families can not afford a square meal, let alone to send them to school.”

The women rights advocate urges her fellow compatriots to support girls' education, noting that young women face unpromising futures unless they have access to quality education.

Nigeria’s The Sun is giving some hot fashion tips to its female readers, ahead of Valentine’s day.

“Romance is in the air and red is the color of Valentine”, says the paper, but, it warns, finding the perfect shade for your skin color is “another kettle of fish”.

Finding your best version of red - be it pink, plum, brick or even tangerine will help you look empowered, vivacious and yes, totally sexy this Valentine’s Day.

If you want to know the secret to finding your personal version of a red dress, look no further. “We’ve picked out our swoon-worthy favorites that will surely turn his head.”, promises the article.

Here’s a short version of looks for our listeners: Short & sweet, Dazzling metallic, Soft as silk, Cute cut-outs, Lace thrill. And just in case you wanted to have some details here’s my pick of favorites.

“Short & sweet”: For a romantic night look, get something flirty in red, encourages the paper’s stylist. Like an ultra-cute red strapless dress with a sweetheart neckline, tulle-hemmed underskirt and a flattering padded bust . The vibrant ruby hue and elegant ribbon tie at the cinched waist is the selling point of this look.

“Dazzling metallic” If you want the wow factor then go on glittering. This will be your best option for a dance date.

And here’s my favourite: “Soft as silk” Drive him wild in this outfit especially when you turn up in a mono- strap red soft silk dress.

Carnival frenzy rocks Victoria. The Seychelles Nation proudly features the annual Carnaval International de Victoria.

It was indeed the ‘carnival of carnivals’, says the paper, describing the parade of “brightly-decorated floats” from Seychelles Police, University of Seychelles, Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority and groups from Brazil, China, Mauritius, Reunion and many others.Each float was given two minutes at each stopping point for performances, where dazzling displays of acrobatics, dances, songs and more, enthralled the onlookers, reports the paper. And to top the colourful description, the paper features a photo report.

Gambia’s Daily Observer’s entertainment section features a rising music sensation, Badibunka. Badibunka is known to many as the man from ‘Jamba Sang Sang’. He is indeed showing no sign of slowing down, notes the paper, as he recently released his much-anticipated new single, featuring Sandeng of the Humanity Starz. The new single entitled ‘Kanumousou’ is a Mandinka parlance meaning ‘Dearest Wife’ and represents one of most electrifying pieces of this young Badibou-born singer, says the critic.

“I was cooking and now I am ready to deliver it to the people”, the singer told the paper.