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Funkola Odeleye Recognized In Leading Edge Initiative

 The Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders launches today Leading Edge, an initiative to celebrate and amplify the work of women who are fostering economic growth and social change. Among the five featured women is Funkola Odeleye of Nigeria, the co-founder and CEO of DIYLaw Technologies, Ltd.

Passionate about developing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Nigeria, Odeleye’s company automated legal services for small and medium enterprises, including the process for business registrations. It has already contributed to the creation of 125,000 jobs by helping entrepreneurs scale their companies and become competitive. 

Odeleye’s goal is to help reduce unemployment in Nigeria by 50 percent by 2030.

“There isn’t true leadership without rolling up your sleeves and getting dirty. Leadership is serving,” she says in her video. 

With this approach to leadership and service, Odeleye wants to create a stronger economy in Nigeria and serve as an empowering role model for her young daughter.

“I have a 4-year-old daughter and I don’t just want to be a nurturer and a cater for her. I want to be one of the first inspirations that she has,” she added.

The Leading Edge initiative is one of the centerpieces of this year’s Reykjavík Global Forum – a globally renowned convening where hundreds of leaders from all sectors, including politics, business, civil society, academia, the arts, and media, “Power Together” every year in Reykjavík to build a more resilient and equal society.

The five global business leaders showcased as part of the launch exemplify the power and potential of female leadership in shaping economies across different sectors and regions of the world. 

“These five impressive leaders have achieved tremendous success in their lives and careers. Their commitment to using their voices, platforms, and power to build successful businesses and contribute to the economy of their countries is outstanding,” said Silvana Koch-Mehrin, Founder & President of Women Political Leaders (WPL), co-host of the Reykjavík Global Forum – Women Leaders. “The Reykjavík Global Forum is an opportunity for leaders from all continents and all sectors to focus on solutions to advance society; and with creative, innovative women like these at the table, we can move forward faster towards more equitable workplaces, governments, economies, and communities.”

Videos highlighting the stories, setbacks, and successes of the Leading Edge ambassadors have been shared on social media, at WhatsYourEdge.org, and on the initiatives section of the Forum website, reykjavikforum.global/initiatives/, with a call to action for changemakers to amplify these messages and contribute their own stories. 

“We all have a story to tell, and our hope is that this cohort of inspiring Leading Edge women will start a global conversation on what is possible when more women lead,” said Hanna Birna Kristjansdottir, Chair of the Board of the Reykjavík Global Forum. “The global GDP could increase by $28 trillion in 2025 if men and women participated in their economies equally. Particularly as we begin to envision our post-pandemic world and as we look to build forward equal, the full participation and leadership of women will be essential to a more sustainable recovery.” 

Stories from the Leading Edge initiative will continue on social media during the Generation Equality Forum, a global gathering for gender equality convened by UN Women and co-hosted by the governments of Mexico and France, in partnership with youth and civil society. 

Women worldwide, and those participating in Generation Equality, are invited to share their stories of female leadership, mentorship, and power on social media using the hashtags, #WhatsYourEdge and #WomenLeading. Stories will be amplified throughout the summer, culminating in the Reykjavík Global Forum 2021 from November 8 to 10. This year’s event will be a combination of virtual conversations and in-person sessions in Reykjavík, Iceland, a global leader in gender equality.

Meet the Other Women at the Leading Edge

The five women business leaders featured by Leading Edge are having significant impacts on their countries’ economies, which have mixed records on gender equality, according to the Reykjavík Index for Leadership compiled by WPL and Kantar. The Index measures the perceptions of women’s suitability for leadership in government and business. 

There was very little improvement in the latest research in the way societies in the G7 view men and women’s suitability to lead. An index score of 100 signals complete agreement that men and women are equally suited to leadership. In the 2020 report, Canada scored 81, United States 76, France 74, India 68, Kenya 53, and Nigeria 47. 

To learn more about these women, watch their Leading Edge videos.

Aurélie Jean, Ph.D., U.S. and France

CEO and Founder, In Silico Veritas; CAIO and Co-Founder, DPEEX

Dr. Aurélie Jean is a research scientist and an entrepreneur in computational sciences. Her consulting company, In Silico Veritas, builds algorithms and data strategies for a broad range of clients. Her AI deep tech startup DPEEX on precision medicine helps increase the survival rate of women with breast cancer by detecting and localizing the tumor up to two years before being visible on a mammography. 

In her words: “We all have cognitive biases…We tend to transfer those biases to the things that we produce. Eventually, those become algorithm biases and that could lead to what we call technology discrimination.” 

Chebet Lesan, Kenya

Founder and CEO, BrightGreen Renewable Energy

An industrial designer, environment enthusiast, and advocate for technology that uplifts underserved communities, Chebet Lesan’s company, BrightGreen Energy manufactures economical fuel blocks that reduce deforestation and develop other women’s entrepreneurship.

In her words: “Use what you have to do what you can. Most times, whatever you need to achieve something, you already have it in you and around you. Start where you are.”

Nivruti Rai, India

Country Head of Intel India and VP of Intel Foundry Services

A self-proclaimed risk taker, Nivruti Rai is a champion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). She strongly believes in its power to create value for humanity. She is using her position at one of the world’s leading technology companies to promote India’s digitalization with the focus on creating “population scale” solutions with technology.

In her words: “If you don’t fit into the frame—especially for women—that people have in their minds, then you have to come and break that framework.” 

Eva Wong, Canada

Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, Borrowell

Eva Wong wants to bust the myth that entrepreneurs are born. She co-founded the fintech firm Borrowell without technology or financial services experience and without having been part of a startup. In 2019, she and her co-founder, Andrew Graham, were EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year.

In her words: “Do something that scares you a little. Resilience and confidence are muscles that you can build over time.” 

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#Interview| “Prioritize Your Mental And Emotional Health” – Omobolanle Ajijola

Omobolanle Ajijola is a Certified Trauma Counselor trained in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Early Trauma and an Executive Member of the African Network of Professional Counselors(ANEPCO).

An NLP Practitioner and a passionate Gender-Based Violence Advocate as well as being a trained certified Emotional Intelligence Specialist, she  passionately  spreads awareness against sexual and all forms of gender-based violence and is concerned about the total well-being of families and by extension children.

Omobolanle is the founder of Bina AI-Amal Safety Foundation, a non-governmental, and not-for-profit organization that provides social and economic empowerment to Survivors and Victims of Gender-Based Violence and disadvantaged communities across Nigeria.

She loves and enjoys working with families and children and this has led her to volunteer with organizations that share the same vision namely Rescue Village Africa, Heartminders Initiative, Amazing Amazon Initiative, and Black Diamond Support Foundation to name a few.

She has gone on numerous campaigns to schools and communities and has participated in road rallies to raise awareness on child sexual abuse and the rights of the African Child, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, and Gender inequality.

Her passion has led her to attend various courses tailored to child safety and sexual abuse prevention.

Omobolanle is a firm believer in securing a safe and well-balanced environment free from all forms of Violence. A true global change agent, while speaking with Women of Rubies, she gave this explorative insights on her journey;

Childhood Influence

I grew up , pretty much sheltered with my siblings , not going out much and spent a lot of time with my Grandma who was the resident conflict resolver in her area.

People would come to her with their issues and I’d watch her listen and then help sort whatever the issue was and soothe hurt tempers.

Same with helping those in need, no one came to her door in tears and left the same, she had a solution to every challenge.

She would always give back or give out to whoever was in need and when thanked she would say she was but a servant of Allah doing his bidding.

Watching my grandma (God rest her soul) advocate for what was right no matter if it got her on the wrong side of people and her big heart when it came to giving ,shaped me into the woman I am today.

My parents aren’t any different and till date still help whoever comes to their door.

Inspiration Behind Bina Al- Amal foundation?

My deep passion  to effect lasting change in people’s live that made a real difference was the inspiration behind the foundation.

I’d gone on numerous Sexual Abuse awareness campaigns and the stories of abuse we heard stayed with me, I wanted to do more.

Watching children and women roam the streets without a roof over their head and no access to basic amenities and the high numbers of women who would turn up for Empowerment programs worried me a lot, and after a summer school project at an informal settlement in 2019

My mind was made up, I knew what I had to do.

Managing life as a certified trauma counsellor, NLP practitioner and a GBV advocate, 

Each role requires a lot of energy and focus and  I’ve been able to merge all into one and balance them all.

It’s not been easy but managing my time and prioritizing has helped me maintain the balance needed to flourish.

Experience as a multiple hand volunteer for several organizations

It’s been very educative, each volunteer role came from a personal experience and working for each Organization has taught me lot of things ranging from leadership, rapport and communication building, conflict resolution among other things.

It’s an experience I won’t trade for anything.

My work at Bina Al-Amal foundation, and its impact since inception

At Bina Al-Amal Foundation we provide the support , encouragement and empowerment to that people who live in informal settlements and we also provide the interventions needed for Survivors and Victims of Gender Based Violence .

Basically we offer prevention and intervention against Child Abuse, Rape, domestic violence, and all forms of violence against children and women while Providing prompt sensitive and psychosocial support to survivors of abuse and ensuring perpetrator is prosecuted, Provision of sexual abuse awareness programs to engage and enlighten Teenagers and young Adults on Sexual and Gender based violence and the need to be more socially and morally aware while providing the necessary psychosocial support ,   Provision of temporary shelters for the homeless for women especially women and families who had gone through one forms of abuse and those who live in informal settlements (shanties and rural areas),

Empowerment for women in rural and vulnerable communities and Free Education for children in rural and vulnerable communities.

Our impact since inception has been amazing.

For our survivors and Victims of Sexual and Gender based Violence, we have been able to offer psychosocial and intervention services to at least 10 families and counting.

For our informal community recipients , we have been able to offer education to over 100 of the children in the informal community as well as provision of palliative during the covid -19 lockdown.

Our teen conferences designed to educate and empower young adults has reached over 100 youths and counting, providing them with information on the dangers of sexual and gender based violence and the importance of leadership skills

Work Challenges

Our major challenge has been getting the required amount of help our informal settlement residents in terms of the shelter need as they are constantly being evicted

Another challenge is their belief system , they feel they have no hope and no one cares about them.

For our Survivors and Victims it’s tackling the silence and stigmatization that doesn’t encourage them to open up freely about their experiences

For our teens and young adults it’s helping them with the difficult choices and temptations they face in a world where information overload is everywhere. 

Other projects and activities?

We are working on a building a stable environment for our informal settlement residents and helping them create a better quality of life through Empowerment and Job creating programmes.

A group therapy hub for our Trauma warriors and a teen hub for our Young adults to help them cope with this fat paced world.

3 Women Who Inspire Me

Christiane Amanpour, Oreoluwa Adebiyi and Mrs Achenyo Idachaba for their fearlessness in reporting the truth,  Their can do attitude and above all love for humanity.

They inspire me to be a better version of myself and to continue to push through even when people don’t understand the journey.

My experience at social Innovators Bootcamp and its forthcoming impact

To be honest , I’d joined the bootcamp to achieve two things: to gain clarity and get the structure needed and to come 2nd was a bit of a shock. I never imagined I’d make it to the top 3. It was a humbling experience for me, I gained so much more than what I signed up for.

My SIBC Experience taught me one valuable lesson, I’m doing something right and this is going to set the tone for a lot of our activities moving forward at Bina Al-Amal Foundation.

Right steps to take in reporting a case of Domestic Violence & Rape.

For Both cases the most important thing  and the first step is to Document evidence.

For a rape victim the best way to Document evidence is to go as soon they are able to a Sexual Assault Referral Centre preferably Mirabel Centre to get checked by a doctor and to get the medical attention needed

For a Domestic Violence Victim, we encourage them to take pictures of bruises, take voice recordings only if it is safe to do so.

Next step is to go to a police station to report the case. At the station, ask for their Gender Desk or Family Support Unit.

After this the police would ask for evidence of assault to which a letter  would be sent to the Sexual Assault Referral Centre who carried out the examination for the rape victim.

For the Domestic Violence Victim, evidence would also be collected.

How to overcome Trauma, and stay grounded

In handling Trauma, I encourage client’s to

1)Give yourself time. It takes time – weeks or months – to accept what has happened and to learn to live with it,take it one step at a time.

2)Acknowledging your experience,that way, you can start to understand what drives your feelings of fear and anxiety, and change your perspective over time.

3) Join a Support Group, being involved with other survivors of trauma, sometimes hearing others and knowing you’re not alone offers you some of the comfort needed.

4)Ask for support from family and friends willing to help, don’t isolate yourself.

5)Take some time for yourself: It’s okay to want to be by yourself or with close family and friends

6)Talk it over with a Professional. This is where therapy comes in to give a more grounded sense of healing.

7)Get into a routine to resting a sense of normalcy

8) Exercise.

On staying grounded:

1)Appreciate life’s simple pleasures.

2)Practice gratitude.

3)Take a break.

4)Prioritize your mental and emotional health.

5)Be the change you want to see in the world.

6)Stay active.

As a Woman of Rubies

What makes me a Woman of Rubies is my selfless character and passion to see a fellow woman attain great heights and my not giving up on those who need me.

Social Media Handles:

Email: omobolanleajijola@gmail.com

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/ajijolabolanle

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/bolanleajijola.3

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajijola-bolanle

 

 

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#Interview | “My childhood Was The Training Ground For My Development”- Omoakin Olayinka

OmoAkin Olayinka Mercy is a luminary with life expectations and purposeful aim of supporting young adults to achieve result at the appropriate time.
 She’s an advocate of The Great people foundation whose objective is to ensure that students and the less privilege on streets get back to school.
She is a trained and qualified teacher who studied business education in Adeniran Ogunsanya college of education. A trained Business Coach at My Branding Academy.
A certified public Speaker at TalkGenerals Training School and also a Certified Diction Coach at Right Sounds Institute.
She’s s competent Photographer,an Edutainer of MercyNub TVshow,On air personnel.
She’s excellent singer, a competent and certified diction coach,a relationship and career counselor,an inspirational citer with evidence and mind -blowing Testimonies.
She’s the founder of MercyNub Media Empire, also a Brand Visiblity Coach with the aim making Brands to be known,seen and heard all over the universe.
She is highly skilled in enterprenuership with excellent initiatives aspect (MercyNub Media),also a  privileged member of young African leaders initiative( YALI Network team) which stands for innovating of ideas around business management in order to create prosperous  lasting solutions and impact in the  environment.
She shares her story with us in this interview.

Childhood Preparation

Yes I was prepared, My childhood was a training ground because parents were not available to nurture me but my Grandmother did. She spent her last kobo to make sure I have good Education and also to express a global Mind. Blessed Memories to her as well.

Inspiration behind MercyNub
MercyNub media was an inspiration got from my love for Photograph because it is an uncommon field. I’m a Photographer.
Being a Visibility Coach
 Being a Brand Visibility Coach, It has restored many lives and birth initiatives.
Great People Foundation
Great people Foundation has existed 6 years ago. It is a graced platform that have saved lives in order to have equal Education with the Elite. It is an international platform.
How I manage my Feat
 Time management is the seed that germinates to Success. I do tie my activities with dates and time . I have time table.
My perception of branding & visibility
 Branding is a taste of how you want us to perceive and Buy You. So as a Brand Visibility Coach, my niche is to ensure that your product, value or content gets a Global recognition by embracing Media Appearance.
Challenges
 At times busy schedules may hinder my effectiveness.
Other Projects
Music Ministry,TALKshows and Adult Literacy.
3 Women who Inspire Me and Why
 Mrs Ibunkunoluwa Awosika, She’s a woman that births good deliveries.
b. Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, she never gave up on her dreams. Now the richest female.
c. Mrs Iweala Ngozi, She has proven that a woman can get to any length in life despite her background.
Nuggets on how to become a successful Public Speaker
 From my own School of thought, we’re all public Speakers. Because as a successful Person ,The Microphone will get to you one day to come share your Success Story to motivate others so everyone should embrace Personal Development cause it’s the key to master one’s craft.
Being a Woman of Rubies
 I’m a woman of Rubies because I’m priceless being designed by God, I’m born to lead and Dominate, I have a higher and Success Voice and I forever say No to Status Quo.
Facebook: Omoakin ola Mercy
1G: MercyNub Media
WhatsApp: 08098014636.
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Sarah Boateng Is Investing In Girls Education Across Africa Through IGEA

British-Ghanian Sarah Boateng is a winning social entrepreneur investing in the education of girls across Africa.

She was recently named as a 30 under 30 change-maker.  Through her experience working at the United Nations and other international development organizations, she created IGEA Enterprise which has a mission to support girls in rural communities in Africa achieve their educational potential

The 25 year old advocate who grew up in south London is a  Psychology and Special Educational Needs Masters graduate.

She founded   Investing in Girls Education in Africa (IGEA), a non-profit organisation with a mission to deliver projects that support the quality education of girls in rural parts of Africa.

According to Sarah; “Our aim is to eliminate all barriers blocking girls in Africa from accessing quality education. These barriers can be physical, such as illness, menstruation, distance from school, or mental, such as cultural taboos and the social peer pressure that that creates on the individual. As we are currently at the beginning of our organisational journey, we are focusing our efforts on just one of these barriers to start with – period poverty.

Growing up, my own mother would often talk about her struggle to remain in education. Born and raised in rural Ghana, she left school at the age of 12 to sell oranges on the side of the road. It turns out she couldn’t afford menstrual products, and as a result she missed a large amount of school. As she wasn’t able to keep up with lessons, it made more sense for her to leave education completely and instead focus on making money to help support herself and her family.

Sarah  has  always believed that education is one of the most important investments a country can make in its people’s future, and the  best solution for reducing poverty, catalysing economic growth and increasing individual income.

We celebrate Sarah for making lemonades from the lemons life threw at her, with her lived experience.

Thank you for touching lives and intentionally investing in Girls.

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Tracy Batta Is Helping People Achieve Their Fitness Goals With Smoothie Express

Tracy Batta is the Cofounder of Smoothie Express. She holds a Masters degree in Communications  Engineering from Swansea University, U.K. and a BSc. degree in Physics with Electronics from the Bells University of Technology, Nigeria.

The journey to Smoothie Express started in 2014. As a young lady trying to maintain an ideal weight, Tracy Batta got on a smoothie detox routine by blending fruits to make smoothies that served as meal replacements. In a short period of time, she discovered that it was challenging maintaining her detox routine as the process of making the smoothies was often tedious and time-consuming. Realising that this was not a problem peculiar to her, she partnered with her friend Omowunmi to launch the idea as a viable business.

With a united and strategic mindset, Omowunmi Akande and Tracy Batta raised $10,000 from their savings, built a website, bought a motorcycle for deliveries and established Smoothie Express. Smoothie Express started operations in March 2015.

Smoothie Express is a healthy food and beverage company that supports healthy living by providing clients with healthy meals in the most convenient and affordable way possible. Smoothie Express offers an extensive menu with a wide range of over 30 different flavours of smoothies including Salads, Sandwiches, Parfaits and Ice teas to satisfy a variety of tastes.

Tracy Batta is a contributor to The Guardian Newspaper. She gives valuable business information, inspires and motivates small businesses in Nigeria.

Being among Forbes Africa’s 30 under 30 youths is no small feat but Tracy Batta shows no signs of slowing down. She plans to grow Smoothie Express to become an international brand with locations across Africa by 2025.

We ceebrate you Tracy Batta! Thanks for keeping us fit!

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Tessy Egonu Is Supporting Women In Underserved Communities Through “Queentrepreneur”

Every woman is a natural born Queen, and we must all be our sister’s keeper, fix their crowns and give them hope, that is what Tessy Nkechi Egonu is doing with women in underserved communities in Nigeria through her platform “Queentrepreneur”.

Queentrepreneur is a Women’s Foundation, and a non profit organisation serving women and girls  through training programs, exposure, and mentorship, Queentrepreneur Women’s Foundation empowers women to become socially conscious global leaders.

They also provide free legal assistance to female victims of domestic violence and human rights abuse and engage in human rights education and grassroots popularization of rights.

Their vision is to develop more confident women to be equipped and passionate about leading organisations, businesses, schools and agencies domestically to contribute to a society where women leaders are no longer viewed as the exception to the rule but as relevant assets and necessary additions to organisations nationwide.

Tessy who got the inspiration to start the foundation through her parent’s is convinced that every woman is born to “Become” and have a voice and identity in the society.

We celebrate the award winning changemaker for her contribution to the society.

Keep shining Tessy!

 

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#Interview| “God Deposited Seed Of Greatness In Every Human”-Olatunji Ifetayo

Olatunji Oluwadamilola Ifetayo is the founder of Lynas for the Needy, a registered charity.  She is an author and the CEO of Shantilove Nigeria Enterprise which deals in made in Nigeria home and office essential products. 

Her love for humanity  compelled her to organize free skill empowerment training every month to reach out to 1000 people per annum. A wife and a mom of two, 32-year-old Ifetayo on this interview with Women of Rubies, shares  how she balances it all.

Women of Rubies interview Ifetayo Olatunji

 

Childhood Influence

I can say my childhood prepared me in a way for what I do now because childhood for me wasn’t rosy . I came from a background where I met my two parents hustling to cater for myself and my siblings.

I was born in one of the ghetto’s in Lagos. Our house was a face me I face you apartment as it is fondly called. A house full of commotion and hawking was the order of the day. Virtually all the neighbour’s children in my house would hawk after school.

 We used to have a small kiosk outside the house where we sold provision and drugs too. One day I had to join the neighbour’s children to hawk too. The scorching sun spelled my name boldly on capital letter. I did it for 2 days  and paused the third day because my parent must not hear about it.

 The ghetto life is not a good place for growth especially when there is no positive influence in the environment. I could remember a lot of my friends were wayward ,some dropped out of school, some got pregnant at an early age and regretted it. I did my nursery school and part of primary school in this ghetto.

The only saving grace was, my parent later relocated to a better environment, maybe I would have joined my friends in the neighbourhood and peer group and that thereby making me make some regrettable decision that would have affected my future too.  I thank God for the parents I have, they might have had little, but were bent on giving us good upbringing.
Ghetto is a place where the number of bad children surpasses the good one. I can go and on. I thank God I came out unscathed.
Inspiration behind Lynas
Lynas for the needy foundation was birthed by my passion for humanity and the compassionate heart I have as an individual. The Holy spirit inspired Lynas for the needy foundation when i was alone asking for my God given purpose on earth and how I can be of value to humanity.
We cut across different state in Nigeria, donating to the needy, raising giants of tomorrow and helping them unleash their potential and letting go of their fears.
We go to orphanage home and destitute home to empower them with skills and also celebrate every birthday celebrant anytime we hold our outreach. We make sure they have a memorable birthday. We also rescue children from the street and put them in orphanage homes or children care centres for proper intensive care.  We have registered nurses and doctor among our team that helps us with medical outreach while others team  members also join for a successful outreach.
We sponsor education of children in rural communities and help with education material to enhance their good education. Our food donation on the street is also another way we touch lives every time.
Lynas for the needy foundation is a registered NGO that been touching lives since it inception since 5 years ago  and we are still on the path to put smile on people’s face.
About Lynas Free skill training
Yes I organize free skill training and empowerment to reach out to 1000 people yearly because i know how it feels to be jobless. I am a living witness as i  couldn’t get a job immediately after my NYSC. Many graduates of today are also looking for a white collar job whereas the industries available can not serve everyone a job and it is sometimes based on man knows man factor. I believe  these unemployed ones can keep themselves busy by acquiring a skill to forge ahead and be responsible and accountable. Through this more job can also be created resulting to industrialization in the society.
Lynas Impacts so far
My skill acquisition scheme has impacted many lives which includes graduates ,undergraduates ,single mothers ,drop out etc.
Over 4000 has been impacted since I started…I do both online and also train the less privileged in rural communities.
That when people mention my name they will be glad they made a start and were confident to stand up for themselves.
On Managing my company Shantilove Nigeria
Shantilove Nig Enterprise started small like every other company, I am vast on skills and that was what birthed the company. I started in Ilorin and with consistency and hard work, was able to pull through. We are into manufacturing of essential cleaning products and other craft to solve problems of poor sanitation, create job opportunities for youths and alleviate poverty in the society. It is a registered company under Cooperate affairs commission and been managed by me as the CEO and few staff for maximum production.
On finding a balance
Well I will say it has not been easy managing my responsibility as an author, CEO, striving humanitarian, mother and wife however time management has been the balancing factor and I thank God for an understanding husband who supports my career and gives me all the encouragement I need to keep pushing for my personal growth and development.
 Challenges
The challenges has been funds especially during lockdown period, money doesn’t come in like before,and travelling to other States to facilitate skills where I get paid has been on hold.
The 3 women who inspires me is
Mrs Folusho Alakija, Mrs idowu Awosika and Mrs Ngozi okonjo Iweala
These women have few things in common ,humanitarian, integrity and they are advocates for gender equality.
Advice to Women
My advice to women is that we should not be a hindrance to our greatness by making fear to mar our dreams of becoming, or give in to fear by not pursuing our purpose on earth.
Every woman is unique in her own way lets come together to make the world a palatable place for ourselves through genuine love, support, and collaboration because together we create magic with our magic wands.
Let all woman always stand for the truth and justice and be a pillar of trust, confidence and integrity. Let’s also be advocates for gender equality to enable us break the ceiling glass in various sectors.
Lastly do not let your poor background or challenges of life stop you from being MORE, because you are made for more to change narrative.
You can be whatever you want to be only if you believe in the power of your dream, believe in yourself, shun fear of known and the unknown, keep your head in the game and keep focusing on your focus because no one is a nonentity.
God deposited a seed of greatness in every human. Nurture your seed  and be a good tree for others to plug and get nourishments.
The world needs woman of great values to survive.
Every woman has in them greatness !!! Believe in yourself and unleash your potential!!
As a Woman of Rubies
What makes me a woman of rubies is that I am committed and passionate to giving back to the society, and my positive impact is felt in people’s lives. A lot of people talk about my authenticity, servant leadership, ingenuity, humanitarian service, and I count all this as a privilege to serve my generation.
Social media handle
Instagram-  www.instagram .on/ olatunji.ifetayo
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#Interview |”The World Is Waiting For You To Unleash Your Greatness” – Odunayo Sanya

“The world is waiting for you to unleash your greatness.” – Odunayo Sanya.

Our ‘Woman in Leadership’ this week is Odunayo Sanya.

Odunayo is a Nigerian executive with over 23 years of experience in the corporate world. She currently serves as the Executive Secretary of the MTN Nigeria Foundation. Her work experience spans education, financial services, telecommunications and development sectors. She is a gifted writer who received widespread acclaim for her book ‘Alphabets of Leadership for Young Minds,’ which she published in 2019.

Odunayo is an International speaker. A Certified Coach, Speaker, and Trainer with the John Maxwell Team. She is an alumna of the Lagos Business School and the Institute of Management Development Switzerland, with executive training from the Harvard Business School and Cornell University.

She is also the convener of the ‘Thrive Circle’ a mentorship platform which she describes as her ‘pandemic story’. The Thrive Circle is a platform for individuals seeking growth in life and career. Odunayo is passionate about youth empowerment, leadership, mentorship, and nation building. In 2019, she received the Marketing World ‘Customer Service Thought Leader Award’ in Accra, Ghana. She was the 2019 Global Leadership Program Speaker at Coventry University in the United Kingdom. She shares her inspiring journey in this exclusive interview.

Interview with Odunayo Sanya

Childhood Influence

First, I’d like to thank Women of Rubies for having me and for creating this platform to showcase and encourage women. My childhood was exciting with a disciplinarian as a dad. I was brought up to cherish family – I come from a close-knit family of nine; Dad, Mum, 2 boys and 5 girls.

 

My childhood was in Lagos. From a young age, my parents taught me (likewise my siblings) to embrace the world with an open mind, this found expression in the choice of schools i attended – F.G.G.C Akure (Ondo State) & New-Bussa (Niger State). The choice of the boarding house shaped me and strengthened my sense of independence. I learnt diversity and inclusion from my parents, they never discriminated. The boarding house helped my social skills, it opened me up to interactions with diverse individuals and great minds. I was brought up to be comfortable in my skin and to strive for excellence. At a point in primary school, my dad taught me maths after school. I learnt from my parents that “putting in a word for someone is easier when the individual brings value to the table.”

Adventure was a pastime for my parents as i was encouraged to take some bold steps – i recall my dad seeing an advert in the newspapers for a new university that is, University of Abuja and he encouraged me to apply though we knew no one in Abuja at that time. And yes! I got the admission and as they say, the rest is history. I spent my Youth Service year in a small village called Ukpa in Ogoja, Cross Rivers State. My first job was outside Lagos (my parents lived and still live in Lagos). As a child I had a prayerful Grandma who taught me about God.

I would say YES, my childhood prepared me in more ways than one.

 

Inspiration behind The Thrive Circle

I have a strong passion for people, and I get very excited when individuals realize their potential. Someone described me as a ‘serial mentor’ (lol!). I had a strong desire to birth a platform for sharing knowledge that will enable individuals to thrive in their neck of the woods. The perfect opportunity came with the COVID-19 pandemic, the fear in the air was palpable and the confusion was like we had never known, i had a conviction within me that this was the right time. The first session was tagged ‘Finding Strength in Adversity.’ It’s been twenty-two speakers and thirty-one sessions after, ‘Thrive Circle’ is still standing. We are a community committed to learning.

 

The Journey so far

I am grateful for the journey. It has tested my resilience. I have expanded my network of friends and acquaintances. My knowledge horizon has been broadened, topics such as; Entrepreneurship, The Future of work, Mental Health, Crucial Conversations, Strategy, Emotional Intelligence, Conflict Management, Ethics, Risk Management and many more have been discussed in the Thrive Circle. We have also played host to accomplished professionals as our speakers. The future for Thrive Circle is bright – watch out.

 

Impact of being an International Speaker, and Certified Coach 

My first international speaking engagement was borne of the need to affirm myself. I had a strong desire to share my thoughts with other professionals and enrich the discussions in the field of Customer Experience. Was i scared? Yes, I was. Did it go well? Yes, it did and opened more opportunities for me. We are all speakers, and our voices are gifts from the ‘Grand Overall Designer’ (GOD). The question is ‘How are we using it? I am also a John Maxwell Certified Coach.

 

 

Being a Coach and a Speaker has enabled my growth and depth. As it is said, ‘Sameness is the death of a speaker’ and since I don’t want to die yet (lol!) it keeps me on my toes to keep gleaning new knowledge and applying them to my life. In terms of impact, i am a much better individual, leader, team member, mother, wife and member of the society. It has helped me with the mastery of human relationships and excellent delivery people. The most important impact is the privilege of connecting people to their aspirations and potentials. Speaking whether as a hobby or professionally is 99% about the audience (listener) and maybe 1% about the speaker.

 

My Customer Thought Leader Award, 2021 Sales Ruby Influencer Award & recognition as one of the Top 100 Career Women

 

These awards came as surprises. I recall for the sales Ruby award, I was getting ready to retire for the night and I got a message from a secondary school friend that she had voted. I was at a loss, I asked her what for, she then laughed at me and sent me the link to nominations. It however feels good when one’s good work is recognized by others. It really is humbling. I see this as a call to do more and be more.

 

Challenges of My Work at MTN Nigeria

On a lighter note, I have been working from home for over a year now and enjoying every bit of it. One of the greatest challenges of WFH is the near loss of work-life-balance. I self regulate and try to keep to a time regime to prevent any form of burn out. My Organization also ensures we keep to healthy work regimes.Challenges are a constant part of life. These challenges are opportunities in disguise. My work keeps me on my toes and presents me with the opportunity to serve and innovate. Creating and implementing service experiences and engagement strategies for 75m customers is a huge responsibility. I recently, changed roles and I look forward to the opportunity of enabling people and communities through the MTN Nigeria Foundation.

 

Other Projects & Activities

I am an Author. My book ‘Alphabets of Leadership for Young Minds’ is listed in the United States Library of Congress, it is targeted at youth ages 10 – 16. I desired to give my oldest daughter a journal filled with my thoughts on various leadership topics as she moved into the boarding house. The journal was to help her navigate the new phase of her life and be a valued member of her community. The journal became the book.

My work with youths through the John Maxwell Team exposed me to the dearth of understanding of Leadership at that level – it has been positioned as the exclusive preserve of adults. The book is my contribution to nation building. I decided to put down my thoughts and make it available to every Youth. The book is listed in the United States Library of Congress and available on:

It is also available at Laterna Ventures, Oko Awo Street, Victoria Island Lagos

 

3 Women Who Inspire Me to Be Better And Why

My Grandmother of blessed memory – she taught me to love God.

My Mum – she taught me resilience.

Mother Theresa – She embodied the fact that Leadership and purpose are conjoined, when you walk in purpose you will Lead. Most important, her life teaches that you don’t need a position to lead. Lead from wherever you are.

 

 Advice to Young Women Who Wish to Be Trailblazers Like Me

 

1) ‘The world is waiting for you to unleash your greatness, don’t negotiate away your purpose in the face of seeming difficulties.’

2) ‘Dreams are free but the journey is not’

3) ‘You are limitless until you tell yourself otherwise’

4) ‘Let the quality of your work speak for you when you are not there’

5) ‘Be comfortable being you.’

 

Being a Woman of Rubies

Hmmm!! I should be asking you that question.

First, is that God says my worth is far above rubies – Prov 31.

Second is that I carry in me the seed of greatness and I am nurturing it.

Third is that I seek to add value to the people and environments I find myself in.

Maybe you should carry out a survey and let us compare the results.

 

 

You can connect with Odunayo Sanya through her handles below:

 

Linkedin – odunayo moritiwon sanya

Instagram – Odunayo.Sanya

Facebook – Odun Moritiwon Sanya

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Meet Dr. Victoria Kisyombe, The Tanzanian Entrepreneur Providing Micro-Leasing For Widows

Dr. Victoria Kisyombe is the founder of SELFINA, a company in Tanzania that provides micro-leasing to mostly widows and young girls.

Given women’s lack of collateral and resulting lack of access to capital, Dr. Victoria Kisyombe began pioneering micro-leasing as a solution. Her pioneering micro-leasing model as an alternative way to financing women has generated praise beyond Tanzania, and efforts are under way to expand the model to other countries in the region.

Dr. Victoria Kisyombo

Victoria’s incredible journey into entrepreneurship emerged as a result of personal tragedy and the unexpected death of her husband back in 1991. For her and their three young children, life was to change inexorably as she was left to deal with the resulting social and economic challenges facing them. An entrepreneurial approach to life thereafter provided the solution.

When Victoria faced the prospect of providing for her family alone in Tanzania, she was faced with some stark facts – under customary law, his family reclaimed all their marital possessions. She didn’t own property in her own name, she didn’t have any collateral, or indeed a personal credit history with a bank.

In fact, she had only one asset to her name – a cow named Sero. Being educated and resourceful out of necessity, she looked to make this sole asset work for her and become a critical source of income. She sold the milk produced by Sero each day and used the income to look after her family and accumulate some savings with which to rebuild her life. That precious cow, Sero, made all the difference in the world to the family.

During this time, Victoria found that her difficult circumstances were not unique, indeed she knew that many women find themselves in similarly tough circumstances, yet often without access to productive assets like Sero to help them through those tough times.

In 2002, she recognized that access to micro-finance for women could be a game changer in the lives of Tanzanian women, so she took on the challenge of redesigning the traditional model of micro-finance to make it work for women.

She launched a new business venture, SELFINA (Sero Lease and Finance Limited), named after her first asset, her cow Sero, and began loaning and leasing productive assets to Tanzanian women.

These leased assets provided a practical means of women being able to generate their own sustainable income, and over the lease term, eventually owning the assets in their own names. This not only newly empowered these women, but also provided them with critical collateral to qualify them to access traditional  bank finance in the future.

SELFINA has gone on to finance 27,000 women, create 150,000 jobs, with 250,000 people impacted and US$17 Million revolved.

She was also recognized as Regional Social Entrepreneur of the Year for Africa in 2010. In addition, and in keeping with her personal philosophy that the key to empowerment is through education, she raised money to build the Mukuza Girl’s Secondary School in Dar Es Salaam. The school has 129 students, and provides room and board so the girls can have their own space to study and learn.

Dr. Victoria is a leader who has used innovation, initiative, and determination to empower women in Tanzania to become economically self-sufficient.

“If I can change the life of one person it makes a whole difference because behind that person there is a whole family. It’s a family, it’s a society, it’s Tanzania”

 

 

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#WCW | Celebrating Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, CEO and Co-Founder; Wecyclers

Bilikiss Adebiyi Abiola is the CEO and co-founder of Wecyclers, a for-profit social enterprise working to help communities reclaim their neighborhoods from unmanaged waste.

Bilikiss is a graduate of Fisk University, Vanderbilt University, and MIT’s Sloan School of Management. While at MIT, Bilikiss was a Legatum Fellow at MIT’s Legatum center for Development and Entrepreneurship and was a vice president of the MIT Sloan Africa Business Club.

Wecyclers was founded in 2012 and utilizes low-cost cargo bicycles called “wecycles” to provide convenient recycling services to households in Lagos, Nigeria using an SMS-based incentives system.

Bilikiss Adebiyi Abiola, CEO of Wecyclers

The company offers waste collection and recycling services to the Lagos informal settlements, where an estimated 66% of Lagosians live.

As a part of the process, residents are offered an incentive for collecting their household waste which is picked up for free by Wecyclers using specially adapted bicycles. To create incentives among low-income households to participate, rewards are given to them for every kilogram recycled, via points sent by SMS. These points are then redeemable against goods they value, such as cell phone minutes or basic food items. The rewards have been funded in partnership with big brands such as Coca Cola and GlaxoSmithKline.

In 2019, Wecyclers, won the 2019 King Baudouin African Development Prize worth €200,000 (N104 million) for its development work and its contribution to solving waste management problems not only in Nigeria but Africa.

 

 

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