Lydia's Weekly Lifestyle blog is for today's African girl, so no subject is taboo. My purpose is to share things that may interest today's African girl.

This week's contributors: Lydia, Pépé Pépinière, Titi. This week's subjects: From Makola to the Boardroom: Accra Girl fashion Series, International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November, How much for an egg? and What is junk food

From Makola to the Boardroom: Accra Girl fashion Series. Corporate chic in Accra isn’t about where you shop — it’s about how you show up. From the Makola fabric stalls to the conference table, your look tells your story: creative, confident, and completely in control. The Accra corporate girl doesn’t just work; she serves looks while working. Whether you’re running between client meetings, braving Spintex traffic, or dodging that afternoon heat wave, your wardrobe deserves to slay as hard as your work ethic. The Accessories That Mean Business: Accessories are where the fun begins. Swap the heavy beads for gold hoops, simple pearls, or a chic wristwatch. A structured tote says I have things to do, while nude heels whisper I’m here to stay. Don’t underestimate a good pair of sunglasses for those pre-meeting walks from the car park — because even CEOs need shade. Heat-Proof but Chic: The Accra heat is no joke, but your style doesn’t have to melt with it. Choose breathable fabrics like cotton, chiffon, or lightweight linen. Stay cool in flowy midi dresses, wide-leg trousers, and sleeveless blouses that still look professional. Pro tip: Always have a compact powder and face mist in your bag — because glowing and sweating are two very different things. Friday Freedom: The Makola Comeback. Ah, Casual Friday — the unofficial fashion holiday of the corporate week! This is your moment to bring Ankara into the mix. A smart print dress, a pencil skirt with bold colors, or even an Ankara blazer gives “I know my culture and my career.” Pair with block heels, a bright lip, and your weekend smile. You made it through the week — you earned that slay. So the next time someone asks where you got your outfit, just smile and say, “A little Makola magic — and a lot of boss energy.”

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November. This UN day passed Ghana a bit quietly, as if we have no problems. But we do and very seriously. The United Nations has designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness around the world that women are subjected to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence; Especially this “other forms” is important as they are often not recognized, and for example the 2025 theme was “Digital violence is real violence”. Is this violence issue so serious? Some think so and in 2018 150 thousand participants marched against violence against women in Rome. Reports from UN Women and the World Health Organization reveal that approximately 736 million women worldwide have reported experiencing sexual violence or physical abuse. That's about 1 in 10. Added to all this was the Roses Revolution, an international movement against obstetric violence founded in Spain in 2011, where women protest against violence they have experienced during childbirth. What? And Ghana? Latest figures from domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) show about 31.9% of women being abused, but that is only those who had the courage to report, What to do about it? Don't accept it. Don't accept it at all. The very first time he slaps or beats you you walk out of the house and report, initially to family, and make a very big fuss about it. Or he will think that he can continue doing it and it will never stop. Second time you report him to Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU). Third time you walk out. You have no marriage anyway and don't want to live a life where you are in constant fear for another beating, that is no life. Or, but that takes a bit of an effort, go for self defense lessons. You'll be surprised how fast you'll learn to avoid his blows and how to kick him there where it hurts most. And now the roles have changed. A man who feels he has to beat his wife to win an argument is basically a weak man. Once you've given him a proper beating he'll be afraid of you forever. Matter closed.

How much for an egg? A sour Ghanaian joke is that a national survey showed that 65% of Ghanaians would leave Ghana for better pastures if given the chance, and that the other 35% still hasn't been asked. Life indeed seems better on the other side. But things are not that rosy. An egg in Europe costs about 3 GHC 10 pesewas, in Ghana that is only about half. Rent for a mini mini mini apartment is an easy 4500 GHS a month, living comfortably will cost you twice that. Europeans are seriously complaining about the cost of electricity and have difficulties keeping their houses warm in winter. And petrol goes for 20 GHS per liter upwards, depending on the country. Yes, you earn more but you spend more, and many end up running 2 jobs and sleeping many in a room, even sharing beds, you at night, me during the day. But when they come down they’ll not tell you all these things.

What is junk food. We've all heard about junk food, and that it is not good for you and that it makes you fat, but what exactly is it? What is wrong with beefburgers, candy, chips, cookies, fries, ice cream, pastries, pizza's, processed meats like bacon and hot dogs and sugary drinks like coke and malta? What exactly is junk food? Junk food is food that is high in calories, unhealthy fats, sugar, and salt, but low in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. While enjoyable, frequent consumption can lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease. Typically junk foods provide minimal nutritional value and are often heavily processed, and may contain artificial additives. But junk food can be okay sometimes when consumed in small amounts, as a treat. So, chew on that.

Lydia...

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