Interviews&profile Archives

In Interviews&profile February 23, 2017 By Women of Rubies

WHY BONANG MATHEBA IS WINNING THE HEARTS OF MANY

Bonang Matheba keeps winning our hearts all the time! Call her a diva, a social media queen, a super woman – she is all of that and much more! Here are our top ten reasons for not being able to get over her:

Bonang is pro-woman all the way

Boning is a staunch lover and promoter of women. Even more, she is a strong believer in the strength and dreams of African women. To her, a woman can have it all. Her dream to promote self-love in women led her to launch her lingerie line, Distraction. Through it, she encourages women to embrace their bodies.

She’s got burnt and made it through

Bonang did not just wake up one morning to become an overnight ‘disney’ princess. She has had her very fair share of disappointment and frustration. She’s been called names. What she did? She moved past it all and gave herself a better choice. She grew to be the woman we all love now.

She’s a serial achiever

Bonang is such an inspiration to many young ladies. She has had more achievements than most media personalities can get for themselves. Of course, she has become a favourite cover star for renowned international fashion and lifestyle magazines such as Grazia, Marie Claire and Elle South Africa. Talk about a black girl who rocks?

She is love’s biggest fan

For Bonang, love is everything. That, for her, is the biggest principle to live and work by. She tells LLA, “it is the love that drives the passion of what I do, being true to myself means I will always be authentic in what I do and the brands I align myself with, happiness brings positivity into your life and the more of it the more life seems great”.

Bonang is an early planner

For Bonang, life did not have to start at 21. At 13, she did not have anyone telling her what to do, she had it all figured out. She knew just what she wanted to be and went right ahead to chase after it at 16 by kicking off her career in a South African’s television series for kids.

She’s a perfect fit in two contrasting worlds

If she is not here on the noisy, photo-splashed side of glam, then she’s on the other side. Either way, Bonang makes a perfect blend of both worlds. She knows how to be just the diva and the home girl.

She’s a super slay queen

Bonang is a fashion favourite and definitely a designer’s muse. She does as much justice to the red-carpet as to the streets. She is a slay queen with a capital ‘S’.

She’s not just about the glam

Bonang is not just about the pretty face or the 6-inches. She pushes herself to be better and smarter, and we’ve come to know that a pastime of hers is reading. Oh yes, she loves to read. Her favourites are socio-political books. So, thinking of being the next Bonang? Try reading a few books.

She is on the look-out for everyone

There is no disputing the fact Bonang loves her fans and wants as much good for them as she does for herself. She is an amazing giver. Whether it involves offering mentorship to young girls or inviting her fans to an expense paid trip, Bonang is willing to do so much and more.

She stays leading!

Bonang is our quintessential Leading Lady! She just keeps on winning! She is a perfect blend of both the entertainment and fashion industries. She is leaving the B prints everywhere she can possibly be. We love, love, love her!

Source: Leadingladiesafrica.org

In Interviews&profile February 20, 2017 By Women of Rubies

PROFILE| MEET VICTORIA KISYOMBE, THE WOMAN BRINGING HOPE TO WOMEN AND WIDOWS IN TANZANIA

Dr Victoria Kisyombe is the founder and CEO of SELFINA, a non profit company in Tanzania that provides loans to mostly widows and young women. Starting from a very humble beginning, SELFINA has gone on to improve financial inclusion for women. More than 27,500 women have received lease finance, 250,000 lives have been impacted, 150,000 jobs created and more than US$ 17 million has been availed to women through a revolving fund.

SELFINA was birthed when her husband died in 1991, leaving her with three children and no property or asset, except a cow named Sero. She turned the cow into a source of income by milking the cow and selling the milk to sustain her family. She also managed to accumulate savings out of the income she yielded and in 2002, she started SELFINA in Dar es Salam and began loaning and leasing productive assets. The leased assets enable women to generate income sustainably, and at the end of the lease a client owns the asset in her own name. It becomes collateral that qualifies her for a traditional bank loan.

During an interview, she said;

”I saw that there were other women, other widows—some of them had not been to school like I had been and they were less privileged than I had been—and I thought: ‘How are they managing?’”

Victoria’s successful micro-leasing model has generated praise beyond Tanzania. She has been profiled by the World Bank “Doing Business in Africa”, by CNN, Lionesses of Africa (South Africa) and by Deutsche Welle, etc.

In 2009, she received a TIAW World of Difference 100 Award in recognition of her outstanding contribution in making “all the difference in the world” to the economic empowerment of women by The Alliance for Women (Canada). In 2010, she received an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur Award from the World Economic Forum and Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurs in recognition of visionary, pragmatic and courageous contributions that significantly improve the state of the world. In July 2014,she received a Global Leadership Award by Vital Voices Global Leadership founded by Hon. Hillary Clinton. She was also recognized as a Woman of Determination in recognition of her support on the development of SMEs in Tanzania, during the 50 years Independence celebrations of her country, Tanzania.

In Interviews&profile February 20, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE| MEET UDUAK DEBBIE NWAOZO THE WOMAN DETERMINED TO FIGHT SICKLE CELL DISEASE EVEN WHILE BATTLING RENAL FAILURE

She was born in a small city called Ilesha, in the Western part of Nigeria. Her parents were educationists hence they were considered somewhat strict. She grew up with four siblings, second of five kids; Uduak lost two of her siblings in year 2000 and 2010 to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

Their mum brought them up almost single handedly; as the dad was often away. She was a little over a year when my mum discovered I had SCD.

ON LIVING WITH SCD

Living with SCD impacted my life in so many ways; both negatively and positively. As a teenager I battled with quite a lot of stigmatization especially because I looked very different from my peers in secondary school. I had somewhat stunted growth, yellowish eyes and looked very fragile.

I learnt to talk to my mum a lot and she would in turn advise me to tell God about how I felt. My parents were very religious; so they instilled in my siblings and me the need to appreciate our spirituality. I guess this is a big part of what helped me through life as one living with SCD.

As an adult, living with SCD has also affected my relationships with people especially in relation to getting married . I have had quite unpleasant experiences with parents of supposed spouses because of course no one really wants his or her son to have a wife who might be ill most of the time.

Dealing with SCD as an adult has been better compared to my childhood and teenage years; at least I learnt how to manage my health better and I am more careful. Every now and then though, I have had to cancel appointments, cancel outing with friends, and deal with crisis, mood swings, and hospital sessions and so on.

I established good relationship with my medical team and I have always had an excellent support system from my family and the few friends I have.

ON FINDING HER VOICE ON SCD

I schooled in Ghana and during this period I tried to find myself. I felt something was missing. I wanted to say something to the public about SCD but I found myself always timid when it came to SCD issues but quite bold on other issues.

After I lost my only brother in year 2010 in Russia, I decided to finally talk more about SCD i.e. to create the awareness and educate people but I became more occupied with my job as a Project Manager which entailed a lot of travelling; I could not quite make time to plan strategies on how to go about my awareness creation.

I finally got the bombshell when my friend and colleague told me her 1 year old son had SCD. I remember feeling extremely guilty because she categorically told me she didn’t know anything about SCD and here was I refusing to dedicate time to talk about it with people. I eagerly decided to work on creating awareness; this is when I came up with the Sickle Cell Support Group – Ghana (SCSG-Ghana).

SICKLE CELL SUPPORT GROUP

SCSG is a registered not-for-profit organization and a social health group that was formed in 2014 with the aim of creating aggressive awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), its causes and prevention, and providing educative support to persons living with SCD for improved quality of life. SCSG-Ghana is meant to reach out to persons living with SCD in Ghana.

So far, SCSG-Ghana has organized the SCD Awareness march which was done in June 2016 in collaboration with Lister Hospital, Sunlodge Hotel, Green TV, Business and Financial Time, Special Ice drinks, Chicken republic, Ghana Police, Green FM ad Ovation International.

I was in the US having my surgery done at this point but I have a very effective team that handled everything. I wasn’t thrilled that I missed it but I had no choice. SCSG-Ghana also has an awareness video which can be watched on our site on www.scsgghana.org or directly on YouTube

I believe SCSG-Ghana will do its own little part to gradually break the barriers that SCD has created by educating people. It is important that everyone knows their genotype. I believe this is the first step in avoiding SCD. SCD is inherited from carrier or suffering parents who have the double AS genotype.

FOR PEOPLE WHOSE LOVED ONES LIVE WITH SCD

I am of the opinion that people living with SCD need all the love and attention they can get. If you are a sibling, spouse, parent or friend, the best you can do is to be very loving. We do not need pity.

Some people tend to pity you when they discover you are living with SCD; but with me once I see you pity me, I start to avoid you. Pity is the last thing I need from anyone.

FOR PEOPLE LIVING WITH SCD

People living with SCD also need an excellent medical team. With me, for instance, I bond very well with my medical team, they are a very integral part of my life. I don’t hide or keep anything from my doctors. They know everything about my health. I also try to keep away from anything that causes me stress especially if I have the power to avoid it. I stay hydrated and keep to my doctors’ appointments the best I can; and as mama often advised, I rest even before I even feel tired.

I think as persons living with SCD we should also be careful of the kind of things we consume. Our organs tend to get damaged easily hence the need to consume the right kinds of foods. I recently became a dialysis patient because my kidney packed up as a result of severe damages from SCD, going through frequent infections, crisis and so on. I also think there were many foods I consumed that might have led to damaging my kidneys i.e. weighing down and overworking the kidneys. So now I don’t only battle with SCD but also with end stage renal failure.

ON TURNING 35

I turned 35 years in November, 2016 and for me it was the greatest joy ever. People always say I lie about my age because of my looks but I don’t see why I should tamper with my age. I live each day thankful for all the experiences I have had. I have been able to visit so many African and European countries. I have stayed in the US for a while and I can go whenever I want to. I have had exciting experiences with my work, I have met and made very good friends and I have a very supportive immediate and extended family. I can only stay thankful because I am not better than anyone. Ultimately, I think the best attitude in life is to be thankful in spite of what we think we are going through.

***** Uduak is battling renal failure and needs your help to raise the funds for her treatment. Kindly support her on her journey to better health with your donations and your prayers. Please click here to donate –> gofundme.com/debbie-kidney

This article was curled from woman.ng to support the fundraiser for Uduak’s surgery.

In Interviews&profile February 18, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#INTERVIEW | “I AM AN INSPIRATION TO A LOT OF WOMEN OUT THERE WHO THINK SO LOW OF THEMSELVES” – DR. ADEDUN OLUWO, “DOCTORPRENEUR”

Dr. Adedunmola Oluwo is a Medical Doctor and an entrepreneur. Despite her hectic schedule as a doctor, she still runs four different business ventures all at the same time. She is a baker, a makeup artist, a cook, and a hair stylist. Yes… all that while undergoing the gruelling task of going through med school. Dedun’s multi-faceted reach into the world of entrepreneurship was the result of her determination to survive economically – as a student. This grew into something else when the spectrum of services she provided increased, and she became beholden to the needs of her customers. Her work ethic is admirable, and behind it all she says was the unwavering love and support of her mother, brothers and friends. In 2016, Dedun was recognised as the “Young Person of the Year” by the Future Awards. Here is her motivating interview with Women of Rubies.

Childhood

I learnt how to cook from my mum and I learnt how to make hair anytime I visit the salon for my weekly change of hairstyle. So in a way, those two prepared me for Dedun Cooks and Hair by Dedun. The remaining skills were acquired in my late teens and early adulthood years. In terms of the business acumen, I guess I got that from my Mum and brothers. They are all entrepreneurs and my mum did that alongside her tedious job as a Civil Engineer.

More about me
Aside from being a Doctorpreneur, I believe I’m an outgoing and highly driven lady who believes in helping others in a bid for all to achieve one major goal, growth. I’ve been told I’m strict but I’ll prefer to use “disciplined”. I’m my own critic, so before someone tells me something negative about a thing or two I’ve done, I most likely already know and as a result, I can get defensive even when I know I’m wrong. Aside from all these, I’m just a simple lady who loves her faith and strives everyday to always be better than the previous

On being the recipient of the “Young Person of The Year Award” 2016

I was filled with joy to say the least. When I got the phone call, I was in shock and I’m sure the caller must have felt my out pour of emotion. Reason being that I really didn’t think I would ever be nominated for an award in Nigeria that soon, because I was just visiting the country at that time. I also didn’t think my story really reached people like that until the nomination confirmed that. It later got me thinking that if one can focus on what one has to do instead of fighting for recognition, the recognition you deserve will eventually find you.

Inspiration

To be honest, there was no major inspiration to start my first business other than the need for extra stipend. As the business progressed and I branched out to more ventures, the one thing that kept me going was this sentence, “I am not a failure”. I believed every word and used them to push me forward regardless of Medical school and it’s trials.

What or who inspired me to be “More”

My Family, my faith and myself. I wanted to be more to make my family proud. I wanted to be more because God created me to be a game changer and a shining light. I wanted to be more because I saw the potential in myself and strongly believed that I was not built to be a lazy being.

Greatest reward

The positive feed backs especially when I’m told I’ve turned their thinking capabilities around. When you can think more of yourself, nobody will do it for you and in return, nobody can poison your mind against you.

Challenges
Back in Medical School, my biggest challenge was time management and saying “No” to orders/appointments when I know fully well that I can’t say yes.I just moved back to Nigeria and logistics is killing me. Aside from this, I’m trying to figure out how I can combine everything. It’s a different ball game now and in a way, I have to start from scratch.

Other projects and activities
I launched a new project in January, the Dr Dedun’s Mentorship Program. After getting loads of requests from potential mentees for mentorship, I figured I should do it the right way. It’s going quite well and it will run in batches for eight weeks. The next batch registration will open in April. Other than that, I’m currently enrolled in the MDCN license program to become a registered Doctor in Nigeria. It’s pretty hectic for me now but after that is over, I will be back to my normal schedule with business and work.

Nigerians views on female entrepreneurs
Men believe women are the weaker sex, they’ve put us in a box that we can’t run businesses, whether small or big, because we are sentimental and not rational. There’s a rise in female entrepreneurs in the country and we will rise to the level that they will finally see that we can run businesses successfully while strutting in heels too.

I am a Woman of Rubies
I am an inspiration to a lot of women out there who think so low of themselves and retract their mind from thinking they can achieve anything they want to. I am an inspiration to students especially female students out there that want to have small businesses while in school but think they can’t do it because of parents, friends, lecturers etc. I am an inspiration to every woman out there that wants to be great, I have paved the way for those behind me to stand up and walk on the road to greatness. My program has made me realize that to be a game changer, you need change agents. I am creating the change agents and I will continue to if I truly want to make a difference in my world.

Final word for women all over the world
Your success solely depends on you but you have to take the first step. As you begin the journey, always remember to take God along and don’t leave anyone that needs you behind. We were all made for greatness, for success, but until you tap into those, you will never accomplish what you were made for, your purpose.

Website: www.drdedun.com <http://www.drdedun.com/
Email: hello@drdedun.com <mailto:hello@drdedun.com
Instagram: @dedun05
@dedunscakes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DrDedun <http://www.facebook.com/DrDedun>

In Interviews&profile February 17, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE | MEET AUDREY ITERITEKA, THE 18-YEAR-OLD ORPHAN WHOSE COVER OF BEYONCÉ’S ‘HALO’ WENT VIRAL

An 18 year orphaned African teenager has gone viral after her school friends posted a video of her singing a cover of Beyoncé’s Halo.

Audrey Iteriteka, a high school student from Burundi has become an international sensation… being called “the biggest musical phenomenon that the country has ever seen”. People are even starting to call her “Beyoncé of Burundi”.

The orphaned teenager apparently agreed to record the song for her friend who was leaving for another part of the country. Audrey sat in a sparsely furnished schoolhouse and belted an a-capella rendition of the song that will absolutely knock your socks off.

For Audrey, singing is so much more than entertainment. When she was living in the orphanage, singing was her way of dealing with the emotional ups and downs that plagued her every day.

Iteriteka, is currently studying modern literature at the Lycée Sainte Therese Gitega, and says she usually sings just for her own pleasure and wasn’t expecting the video to be such a hit.

“I was very happy and surprised at the same time,” she said during an interview.

Audrey remains humble about her future as a singer, but at the same time is proud to represent Burundi and inform people about her beautiful home country.

Check out the awesome video below:

In Interviews&profile February 16, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE |MEET FUNKE OPEKE , FOUNDER OF MAIN STREET TECHNOLOGIES & CEO OF MAINONE CABLE

Funke Opeke is the founder of Main Street Technologies and CEO of Mainone Cable, a communications services company. She attended Obafemi Awolowo University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronic & Electrical Engineering, followed by a Masters degree at Columbia University in Electrical Engineering.After which she pursued a career in ICT in the United States. She was once the Executive Director of the Wholesale division of Verizon Communications in New York.

She returned home, Nigeria, to tackle ICT problems starting with an attempt to revitalize Nitel, which at that time was Nigeria’s incumbent fixed and mobile operator. The attempt didn’t yield much except birthing the idea to create a cable company when she saw the absence of submarine cables.

After pledging all her savings, facing more challenges of raising capital for the start up cable business, carrying out in-depth foundational works, feasibility studies, business plans and technical plans, Main One Cable Company become more tangible. Although the company at that time was to be built over a 2-year period, from inception to launch, with a total investment of US$240 million, Funmi Opeke had to seek investors, both global and local, to help make the dream a reality.

One of the things that kept her going in the midst of challenges was her determination to keep moving forward with the idea. There was no going back for her. So she became relentless in engaging more persons who could help fill the financing needs that the company needed. Often times, Funke came across persons who doubted the success of such a business in Nigeria but she didn’t let that stop her. She was never bothered about the glaring truth that she was a woman in a business path that was dominated by men. She kept her focus and ran with her dreams.

Today, Main One cable has succeeded in signing over 100 customers across Africa. The cable company has landing points in Portugal, Ghana and Nigeria and branching units in Morocco, Canary Islands, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Funke Opeke believes that if everyone can think about how they can utilize the opportunities and the assets that they have to generate value then they would be successful in any business.

Source: Woman.ng

In Interviews&profile February 13, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#PROFILE |MEET OLUTOSIN ADEBOWALE, THE WOMAN TURNING TRASH INTO TREASURE & EMPOWERING WOMEN IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Olutosin founded Star of Hope Transformation Centre after her training as one of the Voices of our Future Correspondents on World Pulse in 2009 .

With such an empowerment opportunity on Worldpulse , she knew that there is no going back in sacrificing whatever it takes to liberate women and children from the shackles of oppression, irrespective of race, creed, tongue or geographical area, as long as we are human beings.

Beaten by her husband some weeks after a rigorous childbirth, coupled with the different kinds of violence she had seen her mother suffered before she died, Olutosin Adebowale made up her mind not to allow a repeat, Hence the reason she founded Star of hope transformation centre.

Transformation Centre works in four thematic areas, which are: Child Sexual Abuse, prevention, response and treatment, Gender Based Violence, Empowerment on Street Skills and the Centre operates both online and offline resources which provides valuable materials on the highlighted subjects. With ample experience on NGO Management, the Center explores the avenue to sustain its activities.

Olutosin believes in equality of women and men also that every adult in the community is responsible for the protection of children, therefore everyone must be empowered on prevention of violence, in all forms. She loves to protect women and children, speaking out against social injustice, corruption and prevention of sexual while at the same time repairing lives that are at the verge of destruction by sexual violence and poverty.

Educationally, she studied English Language at the University of Lagos (1997) Masters in English Language (2001), after which she did Diploma in Computer. The struggle Violence against women led her to End Violence Against Women.org, where she was trained.

She has written four manuscripts on sexual violence, widowhood and infidelity. Waiting for the Publication of her first book. The first book is a collection of poems addressing issues concerning women and human rights.She loves producing tie and dye in its different styles and shades, designing and sewing clothes, teaching poor women how to tie and dye and sew beautiful female and male clothes and to top it all, she designs and sews cooking bags!!!!

She is blessed with two lovely daughters; Angel and Divine and 100 other children at the riverside in Ibasa, Lagos Nigeria.

In her words :

“I want to start a PLACE FOR CREATION where women and girls can explore their creativity and become the best they want to be in life”.

In Interviews&profile February 11, 2017 By Women of Rubies

I HAVE NOT BEEN TEMPTED TO BE SUICIDAL, I HAVE ONLY BEEN TEMPTED TO GIVE UP’ – ADENIKE OYETUNDE -FOUNDER, AMPUTEES UNITED INITIATIVE

At the age of 20, Adenike had one of her limbs amputated as a result of cancer , but the survivor continues to live her life like it’s golden,inspiring people daily through her story and touching lives, . The founder of “Amputees United Intiative” plans to provide support to amputees and create awareness through her organisation. Adenike shares her inspiring story with us and also reveals how she survived the dark phase in her life and her plans for her organisation.

The beginning

February 4 2006, started me on the life changing journey I have embarked on, these few years. It’s been a roller coaster ride, with its ups and downs. A journey very less traveled, and so, the outcomes are highly uncertain, as with similar trips. A journey where the destination remains unclear, can only be traveled with God. It’s has made me get close to him, been lukewarm, getting back to knowing him; and realizing undoubtedly, the only thing else that makes sense, would be to be on His team. It’s crazy, especially in a society like ours. We don’t even know how many persons living with disabilities we have, and I suggest wonder why some folks are surprised we can’t care for them. We don’t even know the forms of disabilities, how do we care for them? I didn’t have anything handed down to me, so far on this journey. I have had to kneel before God especially for the biggest things men once thought were obviously impossible to get. I have had to wonder if it may have been a little different, only if I didn’t have to lose the use of my right natural limb.

People somehow just expect you to be high and fly, almost at every point in time; and when you’re not, they know it’s most definitely because one has a special need. It’s been a crazy journey, but an evidently worthwhile one.

Losing her limbs

Nothing ever prepares you for a life of limb loss. I was hardly ever prepared, or so it seemed. In hindsight sometimes, I think I was prepared, but had no idea, it was a training process. I can be so annoying. I hang up the phone so easily, and I have been working on that. I am a trustworthy person, if I do say so myself. Can be very loquacious, but I definitely, know the limits.

My driving force

The reasons I am alive drives me. My visions, purpose of course are embedded in these reasons and it’s systematic and progressive unveiling will only happen through God

State of mind when I was told my leg would be amputated

Amazingly, I wasn’t destabilized this was because from the date of my diagnosis, till the eventual amputation, I knew time was running out, and I had no choice, save to amputate my limb. I was way mentally prepared for the procedure, but of course, not the new realities I was to face. I needed to jump start’ my life, and I knew the amputation was the first step. I needed to go face it.

Passion for broadcasting

Truthfully, I looked for a job as a lawyer, but wasn’t successful, because I hadn’t been pushy about it.Then came the season to re-discover myself, and broadcasting was where my passion also lied. Of course, my dad’s influence wouldn’t be undermined, as I remember growing up around news studios, and on the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria ground. My dad retired from the FRCN, as a manager News and Current Affairs.

Greatest influence on my life

Sometimes when I mention Jesus as my greatest life influence it just gets me emotional. Another person who has continued to impact me is a dear friend, Udy. Udy Ntia is my pastor, mentor and most importantly friend. He has been able to help me to rediscover who I am and my journey of purpose.

Tempted to quit

I have not been tempted to be suicidal .I have only been tempted to give up. A number of times, I get so frustrated at the turn out of events in life, and I begin to ask myself if the story may have changed, only if I had both natural limbs. I hardly ever stay in this sort of mood for so long, so I get back and keep moving.

Greatest Reward

My greatest reward has been the joy that fills my heart when people unbeknownst to me, have gotten inspired by my story and become more appreciative of their own situation.

Greatest Reward

My greatest reward has been the joy that fills my heart when people unbeknownst to me, have gotten inspired by my story and become more appreciative of their own situation.

Compassion and empathy are not the same

Nigerians are compassionate towards amputees. Unfortunately, compassion and empathy are two very distinct, yet closely related terms. It’s fine to show compassion, but there’s a very thin line, and that’s where I usually have an issue. We are amputates, we understand you simply are concerned about our wellbeing, but we need you to let us ‘fall and stand again. One would have thought the compassion would have translated to so much, as better care for we amputees, or persons living with disabilities, but that’s not the case. Those in the position to effect the changes we need, to live a better quality of life, do not do so.

Inspiration behind Amputees United

It was born out of my passion for fellow Amputees, I look back at my journey in 11years and sincerely I wouldn’t want them to go on this mental journey alone. I will love to help them wage through the storm, because honestly, I went through this, that I may help them on their journey.

Message to other Amputees

We at the AMPUTEES UNITED INITIATIVE would love that you allow us hold hands together. Let’s hold hands till you come to terms with your new reality. Let’s hold hands, so you don’t have to suffer depression. Let’s hold hands to inspire one another. Let’s hold hands, so they know we can, despite our journeys.

Advice to women living with disabilities

Get up, yes you can. Please get up, move on. You can, and will do it. Your hair will grow again, your love life will re-ignite, your finance will stabilize, and your health will be restored.

Final words

The notion of the Nigerian woman we once had, has evolved. She has grown in leaps and bounds. She has learnt to handle her home, career and God, very well.So, everyone must discover, and as quickly as she can, who she is, what she stands for, what she’s here for, and get to work.

In Interviews&profile February 10, 2017 By Women of Rubies

“INSPIRING CHANGE INITIATIVE WANTS TO IMPACT YOUNG GIRLS POSITIVELY”- SUNMBO ADEOYE

Sunmbo Ajaba- Adeoye is a multi-passionate Entrepreneur, a Goldman Sachs scholar and an Alumna of Lagos business School. She is a multiple award winner with impeccable result in the events planning industry. She is the CEO at Esobevents and the founder, Esob Academy, where she trains budding event managers, the events planning and styling business. She talks about her “Inspiring Change Initiative” and plan for the forthcoming edition in this interview with Mercy Makinde

Inspiring change initiative

The Inspiring change initiative is a vision born out of my ceaseless desires to support entrepreneurial ideas, through mentorship, Advisory services, Free Trainings, and capacity building.

This initiative was established in 2013 as a platform where women can interact, learn, grow and those striving to take the lead in their respective businesses and career can be well informed and empowered.

Throughout the year, we offer a variety of free programmes that enhances knowledge; impact lives and ensures the girl child is educated deliberately.

‎What was your vision as a young woman and how did you to get to where you are today?

As a young lady, with close to a decade of active service in the banking industry, my dream was to further become a successful business owner. In 2011 I resigned from banking and applied for scholarship at Lagos Business School, under the Goldman Sachs 10,000 women initiative. I was awarded the scholarship and graduated with a certificate in entrepreneurial management.

This experience did not only change my life, but it also improved how I do and structure my business. Having benefitted from such a huge opportunity, I purposed in my heart to pay it forward and that’s how I got to where I am today.

Inspiration behind the initiative

Over the centuries, It’s been observed that only a very few women ruled the entrepreneurial frontier. And history hasn’t been fair enough to celebrate the ones who have stood out with impeccable results in their male dominated industries, especially the pioneers. Haven’t realized this, the initiative not only celebrates this women but also brings the knowledge of their achievement to others who are most definitely going to be inspired by their success stories. We’ seek to fill the gap between the leading female entrepreneurs, and the common woman who sees them as mentors but from afar. This we achieve with the annual conference that allows attendees the privilege of meeting these great inspirations in person, listen to them share from their vast knowledge and ask questions based on the areas of their expertise, all for Free.

Empowering and the Girl Child

Yes, apart from the Inspiring change annual conference that seeks to inspire women, we also offer several outstanding programs, to further intensify our impact. Programs such as:

Mentor Meets Mentee: A Bi-Annual mentorship programme that was introduced in September 2015, with the aim of educating undergraduate’s about entrepreneurship and its many stages and intricacies. We have since, reached out to students in polytechnics, college of educations and university of Lagos, in January and September 2016 respectively.

GCE & JAMB SCHEME: A program that pays for the procurement of forms and tuition for young school leavers, to encourage their pursuit towards achieving their dreams of becoming successful female graduates.

Inspire Me Deliberately: A movement that offers series of free trainings by experts in various fields and sectors, teaching entrepreneurship and donating free educative items to pupils at various public schools in Agege and her environs.

Feedback from the first year

During our first year, the turnout was remarkable. It was as if, many had been longing for such a program as this, where women can interact, learn and grow. The goal was surpassed and the impact of the conference, either via our free seminars or active online engagements, cannot be overemphasized.

The aim for this year’s Theme : “RETHINK”

It’s been observed that many people do not understand the concept of entrepreneurship, the risks involved and the hurdles they will cross to achieve outstanding success. Many believe it’s in just starting something for the sake of making a living, and they venture into it without adequate preparations against the challenges that may occur along the journey. The aim of this year’s conference is to balance the knowledge of entrepreneurship and inform attendees about how to generate ideas, recognize opportunities, and understands the need to manage the business of their talents; ideas and innovations for investors buy in and to ensure it is sustained beyond a livelihood.

Choice of your guest’s speaker/panelist?

Every year, the initiative invites female guest speakers and panelists, all of whom have bridged gender gap in their respective fields, dominated by male counterpart. These women are leading female entrepreneurs with proven track records of impeccable achievements in their various fields. We’ve had in conference, women like Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, Ibukun Awosika, Kemi Adetiba, Toke Makinwa, to mention a few. This year, we have invited Mrs Jumoke Adenowo, a multiple award-winning architect with over 3 decades of experience in the field of architecture; she’s also the pioneer recipient of the New African Woman, Business Woman of the year 2016 award.

What’s your projection for the future of the initiative?

We are looking at setting up an entrepreneurial centre in Lagos Nigeria. That will cater to the increasing need of globalized education in information and communication technology. A go to place for programs that will inform students about how to manage their talents/idea/innovation and pitch it for exportation /investors. Many budding entrepreneurs face the problem of Market Entry, infrastructure and finance; we hope to build an institution that will fill that gap.

Limited to Women in Lagos?

No it’s not limited to only the women in Lagos. Several female entrepreneurs, irrespective of their religion, state of origin or location has benefitted from the free empowerment packages, which comes in form of Cash, work Tools, Free Trainings and Mentorship. We’ve had beneficiaries from outside of Lagos, like the fish seller from Kaduna, who was flown in to Lagos last year alongside her “corper” son and given some funds to acquire a deep freezer and scaling machine to further enhance her business, and several other women from other states including Lagos. Apart from these donations, we believe the knowledge impacted and continuous mentorship benefits received by beneficiaries of the grants, is much more valuable and it keeps them on track and ahead always.

Partnering with Government Agencies

Yes. We are also looking at partnering with the Lagos state chamber of commerce as well as other state agencies, to further increase our impact and achieve our future goal.

Funding

The initiative has solely been funded from my personal savings, and of course funds from my ever-supportive Family and friends.

Nigerian economy & Entrepreneurship

The Nigerian economy as we grew to know has depended so long on Oil, and recently Agriculture. The increasing need to diversify from its dependency on oil has now caused the government to support entrepreneurship with initiatives such as “YouWIN” Youth enterprise with innovation in Nigeria that encourages and supports aspiring entrepreneurial youths in Nigeria to develop and executive business idea. I am also aware that Lagos state through the Lagos state employment trust fund is also trying her best to encourage indigenous businesses.

Challenges

The toughest part of this service is convincing some people that there’s no political agenda backing the initiative. For example, some top leaders of public schools, with this opinion about social initiatives, deprive their pupils the privilege of some of our educative materials within rural communities in Lagos. We are often subjected to writing several letters and moving from one desk to another for approval. This process sometimes takes forever and it can be frustrating, but we remain committed till it gets to the hand of the intended beneficiaries.

What will you say is your biggest achievement so far?

We haven’t yet attained where we long to be but I’m most grateful to God almighty, for where we are, the several lives that has been transformed. The many businesses that the inspiring change initiative has given hope to, and the common woman on the street that now believes she can be anything she wants to be against all odds.

Women that inspire me

First on the list would be my ever-industrious Mother, who at 78 is still very active in the trading business. She taught us by example, at a very tender age, the need to be independent and always have something doing even as a girl child. The truth we later grew to discover is the way forward in life. My Mentor, Pastor Nomthi Odukoya, an educationist and life coach. Her wisdom, mentorship and shared influence, has helped me a great deal. Other women who inspire me include The former first lady of the united states of America, Michelle Obama, Chimamanda Adichie, Oprah Winfrey, and most recently Hilary Clinton, who broke the glass ceiling by winning the democratic presidential candidate slot and running relentlessly against Donald Trump, who eventually became the 45th President of the united state. This shows that there’s great hope for more female leaders to emerge and take their place in destiny.

Source: Guardian

In Interviews&profile February 9, 2017 By Women of Rubies

#INTERVIEW | I BELIEVE I GOT MY ZEAL FOR INNOVATION AND CREATIVITY FROM MY MOTHER – FUNKE TALABI

Funke Talabi is the innovator of CityHires, Nigeria’s first video recruitment portal. According to her , the concept for CityHires was born after various interactions with the human resource department of firms she worked with. She shares her story in this interview.

Growing Up

Growing up as a child, I was always inquisitive and innovative, and trying to find better ways of doing things. City Hires was somewhat designed out of my curiosity to challenge the existing process of recruitment in place. I believed that with the traditional paper resumes, recruitment procedures took longer, so I started working on highly categorized resume portal with video hosting since June 2015.

Meet Me!

My name is AdefunkeTalabi; I am the CEO of City Hires, the premier video resume portal in Nigeria. I am a proud alumna of Queens College Lagos, where I completed my Secondary school education and Oxbridge College in Ikeja GRA where I completed my A Levels preparatory lessons. As life would have it, I was opportune to travel outside of my comfort zone (of Lagos) for my Bachelors degree; I attended Igbinedion University for my undergraduate degree in International Relations; this experience certainly exposed me to the diverse and interesting cultures we have in Nigeria and I believe I am a better informed Nigerian for it. Following my graduation from Igbinedion, I was fortunate to attend a leading and prestigious Business school in the UK, the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow for a Masters degree in Business Information Technology Systems. Since the completion of my Postgraduate degree, I have acquired a wealth of experience in Brand Management, Client Services Management and Technical Support from working with leading companies in Scotland and Nigeria including Virgin Media and VConnect.

Inspiration behind City Hires?

As a jobseeker, I longed for non-conventional ways to convince potential employers that I was the ideal candidate for the job. Interestingly, from my interactions with human resources departments of various organizations I worked for, they sought creative ways to improve their ability to pre-screen candidates for jobs quickly. In July 2015, I started City Hires to fulfil this apparent need in recruitment.

City Hires is a video resume portal that enables job seekers to upload their video pitches – short, persuasive speeches to convey their communication skills, charisma, and personality within 60 seconds. It is often said that “First impressions lasts long”. City hires gives you an opportunity to audition before prospective employers and put a voice and persona behind your resumes. By uploading your best video pitch on www.cityhires.com.ng , and using our video resume platform, the suspense which is created with the traditional paper resume is removed, you are better able to convey attributes of your personality that cannot be conveyed using the conventional hard-copy resume; as such, you can stand out from among a multitude of applicants.

For the recruiter, it provides a platform to query a comprehensive database to retrieve the profiles and video resumes of job seekers and thereby enhancing the recruitment process thus making it more cost effective.

Expanding City Hires with the competition of existing job portal?

I believe in life, change is constant, and with a new way of doing things which makes the process seamless, job seekers will be willing to go a step further to connect with their prospective employers and vice versa.

Being a recipient of Etisalat Prize for innovation scheme.

Since the year 2012, Etisalat prize for innovation has unveiled a wealth of innovative products that have improved lives and businesses. I was part of the top 5 finalist for the year 2016 for the creation of City Hires. We were five finalists, and I happened to be the only female amongst the lot. It was an eye opening experience, though I believe we need more women to step forward and be at the forefront of technological innovations in Nigeria. I was really proud that out of the hundreds of applications across 36 states, my brainchild City Hires was at the top 5 in Nigeria.

What and who inspires me!

I am inspired by hardworking and creative individuals; as creativity sets the pace for innovative solutions for the next generation. As the saying goes, the apple does not fall far from the tree, hence the individual that inspires me most is my mother. My mother is a very hardworking and creative woman, always seeking new and innovative ways to excel in her business, I believe I got my zeal for innovation and creativity from her and she has always supported all projects I have worked on.

Other projects and activities:

I am involved in the race for life scheme which seeks to raise funds for cancer research. I believe it remains one of the biggest threats to our generation and finding a cure has become imperative. Hence, I am passionate about participating in activities that will lead to fund raising for cancer research.

Reward

I believe one of the major rewards has to be commendation from various recruiters stating that city hires has made the recruitment process in their organisations seamless. The call of gratitude from job seekers who have got jobs from the portal. Lastly, is the recognition by the telecoms giant, Etisalat.

How Job Seekers can come on board City Hires?

An average job seeker can come on board City Hires for free by registering their details on www.cityhires.com.ng and uploading their video resumes which is a 60 seconds pitch. There is a “How it works” tab on the site which gives a detailed explanation on how to upload your video resume.

5 years Vision

We seek to become the major platform transiting Nigerian professionals to the video resume system countrywide. We courage all working class professionals to register on City Hires to be discovered at any point in time by recruiters across the country.

Challenges of Running City Hires

The major challenge faced was the difficulty of most job seekers to do a video resume as most people are not accustomed to it. Providing a perfect pitch for the employer via video is a relatively new innovation, though with the right guidance we have been able to overcome this challenge.

Another major challenge was holding a full time job whilst trying to expand the scope and awareness of City Hires. Eventually, I found a way to balance my dual roles before deciding to give up full time employment to concentrate on expanding the outreach of City Hires.

Being a woman of Rubies?

I believe I am a woman of rubies because I have been at the forefront of technological disruption by pioneering video resume technology for the Nigerian Populace to make recruitment seamless.

Final word

In response to the world’s needs, young women should participate in science and technology from early school years to university. In addition, women in technology should mentor young girls about the benefits of a career in science and technology.

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