Figure it Out with Ruby

This year, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we stand united not just in celebration of womanhood, but in recognition of the broader role of women in shaping a more inclusive, equitable world. Our theme, “Vision for Inclusion,” is a clarion call to reflect on our collective journey, the strides we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the path that lies ahead.

Let us first ponder a profound question: Where would we be today if women had not spearheaded some of the most pivotal movements and protests in history? Imagine a world without the tenacity of women who fought for suffrage, for civil rights, and for equality in the workplace. Consider the absence of voices like those of Rosa Parks, whose simple act of defiance became a monumental symbol of the civil rights movement. Rosa’s refusal to give up her seat on that Montgomery bus wasn’t just about a seat; it was about claiming her rightful place in the fabric of society. Her courage reminds us that change often begins with the actions of one, not the crowd.

As I reflect on my personal journey, arriving in Canada some years ago and founding Women of Dignity International (WODI), I’m reminded of the challenges and triumphs that have marked our collective progress. Establishing WODI was not just about creating another organization; it was about building a platform where women’s voices could be amplified, where their struggles could be shared, and their achievements celebrated. It was about creating a space where women from diverse backgrounds could come together to advocate for change, support one another, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

I was confronted with a reality that was both challenging and illuminating. I encountered barriers, not just of language and culture, but of perception and opportunity. These challenges were not unique to me; they are faced by countless women who find themselves in new lands, striving to rebuild their lives and redefine their identities. For new migrants, there’s always the anxiety of speaking out and being heard. I have always believed that if we don’t rise to defend and protect new migrants, and create a pathway for them to thrive, who will? Unfortunately, we begin to lose the plot when women struggle to find their voices.

It was through these struggles that the vision for Women of Dignity International (WODI) was born—a vision fueled by the belief that every woman, regardless of her background, has the right to live with dignity, to have her voice heard, and to contribute to society. WODI became a beacon of hope, not only for immigrant women but for all women seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

However, just like many success stories in life, the road to inclusion is fraught with obstacles. Across the globe, women continue to grapple with issues of violence, discrimination, and inequality. The gender pay gap persists, undermining the economic independence and security of women. In many parts of the world, girls are still denied access to education, depriving them of the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. Women’s health and reproductive rights are still under threat, and domestic violence against women is still on the increase, limiting their autonomy over their bodies and lives.

These are not abstract problems; they are real, pressing issues that affect millions of women and girls every day. They remind us that our work is far from over and that the vision for inclusion requires relentless effort, unwavering commitment, and collective action.

Our vision for inclusion goes beyond mere representation and affirmative action. It’s also about influencing policy, about making sure that women’s perspectives are not just heard but are integral to the decision-making process starting from our communities. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our struggles and the power of our collective action. The breakthroughs we celebrate today, as women, are the result of relentless advocacy, of challenging the status quo, and of women daring to envision a different world. If we are pregnant with a burden, we will surely deliver the consequences of our passions.

So, how do we strategize for greater impact and participation in the socio-political discourse? The answer lies in education, in the indoctrination of young girls into positive activism in schools, and in readying them for relevance in innovative technological solutions.

Education is the cornerstone of empowerment for both old and young. By ensuring that girls have access to quality education, we equip them with the tools they need to challenge injustices, become leaders in their communities, and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. But education alone is not enough. We must also foster a culture of activism, encouraging young girls to engage with the issues that matter, to raise their voices, and to take action. This means creating safe spaces for dialogue, for questioning, and for critical thinking. Freedom is at the heart of admirable inclusive pursuit.

As we look to the future, we must also recognize the role of technology in shaping a more inclusive world. Women and girls must be at the forefront of technological innovation, not just as consumers but as creators, engineers, and leaders. By bridging the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), AI and encouraging women-led startups, we open up new pathways for participation, problem-solving, and progress.

As we draw our reflections to a close, let us carry forward the spirit of resilience and advocacy, echoing the powerful words of the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a relentless warrior for gender equality: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It should not be that women are the exception.” May this quote inspire us to persist in our efforts, ensuring that women are not only included but integral in shaping the future. Together, we stand, united in our quest for a world that celebrates, respects, and uplifts every woman. Thank you.

WODI WE MOVE…

 

 

 

As the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0 continues into its second day on April 7th, participants can anticipate another lineup of exceptional speakers poised to share their insights and experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the profiles of the speakers who will grace the virtual stage:

Tope Mark-Odigie: Empowering Financial Independence Through Real Estate

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Tope Mark-Odigie is a visionary leader, harnessing entrepreneurship to propel societal progress. With a firm conviction in real estate as a pathway to financial prosperity, she advocates for good governance to foster opportunities for Nigerians. As the CEO of REB360, Tope pioneers initiatives that empower individuals through real estate, while simultaneously leading WIRE Africa to champion women in the sector. Inspired by influential women such as her mother, Ibukun Awosika, and Oprah Winfrey, Tope endeavors to demystify financial management through initiatives like the “Game of Money” conference, empowering individuals to attain financial independence.

Katrice Bent: Championing Financial Empowerment Through Education

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Katrice Bent, founder of Katrice Justice, empowers individuals to take control of their finances through accessible education. Since its 2022 inception, her brand offers digital content, speaking engagements, and personalized guidance, facilitating financial freedom. Katrice’s journey began at 12, selling Avon products, and by 14, she owned a photography business. Recognized for her entrepreneurship in 2017, she received an award from the Jamaican Ottawa Community Association. With a strong online presence and commitment to excellence, Katrice continues to positively impact lives, driving toward a future of financial empowerment.

Fola Adegoke: Reshaping Cybersecurity Through Empowering Vision

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Fola Adegoke, Founder of Winfinite Consulting, is reshaping cybersecurity with her empowering vision. Her journey from Nigeria to Canada fuels her mission to prepare professionals for success in the industry. With a knack for problem-solving and a supportive upbringing, Fola is dedicated to bridging the skills gap. Winfinite Consulting offers hands-on training, leading to numerous success stories and award nominations. Despite challenges, Fola remains committed to staying updated and advocating for gender inclusion in cybersecurity. She’s enhancing efficiency at Winfinite with automation and a Learning Management System.

Dr. Kelechi Okoro: Driving Positive Change Through Health and Education Initiatives

Kelechi Okoro

Kelechi Okoro, an accomplished medical doctor and advocate for the SDGs, leads impactful initiatives focusing on health, education, and gender equality. As the convener of the “Pay Attention to Her (PATH)” project under Heal for Africa Initiative (HFAI), she addresses menstrual and reproductive health in underserved communities. PATH includes programs like “PATH Rural Woman,” empowering women with education and skills, and “PATH School Girl,” promoting menstrual hygiene and girl empowerment. Through these initiatives, Kelechi is driving positive change, fostering health, confidence, and empowerment in communities across Africa.

Damilola Ajibade: Amplifying Immigrant Stories and Entrepreneurial Success

Damilola Ajibade, originally from Nigeria, transitioned to Canada as a Permanent Resident, bringing her a wealth of experience as a Channel and Business Development Manager in the ICT industry. Recognizing a need to amplify immigrant stories in her new community, Damilola immersed herself in storytelling, culminating in creating “The Journey Amplified,” a television show spotlighting immigrant experiences on Rogers TV. Concurrently, she aids aspiring entrepreneurs in navigating essential business information, showcasing her commitment to fostering entrepreneurial success. Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch in 2023, Damilola’s accolade underscores her pivotal role as a supporter of immigrant communities and a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth.

As the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0 continues, participants can expect to glean invaluable insights and inspiration from these remarkable speakers. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this empowering event!

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3.0

Grab your ticket here

Welcome to a sneak peek into the upcoming Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp 3.0! We’re thrilled to present the third edition of this transformative event, scheduled to take place on April 6th and 7th, starting at 1pm EST each day. As a quarterly event, the BootCamp brings together an array of inspiring speakers and thought leaders to empower women in their media journey.

Meet the speakers;

Ruth Aliu: Empowering Entrepreneurs with Tech Expertise

mvbc speakers

Ruth Aliu, the visionary founder of Techity Consulting, will be delving into “Tech Strategies for Small Business Success: Website Maintenance, Support, Cybersecurity.” With her extensive experience in IT and entrepreneurship, Ruth will provide valuable insights into essential tech strategies tailored for small business success. Attendees can expect to gain practical knowledge on website maintenance, tech support, and cybersecurity to thrive in the digital landscape.

Chiddie Anyasodo: Powering Relationships with Visionary Coaching

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3

Chiddie Anyasodo, a professional Relationship Coach and Matchmaker, renowned for her creation of Power Couple Relationships through her luxury service, Chotayah, will be sharing her insights at the boot camp. With her background in engineering and a career in Fortune 500 companies, Chiddie brings a wealth of problem-solving skills and leadership to her entrepreneurial ventures. Her journey through failed relationships fuels her passion for helping others find fulfilling partnerships. Described as respectful and practical, Chiddie combines visionary thinking with practical experience in coaching and strategizing.

Erica Effah: Transforming Content Strategies with Data-Driven Expertise

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3

Erica Effah, a Toronto-based content marketing professional with over 7 years of experience in D2C and B2B tech spaces, will be one of the distinguished speakers. Her journey from digital creation to becoming a Content Marketing Strategist, propelling startups from seed to Series A funding, showcases her expertise. Erica’s data-driven approach prioritizes efficiency and business growth, making her insights invaluable for attendees seeking to optimize their content strategies.

Chekwube Uchea: Nurturing Career Aspirations in the Tech Industry

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3

Chekwube Uchea, Founder of CLUDIVE and GEMMA CLEANS, will be leading the session “Navigating Career Transitions: Strategies for Success.” Drawing from her own journey and expertise, Chekwube will share valuable strategies and tips for navigating career transitions with confidence. Whether attendees are seeking new opportunities or exploring new paths, Chekwube’s session will provide actionable insights to empower their career journey.

Nike Kay-Okunubi: Cultivating Growth Through Innovative Fashion

Media Visbility Bootcamp 3

Nike Kay-Okunubi, the Founder/Creative Director of NIKI KAY, introduces an African-inspired women’s clothing brand known for its unique style and exceptional quality. Originating in Nigeria in 2013 and later registered in Canada in 2020, NIKI KAY evolved into a Ready-to-Wear label upon its Canadian reformation. Nike’s proficiency in business development, marketing, and customer relations, coupled with her background in Business Management and Finance, has enabled her to achieve consistent growth in her business. Her expertise supports numerous small businesses in achieving growth through innovative financing solutions and strategic planning.

As we anticipate the Women of Rubies Media Visibility BootCamp, attendees can look forward to absorbing insights and inspiration from these remarkable speakers. This event promises to empower participants to elevate their visibility and impact in the media landscape. Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this exciting event!

Media Visibility Bootcamp 3

Grab your ticket here

In today’s competitive workplace landscape, salary negotiation plays a crucial role in ensuring fair compensation for women. Despite strides towards gender equality, women still face disparities in pay compared to their male counterparts. However, armed with the right strategies and confidence, women can effectively advocate for their worth and secure the compensation they deserve.

Research Market Rates and Know Your Worth

Before entering into salary negotiations, women need to research market rates for their position and industry. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary provide valuable insights into average salaries for specific roles and locations. Armed with this information, women can confidently assess their worth and negotiate from a position of knowledge and strength.

Highlight Achievements and Skills

During negotiations, women must highlight their achievements, skills, and contributions to the organization. Whether it’s exceeding sales targets, spearheading successful projects, or demonstrating leadership abilities, showcasing tangible accomplishments can strengthen their case for higher compensation. By articulating their value to the company, women can make a compelling argument for increased pay.

Practice Assertive Communication

Effective communication is key to successful salary negotiations. Women should practice assertive communication techniques, clearly articulating their expectations and advocating for their needs. This involves using confident body language, maintaining eye contact, and speaking with conviction. By expressing their value and confidence, women can command respect and garner attention during negotiations.

Negotiate Beyond Salary

While salary is a critical component of compensation, women should also consider negotiating other benefits and perks. This could include additional vacation days, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, or performance bonuses. By broadening the scope of negotiations, women can enhance their overall compensation package and improve work-life balance.

Overcoming Gender Bias and Stereotypes

Women need to be aware of and address potential gender bias and stereotypes during negotiations. Research shows that women are often penalized for assertive behavior, with labels such as “aggressive” or “bossy” being unfairly applied. By navigating negotiations with confidence and professionalism, women can challenge these stereotypes and assert their value without fear of backlash.

Conclusion: Empowering Women to Advocate for Fair Pay

Navigating salary negotiation can be intimidating, but with preparation, confidence, and assertive communication, women can secure fair compensation for their skills and contributions. By researching market rates, highlighting achievements, and negotiating beyond salary, women can assert their worth and pave the way for greater gender equality in the workplace. It’s time for women to take control of their financial futures and advocate for the pay they deserve.

Photo credit: Christana Morillo