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In Inspiration By

Meet Mary Izobo, Award Winning International Human Rights Lawyer

Mary Izobo is the founder of The Amazon Leadership Initiative (TheALI), which aims to empower women and girls, provide support networks, mentorship, career guidance, education and capacity development to alleviate gender inequality.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA Hons) in French Language from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria; a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland; a Barrister at Law (BL) from the Nigerian Law School, Nigeria; a Master of Laws (LLM) in Human Rights and Democratization in Africa from the University of Pretoria, South Africa; and a Master of Laws (LLM) in Rule of Law for Development from Loyola University Chicago, USA.

She is currently studying for a Doctor of Laws (LLD) with a focus on International Governance at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. She has worked for the United Nations (UN), the African Union Commission (AUC), the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), the Institute for Strategic Litigation in Africa (ISLA) and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA).

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In Inspiration By

Meet Sia Alexander-Brume, Founder of The Children’s Art Workshop Lagos

Art, relates to any creative pursuit which stirs the soul, uplifts the artist and the viewer, reconstructs and deconstructs societal and conceptual limitations, and broadens the scope of human potential.

The Children’s Art Workshop initiative exists to provide free art-based workshops and field trips to local Lagosian youth from impoverished communities.
It is a place where children in the local area can eat, play, dance, create, make music, design, write, perform, etc.

Children at the Children Art Workshop

It was born out of the need for a viable, healthy, and constructive after-school and weekend activities for the marginalized Lagos youth who have nothing but the streets to play in. It is for the Lagos youth community who live on the margins of the larger society, have little access to creative artistic expression, and though talented and bright, are not being afforded with basic opportunities for self-development and holistic growth. She aims to replicate this workshop in other communities around Lagos, throughout Nigeria, and Africa. .

Sia believes art is and can be a tool for transformation of both personal and global challenge. In her words, “through art we aim to develop the African youth’s ability to solve global as well as personal challenges.”

“Art is a healing modality that can empower the lives of marginalized African children, helping them to build a stronger sense of self as they approach adulthood, and preparing them to successfully take on the challenges facing their communities, countries, and the continent as a whole.”

Sia Alexander-Brume and some children at the Art Workshop

As her advice for women entrepreneurs who want to start-up, “Never take no for an answer. Always look up and see your dream realized and it will surely pour out before you in due time like abundant rain.”

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In Inspiration By

Meet the 28-Year-Old Co-Founder of Agrinvestec, Pearl Gaone Ranna

Pearl Gaone Ranna is 28-year-old Botswana born Farmer, Agriculture & Global Food Policy Analyst, Social Entrepreneur and Gender Equality Practitioner.

She is the co-founder and CEO of Agrinvestec, Botswana’s leading private sector owned Agricultural Development and Consultancy Agency.

She holds a Master of Science (MSc) in Agriculture and Development from the University of Reading, a Master of Arts (MA) in International Development and Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Derby.

Ranna is passionate about alleviating poverty and hunger through empowering rural youth and women in Sub-Saharan Africa.

In 2018, she was the first winner of the Climate Hackathon Challenge, where youths had to address issues relating to adapting or mitigating climate change using various themes such as Agriculture, Health, Energy and Water basing it on the realities of Botswana.

Her solution in-comprised all the themes by providing a solar powered climate sensitive vertical aquaponics systems which works best in rural and urban areas of Botswana.

You can’t believe how hard it is to run your own business as well as raising a child,” says Ranna, who has firsthand knowledge, having experienced those challenges running a poultry operation while raising a daughter.

The program includes an early childhood development center for the children, so that while their mothers are receiving training and working on their farms the children are well cared for in a center-based learning environment. Revenues the women generate with increased productivity on their farms will go towards sustaining the program to provide training to new groups of women.

If the program is successful, as she believes it will be, she hopes it will contribute to policy changes that institutionalize such support for women farmers nationwide. “I am trying to advocate for policies for women and youth,” she explained. “To advocate effectively you need to be able to show something works.”

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#Interview | “My Creativity Has Helped My Journey As A Phone Product Photographer”- Eniola Opaleye

Eniola Opaleye is a phone product photographer and a law graduate. Her ability to create appealing product pictures with her mobile phone stands her out amongst several product photographers. She has shot countless images of products with international standard.

She currently has a telegram community of over 300 members where she teaches basic tips on product photography. Eniola doesn’t believe in giving up on her dreams irrespective of challenges faced. One of her product pictures trended on the bird app (twitter) and attracted the recognition of influencers and foreign communities. Asides taking product pictures she interns with a consulting firm.

She shares her journey with Women of Rubies on this interview;

Childhood Influence

I was very creative while growing up and it has helped my journey as a phone product photographer changing the way product pictures are shot in Nigeria. I was that child that loved hair styling and makeup so much that I would plead with my mum and sisters to practice with their hair and face, you know how last born can be? I pestered till they agreed to be my model. So I was sure I was either going to learn the art of makeup or hair styling, but then I kept procrastinating to take the step till I gained admission to study law and I just didn’t enrol to learn either of the two till date. I remember I had a mini doll I made hair for passionately (laughs).

My Inspiration Behind Photography

I was in a space I couldn’t continue with street photography I started with last year during the lockdown. Then I asked myself “what can I do?”. Immediately it struck me I could take beautiful shots of random product I have at home. Gradually, I improved and some pictures of small business owner’s product I saw on Instagram on a particular day made me realize there is a market that needs a solution. A lot of vendors don’t know how important good pictures help sell their product, I saw that and decided to proffer that solution with what I have.

The journey so far

It has been interesting. I started with little or no recognition to being recognised across several countries. I can recall lots of people didn’t understand what I was doing and they felt it was a child’s play. I started doubting my skill and said I would stop phone product photography till I get a camera but see who is getting paid for the skill she didn’t give up on. I’m also learning every day, using props that I wasn’t aware of and the beautiful thing is I come across products I haven’t seen or used before.  I’m optimistic about this journey and the opportunities lined up for me. 

Impact Of My Journey As A Law Graduate Currently Working In A Consulting Firm

It has been in several ways; the firm has helped improve my work ethic and client interaction. This is what I have also implemented in my business and life, how to engage with clients, communication and negotiation skills, and also maintaining good relationship with people. I have learnt to understand people differently and manage situations. Also, learning how to meet deadlines is also important in this business. Clients want you to deliver and you don’t want to be perceived as a lazy photographer who doesn’t keep to deadlines.

The Amazing Feat Of How One Of My Product Pictures Trended Recently

It was a dream come through and a perfect birthday gift. I have been posting pictures on the bird app but gained little recognition, however I didn’t give up. It was a win I deserved and it attracted influencers which opened up several opportunities that I had to turn down some. It made me realize I needed a community/group where I could help other aspiring product photographers with some tips on product photography. The amazing part of my work is, I inspire other phone product photographers who feel they can’t be recognised to keep creating and that makes me happy.

My Current Experience With Photography And What I Hope To Achieve In The Future

I am enjoying the ride, perfecting my skill, building my profile and ensuring client satisfaction. I see my brand creating appealing product pictures for top brands, teaching millions of small business owners across the world how to create eye-catching product pictures just from their home and hopefully in cooperate phone videography while building my profile as a seasoned legal practitioner.

Challenges 

Meeting demands and showing up with good content can be overwhelming considering it’s just me and the brand for now. Then investing in photography equipment can be expensive but gradually I will balance it up.

My Other Projects And Activities.

I love design, so it’s a skill I’m trying to perfect because I need it for my brand as well. It has helped me create simple graphics for my Instagram page and some other projects. I’m working on video content for small business owners but it is still in the works so when it’s ready it will be available for all to see. 

Three Women Who Inspire Me To Be Better And Why

I really admire Mazbricreative’s work, her product pictures are standard, colourful and she has worked with several known brands. I also watch her behind the scenes and see how creative she is, this helps me to get creative with all my pictures.

Amanda Campeanu is a commercial brand photographer based in Brisbane, I love her ability to teach with her Youtube videos and this has really helped my product styling.

Ty Bello is amazing and good at what she does, she has built her brand over the years and I aspire to follow that path. She gives me hope that being a woman in this line of work shouldn’t be a limitation but an advantage.

My Advice To Young Women

Don’t let anyone kill your dreams, you have the power to decide how you want your life to turn out with the help of God, so take charge. Always know what you want, it helps you to make specific decisions and if you don’t know what you want, go to God, watch that thing people are saying you are good at and build the skill till you perfect it. Lastly, have the right people in your corner they will always be there to lift you up when you feel discouraged and be prepared for the growth you desire. 

As A Woman Of Rubies

I am a sought after woman who possess value. I inspire other women to become better version of themselves through my consistency, discipline and desire for success.

 

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In Inspiration By

Meet Lozaria Lungu, Inspiring Zambian Journalist And First To Obtain A Degree In Her Family

Lozaria Lungu, a Zambian Journalist and Script Writer who recently obtained a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Media and Communication from the University of Zambia, thus making her the first person to obtain a University Degree in her family.

According to her, “My childhood dream was to overcome the hurdles that surrounded my family for generations, I can handpick who attained an education, this one is a big WIN not only for ME but for my FAMILY and all the MEN and WOMEN who dared to believe in me,” she said.

“I remember when I made it to my 8th grade, how my mother was all over the place dancing and shedding tears of joy in gratitude to God. When I passed my Grade 9 and Grade 12, she danced and cried a lot more. My father is a great cheerleader who always said ‘Thank You’ every time I made it,” narrated Lungu.

“This path, however, has not been easy. I was denied admission to the university on my first try, and I was denied sponsorship 5 times when I needed it, but God saw me through.”

Lungu has worked and currently works as a freelance journalist. She has interned as a Public relations practitioner, and is a writer among others.

Her work revolves around women and communities, pointing out issues that are affects them as individuals in a society. She also has a Non governmental organization which focuses on advocating for youth empowerment, women programs in education, and health.

Her story is an inspiring one and a clear reminder that no win is too insignificant for you to acknowledge and celebrate because no one understands your journey and where you are coming from.

Lungu’s story is worth celebrating because it shines a beacon of hope on those who are on the verge of giving up on whatever dreams they have. Keep working hard and while at it, celebrate every win and enjoy the process each step of the way.

Even when you don’t have people in your corner cheering you and supporting you on your way to success, be your own cheerleader.

“To someone out there, your dreams are valid. One day, you’ll thank yourself for not giving up.”

Dare to dream!

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Meet Dr. Nomkhosi Luthuli, the Youngest Female Lecturer At the University of Kwazulu Natal’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership.

Dr. Nomkhosi Luthuli (PhD) is a 30-year-old South African born Academic, Corporate Speaker, Mentor and Advocate for Development.

She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Regional Economic Development, Agglomeration Economics & the Aerotropolis and Master of Commerce (MCom) in Regional and Local Economic Development from the University of Kwazulu-Natal, a Bachelor of Social Sciences (BS) Honours in Development Studies from the University of Cape Town.

Dr. Nomkhosi Luthuli (PhD)

She is currently the youngest female Lecturer and researcher at the University of Kwazulu Natal’s Graduate School of Business and Leadership.

“I’m driven by breaking boundaries and changing beliefs on how things should be in society. I want to change the perception that aviation and planning for airport cities is a man’s terrain, and I hope to consistently challenge the generalisation that academia is for old people. 

“I know for sure that a determined mind excels whether male or female, young or old in any space of influence, and that there’s no sector too male-dominated and barrier of entry too great for me to break through and do the best I possibly can,” she says.

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In Career Gems By

Meet Bathabile Mpofu, Awarding Winning South African Scientist and Innovator

Bathabile Mpofu is a South African born award winning – Scientist, Innovator and Social Entrepreneur.

She is the Founder and MD at Nkazimulo Applied Sciences, an innovative social enterprise that aims at helping young people become scientists, through their innovation “ChemStart” a portable science kit that makes science fun and come to life.

It provides hands on interaction with science concepts and their application in real life.

“At age 16, I realised how unprepared I was for university science education. I was capable but dis-empowered. High School didn’t prepare me for university education. I only got to do science experiments for the first time when I got to university, and because of that, I have made it my mission to empower and help young people become scientists,” said Mpofu.

“ChemStart makes quality science education accessible. Parents no longer need to take their children to private school in order for them to perform science experiments as part of their learning. Our product can be shipped anywhere in Africa as well, so you can be in the bush and still use the kit,” concluded Mpofu.

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Meet 14-Year-Old Stacey Fru, Africa’s Youngest Author

Stacey Fru, 14-year-old Africa’s youngest award winning Author, Education Activist, Philanthropist and Public Speaker.

At age 7, she wrote her first book; ‘Smelly Cats’ without her parents’ knowledge.

The book was approved by the South African Department of Basic Education as suitable for young learners from Early Childhood through to Primary Schools and won 3 awards.

She is the founder of The Stacey Fru Foundation that reach out to donate books, computers, food and other items to children and care homes across South Africa.

Through her foundation, she also honours other African children who are impacting their communities by awarding them during The Annual African Children of the Year Awards held every November in South Africa. Stacey Fru has written 5 best-selling books thus far and she is currently the face of the African Union (AU) and International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) 2021 International Campaign for the Elimination of Child Labour #EndChildLabour.

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Meet Beverly Mhlabane, Owner of Zapa Farm South Africa

Beverly Mhlabane  is a South African born Farmer, Agripreneur, Engineer, Founder and CEO of Zapa Farm, an egg production and vegetable farm, located in Benoni, Gauteng, South Africa.

She started with a backyard vegetable garden in 2012, which was used for home consumption.

“One day I went to the shop to buy eggs and found the eggs to be very expensive so I decided to buy 10 laying chickens so we could get eggs for the house,” said Mhlabane.

“After about 6 months our neighbours requested that we sell them our eggs and thus we bought 165 layers and placed them in the garage. After a year we had 300 layers in the garage,” she added.

In 2014, Mhlabane bought two hectares of land and moved the egg production to the plot.

In 2018, she took a leap of faith and focused on her farm full-time, she went on to increase egg production and also started planting vegetables.

The farm has since installed two 30×10 vegetable tunnels and is planting on 1.5 hectares of land.

It also has 5,000 and 2,000 capacity layer houses and supplies among others, four Wimpy’s, Pick n Pay, a Holiday Inn hotel and local spaza shops.

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Meet Charlette Desire N’Guessan, 26-Year-Old Ivorian Award-Winning Software Engineer And Tech Entrepreneur.

Charlette Desire N’Guessan is a 26-year-old Ivorian born award winning Software Engineer and Tech Entrepreneur.

he is the co-founder and CEO of BACE Group, a Ghana based FinTech company that provides digital services to financial institutions.

In September 2020, she became the first woman to win the Royal Academy of Engineering’s prestigious Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation, for her work building a system called BACE API.

The BACE API software uses Artificial Intelligence and facial recognition to verify the identities of African people remotely and in real time.

“We’re revolutionizing customer experience through our application programming interface (APIs) that secure client identity and KYC data with OCR and facial recognition technology. We aim to change the way cyber security functions and reduce identity fraud, which is a prevalent issue in Africa and across the world,” said Charlette.

Charlette Desire N’Guessan, Software Engineer and Tech Entrepreneur

“I’m happy when people are inspired by my story, being the first woman to win the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation and by my work as a woman in tech,” she added.

As her own way to encourage women entrepreneurs who are trying to make a mark in the STEM space, she said,
“I invite them to invest in their education because the way to success is the way of the continuous pursuit of knowledge. They need to be more confident and open to working with men in the industry. There is no competition, everyone has their place at the table. Learn, explore, and trust the process.”

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