womenofrubies Archives

In self development April 9, 2017 By Women of Rubies

WOMEN OF RUBIES PARTNERS YABA LCDA TO SENSITISE GRASSROOTS WOMEN

The third edition of the Women of Rubies sensitization tagged “Sensitizing Grassroots women on domestic abuse and lifestyle issues “ was held on Friday 7^th of April in partnership with the Yaba Lcda at the Oluremi Tinubu Hall within the council.

Women came out enmasse from different spheres of the community to be part of the workshop. The women were not only sensitized on the need to be empowered but also encouraged to “Do Something” by Chinyere Anokwuru of Self-worth Organisation, the hostand Sole Administrator of the Local Government ; Hon. Bayo Adefuye encouraged them to attend more of such programmes to be enlightened and have a voice in the society, while Nollywood Actress Doris Simeon encouraged them to speak up when they are being abused, she also made them realise Help is near an shared some helpline numbers of different Helpcentres with them, The founder of Morna International Foundation ; Bukola Ogunyeyealso buttressed on the issue of Domestic abuse , while sharing stories of women who have died in abusive relationships because they refused to speak up, Sandra Orgah from Access Bank W Community spoke on “Why women should save” the women were educated on financial independence .

Participants listening attentively as Chinyere Anokwuru speaks n “Do Something” at our grassroots sensitisation workshop ongoing at the Oluremi Tinubu hall, Yaba Lcda
#Womenofrubies

Four women were given empowerment opportunity by Chinyere Anokwuru to learn Tailoring, Catering and Computer at the Selfworth Organisation skills acquisition centre for free.

According to the Founder of Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children and Editor-In-Chief of Women of Rubies ; Esther Ijewere; the workshop once again was an impactful learning experience for the women in Yaba Lca and we thank the Sole Administrator for hosting and collaborating with us to add value to the lives of women in his Local council.

The next edition will be held at the Igando-Ikotun Lcda on the 13^thof April, while Kosofe Lcda and Ikeja Lga is slated for 19^th and 24^threspectively.

The workshop is supported by Access Woman, Power Oil, Bellanaija, Wfm917, Guardian Newspaper, Nta and Goldmyne Tv and powered by Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children.

Speaker and CEO of Selfworth Organization Chinyere Anokwuru encouraging the women to do something .
#Womenorubies

Grassroots women sensitisation workshop
One of our speakers and Ceo of Selfworth Organization; Chinyere Anokwuru at the event.
#Womenofrubies

Our Founder and editor in chief @estherijewere with Sandra Orgah (Access Woman) and Bukola Ogunyeye flanked by some of the participants at our grassroots women workshop earlier today.
#Womenofrubies

Sandra Orgah from Access Woman @thewcommunity sensitising the women on “Why you should Save”,at our grassroots sensitisation workshop today.
#Womenofrubies

Women Sensitisation Workshop The Power oil health camp team at the event #Womenofrubies

In Career Gems April 8, 2017 By Women of Rubies

HIV POSITIVE HORCELIE SINDA WA MBONGO CROWNED MISS CONGO UK 2017

Twenty-two year old Horcelie Sinda Wa Mbongo discovered at 11, she was HIV positive from birth.

She won the 2017 Edition of Miss Congo UK and plans to return to Congo to carry on campaigning on HIV and AIDS.

“I’m happy I’ve won at least something in my life. My story has warmed people’s hearts and that’s the most important thing,” she says.

Horcelie, who is originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is studying for a fine arts degree in London.

Source: Bellanaija

In Career Gems April 8, 2017 By Women of Rubies

THE WAIT IS SEXY – NIGERIAN-AMERICAN ACTRESS YVONNE ORJI ON DATING & VIRGINITY

“You cannot date until you get married.”

Born to strict Nigerian parents, Yvonne Orji was determined to get married and intimate at 18 but her enthusiasm was diminished by her friends’ low expectations of sex. After getting “bamboozled by Jesus” in college, today Yvonne is a 33-year-old virgin. Suddenly her parents want her to meet someone.

Yvonne gives 5 suggestions for finding love – regardless of your beliefs, values and choices because when you find the right person, the wait is worth it.

Yvonne Orji is a Nigerian-American actress, comedienne and writer who continues to display her versatility and passion with each project she takes on. On television, she stars in HBO’s new comedy series “Insecure”. The show follows the friendship of two modern-day black women and all of their uncomfortable experiences and racy tribulations.

Orji stars as one of these women opposite Issa Rae, who is executive producing the show along with Prentice Penny and Melina Matsoukas. She is also currently developing a half-hour sitcom, based on her life entitled “First Gen”, that Oprah and David Oyelowo are executive producing. The show is a comedy about a Nigerian girl who trades medical school for a career in stand-up comedy and the adventures that ensue after her strict African mother discovers her plans.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organised by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

source: Bellanaija

In Career Gems April 8, 2017 By Women of Rubies

17 YR OLD IFEOMA WHITE-THORPE HAS BEEN ACCEPTED TO ALL 8 AMERICAN IVY LEAGUE SCHOOLS

Ifeoma, star student, winner of the national Selma speech and essay competition, athlete, volunteer and student government president of Morris Hills High School, New Jersey, who also aces her advanced classes like they’re nothing, said, about applying to all 8 schools:

“I want to go into global health and study biology and so many of them have great research facilities, so I was like, I might as well just shoot my shot and apply.”

She says, of when she got the eighth acceptance letter:

“I was like, oh my gosh, oh my gosh, like this might be eight out of eight and I clicked it and it said ‘Congratulations’ and I was like oh my goodness!”

“I got into Harvard early action so I figured I’ll just go there, so then I got into all the others and I was like, wait now I don’t know where I want to go.”

Andre and Patricia White-Thorpe, Ifeoma’s father and mother, are leaving the decision of which school to pick up to their really, really smart daughter.

(Photo: TAPinto)

The decision might just be easier than she thinks, as she may likely be attending the school which grants her a scholarship:

“At this point none of the schools I’ve applied to said they give merit scholarships, so I’m praying that they give me some more financial aid or some money, shout out to all of those schools, please give me something.”

This is a phenomenal achievement that has only happened to only four other people in recent history: Kwasi Enin in 2014, Harold Ekeh in 2015 and Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna and Kelly Hyles last year.

Of the five students to achieve this feat, three of them are Nigerian and we couldn’t be more proud

(Photo: TAPinto)

Source: bin

In Interviews&profile April 8, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

PEOPLE’S SUCCESS STORIES ARE A GREAT SOURCE OF INSPIRATION TO ME- OLUBUKOLA ADIO

Olubukola Adio is wife, mother and a business owner. A graduate of business administration from Yaba college of Technology. Bukky worked in the banking sector before relocating to south Africa to pursue a career in nursing, On her return she started a clothing store out of her passion for humanity, after encountering several kids who were clothe less, she started donating to these kids and some orphanage homes, this informed her decision to start her clothing store “Clothezoo”. Bukky shares her inspiring journey in this interview.
Childhood Influence
I will say a yes to that because I practically grew up not knowing my mother. I lost her early in life and I have a polygamous background, even though I have a caring father the absence of a mother growing up meant I had to do a lot for myself . I have always looked inwards rather than look in the wrong places to fill the void. So growing up I had a little poultry in the house and I sold eggs, made and sold clothes, I sold cold drinks, marketed computers and a host of other little businesses that bred the entrepreneurial spirit in me. So I would say yes my childhood had a major part to play.

Meet Bukky!
My name is Olubukola Adio nee Okoya. A wife, mother to 3 wonderful kids and a business owner. I attended Yaba college of Technology. Studied business administration and I’m also a chartered administrator. Prior to now in terms of work experience I had my industrial attachment at First Bank then my Service year at Tantalizers. I worked at This Present House as an admin staff before temporarily relocating to South Africa to pursue a career in nursing .

Starting “ClothesZoo”
I have always had a thing for clothes; it has always been in my head that I will do this one day as I was compelled to go into this business when I saw a lot of clotheless kids when I returned to Nigeria and So there was no looking back once I started . I started by giving free clothes to some street kids before delving into this business full time. I hope to come out with our own branded clothing soon that will match quality with affordability and also support people who can’t afford to clothe themselves. With my clothing store “Clotheszoo” I hope to be able to make an impact not just as a clothier but one who also gave hope to those who can’t afford to clothe themselves.

Women Who Inspire me to do more
People’s success stories are a great source of inspiration to me .It works like a rush of adrenaline in my system. People like Oprah Winfrey who I think is a standard of success for women inspire me, also Iyanla Vazant, Nkoyo Rapu, Grace Aiyedogbon and every striving and thriving woman out there.

Reward
It gladdens my heart when people walk into my store but also make reference to hearing about me by or two people I clothed for free. This make me realize there is something I am getting right and that’s my reward.

Challenges
Finance is always a major issue and it’s further compounded by the seeming uncertainty in the financial market. Funds for expansion is readily not available, interest rates are most unfriendly and the lack of support for growing businesses from regulators

Giving to the less privileged
I run a socially responsible business that gives back at every given opportunity .We’ve and are still supporting orphanages with clothes for the children. We do a regular give away during festive seasons and clothe street kids

Never felt like giving up
It has never crossed my mind to want to give up. Primarily because I’m living my dream, to be successful one has to be happy on the inside and that’s what propels me in addition to having a wonderful and supporting husband. Not forgetting an amazing family and friends.

I am a woman of Rubies
A woman of rubies exemplifies moving from adversity to a position of strength. I started from nothing then from a suitcase, to a shop to where we are right now and we still aspire to be bigger than this. Just like an airplane that takes off against the wind I keep breaking through adversities and a shining example to other women. The fact that I also give freely to the less privileged makes me a woman of rubies.

Women are not weak!
I want women to understand that we have a role to play in the scheme of things. God created Man then Woman as support .What we must understand is this; what must support another object should also be stronger or of equal strength as the object. God did not create women weak; we are not the weaker vessel.

In Career Gems April 6, 2017 By Women of Rubies

BEYONCE NAMED MOST VALUABLE CELEBRITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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

In Career Gems April 6, 2017 By Women of Rubies

WOMEN OF RUBIES SET TO SENSITISE GRASSROOTS WOMEN

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 7^th 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: 7^th of April

1st Workshop : Yaba Lcda , Panti Busstop, Yaba

Date: 13^th of April

2nd Workshop :

Igando- 

Ikotun Lcda

, Ikotun .

Date: 19^th o April

3rd Workshop & Venue: Kosofe Lcda

, Ogudu

Date: 24^th of April

4^th 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 TV 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/

In lifestyle April 6, 2017 By Women of Rubies

SIJU YUSUF : SEX AND LOVE; CASUAL SEX

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.

In Career Gems April 5, 2017 By Women of Rubies

CHIMAMANDA’S ‘AMERICANAH’ IS INSPIRING READING IN NEW YORK CITY

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 Career Gems April 5, 2017 By Esther Ijewere

LEADING LADIES AFRICA CELEBRATES MOST INSPIRING NIGERIAN WOMEN AT 100 WOMEN GALA

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 100^th 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.”

“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.

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;