Features
Eye care among Ghanaian migrants in Finland
My focus today is on eye care and therapy among Ghanaian migrants in Finland, as I continue to move away from the subject of personalities or groups and their accomplishments within the Ghanaian community in Finland that I have been writing on.
Eye conditions are remarkably common in the world. Experts say that those who live long enough will experience at least one eye condition during their lifetime. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), globally, at least 1 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment that could have been prevented or has yet to be addressed.
In recent times, I have been thinking about eye problems among Ghanaian migrants in Finland about how they take care of their eyes and their general wellbeing. Health experts say that in the absence of timely detection, reduced or absent eyesight can have long-term personal and economic effects.
Finnish healthcare services
Finland has a very good healthcare delivery system and social services accessible to all residents in the country. Information about healthcare delivery services is provided for every citizen.
Many migrants, including those in the Ghanaian community, are aware of these opportunities and are expected to take advantage of such chances.
Experts say that vision impairment affects people of all ages, with the majority being over the age of 50. Cataracts and uncorrected refractive errors are estimated to be the leading causes of vision impairment; other causes for vision impairment cannot be ignored. Age-related degeneration, glaucoma, long-standing systemic conditions like diabetes causing diabetic retinopathy, infectious diseases of the eye and trauma to the eye are all key causes for vision impairment that need to be addressed.
When it comes to Ghanaian migrants, I have been asking myself what kind of challenges they may face in accessing health information and care services. Do they adhere to calls or requests/invitations to go for check-ups in order to detect health defects early enough to enhance a successful treatment?
Migrants’ vulnerability
Research has shown that migrants or minorities are vulnerable and they face challenges accessing information, including language barriers in Finland. There was potentially lower levels of awareness, perceptions of risk, and misconceptions not addressed in public health guidance and the national response.
Glaucoma is prevalent, and although the Finnish healthcare system covers the whole population and its services are mainly tax-financed, criticism have been levelled at unequal access to care and large variations in the distribution of healthcare services. Research indicates that migrants or people with a culturally and linguistically diverse background face challenges in accessing such information. The Finnish government and health authorities have been promoting digitalisation of personal health records and aspects of healthcare services, although older Russian migrants, for example, face barriers.
Enhancing inclusion
I think Ghanaian migrants in Finland should see the need to adhere to invitations by health personnel to undergo routine medical checks at points in time. I know Ghanaian migrants generally cooperate on such issues.
All the same, I think it is pertinent for migrant associations to help the health authorities and formally create awareness among their members and other migrants, especially in collaboration with some Finnish institutions, for the good of all.
This will no doubt enhance inclusion of migrants in Finnish society. As I wrote previously, the role of migrant associations acting as bridge-builders for the integration and inclusion of migrants through participation in the decision-making process and by acting as a representative voice is highly appreciated in Finland.
The social media outlets could be used as an important means for disseminating information and it could be a key medium through which migrant groups or associations and other institutions could educate people.
Thank you!
In recent years, the term “female rage” has gained significant traction, symbolising a collective shift in how women’s emotions are perceived and addressed.
This phenomenon is not merely a fleeting trend but a profound movement rooted in centuries of systemic injustices, personal betrayals, and societal expectations.
As women increasingly reclaim their anger, it is imperative to understand the multifaceted nature of female rage, its causes, and its implications for individuals and society at large.
The historical context of female anger
Historically, women’s emotions have been subject to dismissal, ridicule, and pathologisation. The term “hysteria,” originating from the Greek word for uterus, was used to describe women’s emotional states as irrational and uncontrollable.
This legacy of silencing and shaming has contributed to a culture where women’s anger is often suppressed or stigmatised.
However, with the rise of feminist movements, women are challenging these narratives, asserting their right to express anger and demand change.
The anatomy of female rage
Female rage is not a monolith; it is a complex and multifaceted emotion driven by various factors, including:
1. Societal expectations: The pressure to conform to traditional roles of passivity, politeness, and emotional labour.
2. Gender inequality and pay gaps: Frustration stemming from systemic discrimination in the workplace and beyond.
3. Sexual harassment and abuse: Trauma and anger resulting from pervasive violence and objectification.
4. Emotional labour and burnout: The unsustainable burden of managing emotions and responsibilities in personal and professional spheres.
5. Hormonal fluctuations: The impact of hormonal changes on emotional states, often overlooked or dismissed.
The power of anger: Reclaiming female rage
Far from being a destructive force, female rage can be a catalyst for change. When acknowledged and channelled constructively, anger can drive advocacy, policy reform, and resistance against inequality.
The #MeToo movement, women’s marches, and increased representation in politics are testaments to the power of collective female anger.
Addressing the Stigma: Towards a more inclusive dialogue
To fully harness the potential of female rage, society must address the stigma surrounding women’s anger. This involves:
1. Validation and recognition: Acknowledging women’s emotions as legitimate and worthy of attention.
2. Creating safe spaces: Providing platforms for women to express anger without fear of backlash.
3. Education and awareness: Challenging stereotypes and promoting understanding of women’s experiences.
4. Support systems: Offering resources and support for women dealing with trauma and systemic injustices.
Conclusion
The age of female rage is a moment of profound transformation, where women’s anger is no longer silenced but celebrated as a force for justice.
By understanding the roots of female rage and addressing the societal structures that fuel it, we can move towards a more equitable and compassionate world.
The journey is complex, but the destination-a society where women’s emotions are respected and their voices are heard is worth the struggle.
References:
[1] Chemudupati, P. (2022). _The Rage of Women: A Historical Perspective_.
[2] Traister, R. (2018). _Good and Mad:
By Robert Ekow Grimond-Thompson
Features
From panic to pass: how parents, teachers can help children beat BECE, WASSCE exam phobia- Part 1
Walk through any Junior High or Senior High compound in Ghana as BECE or WASSCE approaches and you will see it.
A bright girl suddenly quiet. A boy who led class debates now sleeping at his desk. A Form three student with stomach pains every Monday morning.
This is not laziness. This is academic stress. When left unaddressed, it hardens into exam phobia-overwhelming dread that pushes children into burnout, avoidance, and sometimes silence.
As a mental health professional who sits with these children and their parents at Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) in Adenta Oyarifa-Teiman, I see the pattern clearly.
Research confirms it. Putwain and Daly (2014) found that high test anxiety predicts lower grades independent of ability. Zeidner (1998) showed that chronic academic pressure raises cortisol, weakens memory recall, and increases school dropout risk. The brain under fear cannot retrieve what it studied.
Understanding the storm: What academic stress really looks like
Exam phobia is not just “being nervous.” It shows up as headaches before mocks, sudden anger when books are mentioned, night-time insomnia, or perfectionism that ends in blank scripts.
Some children over-study until 2 a.m. and forget everything by 9 a.m. Others avoid books completely, scrolling phones instead. Both are distress signals. Dr Kenneth Ginsburg, a paediatrician specialising in adolescent resilience, notes: “Stress is not the enemy; feeling alone with stress is.” Too many Ghanaian children feel alone with it.
The home front: How parents and couples become safe havens, not extra pressure
The first antidote is at home. Structure beats shouting. Set a predictable study slot-same time, same place, with water and a light snack. Then protect sleep like you protect school fees. A tired brain fails faster than an unprepared one. Use the “15-minute start rule”: “Just sit for 15 minutes. If you still can’t, we close and try after a walk.” Often, starting is the hardest part.
Couples must watch their language. “Don’t disgrace us” plants fear. Replace it with “We see your effort. What part feels hardest today?” Praise process, not only position: “You revised three topics and asked for help—that is maturity.” Research by Dweck (2006) confirms that process praise builds resilience while outcome praise increases anxiety.
For caregivers, check your own anxiety. Children borrow our nervous system. If BECE makes you panic, they will panic. One parent grounds—keeps meals, prayer, and bedtime steady. The other pivots—talks to teachers, adjusts timetables, arranges counselling. Both protect rest. An empty cup cannot pour calm.
Resources
– Counsellor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC): Award-winning Clinical Mental Health and Counselling Facility, accredited by the Ghana Psychology Council.
– School-Based Support: Speak to Guidance & Counselling units, or licensed school counsellors. E.g. Counsellor Blessing Offei – 0559850604 (School Counsellor).
– Contact CPAC for Parent Coaching/Counselling & Student Therapy: 055 985 0604 / 055 142 8486
