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#INTERVIEW: ”I WAS SEXUALLY ABUSED AT AGE 7 AND IT TOOK ME 25 YEARS TO OPEN UP” -BUKOLA OGUNYEYE, CHILD’S RIGHTS ACTIVIST

Bukola Afolabi Ogunyeye is the Executive Director and Founder of Morna International Children’s Foundation (MICF). She studied Marketing at the Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Ogun State. She also has a Master’s degree from the University Of Calabar. A Child’s Rights activist, and member of National Children’s Advocacy Centre Huntsville, USA, she was sexually abused at the age of seven by a family friend, but she only broke silence after 25 years. Bukola shares with us her life experiences, tale of survival and the inspiration behind her initiative.

Childhood
I was sexually abused at age seven. I remember vividly how a man
(known to my family), who couldn’t have been less than 40 years called
me into his office, made me sit on his laps and he fingered me. I was
so scared and ashamed. I remember asking him to let me go. Then he
stood, walked towards the door to his office and told me he would shut
the door and I wouldn’t be able to do anything. I stood there very
afraid, but he eventually let me go. I never told anyone what he tried
to do to me. I remember it took me about 25 years before I could talk
about it to a very close friend.

Touching a child’s private part(s) is sexual abuse. It is not only
when penetration happened that we say a child has been sexually
abused. Nobody has the right to touch a child’s private parts. They
are private to a child. I also started touching myself afterwards into
adulthood. It was later I discovered that the childhood experience was
responsible for it.

All about me
I am Bukola Afolabi Ogunyeye, the Executive Director and Founder of
(MICF). I am a native of Ibonwon in Eredo local government area of
Lagos State. I’m a businesswoman, an author and was formerly a banker.
I also have a passion for women issues, which has been there since my
childhood. It’s so obvious that women are being maligned in this part
of the world; hence I am an advocate of gender equality. My hobbies
are reading and listening to music. My best food is rice and plantain.

Inspiration behind Morna International Children’s Foundation
I have always wanted to work with children, orphans and destitute. I
never knew I would start, when I did, as I thought I would wait till I
was well advanced in age. But as fate would have it, I started earlier
than planned. I believe for a better Nigeria and the world at large,
we must focus on children. My vision is to build a world, where
children are respected and protected from any form of abuse.
Project and activities

Two years ago, Morna International Children’s Foundation (MICF) got
its certificate of incorporation from Corporate Affairs Commission of
Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the past two years, we have reached
out to over 60 nursery, primary and secondary schools within and
outside our community. We have also attended numerous P.T.A meetings,
where we talked to parents on prevention of Child Sexual Abuse.

We take our campaigns to churches, as well as Arabic schools and are
actively engrossed in rallies to further spread our message on child
abuse. We also tell children about their rights. We empower them with
the knowledge of their fundamental human rights. We have participated
in international programmes, such as International Day of the
girl-child, 19 days of Activism towards World Day for prevention of
Child Abuse. The Child Abuse awareness month, which is April, has
taken us to the market community for our campaign.

War against Child Abuse
This is a project, which we just want to start. We want to start a
quarterly aggressive campaign against Child Abuse in our community,
beyond which we will spread across every state in Nigeria.

Never felt like giving up
I have never felt like giving up. This is because, when I set out to
do something, I keep going, no matter what. I hardly get discouraged
over anything; talk less of something I have a passion for. Whatever I
get discouraged at, there is most likely no other way out of such a
thing. I can never give up on this cause. However, I make sure I do
away with negative people, who try to discourage me directly or
indirectly.

Positive feedbacks
This question is very difficult for me to answer because this work is
more about giving and not expecting any form of reward. I mean that
you are not focused on reward, but the work. However, I can say that
my reward comes in the form of encouragement and positive words. I
also receive phone calls from people I don’t know, thanking me
tremendously for the campaigns we do in schools, and rallies. In other
words, whenever I get feedback, most especially from people I don’t
know or people that recognise me from events, where I spoke and I hear
their remarks, I am always encouraged. These kinds of reactions are
priceless to me. These are what I consider my reward.

Lack of funds and passionate people
Lack of fund is a major challenge I am facing in this work. It can
exterminate one’s vision, no matter how passionate you are about your
cause. NGOs are not intended for profit making, yet you must spend
money on programmes and you also pay volunteers some stipend. You pay
for office space and bills attached. You pay for running costs. You
just can’t do without money.

Another challenge I am facing is getting passionate people, who are
ready to work without money as their focus. We know we must pay our
staff and volunteers, but that should not be their motivation.

Determination
My advice to anyone wanting to go into any form of business or
humanitarian work is that they should follow their passion vigorously
and be determined to succeed and add value. Determination is very
crucial in whatever one wants to do. Without determination, you will
get discouraged easily. Be determined and make a difference! An
Entrepreneur must also be ready to go the “extra mile” for his or her
clients.

An exceptional Woman of Rubies
I am a very zealous woman, strong-minded, a go-getter and very
focused. I’m a high-flier and I work self-sacrificingly. I can
accomplish anything I want to. I believe I can do what has been
established as impossible! I also try to be a motivator to other
people, young and adults. I am someone, who concentrates on the
positive side of people.

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#INTERVIEW: ”THE WOMAN WAS CREATED AS AN INCUBATOR TO BRING THINGS TOGETHER” -IBHADE OMOGBAI, ENTREPRENEUR

Childhood
I would say my childhood is the bed rock on which my enterprising skills were planted. My mum was a very aggressive trader, and I learnt a lot from her, before she passed on. She had cold rooms, borrow pits, real estates and a sawmill . Being her last baby, I was always with her in her meetings and discussions. I would say I learnt a lot of technics from her negotiating skills.

More about me
I am a mother of 2 kids married to a wonderful husband who stands with me in all I do and is passionate to seeing me achieve the best that I can be.
I am also the last of 7 siblings most of which are career oriented, but the last 2 of the 7 ( my sister and I) are vigorously business minded. Being the two who were always with her in business and otherwise before she passed on, we have followed in her footsteps, but I must say this hasn’t been easy at all indeed has had a very large shoe size that both of us still haven’t been able to fit in. I am determined to become the best version of my self with hopes that I will be remembered for the values and principles that I stand for. I am determined to be a force for positive change in my generation. I am very family oriented and my desire and what I stand for is the family principles taking center stage in all decisions that we make.

More about what I do
I manage a company that produce packaged food at the best price and quality for Nigerians at primary consideration and the world in general.
Although we are profit oriented, at the core of our mission is our social interest or responsibility. We are providing employment for Nigerians, with a target of (100 direct and 300 indirect staffs by 2020). Producing quality food at best prices to Nigerians ( ensuring our prices fits into the disposable expense category of the average Nigerian consumer), become a source for foreign exchange to the Nigerian government with our export proceeds, encourage entrepreneurship by organizing an annual free seminar for food processing and development. I also plan to diversify our revenue base by venturing into other sectors. We have just launched our recycling division recycling different types of plastics for plastic manufacturing companies.

Inspiration behind Arinoch ventures
My late mother’s energetic personality drives me the most. I often make comparison with what she achieved with her short time on earth with how I am faring now.
She wasn’t educated, I am a graduate of economics. She had 7 children and I just have 2. She built several companies ( timber, sawmills, sand mines, fish trading and real estate) well, am still trying to finalise my operating structure were my ownership is separated from management and yes I have big plans like my mother. The thought of her wishing me well keeps me going. Also, my husband is a very aggressive goal getter. He is a go and get it done person, so am grateful he is with me. A lot of his principles guides and inspires me

Greatest reward
My greatest reward is the satisfactory look I get from my customers every time we close a perfect transaction . It’s the best feeling in the world – it’s the feeling of satisfaction. A win- win situation . A feeling that guarantees my future.

Challenges
Finance – we will love to expand faster and have our presence in all the local government in Nigeria. We will love to be present in all the continents in this world.

Projects and activities
We are currently producing plantain chips of different flavors. We want to make biscuits and cheese balls. We just started our recycling business in plastics. We are also planning for metals and wood recycling. We will be starting our real estate business soon also.

On giving up
Well in business there are ups and downs. To be sincere, I have lost count on how times I have often felt like giving up, but the Lord is our strength when it comes to business and challenges in Nigeria but we owe it to this generation not to give up and to build a structure on which the future generation will build on.

Are Nigerians benevolent enough?
Yes , I will say the average Nigerian is supportive and encouraging, but the Nigerian Government often acts as enemies to their tax payers

Who and what inspire me
There are lots of people I look up to but one often stands out…Dr Uche Ogah, the owner and founder of Masters Energy Group .

I am a Woman of Rubies
If your definition is based on values and principles of integrity, passion and vision for the growth and establishment of the woman as an agent of positive change in Nigeria primarily and the world in general. Then I will see myself as a woman of Rubies because that is what I stand for.

Final word for women all over the world
The woman was created as an incubator – to bring thing together, to make things that are in a confused state organized, To bring to life visions and thoughts of man. The woman is unique in every aspect. She is not a toy to be played with, she is to be taken seriously, she is not to be bruised, she is to be maintained. We shouldn’t let ourselves down but stand together as a force for positive change to all generations .

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#PROFILE | MEET MOE SASEGBON  THE NIGERIAN WOMAN IN THE AMERIACAN MOVIE ‘WONDER WOMAN’

25 year old Moe is a heptathlete and  a graduate of physiotherapy from the Sheffield Hallam University, UK. She was introduced to sports when she was nine-years-old, however, her talents were recognized at 14 by her Physical Education teacher after she moved to the UK.

The beautiful  actress was  was introduced to heptathlon when she joined a local athletics club and made her first competitive debut for Nigeria at the 11th All African Games, which took place in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, in 2015. Today Moe Sasegbon is one of the casts of “Wonder Woman,” an American superhero film, which many look forward to seeing this summer. In the movie, Moe plays the character of an Amazon called to fight uninvited German soldiers. Although she appeared in just one scene in the movie, she is part of the success story as reports say that the movie raked in over $600m worldwide.

In a recent interview , Moe explained that her most memorable moment was winning the senior girls high jump competition at the English Schools championships.

Moe says her mom, a self-taught swimmer, who used to be a swimmer for Nigeria and ultimately trained herself to become one of the best swimmers in the country is her hero. Moe will reportedly have a prominent role in an upcoming movie, “Justice League.

 

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#PROFILE| MEET AFFIONG WILLIAMS, THE YOUNG LADY INTRODUCING A NEW SNACK INTO THE NIGERIAN MARKET

Affiong Williams is the CEO of Reelfruit. ReelFruit is an emerging fruit processing company that is currently introducing a new snack into the Nigerian market; healthy and delicious dried fruit to cater to the growing number of health conscious consumers. It recently launched two new products into the market, and in process to set up processing factory for export of dried fruit.

Affiong has a Post graduate diploma in Business Administration from the University of Witwatersrand, and a BSc in Physiology, Psychology from the same university.

In 2012, she left her job as a manager at Endeavor South Africa, a small business incubator, moved back to Nigeria and founded Reelfruit. She started out from a flat in the Surulere area of Lagos, with $8,000 from savings and loans from friends and family.

ReelFruit produces dried fruit snacks such as Pineapple, Mango, Banana, PaPaya (Paw-Paw), Coconut and Fruit & Nut Mix with Cashews for the health-conscious Nigerian, and in 2016 alone, it sold 500,000 packs of snacks.

The products can be found in more than 80 outlets across Nigeria.

In September 2013, ReelFruit was placed first out of 700 applicants for Women in Business Challenge organised by BidNetowrk, Netherlands. The company won the 5000 Euro prize.

Three months later, it won Creative Focus Africa’s SME competition for businesses in Lagos.

She was named in Forbes Africa 2016 list of “30 under 30 African Entrepreneurs” who are the “billionaires of tomorrow who will create jobs and wealth for the continent.”

During an interview with Africa news.com, she said;

“Well, I was actually attracted to the sector for a number of reasons. Firstly, I believe there is untapped opportunity in processing and value addition of raw materials and I also believe it’s a very budding sector, there is a lot of opportunity as well as the job creation which I think is quite important to me as an entrepreneur”

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#PROFILE| MEET ALEXA CANADY, THE FIRST BLACK NEUROSURGEON IN THE US

Alexa Canady is a retired American medical doctor specializing in Neurosurgery. She was born in Lansing, Michigan, on November 7, 1950. She and her younger brother were raised outside of Lansing and were the only two African-American students in their school. They faced many obstacles throughout their school years. However, despite these obstacles, Canady stood out among her peers academically, both in the classroom and by earning high scores on her tests in school.

She later received her M.D. with cum laude honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1975. She became a surgical intern at the Yale-New Haven Hospital from 1975-1976, rotating under Dr. William F. Collins. Although being an exceptional student, she still faced prejudice and discriminative comments as she was both the first black and female intern in the program. She then became the first African American woman neurosurgery resident in the US at the University of Minnesota. Despite what people said about her, Canady viewed her accomplishments as something both women and African Americans could look up to.

She became Chief of Neurosurgery at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan in 1987 and held the position until her retirement in 2001. During her time as Chief, she specialized in congenital spinal abnormalities, hydrocephalus, trauma and brain tumors. Her work and accomplishments have opened the door for many surgeons to be of all races and genders.

Alexa Canady later received her M.D. with cum laude honors from the University of Michigan Medical School in 1975. She then became a surgical intern at the Yale-New Haven Hospital from 1975-1976, rotating under Dr. William F. Collins. Although being an exceptional student, she still faced prejudice and discriminative comments as she was both the first black and female intern in the program. She then became the first African American woman neurosurgery resident in the US at the University of Minnesota. Despite what people said about her, Canady viewed her accomplishments as something both women and African Americans could look up to.

She has also been awarded three honorary degrees – doctor of humane letters honorary degrees from the University of Detroit-Mercy in 1997 and Roosevelt University in 2014, and a doctor of science from the University of Southern Connecticut in 1999.

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“ACTIVISM CHOSE ME” – R.EVON BENSON IDAHOSA – ACTIVIST & FOUNDER PATHFINDERS

R. Evon Benson-Idahosa is the eldest daughter of Archbishops Margaret and Benson Idahosa. She is the Founder and Executive Director of Pathfinders Justice Initiative, Inc, an International NGO which seeks to eradicate sex trafficking and rape in the developing world. She is a trained English Barrister and an American lawyer who worked as a partner in a national defense law firm in New York for over a decade before venturing full time into activism on behalf of women and girls. As a native of a developing nation (Nigeria), Ms. Benson-Idahosa is particularly passionate about addressing the shrouded issues of sex trafficking (modern day slavery) and gender based violence in the developing world because of her compelling commitment to the liberation of women in developing countries. As an activist, her passion and compassion are geared towards developing a generation of women who stand confident in who they are, what they bring to the table and what they can achieve. She is a firm believer that if you can empower a woman and engage men as allies for gender justice, you can change any society. She shares her story and the inspiration behind her work in this interview.

Childhood Influence

I would not be who I am today or move through the world the way I do without having been born into the family I was born into.  I grew up with parents (Archbishops Margaret and Benson Idahosa) who taught me that one’s life was not fully realized unless it was grounded in the service and upliftment of others.  I saw my parents move through their lives with both compassion and activism- it was what fueled their existence.  Although neither formally referred to themselves as “activists,” that is precisely what they were/are.  They stood against injustice and taught me that God’s justice requires that we affirm the image of God in every man and women, regardless of their social class and status.  Traveling with them around the world was also a gift that informed my worldview because it allowed me to see the gross disparity among racial and social classes and even as a child, the subjugation of women and girls troubled me.  I also went to boarding school in Jos when I was nine and that forced me to become an independent thinker who was able to make decisions on my own at an early age.  So yes, my childhood certainly influenced and prepared me for what I do today.  In fact, it was my father that nicknamed me “Pathfinder” when I was nine.  When I started to consider a name for my NGO, God brought it back to remembrance, not only because it is who I was prophetically named, but also because it is what we endeavor to do for women and girls, i.e., to help them find their paths out of abuse and injustice.  I think that is the general expectation, i.e., that because of our family background, all the Idahosa children would end up in full time “ministry.”   But what exactly is ministry?  When I think of the word, the word “service” is what immediately springs to mind.  So I may not be on a pulpit every Sunday, but I endeavour and am honored to serve the marginalized women and girls that we are fortunate enough to meet.

“Pathfinders.”

Pathfinders is an international NGO (www.pathfindersji.org) which seeks to eradicate sex trafficking and rape in the developing world through empowerment, judicial reform and community transformation.  We focus our time and resources on prevention, sensitization and raising awareness on the implications of these atrocities.  Our primary method of prevention is the empowerment of young women and girls who are most vulnerable to sex trafficking (via our #Not4Sale Campaign, vocational skills training, education scholarships and startup business training and funding) and rape (via our #TakeMeOffMute Total Self Defense Programs).  We also sensitize the public via our public service announcements and utilize workshops and outreaches (in schools, markets, religious organizations, etc.) to raise awareness on the implications of sex trafficking and rape. Via our PATH (Personalized Action to Healing) Plans, we provide rehabilitation for survivors of rape and sex trafficking, particularly women and girls who were trafficked from Nigeria into Europe and have repatriated. These survivor-curated Plans include anything from free medical, legal and counseling services to vocational skills training, housing, education scholarships and start up business training and funding. We recently launched our safehouse in Edo State called “The Anchor” to provide shelter for up to 24 survivors which will be fully operational by Summer 2017.

Reason for choosing Activism and Advocacy

Well, I would actually say that it chose me.  And what I mean by that is that it is what I have been called to do, i.e., to amplify the voices of women and girls.  Prior to working full time in this area, I practiced law for over a decade in corporate America and successfully defended other lawyers as a partner in a prestigious New York firm.  However, I always knew that it wasn’t what I would spend the rest of my life doing.  And so there came a time when I had to choose between financial success and significance.  I had to decide whether I would step out in faith to do what I knew was my life’s work or whether I would sit comfortably in the arms of a corner office that offered me what most people would define as success.  People often tell me that it took courage to choose the former, but as anyone who is called to a work will tell you, not yielding to that calling requires  turning your back on an unrelenting fire within yourself.  For me, it was not an option.  I had a compelling sense of urgency to move and I have absolutely no regrets.

Challenges

Well, I am fortunate to have the foundation that was built by my parents and continues to be built by my mother, Her Grace, Archbishop Margaret Benson-Idahosa.  Interestingly enough, because all my world-changing siblings are also involved in some form of service, our work overlaps and serves to support each other.  As such, I recognize that in many ways, I had a head start that many other young organizations have not been afforded.  I am grateful.  This, however, doesn’t mean that there aren’t challenges.  There certainly are.  The major challenge is the effort it takes to uproot the mindset of patriarchy that is so deeply embedded in Nigerian society.  It is what perpetuates systemic injustice against women and girls and is what has intentionally rendered that demographic vulnerable.

Project and Activities

In 2018, we will be venturing on a social enterprise which will hire rape and sex trafficking survivors as well as young women who are susceptible to sex trafficking. We intend to make and distribute Nigeria inspired bath and body healing products.  Ultimately, the business will utilize a survivor led model, as each woman who works there will ultimately become a distributor and generate her own business.  It is our way of contributing to and giving back to society by filling some of the economic gap that is causing our women and girls to view prostitution as an alternative to poverty.  We are very excited about the project!

Greatest Reward

Fulfillment.  I am from Edo State, an internationally recognized hub of sex trafficking and certainly the hub of sex trafficking in Nigeria (over 90% of women and girls trafficked into Europe are from there).  As such, sex trafficking is part of our functioning economy and is grossly embedded into our culture.  It has wreaked havoc on the lives of our women and girls who return from overseas in broken pieces.  Without judgment, we reach out to each of them in love and remind them that they are still valuable.  It takes courage to start to put up the walls of a broken dream but in time, that is what they start to do.  I am honored that they welcome us into their truth and allow us to take the journey to shalom and healing with them.  That fulfilment is unparalleled.

Testimonials from Survivors

Our rape survivors who have completed our counseling programs tell us that for the first time in their lives, they feel free and hopeful about their future.

Edo State being a sex trafficking hub and  the Solution

The reality is that the overwhelming majority of women and girls trafficked from Nigeria into Europe are from Edo State (over 90%).  Our research indicates that one in every three young women in the State has been recruited.  Last year, 11,000 women (the majority of who are from Edo) risked their lives to cross the Mediterranean Sea from Libya into Italy alone.  Thousands more were trafficked into other countries.  Globally, sex trafficking is a $100 billion business.  There are many different reasons why Edo State is leading in Nigeria, but the primary factors relate to the toxic combination of poverty, lack of economic opportunities and little to no education.  Sex trafficking is also culturally acceptable in Edo, even though we claim to abhor it.  There has also been a complete desecration of our moral standards which has resulted in trafficking becoming part and parcel of our functioning economy.   Mothers are often the negotiators of contracts with traffickers and it cannot be said (with so much awareness now being raised) that they are unaware of what their daughters will be involved in overseas.  The level of deception, however, is what remains problematic.  Our young girls are told that they will be involved in prostitution but only for a short period of time and that they will then be able to send funds home to support their families.  Enticed by this false hope, they view prostitution as an alternative to poverty and volunteer to be trafficked (over 90% of our survivors).  But once they arrive (if they arrive, because the chances of being murdered for your organs along the way are increasing), the story is very different.  The debt unexplainably balloons to anywhere from $45,000 to $50,000 which has to be repaid back before the woman can obtain her freedom.  Each sexual encounter will only generate about $20, so you can imagine how much abuse a woman’s body has to endure to repay that amount.  The Edo State government, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is committed to eradicating sex trafficking and exploitation and in May of this year, requested that we organize, alongside its Strategic Planning Unit, a human trafficking workshop to address the issue.  It was certainly encouraging to see our Governor and First Lady, reinforce their commitment to eradicating the issue from Edo State. The workshop brought over a hundred stakeholders to the table, including Nigeria’s Special Advisor on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, world renowned women’s activist, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin (Chairwoman), and so many others to collectively strategize and make recommendations to the government.

Are  Nigerians are well informed and sensitised on how to treat victims of rape?

We are improving, but are certainly not where we should be.  According to statistics, 1/4 girls and 1/10 boys in Nigeria are survivors of rape.  Based on my experience, I believe the numbers are actually considerably higher since a lot of rapes are unreported and there are many categories that we don’t consider rape (child marriage, same sex rape, marital rape, etc.).  Survivors tell us that they do not trust the legal system to protect them and are afraid to face the stigma that is still very prominent.  As a result, they deal with the pain in silence and it eats at their souls.   A lot more work has to be done to reverse the stigma so that it falls flatly on the perpetrators who are often repeat offenders because there is impunity.  One of the ways we endeavor to raise awareness/increase sensitization is via our #SheSaidNo Campaign which aims to address the way that men (who are the primary perpetrators of rape against women) view and value women.  the end of the story!

The menace of Rape in Nigeria

Rape has been an epidemic in Nigeria for a long time- it’s just that it wasn’t spoken of because people were forced into silence because of the stigma and shame that Nigerian society promotes.  It has persisted for so long that it is now almost endemic in our culture.  It is proliferated both by our antiquated laws and our religions which allow perpetrators to rape with impunity.  So for example, other than in the federal capital, via the new VAPP Law, marital rape has still not been outlawed throughout Nigeria.  Even there, it is only covertly outlawed.

Any Personal Experience?

No, fortunately, I haven’t but I know too many friends (men and women) who have been forced to have rape written into their life stories.  The truth of the matter is that I don’t have to have had a personal experience to be compassionate.  I simply believe in our shared humanity and that, in and of itself, is enough.  The rape of any woman/girl in Nigeria is the rape of a citizen to whom we are all obligated.

Is the Edo State Government  doing enough to curb this menace?

Clearly, states like Lagos are making advancements on the issue of rape, but many others are on its heels, including Edo. In January 2017, our Governor inaugurated a Family Court to exclusively handle matters pertaining to children in civil and criminal matters.  The hope is that the court will expedite prosecutions in child related matters, specifically on those relating to child exploitation and rape.  But simply having these in place is insufficient if there is no enforcement and/or implementation.  Bribes are still being demanded by police officers (as recently as April, in one of our cases) to begin the prosecution of a case against a grandmother.  But we are reporting rogue officers and more people are demanding accountability.  The optimist in me believes that the foregoing, coupled with the commitment of our new Governor who has been proactive, will result in a decline of rape cases in the state.

 

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#PROFILE| MEET VALENTINA TERESHKOVA, THE FIRST WOMAN TO FLY TO SPACE

Before her recruitment as a cosmonaut, Tereshkova was a textile-factory assembly worker and an amateur skydiver. After the dissolution of the first group of female cosmonauts in 1969, she became a prominent member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, holding various political offices.

Even though there were plans for further flights by women, it took 19 years until the second woman, Svetlana Savitskaya, flew into space. None of the other four in Tereshkova’s early group flew, and, in October 1969, the pioneering female cosmonaut group was dissolved.

credits: wikipedia
               google.com
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#INTERVIEW: “FIREFIGHTING IS A PERSONAL CALL FOR ME” -DOOSHIMA DENNIS, FEMALE FIREFIGHTER

 

You must have seen her by now, the female fire fighter whose picture went viral few months ago,  Many people were in doubt when they came across her picture on social media but she is very real and also passionate about her job. Dooshima Dennis studied Mass communication  but got motivated to join the fire service after her cousin got burnt to death due to carelessness. She has been in this business for over two years and loves her job passionately, the native of Tiv Benue State shares her story in this exclusive interview.

Inspiration

I’ve always wanted to do something out of the ordinary with myself , something challenging. In fact helping people connect with work and play that makes them happy is a key reason why I do my work with passion. Humanitarian service

Full nature of my job

A typical day for me is quite challenging because no event of fire is identical immediately we receive a distress call and turn out from our station headed towards the scene of incidence and while people are running out of the building we are running in. It’s not an easy job to do, but once you put your mind to it, trust me you can.

My parents’ stand concerning my choice of career

As a young girl, my method of helping others step away from stress was humor , I believe my Angels parent will be proud of what am doing.

Challenges

This can usually be the tragic effects of a bad situation or event that you strive to prevent or make better ……. and sometimes can’t despite our best efforts, not being able to avert or alleviate people’s suffering at that point in time saddens my heart. Sometimes I just imagine the faces of those I love in the faces of the people we are trying to help ,as I pray to God that my family and loved ones will never be placed in such situation

Doing a job which many people consider as exclusive to men

“The risk firemen go through is extremely high so there’s this belief it’s a man’s occupation (dangerous). Also, there’s a tendency to often think that women’s physique or psychology hasn’t quite gotten what it (takes) to be on the front line.”

Greatest reward

For me it is the fact that I am able to become a small link in helping people who are in deplorable conditions and to be able to see the joy in their eyes when they receive aid – especially children, women and men. It brings tears to my eyes. I am happy to be a helping link. They were in a bad situation and because of an intervention they are now able to be in a different situation and that is most rewarding.

 

Loving my Job

The best part of the job for me is knowing I’m doing my part to make a difference. With all the negatives people tend to attach to us, we’re on the ground  to do some good. Whether paid or volunteer, that’s what this job is all about. There will never be a better feeling than knowing you did your part in saving someone’s life, possessions, or home. Thanks to all of the fellow brothers and sisters for doing your part.”

 

On whether Nigerians are sensitized on how to avoid and manage fire outbreaks

Awareness is on yet a lot of people don’t seem to take heed when it comes to issues of safety as compared to security. So many houses in Nigeria don’t get to meet up safety standards or fire prevention and protection system of a building, yet when there is an incidence of fire we blame the fire services for what’s not. A building should have an alternative exit door, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets etc. Every fire starts small except for an explosion and reaction of highly flammable liquids and gases. However, if a fire does break out in a building it is necessary for someone to use the fire extinguishing media to prevent fire spread or extinguish the fire while it’s just developing while u call the fire service. But most people just blame firefighters for what’s not. what’s your line of defence against fire in your house?? Does your house have emergency plan?? Do you have fire service no?? Are there alternative sources of water in your premises/area such as reservoir, hydrants etc. to enable firefighters refill their fire trucks in case they run out of water? Remember every fire starts small and can be prevented if you adhere strictly to safety instructions like, having fire extinguisher, good housekeeping and so on. SAFETY SHOULD BE OUR WATCHWORD and it starts with YOU!!!! A big mansion worth millions or a small bungalow just for you to rest your head after the hectic day at work shouldn’t be neglected in terms of provision of fire safety and prevention gadgets. As it goes prevention is not just better but also cheaper. Awareness is on and we’ll not rest on our oars until we expunge the scourge and manage call fire.

Other projects and activities

As a child I said if one day I can support and help others, I will do it. It was a personal call. Being a humanitarian provides me with the opportunity to exert all effort possible (physical and intellectual) to save lives and give hope to burn victims -affected populations

Who and what inspires me

So often in life, it is hard to feel like we are making any real impact. Doing a good deed is always nice, returning a lost phone to a stranger, buying a homeless person a plate of food, helping an elderly person up or visiting orphanages , these acts all help somebody and make you feel good. But, what if your impact wasn’t just a temporary thing, what if it not only changed somebody’s day, but changed their life?

How I unwind

I work 5 days a week – I like to watch movies, read, visit with family and friends, go shopping and travel. Basically anything that keeps me occupied and that I enjoy doing.

Final word for women who aspire to go into my line of work

Be yourself, stay out of trouble and stay healthy. Be open minded and flexible, willing to try new things and listen to new ideas.

 

 

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I NEVER KNEW ABOUT ACID ATTACKS UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO ME – HANIFA NAKRIYOWA, ACID ATTACK SURVIOVOR & ADVOCATE

Hanifa before the attack

 

 

Hanifa Nakriyowa had escaped an abusive marriage just three months earlier before she became scarred for life, she had gone to her estranged husband home one Sunday evening  to pick up their daughters when a man dressed as a security guard poured acid on her face.  She remembers screaming in pain as the corrosive liquid burned her skin. By the time neighbors rushed her to the Hospital, doctors could do little more than keep her comfortable and give her seared skin time to heal. “I was literally raw and faceless she said, my nose had fallen off”. I had lost one eye, the scarring had disfigured my entire face but I had a voice says Hanifa . In 2012 she formed Centre for Rehabilitation of Survivors of Acids and Burns Violence (CERESAV) , to raise awareness about acid violence in Uganda and to give survivors a place where they felt belonged. Hanifa shares her very inspiring story in this interview.

 

Growing Up

Being the firstborn in the family, I was raised and trained to take care of my siblings, trained to take on values that will be exemplary to my siblings and expected to take on family values as a girl child. While in school, I always demonstrated maturity in whatever I did, which as you may know is a common feature with all firstborns in our African society especially girls. This maturity always led me leadership roles from my earliest school years. As a student in leadership role, I was expected to take good care of the little kids in school. I was also expected to demonstrate good character, be clean, handle myself with respect and be smart in class to be a good role model to the kids I took care of. If I failed to observe good character, then I would be punished in front of the school parade which would of course be an embarrassment that no one wants to go through. There are days I would blunder of course as a child and get my dose of it. Such blunders would help me get more careful. I had to work harder to save myself of the likely embarrassments. I would say all this must have prepared me to be the person I am today.

My Acid Attack Experience changed me

I never knew about acid attacks until it occurred to me. at first I didn’t know what consequences it would have on my life. I had ever seen any survivor of acid attacks in Uganda all my life. Until one month after my attack, while still in hospital, I was visited by a young girl in her 20s who had been had survived the attack at 18 years. Seeing how the acid had disfigured her, listening to her share my story, I broke down and cried. I sobbed for her. I felt so much pain for her that I even forgot all about mine. I could not imagine how someone could be so cruel to ruin such a young girls’ life. Then I saw many other acid attack patients come in each new day. I got so overwhelmed and wondered how this could be happening in our society and many of us have no idea. That was my turning point. I focused on how best I could use y personal experience to raise the awareness of the problem.

Inspiration behind “CERESAV”

My personal experience and my encounters with other survivors. The shock that my attack brought with it to me, my children, my family and friends. The rate at which acid attacks patients were brought into the hospital while I was there. Then when I came out of the hospital, the condemnation I suffered, the ostracism, socioeconomic discrimination and stigma that I experienced firsthand. The public perception and the fear that it brings especially associated with the injustices. The trauma that it brought with it on me and especially my children. “At least if I never knew, others should know and run for their lives. My daughters will not have to go through the same lifecycle. I just cannot sit back and do nothing. I cannot continue to hide these scars. Women cannot continue to hide their burned faces. We have to break the silence. Something has to be done and if I don’t do it, who will?”. These are the kind of statements that ran in my head each time I cleaned my maimed face.

Being the only organization in Uganda advocating for victims of burns

That has changed recently, thanks to the power of sensitization and lobbying. But while it was still the only organization advocating for acid attack survivors, it always got overwhelming trying to meet needs of the survivors in the face of limited resources. These are people whose dreams have been almost shuttered, majority of them do not have any level of education to compete favorably in the labor market, even for those with some education, they face social and economic stigma and discrimination, many would not want to employ a person with a maimed face. Appearance play a very central role in the labor market politics. As a result, survivors’ expectations were exponentially higher than the organization could meet. As far as policy challenges are concerned, the organization advocates for social justice to address and end acid attack violence, which, to many is a “drop in the ocean” as far as statistics are concerned in relation to other “pertinent issues” like HIV/AIDS, Malaria, Rebel wars among others. But every life matters. Acid attacks have spillover effects from the direct victim, to their children, families, relatives, friends and anyone they come across. The effects of acid attacks leave lasting scars on anyone’s memory. It is the most horrendous form of violence. We cannot look at it quantitatively. Its qualitative effects are just way too devastating.

Other project and activities?

I am involved in activities aimed at empowering women and girls especially through sensitization seminars and lectures. This I do during my free time since I spend most of the time in school working on my assignments and school projects. Plus, I have a full time job taking care of my two daughters.

My greatest reward

Seeing a ray of hope shining across faces of four children. These four children were left homeless in December 2012 when their mother died after an acid attack by their father. Helpless and hopeless, the family cried out to me for help. But I could not take up the responsibility. It broke my heart. Each time I came back home to my children, my heart bled for the other four children who no longer had a mother to run to. I am the one they ran to and called mom each time I went to them. I reached out to a journalist friend who agreed to feature an appeal I made to the public in the newspaper. The article was read by one amazing lady who runs a children’s home. She took in the four children on the Christmas eve of 2012. I felt that was the best Christmas gift these children could ever get in life.

Most Memorable Moments and Awards

My most memorable award is my scholarship to attend graduate school after my acid attack. This gave me an opportunity to redefine and re-strategize my life and my career. After my attack, everything seemed to get out of place. I was working for the UNICEF program on a contract which would end. I had no idea what next I would do with my life after my contract ended. Everything I did for the organization largely depended on my salary. I saw myself in the middle of nowhere after my UNICEF contract. I wanted to go back to school but there was no success with all the applications I made. I continued unceasingly because I knew I needed to go back to school and redefine my career path. Finally, I was accepted into the university of Pittsburgh graduate school of public and international affairs to pursue a master’s degree in international development and human security studies

On Africans not well informed on the danger of acid attack

I do not think so. It is not just African, but this is a global gap. I don’t even think that the perpetrators actually know the dangers of their actions when they are plotting such attacks. Otherwise no human being in their human sense would think of such inhumane act on humanity. I have encountered many people from different parts of the world who question what acid attacks are and what the dangers are. Many people ask me how I cope with it. This is the very reason I continue to be actively involved in sensitization activities. Many people including the perpetrators need to know the dangers of such attacks. Many people need to know that it is not a problem of the poor, or the unlearned, or the informed. Just anyone is vulnerable to such attacks. In recent years acid attacks are no longer a problem of poor Africa, or poor Asia, or poor south America. It has now become a problem of rich Europe and America. This has to stop. People need to know. Everyone needs to get involved before it knocks on their doors.

Who and what inspire you to be better?

My daughters. They are the strongest, most resilient human beings I know. They give me countless reasons to stand tall in the midst of storms and darkest days. Then my faith in God keeps me going. I don’t know how I would deal with a maimed face if I had no God. I cannot even imagine or picture what that life without God would be for me. Maybe I would not be here. For every move I make successfully, I know it is God at work behind the scenes. He has held my hand so firmly and tenderly that in most cases I even forget I have no face. Leave alone the face you see today after over 36 surgeries, ranging from scar releases and skin grafts, to complete nose reconstructions from nothing left except one eye.

Being an overcomer make me a woman of Rubies

I am an overcomer. I have been trampled on, picked up the pieces and stood up tall and moved on even more determined to do better than I would ever do my entire life.

Inspiring word for women all over the world

Women are created to move the world. We are shakers of this world, that is why the world is so afraid of strong women. If you are being oppressed or intimidated or abused, then you have a strength your oppressor/abuser/intimidator cannot stand. If you have the chance to tap into your inner strength, do not wait until it is too late. Because we are the most resilient of humans, we tend to cave in and build resilience to tolerate all the negative forces. You are not all the negative things you have been told you are. I never thought I was this strong. I had to be pushed to the edge to tap into my inner strength. You do not have to wait. If you are not comfortable in your skin because of what you have been told, you are not where you should be. Search for yourself from within.

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ANGEL ADELAJA IS GROWING PLANTS WITH NO SOIL AND LITTLE WATER

For better or worse, our world keeps evolving without our permission – and we keep scrambling to keep up, especially in the area of agriculture.

Sure, we’re producing more food than ever before, but our current model is unsustainable, and as the world’s population grows and climate change becomes more unforgiving, we will need a radical transformation to keep up.

This is where innovative new solutions like vertical farming – growing food in vertically stacked layers – and hydroponics – growing plants with no soil and little water – come into play.

Combining these two innovative solutions, Angel Adelaja has created a revolutionary stackable container farm, using shipping containers, that is the most affordable in the world – and just one container can do about an acre and a half of vegetable production.

Born out of the need to make urban farming accessible to everyone, Angel co-founded We Farm Africa, and founded Fresh Direct Produce and Agro-Allied Services, a social enterprise that has pioneered hydroponic agriculture in Nigeria.

Angel Adelaja (Photo: Farm Direct)

Angel Adelaja (Photo: Fresh Direct)

Speaking with The Way Women Work about what inspired the containers, Angel said:

“When we started Fresh Direct, we realized that new technology could make the difference that African agriculture needed.

Unfortunately, we needed to import the technology and it was too expensive. So we decided to innovate and create our own technology from indigenous materials.”

Fresh Direct Nigeria has multiple active divisions, so they don’t just farm, they create low-tech affordable technologies, like the stackable container farm, to simplify agriculture in Nigeria – and eventually, the world.

Source: Konbini.com

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