Women of Rubies, Author at Women of Rubies

In Inspiration February 3, 2020 By Women of Rubies

The Beautiful Woman With Beards -“I Decided To Keep My Beard.”

“I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look,” said 29year old Harnaan Kaur. She is a Motivational speaker, anti bullying activist and a model.

At age 12 she was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) condition. One of the symptoms of PCOS is hirsutism, an ability to grow excessive facial and body hair.

Harnaan suffered intense bully in school, and her parents tried helping by taking her to the beauty parlour for beard shaving and waxing. “I did that every other day because my hair grew so fast – and shaved in between. They waxed it until my skin burned, going over the same patch again because some hairs were hard to get out. Then they would thread the raw skin, then pluck it.”

All this did nothing to stop the bullying. “They called me everything under the sun, threatened me with knives and stabbed me with pens,” she says. By 15 she was skipping school, contemplating suicide, and self-harming. “I wanted to punish my body for looking this way. I wanted to hurt it.” One day, she emptied a bottle of pills into her hand. “It was my turning point,” she says simply. “I thought, ‘Fuck this shit!’ If the bullies are allowed to live, why shouldn’t I?”

In 2016, she was included in the world’s records as the youngest female with a full beard.

Despite it all, Kaur has decided to love her body the way it is. And that was a turning point.

In an interview with Rock N Roll Bride, Kaur reflects on her decision to keep her beard: “I decided to keep my beard and step forward against society’s expectations of what a woman should look like. Today I am not suicidal and I do not self harm. Today I am happy living as a young beautiful bearded woman. I have realised that this body is mine, I own it, I do not have any other body to live in so I may as well love it unconditionally.”

Kaur with her image in Rock n Roll Bride magazine. Photograph: Courtesy of Harnaam Kaur

Kaur uses her social media profiles to contribute to numerous body positive campaigns. She frequently posts content to promote awareness of body shaming, cyberbullying, and mental illness.

In Career Gems February 2, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Coronavirus: Abike Dabiri-Erewa has a Message for Nigerians living in China

In Career Gems February 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

6 Female State Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Hold Police Officers Accountable For Shootings

Six female Georgia lawmakers have taken historic action by filing a bill that requires all state and local law enforcement departments to create a ‘use of force’ database that is accessible by the public. The Use of Force Act (House Bill 636) was filed by State Representatives Renitta Shannon, Sandra Scott, Erica Thomas, Pam Stephenson, Park Cannon, and Bee Nguyen.

The Bill comes on the heels of a considerably large number of high profiled officer-involved shooting cases in Georgia. The names of the victims include Jimmy Atchison, Veltavious Griggs, JaMarion Robinson, Caine Rogers, DeAundre Phillips, Nicholas Thomas, Anthony Hill, Alexia Christian, Kevin Davis, and many others. The cases of Atchison and Griggs were both heavily featured on BET’s Copwatch America docuseries.

After the show premiered, former Atlanta police officer Sung Kim was forced to resign for the shooting of Jimmy Atchison. Witnesses say the father of two say was surrendering with his hands up when he was shot in the face. The FBI Task Force attempted to arrest Atchison for his alleged involvement in an armed robbery. The APD police report stated at the time of the Atchison’s murder that “a follow-up interview is needed with Brogan to check the discrepancies in the two stories.” A witness to the alleged armed robbery told police that Atchison didn’t rob anyone.

The proposed Georgia law would require law enforcement to take significant action in officer-involved incidents such as:

* Report every use of force incident in writing,

* Ensure that the incidents are entered and maintained in a database that can be accessed by the public,

* and detail any and all law enforcement officers that have been disciplined as a result of the use of force.

If the legislation passes, law enforcement agencies will be required to update the database with the information from the previous month.

Click here to read more.

Culled from BLACKNEWS

In Inspiration February 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

12 CHARMING VALENTINE DAY GIFTS IDEAS FOR HIM

Its the much acclaimed season of love again – Valentine!. No matter what your plans are going to be, getting your partner a gift is the really good way to spark your relationship up.

Hey ladies and mums especially, your man would love it, don’t wait, do this and he will know how you feel about him.

You lack ideas, well here are some really cool gifts to consider;

1. Wristwatch

No man is the same, but this is something 80% of them would love. They always need this, you only need to know his preferred collection, leather or not, and you’re good.

2. Wireless Earpods

This is quite out of the box, he will love your thoughtfulness. Men love it when a woman is updated. This is handy.

3. Shaving Set

This shows how caring you are to think this far. After all the kids get most of their needs like this met. And him, why not.

4. Sport or gym wear

This would always stick because even without your presence he will feel you close and when sweaty, the clothes will stick to his skin bringing your thoughts too.

5. Perfume

This brings gratitude, every man will appreciate any woman who wants them feeling great. Good perfume creates that aura. And they also have your memory with them wherever they go.

6. Socks

Yes, best bet he will love it. This is something simple and thoughtful.

7. Cufflinks

This is so relevant for his clothes like earrings are to us. He can never have too much of it.

7.Ties

This is a good idea for the cooperate husband. If he is into ties then he would be glad.

8. Video games

Not every man plays games though. But the passion and commitment most guys show to sports, video games will make them love you even more.

9. Shirts

This might be an obvious gift choice but all you have to do is buy the type he likes, and you’ll put a smile on his face.

10.Belts

Does he sag ? I guess not either he can’t have too many belts. Add to his collection.

11.Wallet

He uses this so much, so this is a great one. Not so many men change this often.

12.Books

If your man is a reader, then you’re doing the right thing for his thought pattern. Get one from the writer or genre he loves.

Have a deserving Valentine with the love of your life Queens!

In Inspiration February 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

26year Old Female Creates Kenya’s First Digital Car Insurance Company,

Jihan Abass is a 26-year old Kenyan Somali woman in a country that values neither women, Somalis nor youths. Her achievement, founding Kenya’s first digital car insurance company, is therefore that much more formidable. She excelled in an environment where women, Somalis and youths are actively stifled and their voices muffled.

Abass is the founder and CEO of Griffin Insurance. The company released its flagship mobile application on Friday. The app allows customers to buy their insurance policy in less than two minutes. Additionally, Griffin Insurance lets customers pay in instalments and pause coverage if they travel abroad and will process claims in a week rather than the industry standard of 30 days.

When people walk into their offices, they look for the boss, looking right past her. “They would be surprised to see that it was actually me,” Abass told Reuters.

In addition to Griffin Insurance, Abass and her team have another company called Lami that sells the same technology that Griffin Insurance uses so that other businesses can use it to create their own digital insurance products.

Click here to read more

In lifestyle February 1, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Padita Agu shares tips on Dealing with Depression | Watch

In Inspiration January 31, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Here Is The 10-year-old Without Hands Who Won Two National Handwriting Awards

10 year old Anaya Ellick was born without hands. But she wouldn’t allow her disability to determine her personality.

In 2018, she participated at the Zaner-Bloser National Handwriting Contest, under a special needs category and won the penmanship prize for her flawless cursive writing.

This company publishes research-based handwriting, reading, writing, spelling and vocabulary programs. Each year, they hosts a “National Handwriting Contest” for youths across the U.S.

Before winning this Contest, Ellick who doesn’t use prosthetics had stunned the nation when at the age of seven as a first grader, won the Nicholas Maxim Special Award for Excellence in Manuscript Penmanship.

She has been inspiring to all as two national honors winner for her astonishingly extraordinary writing skills. “Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Sara Cannaday, a third grade teacher said.

Ellick taught herself how to write by holding the pencil between her two lower arms and remaining at her desk area to get the ideal angle for her to write easily according to Steemit.

Her parents likewise uncovered that Ellick showed herself how to write, learned to tie her shoes, prepared herself for school and endeavored to do things herself even before requesting help.

“It wasn’t really hard,” she told WTKR. “I was happy and I thought my mom was joking when she said I won again.”

For winning the contest, the young princess gets $1,000 and a trophy, according to Zaner-Bloser’s website. Her school also won, as the company awarded it a gift certificate to be spent on print and digital resources for students and teachers.

“Anaya is a role model to everyone,” Sara Cannaday, a third grade teacher said.

Her parents are feel really good, mother Bianca said, “I’m proud because it encourages her… For her to see that hard work does pay off,” Middleton said.

“She’s really independent—from tying shoes, putting clothes, getting baths,” Gary Ellick, Anaya’s father said. “It was always like ‘I can do it’. So, that just carried on over the years.” Anaya might be considering venturing into sports she told WTKR.

Click here to read more.

In Interviews&profile January 31, 2020 By Women of Rubies

Rubygirls| “If I Become A Day President Of Nigeria, I’ll Legalise Abortion”- Edun Mueenat Eniola

Edun Mueenat Eniola, an indigene of Ogun state is a graduate of Sociology from the prestigious Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. She is a photographer. A counselor. A young adult educator on sexual and gender based violence and related topics. An advocate of gender equality and feminism.

Eniola is currently working on unveiling her skin care products soonest. She also has a project titled “Adolescent Hub” ongoing where she educates young persons in schools on how to prevent and report issues of sexual and gender based violence as well as equipping them with life skills.

*1.Let’s meet you. Who is Eniola?*

My name is Edun Mueenat Eniola.
I’m from Ogun state, Imo precisely.
I grew up in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
Am a graduate of Sociology, from the prestigious Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti.

*2. Who and what is your inspiration?*

My inspiration is to create a better world for girls and women through gender advocacy and empowerment, especially in this part of the world (Africa) where the level of inequality is on the high side.

*3. Your biggest fear*

I don’t think I have one. I’m often prepared for worse.

*4. What is that one accessory you can’t leave home without?*

My make up brush😁

*5. You are a versatile young woman and entrepreneur. You are a graduate of Sociology. An educator. A photographer. How do you juggle and balance all of these?*

It hasn’t been easy but as a lady that’s highly motivated and passionate to be successful, its imperative for me to strike a balance in everything I do. I do more of my photography job at my office (Gender mobile) where I work as a Human Right activist, Gender Advocate, Counselor and young adult educator on Sexual and Gender based violence and related topics.

I am currently working on unveiling my skin care products. Watch out for E. M. E cosmetics.

*6. Your best quote?*

Don’t let your background put your back on the ground.

*7. What is that one thing you’ll like to change about yourself?*

Maintaining bonds.

*8. Which city or country will you love to visit?*

Amsterdam or Paris

*9. You are a gender advocate and a feminist. What does feminism mean to you as a person? And what is your view on modern Nigeria feminism?*

Feminism simply means a movement for equality for both sex. Women folks deserve equal rights and opportunities as men. Nigeria religious practise, culture, archaic individual mindset and false doctrines has been a great challenge but regardless we are making progress in the movement to make the public learn and unlearn.

*10. If given the chance to be the President of Nigeria for a day, what will you change?*

(Smiles) This may sound weird. If I become a day president of Nigeria, I’ll legalise abortion. So many people had died of illegal abortion conducted by quack doctors. Legalising it will reduce the rate of illegal abortions conducted by quacks.

*11. As an advocate and educator. Any organization you belong to in furtherance of this and any related activity or campaign you have been involved in?*

Yes, I worked with Balm in Gilead Foundation for sustainable development (BIGIF) and as I said earlier I am currently working with Gender Mobile Initiative in Ekiti State where am priviledged to render my service to more audience. More also, I once facilitated a forum “Share and Learn” with Youth Rescue and Care Initiative (YORCI) where young adults are privileged to share their pain on rape, sexual molestation, gender inequality and more social issues.

Currently, I’m working on a project tagged “Adolescent Hub”, we educate in-school youths on how to prevent and report issues of sexual and gender based violence and as well equip them with life skills.

*12. Where do you see yourself/your brand in the next 5 years?*

With God by my side, I see myself to have done over 20 states project with a proposed outcome of a society where women will be given equal opportunities with men and working with relevant stakeholders in coming up with policies that will ensure abortion of rape and sexual molestation in our country.

*13. If you were given the opportunity to address a group of girls five years younger than you, what will be your advice to them?*

I’ll tell them to strive to build their capacities and equip themselves with necessary skills that will help them in nation building.

In Career Gems January 31, 2020 By Women of Rubies

FOUR BLACK TEENS RACIALLY PROFILED AND LOCKED INSIDE BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE

Source BLACKNEWS

A 16-year old girl and her 3 friends, who are all Black, were recently wrongfully detained and locked inside a beauty supply store in Virginia when the owner mistook them for shoplifters. Their parents believe the girls were racially profiled during the incident.

On Friday, the 4 girls went to Coco Beauty Supply in Chesapeake after eating at a nearby Subway restaurant. One of them bought a hairbrush from the store but when they tried to leave, they found out they were locked inside.

It turned out there was a recent shoplifting incident in the store and they put pictures of the real culprits in the area, including the Subway restaurant. Upon noticing the picture, a Subway employee called a security guard.

“Served the girls then security brought us a picture of the suspects, noticed one was sitting eating and alerted security and dialed 911,” the employee said in a statement.

The manager apparently locked the 4 girls inside the store until the police arrived. The girls were eventually released since police determined they were not involved in the robbery that happened in December.

Reubin Houston, the father of one of the teens, filed a police report claiming that his daughter and friends were racially profiled.

“I’m personally thinking everybody is going to be a suspect if you have braids and weave and you’re black. I mean, even the kids are suspects now. I guess mine was,” Houston told WAVY. “My daughter and her friends won’t ever forget about that.”

The manager has since apologized for mistaking the girls’ identities but claimed that it was the security guard’s instruction to lock the girls inside. The security guard, however, denied it but admitted to calling the police on the girls.

Moreover, the Chesapeake police department agreed that the girls shouldn’t have been locked in the store. They are looking into the possibility of abduction charges.

Source BLACKNEWS

In Career Gems January 30, 2020 By Women of Rubies

VANESSA BRYANT WRITES A HEARTFELT NOTE ABOUT KOBE AND GIANNA ON INSTAGRAM

For the first time after Kobe Bryant and daughter, Gianna Bryant‘s sudden death on Sunday, wife, Vanessa Bryant has spoken up on Instagram.

Earlier on Wednesday, she had changed her Instagram avatar to an image of her husband and Gianna on a basketball court, which was the first time the public heard from her since the accident that shocked sports fans, celebrities and politicians all over the world.

Vanessa also announced on the same post the creation of the MambaOnThree Fund to support other families affected by the tragedy.

She wrote:

My girls and I want to thank the millions of people who’ve shown support and love during this horrific time. Thank you for all the prayers. We definitely need them. We are completely devastated by the sudden loss of my adoring husband, Kobe — the amazing father of our children; and my beautiful, sweet Gianna — a loving, thoughtful, and wonderful daughter, and amazing sister to Natalia, Bianka, and Capri.
We are also devastated for the families who lost their loved ones on Sunday, and we share in their grief intimately.
There aren’t enough words to describe our pain right now. I take comfort in knowing that Kobe and Gigi both knew that they were so deeply loved. We were so incredibly blessed to have them in our lives. I wish they were here with us forever. They were our beautiful blessings taken from us too soon.
I’m not sure what our lives hold beyond today, and it’s impossible to imagine life without them. But we wake up each day, trying to keep pushing because Kobe, and our baby girl, Gigi, are shining on us to light the way. Our love for them is endless and that’s to say, immeasurable. I just wish I could hug them, kiss them and bless them. Have them here with us, forever.
Thank you for sharing your joy, your grief and your support with us. We ask that you grant us the respect and privacy we will need to navigate this new reality.
To honor our Team Mamba family, the Mamba Sports Foundation has set up the MambaOnThree Fund to help support the other families affected by this tragedy. To donate, please go to MambaOnThree.org.
To further Kobe and Gianna’s legacy in youth sports, please visit MambaSportsFoundation.org.
Thank you so much for lifting us up in your prayers, and for loving Kobe, Gigi, Natalia, Bianka, Capri and me.

Vanessa and Kobe were married for nearly 19 years at the time of his death. Kobe and Gianna click below to read via bellanaija:

Click below to read via bellanaija

Kobe and Gianna were killed on Sunday in a helicopter crash that killed seven others.

An Orange Coast College baseball coach, John Altobelli, his wife and their 13-year-old daughter, who played on a basketball team with Gianna were also involved in the crash.

Photo Credit: @vanessabryant

Women of Rubies