Esther Ijewere is a multi-award-winning journalist, author, entrepreneur, activist, and brand Influencer. She is passionate about advocacy, media visibility, and counseling on issues centered around women, family values, mental and emotional well-being, and sharing inspiring stories.
She is also the founder of Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, an umbrella organization that covers several women and girl child-related projects including Walk Against Rape, Women of Rubies, Project Capable, and the College Acquaintance Rape Education outreach programme.
Women of Rubies
As a storyteller, she uses her Women of Rubies newspaper column and online platform to highlight the contributions of Nigerian-Canadian women. Esther’s stories often focus on the experiences of women, particularly those of Nigerian-Canadian women, and the unique challenges they face as immigrants in Canada. She has featured over one thousand women since the inception of the platform in 2015.
Author of two books
Esther Ijewere took her activism to another level by authoring her first book in 2013 book titled “Breaking the Silence” which is a guide to educating young women on the knowledge needed to survive sexual situations. The book also emphasizes that every woman is prone to being sexually assaulted at some point in her life and provides guidance on places to avoid and the existence of laws to protect against perpetrators.
The book has helped to create an avenue for people to come forward with their stories without fear of stigmatization and more than 50,000 copies have been donated, and it is endorsed by the Ministry of Women Affairs in Nigeria.
Esther’s book is available for order via book.estherijewere.com
Esther is also the host of #GettalkingwithEsther, a syndicated Youtube and Instagram live online talk show anchored by Esther aimed at helping people find their voice and communicate their thoughts through words, and promote positivity on social media.
Vital Voices
She is a Fellow with Vital Voices Global Leadership USA and has dedicated her life to counseling and advocacy in these areas. She has toured over 20 secondary schools to provide counsel and share messages of hope, and frequently participates in public dialogues, panels, and roundtables to share stories, experiences, and insights on a wide range of topics affecting women and girls.
Awards and recognition
Esther Ijewere is a young leader who has received numerous awards. She is the youngest recipient of The Idea Builders Women Mentoring Women Award, winning Mentee of the Year in 2010 and the “Women Enterprise Award” from Vital Voices International & Exxon Mobil.
In 2012, she received the award for “Best Use of Advocacy” from her alma mater, Olabisi Onabanjo University. In 2016, Esther won four awards for her platform Women of Rubies, including “Young Person of the Year” , “Wise Women in Media” “Social Entrepreneur of the Year” and “Social Innovation Awards” awards.
She was recently nominated for the Universal Women’s Network – Women of Inspiration awards in Canada.
Esther continues to be recognized for her advocacy and leadership in the field of women’s rights and empowerment.
Besides making history, Dr. Penelope Adinku has been shattering the glass ceiling that will shape the paradigms of young girls for generations.
In 2022, Dr. Penelope Adinku made history as the first-ever female cardiothoracic surgeon in Ghana. The young, gifted, and brilliant doctor continued to make history as she completed her first heart surgery successfully on a 6-Year-Old.
The amazing Doctor is yet in the news again, having been crowned as the 2022 Best Candidate in Cardiothoracic Surgery in West Africa. “Congratulations Dr. Penelope Adinku, Ghana’s first female Cardiothoracic Surgeon and a staff member of the National Cardiothoracic Centre, on being crowned the 2022 Best Candidate in Cardiothoracic Surgery in West Africa,” the official Korle Bu Teaching Hospital Twitter account wrote on their page.
This accomplishment paves the path for women in a quest to become cardiothoracic surgeons.
While challenges for women pursuing STEM programs could be daunting, Dr. Adinku has shown that it is possible.
“Dr. Penelope Adinku feels it has taken so long for Ghana to have its first female cardiothoracic surgeon because of the demanding nature of the specialty, which makes it difficult for women to balance work and family obligations,” Leading Ladies Africa wrote in their publication about the winner of the 2022 Best Candidate in Cardiothoracic Surgery in West Africa.
Adefunke Adewumi has been supporting indigent communities, providing shelter for homeless victims of domestic violence, and empowering widows and single mums across the nation through her non-governmental organization, Black Diamond Support Foundation (BDSF).
The inspiring women’s advocate recently set a new record with first of its kind all-female-owned real estate initiative, Queens Estate, under her UNMASKED-Her Truth platform.
Defunke’s passion for seeing both children and adults live to their full capabilities and for women to thrive birthed her UNMASKED – Her Truth event, which allows women to be free, and be themselves, without the fear of being judged or condemned.
The Alumni of the University of Ado-Ekiti and Master of Arts in International Relations and Strategic Studies from Benue State University is also the CEO of The Food Sense Shop, a business that sells a variety of African items across the world.
Defunke shares her inspiring story and her recent feat as a real estate investor, and how she is creating room for women to thrive in this interview with Esther Ijewere
Childhood Influence
My greatest inspirationwas gotten from my late mother, Eyesorun Adewumi, she was a selfless philanthropist who cared for children, before she passed on to glory, a lot of women acquired properties under her guidance. My mum denied herself the luxury of life just to support total strangers who all later became her adopted family.
I grew up seeing my mum, coordinate meetings with female indigenesin the palace premises bi-monthly for mentorship and to ensure that they achieve great feats independently for a more comfortable future. My mum was extremely protective of me. She was my rock and a great provider for us. My dad used to be busy due to his work, he was a strict man, loving too, and a provider for the house, but my mum molded me to become who I am, through the deeds I see her do, and her lifestyle.
Black Diamonds Support Foundation
Black Diamonds Support Foundation was established to sustain and continue the legacy my late mum stopped, however, she limited her philanthropy gestures to her local community, we took a step further by extending our arms of love across the nation to impact the lives of the less privileged, especially, women, children, and elderly people. The foundation is divided into the following active departments, namely:
WATARA: Walk and Talk Against Rape and Abuse Project 5000 kids: Feeding indigent 5000 children during the festive period, Medical Outreach in Slums/Shanties, Medical Interventions/Emergencies, Project Pick A child Project Pad a GirlChild/ Education Sensitization and Support for Teenage pregnant mums/babies
We started small and now to the glory of God, we are established in 10 states where we function actively, and we hope to reach more states to help less privileged homes.
The inspiration behind Queens Estate
The Queens Estate is a great achievement for us, and I am beyond excited that it’s the First All Female-Owned Estate in Africa. It started as a joke and as the goal-getter that I am, I couldn’t let it die a joke.
I am pleased to announce that our Queens Estate in Epe, Lagos, is finally a reality, and I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the 88 women who have taken the bold decision to be part of this dream and vision. You are all amazing, and I am honored to have you stand by my side.
I must give a special shoutout to Dr. Ibrahim Adekunle Israel, CEO of EverMark Homes and Properties, he has been our knight in shining armor, supporting the vision of the Queens Estate project greatly. He has been instrumental in all the necessary documentation processes to secure the properties. He stood with us through thick and thin, and we are eternally grateful.
Unmaskedhertruth Initiative
Unmaskedhertruth was born out of my desire to see fellow women flourish and realize our full potential as women of color, and I am bursting with pride as I reflect on how far we’ve come.
At “Unmaskedhertruth,” we are committed to providing a haven where every woman can share their stories without fear of judgment. We understand that women innately crave a place where they can unmask and reveal their true selves without bias, and we’re proud to be in that place.
We are a sisterhood movement that provides support to women across all spheres of life: physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, socially, and mentally. Our group is a haven of truth and passion, and we’re thrilled to have been changing lives since inception and challenging the status quo. Matricahy is as important as Patriarchy. We are women and we deserve the honor.
What and who inspires me to be better
The lifestyle of my late mother whom I grew up to know, giving and volunteering in her philanthropic causes inspires me. Children are also my greatest motivation, picking a homeless child inspires me, as seeing an indigent child doing well in school, seeing a sick indigent child being well.
Hoping that all children have equal access to quality education, free health care, and total well-being for them to achieve their potential without any hindrances.
Why I support vulnerable persons with food
Growing up with a mother whose whole life is about feeding every mouth that is needed, it’s inborn.
Nigeria has been ranked 103 out of 121 countries in the 2022 Global Hunger Index, a position that signifies the nation “has a level of hunger that is serious”. My goal is to ensure they and others get the lifesaving support they need.
With support from individuals and a few corporate donors through the Black Diamonds Support Foundation, we create sustainable means of nutrition by establishing and supporting families with raw food within our selected communities. We reach the majority in a front-line model in the following methods: School feeding, Community-based nutrition interventions, Skills acquisition, and Job placement for beneficiaries
My greatest reward
My greatest reward is Genuine Smiles, seeing people smile from the bottom of their hearts is my most priceless gift. I do not do what I do for personal, social, or material gains.
Challenges of being a business owner
As the CEO of an NGO, our forefront vision is making our world a much better place by helping to fight injustice, poverty, hunger, man’s inhumanity to man, environmental abuses, global health challenges, gender-based violence, and many more. To achieve all these and more, we need grants, and sourcing funds from donor organizations had been difficult.
Lack of funds: running a foundation doesn’t lie in accomplishing projects alone. After the success of a certain project, we would want to maintain contact with our beneficiaries and make sure that there is continuous progress. Apart from that, the foundation would also want to be able to help more individuals and communities depending on their needs. To do so, we need to constantly acquire funds. In some cases, NGOs become complacent and simply wait for donations or previous supporters to contact them.
Although Black Diamonds Support Foundation has been funded by myself, friends, and very few corporate organizations occasionally. Not having enough funds not only poses difficulties in accomplishing projects but also puts NGOs in difficult positions there are also many operational costs.
Lack of networking: NGOs working together to reach their goals will provide more efficient results from my perspective. However, a lot of NGOs also see it as a form of competition, and some see it as a means to hijack and sole acclamation of glory for personal interests.
As a Realtor, it is no doubt that shelter is one of the most basic human needs in life. It is in truth very essential. The shelter is universally regarded as the second most significant human need, after food of course. Having a good house to return to after the day’s work brings absolute comfort. There are a lot of challenges such as :
The Land Use Act: A lot of realtors do not take this factor seriously.
Lack of infrastructure: basic amenities such as good roads, drainage systems, etc.
Documentation process: The process of documentation and property registration takes too long.
High Cost of Building Materials: the high cost of building materials and how it affects property development cannot be overstated. Most building materials are imported leading to their high cost.
Shortcomings of Mortgage Institutions: there is a limited number of mortgage institutions in Nigeria compared to the rate overseas.
And so many more, though we are getting better by the year compared to a decade ago we can do better.
Queens Estate In 5 years
I hope that by then, my initiative would have provided affordable residential estates to over 5000 women across Nigeria states and globally.
Nigerian women are breaking boundaries in Canada, and they are inspiring other women to do the same. Monisola Bukola is one of the most sought-after business owners in Canada.
She is the founder and CEO of fast-growing Sugartowndesserts, a cakes and desserts catering brand that provides custom cakes, desserts & chocolate-covered treats for all occasions and celebrations.
The brand has since grown in leaps and bounds. Sugartowndesserts is known for its unique tastes, colorful designs, and Customer-centric offerings which stand them out from the pack.
Monisola has a BSc in Statistics from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ogun State, Nigeria. Her statistical knowledge helps her to better understand her customers, optimize her production process, improve her product quality, and increase profitability. She is revered for her commitment to excellence, eye for detail, and innovative ideas.
In 2023, she was named one of the “Top 22 Inspiring Women to Watch ” by Women of Rubies. She has also been invited to speak at various conferences and events about her experiences as an entrepreneur.
The inspiring damsel faced numerous challenges when starting her business, however, she persisted and was able to overcome these difficulties through hard work and willpower. This diligent damsel draws inspiration from everything around her. From movies to clothes, shoes, pictures, and lots more.
Monisola’s ultimate dream is to grow Sugartowndesserts, own her own bakery/dessert bar, and establish it as a leading cake & desserts catering brand across Canada. She is also looking to explore new business opportunities and give back to women who desire to impact society.
Childhood Influence
I grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. Business was a daily conversation in my family. While growing up I learned patience, resilience & relationship building which has prepared me for my entrepreneurial journey.
Inspiration behind Sugartowndesserts
I have a history of entrepreneurs in my family, which has been a major influence I must say. I also have an entrepreneurial spirit and a very strong desire to succeed.
The journey so far
The journey to starting a business can be rough and interesting, I mean the thought of being my boss is enough motivation for me to keep it going. Honestly, there have been ups and downs, struggles and failures, losses and gains, it’s all worthwhile I must say.
The pastry industry in Canada
It is a thriving industry with prospects. I have seen and met other bakers who are doing amazingly well because we are in a society where the system helps entrepreneurs to thrive.
My future goals for Sugartowndesserts
I am looking to have my bakery where I can serve cakes and desserts, a one-stop place for everything pastries where customers get value for their money and refer my business to others.
Accessing funds & balancing business and family life. As a career woman, I try to balance every area of my life and ensure everything runs smoothly. I am also blessed to have a supportive partner who understands the challenges of my business, and steps in to help at all times.
Managing my role as a mom, wife, and business owner
I set daily goals and I don’t forget self-care. I have set a boundary between workspace & family time that works for me.
To young Canadian women who want to go into my line of business
Dream big, never stop improving yourself, be teachable, and never give up. The sky is comprehensive for everyone to fly. Soar and keep pushing.
Nuggets on how to build a successful business in Canada
If you want to be successful, surround yourself with business owners in your field and have a clear purpose for your unique selling point
The Honorable Jean Augustine became the first Black woman in a federal Cabinet as well as the first African Canadian woman appointed to Parliament. She was appointed Chair of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Secretary of State, and went on a victorious campaign for legislation to acknowledge of Black History Month in Canada in February 2002.
She was re-elected to the new Cabinet as Minister of State in 2003. Also, she was elected Assistant Deputy Chair of Committees, ranking her as the first Black woman to be the Speaker’s Chair in the House of Commons in 2004.
Honorable Jean Augustine
2. Zanana Akande
In 1990, Zanana became the first woman of color to be appointed as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, and the first woman from the African Diaspora to serve as a cabinet minister in Canada. Zanana Akande channeled her energy on community schemes like the Chair of Black Legal Action, a non-profit in Toronto, after leaving politics.
Zanana Akande | Image- Lawrence Kerr Photography
3. Angela James
Angela helped Canada win gold at four Women’s World Championships and was known as one of the top players in women’s hockey. In 2000, she quit her skates but embarked on coaching and later became second Black athlete to be enlisted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2010.
Angela James
4. Emily Mills
Emily Mills dedicate her life to connecting Black Canadian women. In 2010, Mills launched her network ‘How She Hustles,’ a platform for black women to connect online and via organized events. She founded HERstory, a creative digital series turned CBC documentary starting over 150 women of color that attracted the attention of the prime minister and were awarded by the CBC’s President.
Emily Mills | Image – Julia Park Photography
5. Dr. Wanda Thomas
In 2016, Dr. Wanda became the first Black Nova Scotian to be elected to the Senate. She is the first Black Canadian to have an academic term, emerging fill professor at Dalhousie University with a research centered on diversity and oppression. Dr. Wanda is the President and founding member of the Association of Black Social Workers. In 2005 she was given the Order of Canada and in 2014 the Order of Nova Scotia.
Dr. Wanda Thomas
6. Portia White
Portia White became the first black Canadian singer to acquire International recognition at age 30. Despite the severe racism and inequality treatment she became the first Canadian to perform at New York City’s prestigious Town Hall in 1944 and thrived in the classical music space, a genre with a little number of Black people. Portia embarked on a world tour where she sang for Prince Philip and Queen Elizabeth.
Several scholarships were awarded to her name like the ‘Portia White Prize, awarded by the Nova Scotia Arts Council to an exceptional Nova Scotian in the arts.
Late Portia White
7. Dr. Afua Cooper
Dr. Afua is an Associate Professor at Dalhousie University, with research centered and expertise in African Canadian Studies. Dr. Afua is acknowledged as a leading authority on the Black Diasporic experience in Canada. She created exhibitions on Black slavery and history. Between the 2018-2020 , she performed as Poet Laureate of the Halifax Regional Municipality. She has a local connection, as the SFU Ruth Wynn Woodward Endowed Chair, between 2008-2009.
Afua Cooper
8. Kathleen Kay Livingstone
Kathleen Kay Livingstone made a life commitment to empowering and networking with women of color. In the 1940s Kay moved, from being one of Canada’s top Black actresses to emerging as a famous broadcaster, community organizer, and humanitarian. Kay put in the effort to see Black students obtain scholarships in the 1950s and after relocating to Toronto from Ontario, London she became part of a social network of Black middle-class women enjoying their best life but soon discovered a better purpose for the club so she changed the name to Canadian Negro Women’s Association for educating black youths and working for the welfare of the minorities.
Kathleen Kay Livingstone
9. Mary Ann Shadd
Mary founded a racially integrated school and opened Provincial Freeman in 1853, an anti-slavery newspaper that highlighted the stories of leading Black people in Canada to promote settlement. She is the first Black woman to land a law degree in 1893 and the first woman to release a newspaper.
Mary Ann Shadd
10. Viola Desmond
Viola is a pacesetter and beautician to young Black women. She is popularly known for declining to sit in the appointed Color section of a Nova Scotia movie theatre in 1946. Viola was charged with extorting the government for the one-cent difference in tax between the two tickets and was arrested. She disputed this charge but her conviction stood until 2010 when she was finally exonerated.
Viola Desmond
11. Rosemary Brown
Rosemary was a notable politician, social activist, and educator, who fought for gender and racial equality. Rosemary launched the British Columbia Association for the Advancement of Colored People in 1956, to assist people to obtain access to employment, housing, and legislation resources. She was the first Black woman appointed to political office in Canada in 1972.
After a few years, she advocated under ‘Brown is Beautiful’ and campaigned to be the leader of the NDP, winning second place. She was recognized as a recipient of a YWCA award in 1989.
Rosemary Brown, a feminist and NDP member of the British Columbia legislature, was keynote speaker at the opening of the first national conference of Women of Political Action in Toronto June 16, 1973. She said women elected in the past contributed little to the struggle for the liberation of women. (CP PHOTO/John Goddard)
12. Violet King
Violet King as a young girl had the dream of becoming a criminal lawyer which came with gender and racial opposition in the 1940s. In 1948, She enrolled in the University of Alberta and became the only Black female student in her class. When Violet graduated, she became the first Black person to graduate from law school and to be called to the bar in Alberta. With that accomplishment, she became the first Black female lawyer in Canadian history; Her dream came true.
Violet King
Violet utilized her influence as a lawyer to fight for the less privileged, immigrants, and workplace rights for women. She worked for the Department of Immigration and Citizenship in Ottawa before proceeding to New York. She is the first woman named to a senior executive position with the YMCA.
Kechi Okwuchi is a Nigerian-bornTexas based plane crash and burn survivor,a singer/songwriter, an author, an inspirational and TEDx keynote speaker and bullying prevention advocate. Kechi found her true voice after her accident — a plane crash that took the lives of 107 of 109 passengers in Nigeria in 2005.
Journey To Survival
Though the journey was difficult, a third degree burns over 65% of her body and arrived at the hospital with a 30% chance of survival, She spent four months in the ICU and then three more months at the hospital in what she calls her “patchwork era” because “they were just patching me together and keeping me alive,” and was sustained by her faith, family and music.
Early Days
She resumed high school in 2009 and then went on to University, where graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2015 with a Bachelor’s in Economics . She began to sing and perform at her church, at burn and trauma fundraisers, galas and at family events, sharing what she loved with those she wanted to inspire.
America’s Got talent
In Season 12 of the America Got Talent, she shared her story of surviving a plane crash that killed 107 out of 109 passengers, that music was an escape for her as she recovered from her injuries. Kechi sang “ThinkingOutLoud” by Ed Sheeran, earning four “yes” votes, she made it to the Finals.
Kechi Okwuchi | Image: Instagram page
Becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent was Kechi’s dream realized and on June 10th, 2018, she released her first single, “Don’t You Dare,” on all music platforms. She has since become a traveling artist, inspirational speaker and burn survivor advocate for multiple burn survivor organizations, including Shriners Burns Hospitals.
In 2019, she became a finalist on America’s Got Talent: The Champions through Simon Cowell’s “golden buzzer.” Kechi has now chosen to forge ahead on a path that allows her to explore both business and artistic opportunities.
Since then, she has become an active ambassador for multiple organizations such as WEMovement, Be Strong Global and the United Nations Foundation #TOGETHERBAND project, advocating for various global causes such as youth empowerment, bullying prevention advocacy, and sustainable living.
Kechi released her summer single ‘All the Time’ on May 2021, and a powerful duet ‘All My Love’ with The Texas Tenors. She is signed with Baker Publishing Group for the publication of her memoir titled ‘MoreThanMyScars’ in Spring, 2022. She hopes to use her voice and her story to ignite hope and courage all over the world within those that need it.
Ejiro Osakede is a woman of many expressions. She’s a Singer, Trainer, Author, Sound Engineer, VoiceOver Artist, Master Storyteller, Podcaster and Event Host. She is the resident MC at the Female Founders Initiative MEA.
Everyone has talent. What’s rare is the courage to follow it to the places where it leads. There are people who multi-talented in different skills and thrive in all, Ejiro Osakede has succeeded everywhere she has taken her gift.
She is an audiobooks creator for African authors, with works from notable authors. The multi-award recipient is also known as the Energetic EJ. She is dedicated to training and supporting audiobook creators, narrators and podcasters by creating content and courses that help them thrive in their craft. As well as provide support via a closed community.
She is the convener of THE BECOMING SUMMIT- an initiative to awaken in the young generation (Ages 18 -35) a desire to BE a better version of themselves, being fit for their purpose and has reached Africa, Europe and Asia, spanning several countries across these continents.
Her Podcast, ‘Stretch Street’ focuses on documenting the stretch stories of individuals who have been through tough times and have come out of it as better people. In this interview with Esther Ijewere, she shares her inspiring story.
Childhood Influence
Consider me a womb opening for my parents. They had me after trying for a child for over a decade and so you can imagine the dramatic entry I made into the world. I was told they celebrated for like a week, starting from the hospital to the whole village.
My Dad was a sailor at the time and he worked with colleagues of other nationalities, they were all aware of the long wait and when I came along he was still away on his trip. So, when he returned, it was a whole week of partying and celebrating the arrival of his first child after waiting for so long and going through all manners of ridicule.
I was also told that I was a very bold and confident child and so I became popular as a toddler. You see why I said the spotlight is attracted to me. And that has been the case always. Whether I try or not, I always get noticed in any setting I show up.
In this regard, my childhood prepared me for what I am doing today. God has been faithful in placing me amongst leaders, visionaries and purpose driven individuals and communities.
Inspiration behind BECOMING SUMMIT
As an African Youth, there is a tendency to shortchange ourselves and discount us even before opportunities arrive. Especially for those of us from very humble backgrounds. And to make matters worse, for young people who didn’t have the right set of people around them to help them see that although their environment seems to be stifling, they can curate for themselves an enabling environment by the type of content they consume and the type of people they connect with online.
Ejiro Osakede, Podcaster and Storyteller
Being a Storyteller, Podcaster, Sound Engineer, Voice-Over Artist and Singer
I will start from singing. I started singing when I was a kid. I was part of the junior choir and then moved on to the senior choir. Then I became a worship leader back then. And since then, I pretty much grew in that regard as a church girl.
Then in 2000 after dropping out of school for lack of funds to pay my final year fee. I stepped into the entertainment industry as a backup singer. So, I became a back up singer both on stage and in the studio.
I had the opportunity to work with musicians from back then like Imona and the crusaders band, Mr. Kool, Ochonma, Tony-one-week, Dabyna and Jahcub Abraham to mention a few.
While that was going on, I also started to train as a field sound engineer. I learned how to build speakers, microphones and set up the stage for mega concerts. On days when I am not with the band backing up on stage, I will be on the stage manning the console and dealing with cables and equipment.
In 2005, I wrote a song and upon reflection while I wrote it, I realized that I wasn’t sure my life was in the exact direction I wanted it to be. I knew I would be in the spotlight, but I wanted my story to be inspiring and I felt if I continued at the pace I was at the time as a showgirl, I might miss my way.
So, I decided to withdraw from the entertainment industry to go figure my life out. Then I decided to go back to school. I wanted so badly to go take an acting course at PEFTI. But I was advised against it. And I was encouraged to take up a Course that could get me a secured job. So, I settled for Secretarial Studies.
Once I was done with my OND I knew this wasn’t the course for me, so I refused to go further with my HND to go out and explore my options.
That was when I took the OAP course with The ProEmcees Academy founded by Kamal Salau, a veteran in the broadcast industry back then. This was where I started to get more interested in the use of my voice. And it was also during this short course that I fell in love with audiobooks.
Ejiro osakede
One of the materials that was presented during this course was THE BIBLE EXPERIENCE. And this project got me hooked so badly I told myself I wanted to replicate it for African Authors. And that became my main project for the next couple of years.
Working with African Authors to convert their books into audio. Years down the line, I figured I must be getting something wrong and maybe I should go back to school to gain more knowledge. So, I went back to get a degree in audio engineering at SAE Dubai.
The storytelling is a result of being a podcaster as my podcast covers the stories of my guests. I started podcasting officially in 2019. It started with a faith-based podcast named Worship Song of the Week which lasted a year.
Then I started The Afrocentrist Podcast towards the end of 2020 and rebranded late 2022 into Stretch Street Podcast where the goal is to document the stretch stories of individuals to draw out life lessons from their challenging experiences while aggregating references for young people of African descent that challenges are not exclusive to any of us.
They are there to teach us and to make the most of them we must learn to identify the lessons that these challenges came to teach us and also document them so that others can learn from our mistakes or success.
The Journey So Far
My journey so far has been a learning curve. I am getting to know myself better as well as improving in the way that I show up. It’s not been an easy ride but its been a great one so far. I have had to explore the multiple phases of my skills, talents and strengths. Mostly through service to others and as a solo-prenuer.
I have also taken up a lot of courses to develop various aspect of my expressions. Majority of which took place between 2022 and now. Before then I had an OND in Sec Admin, I trained as an OAP, I took Conflict resolution masterclasses. I also took a couple of short courses in Public speaking both back home in Nigeria and abroad in Dubai UAE.
Challlenges
I’d say the major challenge for me was internal. I had a lot of limiting mindsets. And it’s taken a lot of work to get to where I am today. I am still a work in progress. This is why I take personal development very dear to my heart.
My Passion For Creating Audiobooks for African Authors
I believe that as Africans we haven’t done a great job in telling our stories or documenting our lives from the place of strength like one of my mentors Onye Ubanatu would say. At the time when I picked up this niche, I couldn’t even articulate it this much. I just knew that I wanted to help African Authors leave a digital footprint in the audiobook space.
I wanted a situation where our books will be in audio format and not stop there, but also in our local dialects to preserve our heritage.
One time I was researching the languages in Nigeria, and I discovered that some languages from the northern part of the country have gone extinct and more will go extinct in the next 20 to 30years. Leaning into audio content is one way that we can preserve our languages for generations to come. And the gift of the internet and cloud storage can be leveraged to make this happen.
Ejiro osakede receiving an award
I can’t say that I have succeeded in birthing this idea but I don’t cease to talk about it, because as much as I don’t feel I’ve done justice to it, I know that there are people out there who bare the same burden as me, and least I can do is keep talking about it so that they can also know that they are not alone in their thoughts. And perhaps some day we can have a couple of young Africans come together to do something about it and maybe build a solution collaboratively.
Other Projects and Activities
Since I couldn’t pull off the audiobook project to mainstream, I felt I had a chance to take it in bite size and start with podcasting. So, I’ve been an advocate for young Africans to use their voice for impact, influence and income. They can do this by following their convictions and sharing their messages using podcasts as a tool.
Hence I run a challenge where I train, guide and support newbie podcasters how to set up their podcast not just because it’s in vogue, but to plug it into what they feel convinced is their purpose and use this tool to grow their impact and influence while earning an income through it as well.
I have had about 50 people go through this program in the last one year and counting.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
As an audio content producer; Podcasts, audiobooks, voice overs, I love editing, I love experiencing the minds of those that I get to work with. I also get to learn while I am working, that means for me, work is growth. And there is nothing as blessed as having to do what you love and getting paid for it.
Women Who Inspire Ejiro Osakede and Why
Edirin Edewor – She is my coach, turned friend and sister. If resilience was a person then it is Edirin Edewor. She’s intelligent, gentle and has a big heart for people. She’s like a gift that keeps giving. And her story gets me up my feet every time I think about what she has to go through with her health condition and still be able to make such significant impact. Honestly I respect her strength, commitment, resilience, and intelligence.
Debola Deji-Kurunmi – a.k.a DDK. DDK showed me the power of multi influential flows. The fact that as humans and especially as women, we have the capacity to flow in more than one direction and there is nothing wrong about it. We only need to embrace our potential and set up systems in place to manage our multiple flows. And she does it so seamlessly making me understand the power of a team, the power of people, the power of intentionality and maximizing the relationships in our lives.
What We Can Do To Support Women With Different Skill Sets
It is not uncommon to see women with various skill set, yet when it comes to the market place its a struggle for many of us. Naturally we are comfortable and familiar with the concept of wearing many hats as a woman. Mother, sister, friend, sister-in-law, daughter, daughter-in-law, Aunt and colleague.
However, when it comes to our skills, it feels so wrong and scattered sometimes when we are skilled in different areas. So I think we should talk more about it and have programs that will help us manage our skills better.
One Thing I wish To Change In My Sector
I will speak to this from an African perspective. If there is one thing I could change it will be the silo mentality. As a people we would do more, grow faster, make more impact if we learn to collaborate effectively. If we learn to bring our resources, skills and aligned visions together to form a bigger vision that will outlive us.
Being a Woman of Rubies
I am consistently evolving. I am big on personal development and inspiring others with my life. I have the interest of the people I serve at heart. I am winning against the battle of comparison daily and embracing my uniqueness with confidence and charisma. This makes me a woman of Rubies.
TRACIE (Tracking Racism and Collecting Information in Education) is an innovative tool to support Black students facing racist bullying.
TRACIE is the brainchild of advocate and media professional True Daley and the soft launch is part of the Black To The Future event being held in Toronto on February 14th, 21st and 26th, featuring influencers LaToya Jane and Michael Carlon. The TRACIE Team is a grassroots organization which has received funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation with support from charitable organization the Delta Family Resource Centre to develop the one-stop, user-friendly method for Black children, youth and their families.
True believes the app will curb racism, bullying and injustice in the education sector and states the official launch will be in the fall of 2024
True’s Career Path
True Daley’s creative career began in the late 80’s ( then known as Royal T) as one of Montreal’s first female emcee which evolved to include spoken word, soul and folk music. The award-winning artist is also an actor, filmmaker and journalist.
Her contribution to the Canadian music scene has been captured in the anthology We Still Here : Hip Hop North of the 49th Parallel by Charity Marsh and Mark V. Campbell published in 2020.
True’s work has been featured in ByBlacks.com and CBC Parents. She has worked with youth in conflict with the law in Rexdale and the Jane and Finch neighborhoods for over a decade. She is an award-winning creative in film, music and technology.
True Daley | Image: Ahisu The Photographer
She is also a strong advocate for mental health awareness in the Black Community and a strong believer in holistic practices that are accessible and affordable for our most vulnerable communities.
Her Momentum
True became a household name in Toronto’s Urban Music scene in the 90s, recognized as the golden era of Hip-Hop.
She has appeared at Manifesto, NXNE, Toronto Urban Music Festival, Honey Jam, When Sisters Speak, The Urban Music Awards, MuchMusic, CBC, HBO and the Reelworld Film Festival.
The Honey Jam alumni’s first single “Comin In’ was featured on Universal Music Canada’s first all-female compilation “Honey Drops”. The single and video garnered UMAC (Urban Music Association of Canada) and VideoFact Awards among others. She then released an EP on her indie label Jahmecca Recordings entitled ‘Stranger Than Fiction” and her single” Pain and Confusion “was featured on the CHRY’s compilation “Message In A Bottle”.
True | Image: Susan Armstrong
She relocated to Taiwan, the Republic of China between 2004-2008 where she worked in music, media and theatre. She was featured in the Taipei Times and the China Post for her tribute to Miriam Makeba while performing for the President.
As a news anchor for the country’s only English radio station, she interviewed the late Bishop Desmond Tutu. As the frontwoman of hip-hop group Jahmecca Soundcrew she opened for Missy Elliott at the Taipei World Trade Centre.
She has also taken her talents of writing from the stage to the page and has been a senior writer for music and lifestyle publications for over 20 years including Peace!, Sway, The Toronto Star, ByBlacks.com, CBC Parents and more.
True Daley | Image: Kween Media
As an actor, True was able to hone her theatre skills with B Current under the creative direction of founder ahdri zhina mandiela and stage director Weyni Mengesha.
She is an ACTRA member who has appeared in independent films such as The Shift by Wandering Eye Productions and has also performed original spoken word on the first African-American drama series Soul Food.
True is also a community worker and arts educator. As the co-founder of the landmark D.I.V.A. (Diversity in Visual and Audio Arts) Program she provided media literacy and arts programing to BIPOC youth in high-needs communities between 2008-2011. The program was run in partnership with the City of Toronto’s Parks and Recreation Department.
True Daley as a Multi-talented Creative
This multi-disciplinary artist has recently delved into storytelling behind the camera as an emerging director and screenwriter. Her first short, Love Underground was selected for the 2016 Toronto Urban Film Festival, which screened on subway platforms throughout the city reaching over 1 million daily commuters.
2020 proved to be a breakout year for True. She was one of 8 emerging screenwriters chosen by BIPOC TV & Film to participate in a TV Comedy Writing workshop with creator, actor and playwright Ins Choi of the ground-breaking CBC sitcom – Kim’s Convenience. Later that year BIPOC TV & Film also selected True for their Kids TV Bootcamp.
True Daley | Image: Susan Armstrong
She was also shortlisted for the CBC Creative Relief Fund as a first-time documentary filmmaker. Her treatment for BOSSLADYSK8 stood out amongst 9000 submissions.
Joyce is an enthusiastic Tech leader who is passionate and committed to closing the gender gap for women of color in technology. She is a Technical Program Manager Lead at Microsoft with over 7 years + of experience in ecommerce sectors.
She is also the Co-Founder of the Black Woman Paving Ways, a platform that aims at closing the digital divide and increasing the percentage of women in STEM, through building initiatives to help women upskill for the future and Matching newbies to their dream Mentors across different Fortune 500 companies.
She founded BWPW with her grad school friend Lola Quadri who is also in the tech sector.
Black Woman Paving Ways was created in November 2020 and since then, they have helped 4,000+ women find their unique paths in technology, gain skills for the future, get matched to technical experts and gotten their dream jobs.
With the major layoffs in the tech space., the goal of her company for this year is not only to bring women into technology but also to make sure they are uniquely skilled and indispensable on their roles.
To ensure that, and commemorate the Black history month, BWPW will be holding a free 2-weeks Data Analytics hands on training for women transitioning into tech, those in non-tech roles and those who own their business but not exactly sure how to make sense of their data. The training is open to both male and female.
In this interview with Esther Ijewere, Joyce shares her inspiring story and how her company is determined to support women transition into different parts of the tech industry.
Childhood Influence
I remember growing up being the only girl in a family of 6 (including my parents). With my dad been a mechanical engineer working in oil and gas, all he knew and wanted, was for all his kids to be either Engineers, Medical Doctor, or a huge disappointment.
I did not grow up having the opportunity to choose what I really wanted, my dad and Late Grand Pa (who was also an Engineering Professor) choose for me to become a Psychiatric Doctor hence I have a BSc in Psychology.
I remember my dad, saying when he was in school, in an Engineering class of 50 students, they only had about 10 girls and by final year they were left with only 2 girls with the others dropping out to less technical courses. As a result, he constantly coached my brothers and I exactly same way, to be always bold, never be afraid of been the only one and never to stop pushing even when its hard. My Parents never saw my Gender as a blocker to success, so I never saw it as a problem.
I have come this far in my career and rapidly growing, is because of some great traits (Grit, Confidence and Curiosity for Knowledge) I got from my Parents and Brothers. Who would have known that I will continuously be the only Girl or Black Girl in the room?
Inspiration Behind Black Woman Paving Way
Women are one of the most innovative creatures ever but been the only Woman of color constantly in the room was confusing to me, so I decided to really understand why and how that can change, instead of constantly complaining?
Based on my research, I realized there is a huge gender gap because of some key issues: Lack of Technical skill for the future, awareness, representation, and support on all levels. So, in 2020 during Covid, I started sharing knowledge on LinkedIn, IG, Clubhouse and had some technology series on a friends YouTube Channel- “how to break into the technology” with some technical trainings.
I also mentored women for free but got overwhelming after a while and knew I couldn’t scale doing this alone so I partnered with my Grad school friends who were also passionate about increasing the percentage of women in the space. That’s how BWPW was born!
The Journey So Far
I must say it’s been nothing short of amazing but also very tasking, time and personal funds consuming but refreshing, because we have been able to train, mentor, and help over 4,000+ women transition into different paths of technology across the globe. But we are still barely scratching the surface with over 3 billion women in the world, we have a lot more to do and planned for 2023, watch the space.
My Role As A Technical Program Manager Lead At Microsoft And How My Work Experiences In Jumia And Amazon Prepared Me For This Role
As a TPM, I Lead the analytics and process automation initiative for Hyperscale Network Connectivity in Azure, my strong analytical skills and PM experience across the 2 eCommerce giants has uniquely set me apart for my current role in Cloud Networking.
Challenges In My Line Of Work
I think my challenges are similar to a lot of other women in this space, but I can say the major challenge for me as a young woman of color and an Immigrant with an accent leading technical Projects in a room filled with white male mostly twice my age, I constantly have to prove myself, which I personally do not have a problem with as I am now used to it, but it’s a challenge.
Our BWPW Free 2-Week Introduction To Data Analytics Intensive Training For Women
With the current climate of heavy layoff in the tech space and as artificial Intelligence continues to take preeminence, we want to make sure our women are constantly upskilling to become the disruptor and not the disrupted. Low skill jobs will be the easiest to automate hence they need to stay up to date on latest technology and continuously learn new skills to stay relevant.
Whether you are a business owner, a Product Manager or wanting to get into the AI Space, an in-depth data analytics knowledge is very key.
Hence BWPW is partnering with some Snr. Data Engineers at Amazon, Google, and Samsung to hold a 2- weeks Hands on free Master Class to train women in Advanced Excel, SQL, Python and Tableau. With an opportunity to solve a real-life business problem through hands on project.
We have several products in works but our most recent is:
A platform to help democratize mentorship for women of color across the globe with a launch in 5 countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Canada, and US), so we are excited for that one.
What I Enjoy Most About My Job
Critical thinking and Ability to solve problems. Every Problem to me, is an opportunity to shine and learn something new.
Annie Jean-Baptiste – Director, Product Inclusion & Equity @ Google
These women inspire me to do more every single day. They decided not to conform to the norm, but push themselves to constantly create solid tables, instead of waiting to be invited to one, in their respective space. Their continuous way paving for women in the cooperate space is highly admirable and with them I am hopeful for a brighter future with more women in it. I believe together we can all make this change!
What We Can Do Better As A Society To Support Women Who Aspire To Go Into The Tech Industry
Support: As of today, women make up to 47% of all employed adults in the US, yet according to Computerscience.org only 18% of women earn a computer science degree. This simply means just women alone are not able to do this, we need more male support to close the gender gap.
Hire Women: Diversity breeds innovation and according to ongoing research conducted by McKinsey, it’s been discovered that diverse teams financially outperform non-diverse teams as much as 25% based on gender diversity alone. Partner with platforms like BWPW for fill those roles.
Mentor and Promote Women: Again, it’s worth going out of your way to connect with women, support your female teammates and help them climb the ladder. It’s difficult to find your footing when your peers don’t look like you or can’t relate to your challenges. Be sure to extend the same benefit of doubt you extend to men.
Encourage Women to pursue STEM: the STEM Field can appear intimidating as its heavily male dominated, so it’s important we become the bridge for young women and encourage them to pursue these field.
Support Families: about 70% of adult women will become mothers so its important for companies to provide good employee benefits to include parental-focused incentives, as having a child is a huge life changing experience.
One Thing I Wish To Change In The Tech Sector
The Technology space is constantly changing, and companies should provide room for everyone to learn and grow whether you are an intern out of school or a leader. We need to support people, so they feel empowered by technology and not frightened by it.
Being A Woman Of Rubies
Honestly been exceptional to me means caring less about perfectionism and validation from everyone but deciding to be exceptional on my own terms. Embracing my uniqueness, acknowledging my struggles, following my path, believing in myself, and ensuring I don’t lose my identity is what makes me an exceptional woman
How We Are Reflecting International Women’s Day #Embraceequity2023 ThemeIn BWPW
-Leading the Black Minority Student Program (BMSD) at Microsoft: creating technical workshops to educate, close the digital divide and expose high school students to technology
– Hiring Women
– Providing Mentorship for women within the company
Blessing does a lot of counselling around Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights and she is very vast at the work she does. She works with individuals, communities, stakeholders, gatekeepers, organizations and most importantly, Policy makers using community mobilization and engagement techniques for the purpose of social justice.
She has played different roles in the success of different policies in Nigeria, Africa, and Canada either through high level meetings, sensitization, training, contributions .
One thing that makes Blessing happy is seeing the young feminists she has mentored over the years make giant strides and contribute to the conversations, policies and rights of girls and women globally.
She works part time with the Nigerian community in Canada providing support, client management, and referrals in a prominent non-profit organization and works in the movie industry building and rigging sets.
In this interview, the fearless feminists share her inspiring story with Esther Ijewere
Childhood Influence
My childhood prepared me for what I do now, everything has added up to this moment and the future to come. I grew up in Kaduna alternating between my parents and grand aunt’s house. I grew up having people advocate for me and most importantly giving me room to advocate for myself. Asides church and school, both parties always ensured I picked up a skill or joined extracurricular activities like the famous Space2000, sports learning instruments etc., I did not always like it but every skill I have picked up along the way has contributed to my life. I also had my rebellious phase.
My Passion For Sexual Reproductive Health And Rights (SRHR)
When I was ten or so, one of the sisters in church was seen with a brother in church. Guess who everyone had smoke for? The sister. I remember asking why Bros J was exempted and the answers did not make sense to me at the time, but I also remember my mom sticking up for her and saying if she was going to get punished then he too had to be punished (my mom faced her own share of criticism for this move). It stayed with me for a long time. Then I got pregnant as a teenager and that experience changed my life forever.
From trying to get an abortion and deciding against it because of how dirty and scary the place was among other reasons, the stigma, my parents having to stand up for me, registering and attending antenatal, teenagers confiding in me, me starting a sexuality education club launched me fully into SRHR. The more I worked and related with people, the more the scope of what I was doing increased.
I was just doing my thing in one small corner in Ogbomosho and boom, I was growing, learning, unlearning, and rising through the ranks. People wanted to listen to me not just because I had professional experience but here, I was, a living experience of how SRHR impacts girls and women.
One experience that has also stayed with me and I have talked about this a lot is talking to secondary school students about abstinence and this student stands up and asks me what about those who were already sexually active, don’t they deserve information, resources, services, and support.
Managing My Role As A Feminist, Advocate, Storyteller And Community Based Researcher
Thankfully, all these roles intersect, managing these roles comes with a lot of listening, confidentiality, unpacking my personal biases, humility, passion, learning, unlearning, field work, talking, data, taking up and giving space to others.
Journey Since I Became An Advocate
Fulfilling. Very fulfilling. It has its difficulties and takes a lot from one individually and as a collective, but it is very fulfilling. I have learnt so much and in the same vein, I have contributed so much to conversations, policies etc. globally. Feedback, especially when someone comes back to say something you said or did contribute to xyz in my life, it gives drive to do more. When I am quoted in certain rooms and data, it makes the work worth it. The women saved from abusive situations, girls & women saved from FGM, the policies, research, movements one has been and is a part of among others all add up.
My Thoughts On FGM As It Relates To Africa, Especially Nigeria
We still have a long way to go with Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, yes I admit that progress is being made but there is still a long way to go especially as FGM is now becoming more medicalized (carried out by more medical practitioners to argue for its safety) and type 4 becoming more rampant (Type IV includes pricking, piercing, incising, scraping, cauterization, nicking of the clitoris, burning or scarring the genitals, introducing substances into the vagina to tighten it, Labia stretching among others). We need to go beyond the beautiful laws we have on paper to effective implementation and systems in place.
My Work In the Non-Profit Sector
I work in a non-profit organization providing client management, support, referrals, information, and services to the Nigerian community. Initially, the role catered to Nigerian women providing a safe space for conversations and interventions, but we eventually expanded the role to cater for the entire community – men, women, young people etc. . The lessons I have learnt is that first, a lot of Nigerians associate shame and stigma with accessing numerous services especially if they are free or government provided/subsidized and so I get to be creative and meet people where they are to ensure they access these services. Second, Nigerians are not unlearning certain mindsets when they migrate and get in trouble because of it.
Importance Of Therapy To Healing
Therapy is very important to healing. It helps you hold up a mirror to see yourself. You can have Jesus, Allah, Ifa , and still see a therapist or psychiatrist. Therapy helps you unpack so much in a safe environment, but you must be willing to put in the work. Therapy is work, I always tell people “If you are going to lie to your therapist (or psychiatrist), then maybe you should not be in therapy.” Therapy is work, there are days where you will scream your lungs out, shed ugly tears, keep silent, sleep off etc but it is important. There are also certain milestones or experiences in your life that will demand that you go for therapy e.g., divorce, loss associated with death, migration.
Challenges
Boundaries, Pedestals, unnecessary/unrealistic expectations and demands.
Other Projects And Activities
I work part time on movie sets doing construction and electricity, I love it so much. It is exciting to be a part of building and taking sets down especially the finished products when I can recognize the locations. I watch certain movies I have been a part of and smile from the cockle of my heart.
I studied Food Science and Engineering in the university, and it is always refreshing to apply the knowledge from all those mechanical and electrical electives on set. I do content creation on women’s issues and lots of consultancy on these issues. I am also into research as a freelance researcher while transitioning into academia. The thing is that I am a creative, so I have my hands full with a lot of projects and activities as an individual and through collaborations.
I am currently setting up my home studio so I can record with ease and at any time. Who knows, in the future, people can get to use the studio but for now, it is mine to use. I have gone back to my pole dancing classes, I started pole dancing as a form of fun and exercise during the pandemic and stopped when everything shut down, I am back at it now.
What Do You Enjoy Most About Your Job
The fact that I am doing something that impacts another girl and woman positively. The versatility of the job is also intriguing, you can be anything you can to be with the right experience and education.
Three Women Who Inspire Me And Why
* My Mom– She is a go getter, always working to get better in her personal and professional life
* Me– I am learning to blow my own trumpet and I have put in work, passion, and time to impact lives plus I keep showing up every day despite all life has thrown at me.
* Bola Aramowo-Badejo– go getter per excellence, she grounds me, tells me the truth even when I do not want to hear it. She inspires me to get a PhD and be the best in my fields.
What We Can Do Better As A Society To Support Women In Abusive Relationships
The society needs to do better about stigmatizing women in abusive relationships, laws and policies should cover the different scopes of abuse not just physical abuse, government led initiatives must be readily available. For example, shelter systems, rapid responses (private led initiatives should complement existing government structures not the other way round).
One Thing I Wish To Change In The Development Sector
Better pay. The development sector does not pay enough for the work people do and this impacts a lot of the outcomes we see. It is not enough to ask people to come with passion, passion does not pay the bills, money pays the bills. Another thing will be the gatekeeping especially of the younger ones, the fact that someone is younger does not take away from the expertise they have.
One Thing People Do Not Know About Me
I am an introvert to the core, though because of work and other factors I have been able to work on my people skills and communication, but introversion is my default state. I am also very shy which is funny because I get to talk a lot. I love kickboxing.
Being A Woman Of Rubies
I put my best into whatever it is I am doing and build tables and bridges for others especially other girls and women.
