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In Career Gems January 22, 2024 By Women of Rubies

9 Women-Friendly Universities In Canada Fostering Inclusivity

Canada, known for its cultural diversity and commitment to equality, is home to universities that actively prioritize creating inclusive environments for women. These institutions go beyond offering quality education; they provide support systems, resources, and programs that empower women to thrive academically and personally. Here, we explore five women-friendly universities in Canada that stand out for their dedication to fostering an inclusive and empowering educational experience.

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto, consistently ranked among the top globally, stands out for its commitment to gender equity. With various women-focused organizations, mentorship programs, and gender-inclusive policies, U of T provides a supportive environment for women to excel in diverse fields of study.

Simon Fraser University (SFU)

SFU, located in British Columbia, is renowned for its focus on women’s success. The Women’s Centre at SFU serves as a hub for support, resources, and advocacy. The university actively promotes gender equality through initiatives, workshops, and events that address the unique challenges faced by women in academia.

Toronto Metropolitan University

TMU, situated in the heart of Toronto, is recognized for its commitment to creating a gender-inclusive campus. The Office of the Vice-President, Equity, and Community Inclusion oversees various programs aimed at supporting women, including mentorship opportunities, leadership development, and networking events.

McGill University

McGill, located in Montreal, fosters an environment that celebrates diversity and gender equality. The university’s Equity and Inclusion Office works to address issues related to gender, providing resources and support for women. McGill’s commitment to empowering women extends to research initiatives and educational programs.

University of British Columbia (UBC)

UBC, with campuses in Vancouver and Kelowna, actively promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion. The Centre for Women in the Academy and Professions at UBC offers resources, mentorship programs, and events to support the academic and professional success of women. The university also prioritizes research and initiatives focused on gender equality.

University of Alberta

Known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, the University of Alberta provides a supportive environment for women in academia. The Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science, and Technology (WISEST) program at U of A encourages the participation and success of women in STEM fields through mentorship and outreach activities.

University of Waterloo

With a strong emphasis on gender equity, the University of Waterloo offers various resources and programs to support women in their academic and professional journeys. The institution’s commitment to inclusivity is evident through initiatives such as the Women in Computer Science (WiCS) group and mentorship opportunities.

University of Calgary

The University of Calgary prioritizes creating an inclusive campus environment through initiatives that support women’s advancement. The Women’s Resource Centre at UCalgary provides a range of resources, workshops, and events to address gender-related issues and foster a sense of community.

Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University, located in Halifax, Nova Scotia, promotes a culture of diversity and inclusion. The university’s Belong Forum addresses issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of creating a welcoming environment for all. Dalhousie actively supports initiatives that empower women in academia and beyond.

Conclusion:

These universities in Canada exemplify a commitment to creating inclusive spaces where women can pursue their academic and professional goals without barriers. By providing support, resources, and programs tailored to the unique experiences of women, these institutions contribute to shaping a more equitable and empowering educational landscape in Canada.

In Career Gems January 23, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

8 Personal Finance Books By Black Female Authors You Need To Read In 2024

solape Akinpelu Stripped — black female authors

This book is widely celebrated for its actionable strategies that support African women in building and managing generational wealth. The book serves to answer the burning questions and allay the commonest fears that most African women have when it comes to managing their money and building wealth. It also establishes the need for a mindset reorientation with practical guides and steps to guide African women in trans-generational wealth-building.

3. Get Good with Money by Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche

This book covers investing, budgeting, debt repayment, and savings providing readers with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, create a budget, and understand their relationship with money through relatable stories and personal experiences.

4. The One Week Budget by Tiffany the Budgetnista Aliche

This book offers a step-by-step plan to help you create a comprehensive budget tailored to your financial goals and needs in just one week.

With a straightforward approach, Aliche outlines the five steps to budgeting success: tracking, cutting, automating, increasing, and protecting. She provides detailed guidance on tracking expenses, cutting costs, automating payments, increasing income, and protecting your finances. The One Week Budget also includes helpful budgeting resources, tips, and exercises to help you stay motivated and on track.

4. We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers

In We Should All Be Millionaires, Rachel Rodgers encourages her readers to pursue financial freedom by making the most of their current resources and taking ownership of their lives.

She argues that anyone can become a millionaire, no matter their financial situation, by taking control of their finances and using them to create a better future. Rodgers also outlines the steps to build a successful business, manage debt, and create wealth.

5. The Money Manual: A Practical Money Guide to Help You Succeed on Your Financial Journey By Tonya Rapley

This book is divided into three sections:
Building a Foundation: This section teaches the basics of financial literacy, including budgeting, saving, and planning.

Establishing Goals: This section focuses on creating and executing a plan to reach financial goals.

Taking Action: In the final section, you’ll learn how to make your financial goals a reality, including strategies for investing, debt management, and building wealth.

6. Financial Freedom for Black Women: A Girl’s Guide to Winning with Your Wealth, Career, Business, and Retiring Early —With Real Estate, Cryptocurrency, Side Hustles, Stock Market Investing, & More! by Brandie Brookes

This book addresses the unique challenges Black women face when trying to build wealth. It offers realistic advice on topics such as budgeting, investing, and building credit, as well as strategies for tackling debt and how to build generational wealth.

It also includes inspiring stories of successful Black women who have achieved financial freedom.

7. Clever Girl Finance: Ditch Debt, Save Money, and Build Wealth by Bola Sokunbi

This book is broken into three parts:

Money Mindset: Sokunbi discusses how to develop a positive relationship with money, including how to identify and change negative money thoughts and beliefs.

Get Control of Your Finances: This section focuses on money management, from budgeting and tracking expenses to setting financial goals and building an emergency fund.

Get Rich: This section covers strategies to grow wealth, such as investing, starting a side hustle, and building passive income streams.

Sokunbi also provides actionable advice, inspiring stories, and personal anecdotes to help her readers gain financial freedom.

8. Fearless Finances: A Timeless Guide to Building Wealth by Cassandra Cummings

This book covers budgeting, saving, investing, debt management, insurance, and retirement planning.

Cummings provides clear instructions and strategies to help you make smart financial decisions, overcome your fears around money, build a legacy of wealth, and achieve long-term financial security.

We hope these black female authors will inspire you to take your finances seriously this year.

Source: baucemag.com

In Inspiration January 23, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Nike Folagbade: 5 Things To Discover About Yourself Before Getting Married

Before you get married, read this. The journey of marriage is that which requires careful planning, deliberations and considerations on both partners. Both parties should be knowledgeable enough about what they are getting into before tying the knot. Before considering who you marry, there has to be a clear understanding of your life, journey and the kind of family you want to have. This would determine the team players like you and prepare you for marriage.ur spouse.

So here are 5 things to consider;

1. Value

In marriage, values are important because they determine your actions and reactions and it is important to consider your spouse’s values before marriage. Values are principles that determine how you live your life, what you do, the people you walk with, who you connect with and who you get engaged with. It is better that you know what your values are so that you do not end up dating people who do not share in your values.

Examples of values that can really create a friction in marriage are Integrity, Spirituality, Family and Hard work. If you are dating someone who is dishonest, lies a lot and does not keep to promises or who does not care about people, when you get married, you will find out that you both will feel disconnected in many ways leading to unmet or failed expectations and disappointments.

2. Personality Types

Your personality determines how you behave, your strength, your behavior and view towards life. Knowing your personality helps to master those areas that can easily hunt you down and master those strengths that are way makers for you.

To be able to do this, you need to know your temperaments. Your temperament is the way God wired you from birth. It’s the part of you that precedes any environmental factors.

We have four major ones which are:

Choleric

Sanguine

Phlegmatic

Find out which of these you are, discover how they work for you and also take feedback from people on how well you can be better while on your journey to self-mastery. So that when you get married, you can know how to manage yourself and also manage your partner’s behavior and personality too. Learning about personality types will help you manage your relationship with your partner. It will help you understand why they act in some ways.

3. Purpose

Everyone is born with a unique purpose in life but not everyone is able to recognize the significance of this life’s substance or acknowledge the purpose which can make life meaningful and fulfilling even before they find that special person to complement them. A life without a purpose to serve as compass for direction during the years you are single may develop many complex issues in the years to come both in your personal and married life.

Your purpose can only be found in God. One of the things you want to do is build self-awareness, understand yourself in God, discover your strength, understand your talents, your gifting and build a close walk with God so that you can see how all of these things fit into the plan he has for you before you were born.

One of the biggest reasons of this is that, many people experience a reawakening moment in marriage and discover that the person they married is not willing to support them in their purpose. To avoid this, get a glimpse of your future and walk with someone who can help you fly with it.

4. Your Walk With God

I’ve noticed that Spirituality or Faith for many people is at the core of their lives and they really want people who can share the same thing with them. So before you get married, it’s really good that you build a relationship with God so that you can really understand your life and build a strong anchor for yourself. So that when you get married, you do not seek for happiness and joy from your spouse. But you know that you have a true source that is deeper than that.

Having a consistent relationship with God prepares and gives you an advantage in your life’s choices; because you would not be kept in the dark about the vital things that matter to your life and as such help you make healthy choices.

5. Family Pattern

Discover the patterns that are operating in your family like anger, delays or late marriage.

What are those patterns in terms of behavior, lifestyle, circumstances or delays that you have noticed?

How can you wage against it?

Do you want to develop yourself; do you want to pray about it?

Do you want to become accountable?

Do you want to build structures around your life so that you can be a different person who does not end up in a marriage that repeats itself?

So with these five things, you can be able to build self-awareness around it and one of the ways you can build self-awareness is to read more books, take part in programs, have a mentor, seek support from other friends who have the same like mind goal and always take feedback from life.

Journaling is a good way to track your life experiences and patterns.

These are some of the things you can build your life with so that you can get married and be at peace with yourself and who you have chosen.

In what ways have you been preparing yourself towards marriage?

What will you start doing differently?

In Inspiration January 23, 2024 By Women of Rubies

The Five Types Of Imposter Syndrome And How To Combat Them

Throughout your working career, you’ve probably experienced imposter syndrome (also known as imposter phenomenon) a few times – and if so, you’re not alone.

According to a review article published in the International Journal of Behavioral Science, about 70% of people have experienced imposter-like feelings at some point in their lives, too. But did you know that there is more than one type of imposter syndrome?

Dr. Valerie Young, author of ‘The Secret Thoughts of Successful Women: Why Capable People Suffer From the Imposter Syndrome and How to Thrive in Spite of It’, listed them:

1. The Perfectionist
2. The Superwoman/man
3. The Natural Genius
4. The Soloist
5. The Expert

Each of these types has the area in which people tend to struggle, such as their career or life choices.

But why do these varying imposter syndrome types affect so many people on such a high scale?
There are actually a few possibilities. It might be due to a toxic work culture, feeling undervalued or disrespected, perceiving one’s work as below the limit, specific temperaments. Mental illness can also incite the feeling of imposter syndrome.

When someone generally feels low confidence, insecurity, and second-guesses themselves on a constant basis, how exactly do they know which type of imposter syndrome they have in the first place?

Journaling and speaking with a therapist can help an individual identify which form of imposter syndrome they are struggling with.

If you want to know more about which kind of imposter syndrome you have and how to combat these behaviors, keep scrolling.

1. The Perfectionist

The Perfectionist, the most well-known imposter syndrome type out of the bunch, tends to be fearful of being found out. They believe they should accomplish things perfectly all the time and tend to be known as ‘control freaks’ or micromanagers. They fear being questioned about their abilities.

But the truth is, whether others are questioning your abilities or not, you’re already doing that to yourself. One of the ways you can combat this is by listing or taking note of small accomplishments, and visualising successes.

2. The Superwoman

If you don’t consider yourself to be a Superwoman, then you most definitely have worked with one. They’re the ones who push themselves beyond their limits, and feel like they have to measure up against their colleagues. But how do you know if you have this imposter syndrome type or if you just really love working?

An expert says that if one’s work elicits feelings of contentment and comfort, and not frustration, or anger, then one simply loves working.
Those who do work just because they feel they must do it, and not because they want to might just have the ‘superwoman syndrome’.

So, if this sounds like you and you want to stop this cycle, you should make the decision to stop what you are doing.
An expert puts it this way, ‘you most definitely overwork yourself by thinking you have to be the first one in the office and the last one to leave because YOU must get all of this work done and it can only be done by YOU. Once you take a good long and hard look at the outcomes of what you are doing, you’ll realize that it is not healthy for you.’

After all, how you decide to treat yourself will impact how others, like your colleagues and boss, will treat you.
You might begin to get more assignments, and responsibilities while your colleagues do not get such. And while it can be great to be known as the one your boss can rely on, it can negatively affect your mental health by leading to burnout – or by making you feel like you’re not enough if your boss doesn’t consider you to be this person for them.

3. The Natural Genius

If you consider yourself to be a Natural Genius, you may have the tendency to beat yourself up if you don’t accomplish something perfectly on the first go. Not only do you tend to set the bar unrealistically high for yourself, like the Perfectionist, but when a mistake does occur, no matter how minor, you feel like a failure.

But just because you might have to work hard on something doesn’t mean you’re not good at it. If you’re beginning to feel defeated, list ways in which others have helped you over the years, and how different perspectives have helped you succeed.

This will prompt you to perceive asking for help as a positive, less threatening act, which will help you realize that learning and failing as you go is actually part of the process.

4. The Soloist

As a Soloist, you tend (and prefer) to do things on your own. Why delegate, when you can complete everything by yourself?
Unfortunately, the harm in this is that you believe that asking for help is a weakness that will set off alarms to others that you, are a fraud – when this is 100% not the case.

You can let go of this behaviour by learning to get out of your own way. List ways in which others have helped you over the years, and how different perspectives have helped you succeed, this prompts individuals to perceive asking for help as more positive and less threatening.’

However, this exercise will only work if you’re in a positive working environment. A negative working environment will only feed the negative narrative the Soloist says to themselves.
If you’re a Soloist, this thought process will just perpetuate your actions – which can harm you in the long run and lead to burnout.

5. The Expert

People with the Expert imposter syndrome type tend to measure their self-worth by ‘how much’ or ‘what’ they know. This is because the Expert believes they should know everything about a topic from top to bottom, and they tend to have a fear of being called out for not having the knowledge in the first place.

The harm with this type of imposter syndrome is that you can become a constant learner and hoarder of information, you can become paralyzed with knowledge and feel a false sense of safety gaining all of this knowledge and information to where you’re afraid to actually DO anything with it.

So how can Experts stop obsessing over trying to know everything and anything?
It is recommended that they compartmentalize their time spent working and reserve time each day to exercise and simply rest, instead.
This will help you put the focus on your mental and physical health rather than entirely on work.

Solape Akinpelu is Teaching Women How to Build Generational Wealth

How To Use Mindfulness Meditation To Reduce Stress And Anxiety

In Health January 23, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Navigating Women’s Healthcare In Canada: Promoting Health and Wellness

Are you ready to explore the fascinating world of women’s healthcare in Canada? Whether you’re a long-time resident or a newcomer to the country, navigating the healthcare system’s ins and outs can be exciting and daunting. But don’t worry, you’re in good hands. In this blog post, we’ll demystify everything you need to know about women’s health and wellness in Canada.

From understanding the unique needs of women to exploring the range of services available, we’ll delve into the strengths and areas for improvement of the healthcare system. So get ready to empower yourself with the knowledge to access and utilize the healthcare resources available for women effectively. Let’s dive in!

Understanding Women’s Health Needs in Canada

Women’s health in Canada encompasses a spectrum of needs, from reproductive health to mental well-being. It’s crucial to recognize that women’s health issues are not just biologically different from men’s but also influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. In Canada, a focus on Women’s wellness services ensures that healthcare is reactive and proactive, dealing with the prevention and early detection of diseases common in women.

Issues like breast and cervical cancer, osteoporosis, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect women, are a priority. Moreover, the recognition of the unique mental health challenges faced by women has led to more tailored services in this area. Understanding these diverse needs is the first step in ensuring accessible healthcare in Canada for women.

Basic Structure of the Canadian Healthcare System

The Canadian healthcare system is a complex yet well-integrated network of services that provide comprehensive care to all citizens, including Canadian women’s healthcare needs. Primarily funded by the government, healthcare in Canada ensures basic coverage for all, including access to hospitals, doctors, and certain medical tests and treatments. Each province and territory may have different specifics regarding additional services covered.

Women’s preventive care in Canada, including regular health screenings like mammograms and Pap tests, is generally covered under the public health system. However, certain aspects of women’s health, such as specific fertility treatments and some mental health services, might not be fully covered, necessitating a mix of public and private healthcare provisions. Understanding this structure helps navigate the system and access the right services at the right time

How the System Caters to Women’s Health: Services Covered and Those Not Covered

The Canadian healthcare system provides various services catering to women’s health. However, there are also notable gaps in coverage.

Services Typically Covered:

General Health Check-ups and Consultations: Regular medical appointments, including annual physicals, are fully covered.
Maternal Healthcare: This includes comprehensive prenatal check-ups, ultrasound scans, delivery (both normal and cesarean), and postnatal care.
Preventive Screenings: Screenings for breast and cervical cancer (mammograms and Pap smears) and osteoporosis (bone density tests) are routinely covered.
Basic Reproductive Health Services: Services like contraceptive advice, STI testing, and certain aspects of fertility treatments.
Hospital Services include all necessary in-hospital treatments like surgeries, emergency care, and inpatient medications.

Services Often Not Covered or PaSpecializedered:

Specialized Fertility Treatments: Procedures like IVF or ICSI are typically not fully covered, leading many to seek private healthcare or insurance.
Certain Mental Health Services: While basic counselling ispecializedered, specialized psychological or psychiatric services may require private insurance.
Cosmetic Procedures: Any non-essential procedure, such as cosmetic surgery, is not covered.
Dental and Vision Care: Most dental and vision care, including regular check-ups and corrective lenses, require additional private insurance.

Knowing the extent and limits of coverage helps women in Canada navigate their healthcare options more effectively.

Steps to Access Healthcare in Canada for Women

To ensure optimal healthcare outcomes, women in Canada should follow key steps when accessing healthcare services. Navigating these steps ensures women can access the full range of healthcare services.

Health Insurance Registration: Secure a provincial health insurance card to access public healthcare services. Each province has its registration process and criteria.
Finding a HealUtilizeProvider: Utilize provincial resources to find a family doctor. Health Care Connect helps match patients with local doctors in provinces like Ontario.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Schedule and attend regular check-ups for preventive care. These can include screenings for cancer, heart health assessments, and discussions about mental health.
Referral to specialized: For specialized care (like gynaecologists, endocrinologists, etc.), a referral from a family doctor is typically required.
Urgent Care Needs: Women can visit walk-in clinics or hospital emergency rooms for immediate medical attention.
Private Insurance Consideration: For services not covered by public healthcare, consider purchasing private health insurance for additional coverage.

Common Barriers Faced by Women in Accessing Healthcare in Canada

Women in Canada face several barriers to accessing healthcare, which can impact their health and wellness; addressing these barriers is critical for improving healthcare access and outcomes for all women in Canada.

Geographical Challenges: Women in remote or rural areas often have specializedess to specialized healthcare facilities and providers.
Wait Times for Services: There can be significant wait times for certain procedures and specialist appointments, impacting timely access to care.
Cultural and Language Differences: Non-native speakers and women from diverse cultural backgrounds may face difficulties in the healthcare system due to language barriers or cultural insensitivity.
Economic Constraints: Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds struggle with access to services that public healthcare doesn’t cover, like certain dental, vision, and mental health services.
Knowledge and Awareness: A lack of awareness about available health services and how to navigate the healthcare system can be a significant barrier.

Preventive Healthcare in Canada for Women

Preventive healthcare is key to maintaining long-term health and well-being for women in Canada:

Regular Screenings and Check-ups: This includes mammograms, Pap smears, bone density tests, and blood pressure checks.
Vaccinations: Staying up-to-date with vaccinations, including those specifically recommended for women at different life stages.
Health Education: Informative sessions on breast self-exams, nutritional guidance, and family planning.
Lifestyle Assessments: Regular assessments during doctor visits to discuss lifestyle factors affecting health, such as diet, exercise, and stress management.

Lifestyle and Wellness Tips Specific to Women’s Health

Adopting a healthy lifestyle is crucial for women’s long-term health:

Balanced Diet: Focus on nutrient-rich foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Regular Exercise: Incorporating cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
Stress Management: Techniques such as meditation, yoga, or mindfulness can be particularly beneficial.
Prioritizing Sleep: Prioritizing sleep and establishing a regular sleep routine.
Regular Health Screenings: Staying proactive about health by scheduling regular check-ups and screenings.

How to Advocate for Better Healthcare Services for Women

Advocating for improved healthcare services is vital:

Stay Informed: Understanding current healthcare policies and how they impact women.
Community Involvement: Participating in local health committees or advocacy groups.
Engage with Policymakers: Contacting local representatives to voice concerns and suggestions.
Support NGOs and Initiatives: Collaborate with organizations working towards better healthcare for women.
Educate and Empower: Share information and encourage women n to prioritise their healthcare needs.

Access to women’s healthcare in Canada is a complex issue that demands immediate action. Women’s health needs are unique and require special attention. Women in Canada must proactively seek medical services and participate in policy advocacy to ensure their health needs are met effectively. Education, awareness, and policy advocacy are crucial to ensure that healthcare in Canada evolves to meet the diverse needs of all women. It is high time that the healthcare system puts women’s health at the forefront and takes immediate action to address the existing gaps.

In Inspiration January 15, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Margaret Oguntala: Pioneering A New Era As the First Female President Of The Nigerian Society Of Engineers In 65 Years

Margaret Oguntala has shattered the glass ceiling, becoming the first woman to assume the presidency of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in its 65-year history. Her historic inauguration marks a significant milestone for gender inclusivity in the field of engineering, breaking a long-standing tradition. Oguntala’s ascendancy to this esteemed position signifies a positive step towards greater diversity and representation within the NSE.

The journey to this groundbreaking moment faced a legal challenge towards the end of 2023 when an interlocutory injunction raised questions about Oguntala’s assumption of office. However, the legal hurdle was overcome on December 18, 2023, when Justice Venchak Gaba of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Kuje, Abuja, set aside the court order, paving the way for Oguntala’s inauguration.

In her reflections on assuming office, Oguntala expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she received from association members, emphasizing her commitment to service with a clear purpose. She sees her presidency as a continuous journey, not a destination.

“The journey to this office for me has been fueled by a quest to serve with a clear purpose, inspired by the unwavering support I have enjoyed from members of the association and powered by the strong conviction that service is a continuous journey, not a destination,” remarked Oguntala.

Taking over from Tasiu Gidari-Wudil, Oguntala envisions the upcoming year as a testament to shared commitment to engineering excellence, devoid of biases or encumbrances. She calls on everyone to join hands in building formidable layers on the strong foundation laid before, signaling a new era for the NSE.

In an official statement, the NSE hailed Oguntala as a trailblazer, breaking the 65-year monopoly of male engineers as president of the prestigious association. Known as the ‘Erelu Worldwide’ and regarded as the mother of modern-day engineering in Nigeria by young engineers, Oguntala has captured the collective admiration of her peers.

A stalwart within the NSE, Oguntala’s journey with the association began in 1996, culminating in achieving the status of fellow in 2010. Her extensive service record includes chairing the Ikeja branch from 2010 to 2011, participating in the National Executive Committee in 2012 and 2013, serving as vice president from 2014 to 2016, and assuming the role of deputy president from 2021 onwards.

Margaret Oguntala’s rich history and commitment to the NSE position her as a transformative leader, poised to make lasting contributions to the engineering landscape in Nigeria. We send our heartfelt congratulations to her, celebrating this momentous achievement that breaks barriers and inspires future generations.

In Inspiration January 15, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Rinret Gofwan Dare: Honoring A Legacy Of Transformative Healing And Resilience

In the wake of Rinret Gofwan Dare’s passing, we stand in solemn remembrance of a remarkable soul whose life was a beacon of transformative healing and unwavering resilience. It is with heavy heart that we extend our deepest condolences to her friends, family, and all those who were touched by her profound influence.

Rinret was a cherished member of the Women of Rubies community. She was a distinguished speaker at our Media Visibility BootCamp in December, she leaves behind a legacy that transcends time. As a licensed trauma therapist, certified emotional intelligence coach, and specialist in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), her journey was an inspiring testament to the incredible power of personal and collective transformation.

A Personal Journey of Healing and Wholeness

Rinret’s story began as a survivor of trauma during her formative years, igniting a quest for healing and wholeness not just for herself but for others grappling with mental and emotional traumas. Her journey exemplifies the indomitable resilience of the human spirit and the ability to find light even in the darkest of times.

Expertise in Transformation

With extensive professional expertise, Rinret focused on advanced training for treating complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), addressing compassion fatigue, and assisting individuals in navigating the intersection of trauma and addiction. Her knowledge and skills played a pivotal role in helping numerous individuals reclaim control over their lives.

Diverse Educational Background

Rinret’s diverse educational background, including degrees in Communication, Psychology, Sociology, and a master’s degree in International Relations and Strategic Studies, provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of human behavior.

The Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation

As the foundation director at the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, Rinret spearheaded impactful projects, such as “Pad a Girl Africa,” addressing menstrual hygiene challenges in public schools. The foundation’s reach extended beyond Nigeria, offering support to women and girls in Kenya and Uganda.

The Healing Room Support Group

Initiating “The Healing Room Support Group,” Rinret created safe spaces in Abuja, Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos for women and men to heal from emotional and traumatic experiences.

Holistic Healing at PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub

As CEO of the PEKAAT Wellbeing Hub, Rinret collaborated with professionals to offer holistic healing therapies, including private therapy, group therapy, family therapy, dance therapy, art therapy, and more.

Legacy of Transformation

In conclusion, Rinret Gofwan’s journey stands as a profound testament to the transformative power of healing and resilience. Her tireless work, both professionally and through the Miriam Gofwan Women and Children Foundation, changed lives and instilled hope in those who have faced trauma.

May her soul rest in eternal peace. 🕊️

In Career Gems January 15, 2024 By Women of Rubies

Five Self-Help Books To Boost Your Career And Your Confidence

Self-help books can be a great resource when it comes to self-improvement and boosting your career. From improving your communication skills and building relationships with colleagues to nurturing your confidence and self-esteem, books can give us the tools and strategies to find success at work.

From new releases to bestsellers, here are some of the best reads about cultivating a healthy, fulfilling career in the modern workplace.

1. Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? by Dr Julie Smith (2022)

It’s no secret that our workplaces are unhealthy. Excessive workloads, stagnant pay, job insecurity, discrimination and toxic cultures and environments have had a serious impact on our mental health. According to a survey of 30,000 people by AXA UK and Centre of Economic and Business Research, more than a fifth (21%) of UK adults are in emotional distress, defined by the study as ‘struggling’.

Although self-help books are no replacement for professional support and treatment, having a practical guide can help – something clinical psychologist Dr Julie Smith provides in her latest book. It’s an easy-to-understand therapy toolkit designed to help readers understand and manage various mental health challenges from anxiety and depression to low motivation.

Read: 14 Jobs women can do from anywhere without experience

2. If You Could Live Anywhere by Melody Warnick (2022)

Until fairly recently, your job dictated where you lived. If you wanted to work in publishing, you lived in London. Launching an app meant living in San Francisco. But now, with more people choosing to work from home either full-time or part-time, where we live is less dependent on our jobs.

Almost half of working adults were working from home at times during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to ONS data, 24% of people worked from home part-time in May 2022 – and more than eight in 10 workers said they planned to do hybrid work in the future. However, the place you call home still matters and finding the right place is essential for your happiness. Melody Warnick looks at how to find the right location for you while doing the job you love.

3. How To Make Affirmations Work For You By Esther Ijewere (2023)

How To Make Affirmations Work For You helps you disrupt negative thinking habits and build a new route in your brain for positive thoughts. Eventually, positive thought patterns appear, and your good thoughts affect your actions. It could help you learn new skills, succeed at work, or improve relationships.

This book will get you inspired by tapping into that awesome feeling of empowerment and self-belief that affirmations can create. And you start projecting the energy to the world, and the confidence to yourself, that you are ready to achieve these goals. It also helps your self-esteem to naturally boost. It helps to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. They harness the mind’s power by directing your intentions toward your best self and your happiest.

Esther’s book helps you focus on affirming your self-worth by reflecting on your core values and helping give you a broader view of yourself. It is available in E-book and paperback.

4. Be A Triangle by Lilly Singh (2022)

Research suggests self-esteem is linked to positive work outcomes, such as job satisfaction and higher income. However, a lack of self-esteem and confidence at work is something many of us struggle with. According to one 2019 study, 79% of women and 62% of men regularly feel a lack of confidence on the job. Imposter syndrome, doubting your abilities and feeling like a fraud, is common.

Comedian Lilly Singh, the New York Times bestselling author of How to Be a Bawse, suggests that triangles are the ideal model for building self-esteem in this short book. Triangles have got a strong foundation and they are difficult to knock over – an ethos we should apply to ourselves.1,

5. Presence by Amy Cuddy (2015)

Even the most confident of us get anxious from time to time, whether it’s in a job interview or before a big presentation. Frustratingly, these jitters can stop us showcasing our skills and abilities – and can set us back when it comes to career progression.

Harvard Business School professor and social psychologist Amy Cuddy examines how to overcome anxiety in stressful situations with some helpful, practical tips. She looks at how the mind and body are connected and how body language and posture can be used to overcome nerves.

In self development January 17, 2024 By Esther Ijewere

Esther Ijewere: Whispers Of Grief

In the silent moments of the night, grief visited me, bringing a heaviness that words struggle to express. I decided to take a break from my usual routine, uninstalling some apps in hopes of finding a quiet space to process the recent losses.

After a week of what seemed like a needed break, I reached out to Yemi, an old friend. Our chat started with everyday things, like his app called GrabHub, where people in Canada can get discounted groceries. Little did I know that our talk would take a turn towards grief. I asked how he dealt with losing a loved one and he said ‘I just had to accept they were never coming back and live with that.’

Biola, a friend, also shared her experience with grief, telling me about her mom’s passing few years ago. In her heartfelt words, I felt a connection and an understanding of the pain that grief brings. She encouraged me to take my time and honor my emotions.

However, amid these supportive moments, a jarring message arrived from someone who didn’t understand the need for me to take a break. It made me realize that people have different ways of dealing with grief, and sometimes, it’s okay to step back and be alone.

From this experience, a few lessons emerged—lessons that I carry with me.

Firstly, everyone responds to grief differently. It’s like a song, and each person’s tune is unique. Understanding and empathy are crucial during such times.

Secondly, I learned the importance of setting boundaries, especially when emotions are raw. The incident with the insensitive message made me realize the need to protect my space during vulnerable moments.

Thirdly, I discovered the power of intentional solitude. Choosing to be alone can be a way to heal and rediscover oneself. This journey is teaching me that silence can be a friend in times of grief.

Additionally, as part of my coping mechanisms, I find solace in reading daily affirmations for grief, a practice I share on page 11 of my book, ‘How to Make Affirmations Work for You.‘

Currently, I am immersing myself in the wisdom of ‘What A Time to Be Alone’ by Chidera Eggerue, finding comfort and insights in the pages of these sources.

In the days ahead, I plan to explore Yemi’s app, GrabHub, finding comfort in simple things like looking at African food photos. It’s my way of coping with the pain and grounding myself.

As I navigate this silent season, I hope these lessons resonate with others facing grief. May we all find our unique paths to healing and honor the memories of those we’ve lost.

I dedicate this article to the memory of my late dad; Emmanuel Ijewere and friends; Rinret Gofwan and Uche Ugo. They all added color and light to my life in different ways, and their memories remain cherished.

With my late Dad, Emmanuel Ijewere, a few years ago

Rest In peace, Daddy…

In Career Gems January 15, 2024 By Women of Rubies

5 Essential Mindsets For Continuous Career Growth

I was a teacher, coach, and education administrator for 44 years – 10 years at the high school level and 34 at the collegiate level. I also organized and directed basketball camps and clinics throughout America and in four European countries.

I was privileged to work with a good number of people who excelled at work, which led them to successful careers.

Through the years, I observed 5 characteristics that I thought led all the successful people I encountered to excel in their work. Here are five mindsets to adopt to excel in work and your career.

1. Humility

The most successful people I worked with were humble from their first through their last day at work. I found that people who made it to the very top of their professions in business, education, law, or medicine were humble people. The willingness to admit that there is more to learn is the mark of an excellent leader.^[1]

Incongruously, people who were trying to excel in their work but had not reached the top were the arrogant, egotistical ones. This seemed to be a recurrent occurrence.

For its 75th anniversary, Fortune Magazine dedicated the entire publication to one concept – decision-making. They interviewed leaders from the business, military, education, and political worlds.

I thought the most insightful interview was with Jim Collins, author of Good to Great. His comment was that the most important decisions made in the last 25 years in American boardrooms, regardless of the business, all began with the leaders saying the same 3 words, “I don’t know.”

I have worked with leaders who knew. In fact, to say I worked “with” them is a misnomer. Nobody could work “with” them because they already had all the answers.

I also worked with leaders who, when tough decisions had to be made, called in their principal people. They were not afraid to say, “I don’t know how we should handle this issue, but let’s put our heads together and find the best solution.”

I found these humble leaders to be the most secure and strongest leaders I ever worked with.

John Wooden, the iconic UCLA basketball coach, summed up humility when he wrote:^[2]

Talent is God-given, be humble. Fame is man-given, be thankful. But conceit is self-given, be careful.

2. Caring

People who excel at work care about their fellow workers. Caring about people is one of the elements of Wellness-Centered Leadership, or leadership that is designed to empower and foster professional fulfillment.

3. Extra Mile

Successful people always do more than is expected of them.

When problems arise, people who excel at work do whatever it takes to resolve the issue. They do not have to be asked; they are always ready to go the extra mile.

My fellow coach and great friend, Jack Hermanski, worked with Special Education students. He was a “traveling” teacher who worked with students at ten schools in his district. Like many school districts, budgets were minimal in Jack’s district. Jack was committed to teaching his students and refused to let budgets impede his serving his kids.

Having to travel daily from school to school, Jack kept all his equipment in his truck. But there was something different about the equipment in Jack’s truck. He bought all of it!

Jack went the extra mile to provide his students with the best educational experience possible.

4. Listening

I am convinced the skill of listening can never be overemphasized. We have numerous classes in speaking in our college courses, but I believe a mandatory class in LISTENING within the general education requirements would be of more benefit to the students. Active listening imparts approachability, and it is a valued skill.^[4]

Rather than giving you my perspectives on listening, let me share the wisdom of some thought leaders on listening:

“One of the most sincere forms of respect is actually listening to what another has to say.” – Bryant H. McGill
“Listening is one of the loudest forms of kindness.” – Anonymous
“Most of the successful people I’ve known are the ones who do more listening than talking.” – Bernard Beruch
“Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” – Winston Churchill
“God gave us a mouth that closes and ears that don’t. That must tell us something.” – Anonymous
“Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” – Stephen Covey
“I remind myself every morning: Nothing I say this day will teach me anything. So, if I am going to learn, I must do it by listening.” – Larry King
“You cannot truly listen to anyone and do something else at the same time.” – Scott Peck
I never thought of this before. Have you? “The word listen has the same letters as silent.” – Alfred Brendel

People who excel at work have developed the skill of listening.

5. Consistency of Effort

I used to think that effort was the key to athletic success. I no longer believe this for athletics or any profession. I believe the difference between good and great in any endeavor is the consistency of effort.

No one has their “A” game every day, but the great ones develop the ability and the mindset to reach down and bring the best they have every day.

Good athletes can find their best effort periodically. Great athletes have mental toughness once they tie up their shoes for practice and walk onto the field or court to reach maximum effort immediately.

In his famous Pyramid of Success, John Wooden defines success in this way:

Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best of which you are capable.

Bottom Line

It is critically important to accept that there are no shortcuts to success. When you can consistently bring the best you have each day, you will know how to excel in your career and how to have a success future.

To excel at work: Be humble. Be caring. Go the extra mile. Be a listener. Be a life-long learner. Bring consistency of effort.

Source: Pat Sullivan