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American music superstar, Beyonce has been the most influential celebrity as her Instagram posts have been estimated to worth One Million Dollars each by photo-sharing website, D’Marie Analytics.

Using an algorithm that measures 56 metrics across Facebook, Twitter amd Instagram, Time.com determined the music star’s value. Those metrics include the followers count as well as reach, engagement, click through and action conversations.

Chief Executive of D’Marie, Frank Spadafora said Beyonce’s “limited” use of social media had boosted her earning power:

Her limited release of exclusive curated content causes such frenzy from her audience

A ready example of Beyonce’s popularity is when she announced earlier this year on Instagram that she is expecting twins. That post attracted 6,335,571 likes within eight hours, subsequently breaking the record for the most-like picture on the website.

The picture which held the previous record was Selena Gomez‘ post where she was sipping from a Coca-Cola bottle which gathered 6.6 million likes.

Photo Credit: Instagram – @beyonce

Source: Bellanaija

Women of Rubies (WOR) is a reputable capacity building and inspirational online magazine for the celebration of women of substance in the society, with a weekly publication in the Guardian Newspaper.   It is believed that women are nurturers by nature and when these women nurture their God-given abilities, the world is better for it. It is on this basis that Women of Rubies and  Rubies Ink Initiative for women and children is planning an empowerment forum for women in the grassroots that are often neglected and forgotten. This workshop will kick off on the 7th of April at the Yaba Lcda and will take place in several Local Government Areas across Lagos. The theme for the workshop is “Sensitising Grassroots Women on Domestic Abuse and Lifestyle Issues”.

According to the Founder / Editor-in-chief of women of Rubies, Esther Ijewere; the workshop is in its second phase as we kicked off in August 2016, it will be an impactful learning experience for women at the grassroots, as we are collaborating with different Local Government to address the following issues:

Knowledge acquisition on domestic abuse – In addition, they will also learn to speak up when faced with domestic abuse. Women have the capacity to solve problems and influence decisions.  They will be equipped on how to utilize these decisions at crucial times as the girl child is dependent on this knowledge as a guide when she becomes a lady, mother and even a grandmother.

Lifestyle issues – We present to you a platform aimed at providing an avenue for women at the grass root level to exchange ideas and equip them on how to grow their businesses, support their families and create a better future for their children.

Savings Culture – The workshop would teach them on how to access business loans and proper saving culture in order to empower them financially.  When the woman is empowered the society becomes empowered.

Timeline of Event:

Date: 7th of April

1st Workshop : Yaba Lcda , Panti Busstop, Yaba​

Date: 13th of April

2nd Workshop :

​Igando- ​

Ikotun Lcda

​ , Ikotun ​.

Date: 19th o April

3rd Workshop & Venue:  Kosofe Lcda

​, Ogudu​

Date: 24th of April

4th Workshop: ​Ikeja Local Government Area

Time for all workshop: 10a.m

The event is endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Supported by: Power Oil, Guardian Newspaper, Wfm91.7, Bellanaija, Channels, Goldmyne T​V​ and TVC

Log on to www.womenofrubies.com for more information.

See pictures from previous edition here : http://womenofrubies.com/2017/01/13/photos-women-of-rubies-grassroots-women-sensitization-workshop/

He is pestering me for sex. He said if I love him, I will agree to sleep with him’….. And she gave in…
He broke her hymen, making her just another conquest.
I am sure a good number of us have heard a tale as this. The narrative is sometimes different…
…A disgruntled spouse is ‘appeased’ with a round (or more) of sex…
What exactly is sexual intercourse? Simply defined as the penetration of a woman’s vagina with a male penis, typically resulting in orgasm and ejaculation.
A very bad age-long lie traded by people to fulfill their selfish desire is saying ‘sex is a demonstration of love’ in premarital exemplar.
The act in itself is not a foolproof display of love. The activities leading on to it may be related to great admiration or likeness or love under the right circumstances.
Sex is largely a demonstration of how much of the others ‘mess’ a partner is willing to take. (You can allow your imaginations run really wild).
Sex can be ‘done’ with ‘no iota of feelings’.
Sex workers who do business with say 5 people on a daily basis feel nothing towards them. The feeling usually transmitted is one of disgust and repulsion. They don’t even recall names, that is if it was volunteered in the first place.
What guarantees a continued ‘delusion of love’ after a one night stand?
Sex only strengthens a bond! It doesn’t guarantee love.
No wonder sex is not intended to be casual.
You have sex with the one you love and are married to NOT have sex in the hope that love will brew.
No long lasting love will grow on a wrong foundation.
When a person (usually a woman) shows her vulnerability by accepting to have sex with another in the hope that a love-relationship will be birthed, she is simply being taken advantage of, of her OWN accord. *Note carefully the choice of words*
The second scenario….
However a couple decides to settle their dispute is not and should not be the public’s decision as along as no one is getting hurt. However, I have found that sex is not really a superior arbitrator in marital disputes. The issues leading on to the squabble often remains till a ’round-table’ discussion.
Our attention today is largely on casual sex.
It is not surprising that Gary Chapman wrote on ‘The Five Love Languages’ (Arguably the most popular book on love languages).
and did not include Sex. The closest to it being ‘Physical touch’ which may as well just be a bear hug.
When we discuss sex in religion, we often discuss it in relation to its foreordination before the pep talk on the release of bonding related hormones and finally, maybe, a show of love.
There is a reason for that.
The aftermath of sex is more serious than the flimsy moments of pleasure.
Should we begin to consider the completely avoidable health exposures? Or much talked about unwanted pregnancies? How about the unhealthy soul ties that are not decided on at all?
‘Unhealthy soul ties are the consequences of sexual encounters with partners who life-long bonds are created with’.
Of note particularly is the emotions women tend to bring to the table. We cannot effectively discuss a subject without its intricate details and in this case; women and  their emotional make up.
Several studies have shown that the psychological well-being of women is more likely to be affected than men after sex. Just because.
More importantly, a higher negative impact is recorded after casual sex in women, though this researches are still in infancy, hence, the inability for adequate referencing.
In this world of uncertainties, sexual relationship requires a responsible decision. The seemingly casual adventure should be engaged in with more serious thoughts because, it may not be as casual as intended after-all.
Sex is not casual.

Big cheers to Chimamanda Adichie as her novel, Americanah, makes history as the winner of the first One Book, One New York Programme.

The programme which was launched in February 2017 and is tagged the largest community reading programme in America, is aimed at getting New York book lovers to vote and read a uniform book at a time.

Americanah won the highest votes amidst 4 other highly competitive choices. The 2013 novel is certainly not new to such huge wins.

Source : Leading Ladies Africa

In recognition of Nigerian women who’ve made strides in Leadership, Enterprise, Advocacy and Business, Leading Ladies Africa recognized Nigeria’s 100 Most Inspiring women at the LLA 100 Women celebrated 100 Most Inspiring Women at a special gala and awards night tagged the LLA 100 Women Gala.

The LLA 100 Women Gala is a follow up to the 100 Most Inspiring Women In Nigeria list published on March 8, this year in commemoration of the International Women’s Day.Themed “Celebrating Leadership, Diversity & Impact,” the #100 Women Gala recognizes and spotlights the achievements of Nigerian women who have made tangible impact and contributions in four unique spheres of the society.

“At Leading Ladies Africa, our key objective is to promote leadership, diversity and inclusion for African women – a call to have them participate in activities that ensure they lead better, fulfilling, and ultimately more productive lives,” says Francesca Uriri, Founder, Leading Ladies Africa.

“As Nigerian women and Africans, it is important that we begin to tell our own stories. We need to begin to craft the narrative that we want the world to know about us – that we are successful, courageous, determined and bold! At LLA, we have a clear intent of inspiring a new wave of Nigerian female change makers, leaders and entrepreneurs, and recognizing these 100 Women is an important way to achieve that objective” she emphasized.

Speaking at the event, Omotola Oyebanjo, Head Strategic Communications and Media, Union Bank said: “This year, Union Bank celebrates its 100th anniversary and for those 100 years, we have supported and empowered women to achieve their dreams,both within the bank and externally. It is therefore a pleasure to support this amazing list of 100 impressive ladies making an impact in Nigeria. As their bankingpartner of choice, we look forward to supporting them and other such industrious women as they move on to the next phase of their incredible journeys.”

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“Boldness and courage are synonymous with leadership” said keynote speaker, WISCAR Founder, Amina Oyagbola, who spoke on ‘Leading with Boldness and Courage in times of Change.’ “As leading ladies, we must banish all negative conditioning from our lives.  We must fight for the change that we seek in our nation and in our world.Now more than ever, the proper response to the challenges we face lies in principled, resolute, imaginative, courageous, and focused leadership by each and every one of us.”

Harping on the need for women to collaborate with and support each other, Ndidi Nwuneli, Founder, Leap Africa, and Co-Founder, AACE Foods, said: “The concept of “small is beautiful,” is overplayed, and we women need to learn to be authentic, to be vulnerable to ask for help. On leading and creating a succession plan, she said: “A great mistake any leader can make is to take the thought of succession for granted. As a leader, you must think beyond now. A woman must have a succession plan regardless of how young her business is.”

In addition to the 100 honourees, the Leading Ladies Africa Gala was also attended by Power Women in the Corporate and Business sector, including: Adesuwa Oyenokwe, Publisher TW Magazine, Aishah Ahmad, Chair Person, WimBiz, Chizor Malize, CEO Brandzone Consulting, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, Head Marketing Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Osayi Alile, CEO, ACT Foundation, Ini Abimbola, CEO, Thistle Praxis, Tampiri Akemu, MD, Sesema PR, Okaima Ohizua, Executive Director Transcorp Nigeria, Owen Omogiafo, Chief Operating Officer, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Esther Ijewere, Founder Women of Rubies, Sasha Alabi, Glory Edozien, Founder Inspired By Glory, Ewemade Emokpae, CEO Shakara Couture, and others.

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The Leading Ladies Africa Gala was made possible by the support of Union Bank Nigeria, Avon HMO, Aramex Nigeria, Fidelity Bank, Gazmadu Photography Studios, Sesema Public Relations and Zerophur Concepts.

See more photos from the event;

Adetuke Morgan during her performance

Osayi Alile, CEO ACT Foundation

Ozoz Sokoh

Stephanie Obi

Kene Rapu receiving her plaque of recognition

Somkele IdhalamaAdesimbo Bello-Ukiri, CEO Avon HMO

Adesuwa Oyenokwe

Eleanor Goodey, Founder, Eleanor Goodey Photography

One more for the roadGuests having fun!

Stephanie Buhari of CNN

Amina Oyagbola, Founder, WISCAR during her Keynote Speech

Crystal Chigbu, Founder, Irede Foundation (1)

Mfon Ekpo, Founder, The Discovery Centre (1)

Hello WORriors! Our Woman Crush for this week’s edition of #WomanCrushWednesday is Funke Akindele Bello.

Funke Akindele, popularly known as ‘Jenifa’, is an actress, writer, producer, and director. She was born on August 24, 1976 in Ikorodu, Lagos State. She has an Ordinary National Diploma in Mass Communication from Moshhod Abiola Polytechnic and a Law Degree from the University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba.

She started her acting career in 1998 when she featured in the then popular United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) sponsored sitcom; I Need To Knowwhich ran from 1998 to 2002. She played Bisi, a curious but highly intelligent secondary school student. Her major big break in Nollywood came in 2009 from the movie titled ‘Jenifa’, which she wrote and produced by herself. She has over a 100 movies to her credit as actress, writer and producer.

She runs a non-governmental organisation known as THE JENIFA FOUNDATION, whose aims and objectives involves nurturing talents and acquiring vocational skills.

She has been nominated and won lots of awards. Some of her awards includes, AMAA (2009) -Best Actress Leading Role, NEA Awards (2009) -Best Actress, 2012 NEA Awards -Best Actress, 2014 AMVCA Awards -Best Actress (Comedy), ELOY Awards -Brand Ambassador of the Year, 2016 Naija Fm Awards -Best Actress In Comedy, 2017 AMVCA Awards -Best Actress In A Comedy Series, Best Comedy Series (Jenifa’s Diary), among others.

Funke Akindele has a lot of endorsement deals to her name, the most recently is her being signed as Ambassador to Iroko TV. She is married to Nigerian Rapper Abdulrasheed ‘JJCSkillz’ Bello.

 

Women Of Rubies celebrates you, Funke Akindele Bello!

 

Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) a non-profit high level and structured mentoring programme for entry/mid-career professional women, held its fundraising cocktail at the Ruff n Tumble premises in Ikeja GRA last Sunday.

The event was also a testimony time as mentees, who have been mentored by other women in the organization, revealed how their mentorship have helped them in their various careers.

Here are the faces at the relaxing evening on Mother’s Day.

Source: Guardian.ng

American reality star Mama June Shannon has revealed her incredible weight loss transformation after months of keeping it a secret.

With a gorgeous first photo released exclusively in People Magazine, the reality star shows that she has gone from a Size 18 to a size 4 following months of intense workout as well as surgeries to get rid of the loose skin on her arms, neck and body.

She will also be documenting her journey on a new show called “Mama June: From Not to Hot”

Source: Bellanaija

Omoyemi Akerele is a Nigerian fashion designer, founder and artistic director of Style House Files. She is the founder and creative director of Lagos Fashion and Design Week. Her creative development agency gives African brand the opportunity of showcasing on Pitti Immagine in Italy and the Lagos Fashion and Design Week. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from the University of Lagos. She also has a Master’s degree in International Economic Law from the University of Warwick. She worked at Olaniwun Ajayi a Nigerian law firm & Co from 2000 to 2003 prior to becoming a fashion designer. She was the fashion editor for a Lifestyle magazine called True Love.

Style House Files is a creative development agency for Nigerian and African designers. The agency is a pioneering agency in image consultancy and creative direction within the West African country, Style House Files works with Nigerian brands on brand positioning and retail strategies.

Founded by Akerele in June 2011, Lagos Fashion Design Week (LFDW) runs a four day schedule featuring a select list of talented up and coming designers and fashion entrepreneurs. Partnered with the British Fashion Council, the show has been instrumental in raising the profile of the Nigerian fashion industry, and has drawn international attention and acclaim from journalists such as Suzy Menkes and Cristina Manfredi, as well as attracting a host of international buyers.

Omoyemi Akerele is widely regarded as a driving force behind the burgeoning Nigerian fashion industry. She has successfully positioned Nigerian fashion industry right in the center of the global spotlight which she continues to do annually. Her initiatives have created platforms to celebrate and showcase Nigerian fashion while setting the pace for others to emulate.

Juliana Olayode aka “Toyo Baby” speaks on her career, her role in popular TV series Jenifa’s Diary, her religious beliefs and abstinence in an interview with Punch.

Read excerpts below:

On being a part of Jenifa’s Diary: I was on my way to church when a friend invited me for an audition. The first time I auditioned, I didn’t do it well but the judges gave me another chance. I wasn’t expecting them to get back to me but they informed me some months later that I had gotten the role. That was my first time on set and I had a lovely time acting alongside experienced thespians like Yemi Solade and Tina Mba.

Working with Funke Akindele-Bello and playing Toyosi in Jenifa’s Diary has been a beautiful experience. Funke is very versatile, hard-working and a disciplinarian. She always takes her time in anything she does because she always wants to come out with the best.

On the Challenges that comes with being an actor: The challenges I have had so far have to do with working with people who don’t share my values. Most times, I reject scripts because I cannot play some roles because of my beliefs. Already, I have acted in movies like Couple of Days, Where Does Beauty Go?, Rivers Within, Click Now, and some others.

On her Sexual purity journey: I am a strong advocate for sexual purity and it goes beyond the screen for me. That is who I am and I’m not doing it for any other reason than that. Years before I began acting, God told me that He would open doors for me and that wherever I go, I should always talk about Him and sexual purity. I belong to Mine Ministry which advocates sexual purity and we have our World Virginity Day on the second Saturday in June every year.

Virginity Day isn’t only for virgins but for all who stand for sexual purity and know that virginity isn’t a thing of the past. There are lots of immoral things on social media which attract a lot of traffic but it’s sad that when you talk about something like sexual purity, people look at you like you’re doing something weird. I must confess that it has not been easy for me. But irrespective of what goes on around me and in the movie industry, I have resolved to stand tall and stay true to my values.

On being in a Relationship while advocating for purity: I am in a relationship now but I wasn’t in one when I started advocating purity. Sexual purity isn’t all about being in a relationship or not. A lot of people might think that I’m saying I’m sexually pure because I wasn’t in a relationship but there are some people that could come up to you and say they don’t want to have a relationship with you, that all they want is sex. There will always be pressure and it’s not an easy process but it’s good to stick to one’s values.

Sometimes, one may even be tempted to give it all up but I believe that people shouldn’t have sex until they’re married. I don’t need to talk about the kind of man I like because I already have a man I love.

Read the rest of the interview HERE.