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SINGER, GLORIA DOYLE, SHARES HER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXPERIENCE IN HER MARRIAGE

Singer, Gloria Doyle shares her experience with domestic violence in her previous marriage.

In an interview with The Sun, Doyle stated that she got beaten for no reason at all which made her walk out with her.

”I walked out of it with my children alive and faced the challenges, stigma and relegation of being a single mother,” Doyle recounts.

“I told my ex that after three years of marriage, I wanted to return to my music career and he got so mad and he just couldn’t stop battering me, accusing me, that I only wanted to be let loose,” she added.

Doyle advised women to move on when in abusive relationships. She stated that once a sour relationship gets to the point of verbal abuse it is best to move on.

”When a relationship gets to the point of verbal abuse, which leads to physical abuse, if care is not taken, anything could happen so I strongly advice, walk out in peace and not in pieces.

I have seen many young women lose their lives because they were unable to let go their abusive husband especially when they depend on their husbands for everything. Women feel very uncomfortable walking out of such relationship because of the stigma attached to being a single mother,” she said.

Although Doyle was rumored to be getting married to a younger man a few years ago, she said it didn’t work out because she is not ready for marriage.

Source: pulse.ng

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#INTERVIEW| MY SEXUAL HARASSMENT EXPERIENCE MADE ME START MY MODELLING AGRNCY – JULIET EZEIGWE

Ezeigwe Juliet Chioma is a Blogger, Vlogger, Model Coach and Scout, Content Creator, Speaker, Budding Producer, Publicist and a Women and Girl Child Advocate and TV host. A graduate of the Federal Polytechnic Idah, Kogi State, where she studied Science Lab Tech, final year student of Olabisi Obasanjo University(Part Time), studying Mass Communication. An alumni of Paradigm Initiative and CVL young entrepreneurs. Jules is not only passionate about modelling but envisages a modelling industry where we have just smart and Top Notch Models, away from the negative opinion people have about modeling and she has been using her platforms to advocate for this, She recounts one of her personal experience as a model, when the director of a modeling agency asked her to go to his room and take off her cloths, to ascertain if she was good for the job, and how she declined the offer with tears in her eyes and made up her mind at that point to have her own agency devoid of sexual harassment and high respect for models.

She also has a deliberate interest in advocacy for abused women and girl child, which makes her organize both online and offline events to help educate people on abuse. She is the convener of #HelpAnAbusedWoman, My Child, My Hero, Youngster Support Initiative, and the Walk against Abuse. The serial entrepreneur and advocate shares her story and journey so far in this interview.

Childhood
My childhood inspires what I do today, especially in the area of women and child advocacy. Growing up in Ajegunle, where we hear and see the constant beating of women by their husband, boyfriends hitting their girlfriends and a lot of sad tales of little girls getting raped by men old enough to be their fathers. I remember us going into our new neighborhood; I saw a lot of teenage girls get pregnant outside wedlock, I was really surprised, and I went about asking people why it seems young girls get pregnant here. The answers they gave made me cry. Poverty, rape, lack of personality development etc, and then I resolved to start up my NGO called Project F.A.W.A.

D Meet me

I am Ezeigwe Juliet Chioma, the first of 2 amazing girls to my parents. I loved and longed to be a model since when I was a teenager, because I loved the girls that modeled for the Orange drugs company then, but unfortunately for me, I stopped growing tall after my secondary school. Lol! For a long time, I was angry with myself, I decided to give it a trail again in the year 2015, and that was when I think I made the mistake of my life, that made me who I am and becoming. I had put my picture on the Sun girl page, and I got a lot of offers from people, to model for them. But the one, I can’t forget, was when the director of a modeling agency, asked that I go to his room and take off my cloth, so as to ascertain if I was good for the job. I declined the offer, looked at him very hard with tears in my eyes and said, give me 2 years I would have my own modeling agency devoid of exploiting young ladies and guys. 2 years down the line, I am living that dream. I love traveling, talking, writing, teaching and inspiring people, especially young ones with my story. I think, I am a social media addict, but the beautiful thing is that, I make money from it.

Inspiration behind Da Jules Media
The inspiration behind it, was when I attended entrepreneurship training at Paradigm Initiative, I went there like every other person that attended, but one of the facilitators did something for us on that day. He asked that we write down what we would love to achieve in the next 5 years, I wrote mine down, and today I am doing practically everything I wrote down. We were formally Da Jules World, but alone the time, we gained clarity and today we are Da Jules Media. I will say the inspiration behind the brand is to discover empower, celebrate, and encourage small business owners and models, with a deliberate interest in women and girl child advocacy

What Modelz Hangout is all about…
Modelz Hangout is an annual event , organized by Jules Modelz Academy where Aspiring, Upcoming and Professional models from all walks of life come together to discuss and share their experiences, peculiarities and the unique challenges they face in the industry. During this event, we have speakers, facilitators and panelists that take these models through the journey of Modeling, Fashion, Health and Fitness, Etiquette, Self Discovery, Personality Development etc.
As the name implies it is a hangout where models connects and gets useful information and insights on how to take their career to the next level. I plan to go into filming and areas pf producing and writing scripts.

Challenges
One challenge I face most importantly is getting funds to run the business.  Seeing that we are just new to the business, lots of people may not trust us enough to get models for their brands. One challenge we are currently facing is getting sponsors for the production of our short movie.

What sparks my interest for advocacy…
Hmmm! What sparks the interest is the environment I come from., fact that I was sexually abused as a child and I won’t want anyone to experience abuse. Another incident I remember vividly while growing up was when an okada man raped a three old girl in his compound, I was devastated, it brought back ugly memories. There and then, I resolved to be a voice for abused women and children.

Projects and activities

I do a lot of project, and the beautiful thing is that, I am so passionate about them all.
Jules Modelz Academy:  We are fueled with the Paroxysm to Discover, Groom, Empower, Promote and Celebrate young talented models, bringing out the best in them, providing them with bigger platforms to exhibit their talents. We also celebrate and promote Modeling Agencies/ Fashion Shows/Events. Our projects under this are. Modelz Hangout, Modelz Meet and Greet, Modelz Day Out, Teens Modelz Academy and Jules

Project F.A.W.A:  is a nonprofit organization that is aimed at making a world class piece that captures the Emotions, Mind and Heart of people, to make an impact in our world living systems through lending our voices to humanities that are victims of abuse, in other to alleviate abuse to its minimal and affect a change in our society. Our projects, includes, The Survivors, My Child, My Hero, Help an Abused
Woman and Walk against Abuse.

I am currently working on The Consequences (A short movie). This is a story about abuse, and how it affects the society.

Greatest reward
That should be the love I get from people on daily basis. People that come to my inbox, and tell me how I inspire them. Recently I have being soliciting for help from my friends on Facebook for the movie, after our principal sponsor, backed out. The love and words of encouragement I get from them before and after helping is rewarding. It means they value me and all I stand for.

Where I see my business in five years time
In the five years, I envisage to see Da Jules Media as the topmost digital, media and modeling company in Africa. I also envisage empowering topnotch models all over the world.

On giving up
Yes I have. A lot of times. Most times, I just ask myself questions like, who send you. Can’t you just leave this thing and go get a proper job. I have being depressed too. But then, I remember why I started and keep moving.

What and who inspires me

Yahweh is my first inspiration. My family comes second and then all the models and lives that are tied to mine do inspire me. The fact that I see my models doing things they love and enjoy inspires me.

I am a Woman of Rubies
I am a woman of Rubies because I Empower, Inspire, Motivate, Promote and Celebrate young women. I am a woman of Rubies, because I don’t give up. I don’t see failures, I see feedbacks

Final words of adviceDon’t wait for the perfect time to start.  Start now and get better. Start small, but never remain small. “Imperfect Execution is better than a Perfect Procrastination” (Steve Harris

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KATE HENSHAW WELCOMES IYABO OJO TO THE 40S CLUB IN A WARM BIRTHDAY MESSAGE

Nollywood Actress, Kate Henshaw who is already in her 40s took to her IG page to celebrate fellow actress, Iyabo Ojo as she turned a year older today and also welcomed her to the 40s club.

Sharing the photo below, she wrote:

“Welcome to Club 40s!!! This is how you go into it, BOLD and FEARLESS like a BOSS cos life truly begins at 40… God bless and protect you darling @iyaboojofespris May He continue to bring you success in all you do… Grant you long life and peace. As your days so shall your strength be… Lots of love and have a blast like you don’t care!!!���� Y.O.L.O��������”

She shared:

 

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ACTRESS, YVONNE JEGEDE, GOES EMOTIONAL AS SHE SHARES HER SUCCESS STORY

Actress,Yvonne Jegede has taken to Instagram, to share her success story and a motivational piece.

Read her moving testimony below

Look at Choco 17yrs ago (2years before Nollywood/African Queen video). Wow😇 I have grown. I look at this picture with tears in my eyes, looking back at different stages of my life and all my struggles. 
Wow, to think there was a time I had no house/roof over my head, at ojuelegba under bridge at 2am with a little bag hanging under my arm (@femibrainard69 do you remember?).. Thanks to Shola aka Shaggy Dread who opened @ogidantade OGD studios for me to lay my head for those weeks (I had to wait till everyone left the studio, or was sleeping before I came knocking on the window.😇)
Look at me now #Choco.
This picture brings memories. LASU days, as a law student we had to wear white and black everyday (hence the white top) to class.
But bia, where did my eye brows go😂? My struggles only made me who I am. I have never been scared/ashamed of where I am or where I am coming from, but I’m certainly SURE of where I am going… #ChocoRules
#IAmATestimony
#TheThrowBackThursdayOfLife
#WhoIsCuttingOnionNearMe\

Here is what she shared:

 

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#WCW: CELEBRATING SOMKELE IYAMAH!

Hello WORriors! Today is #WomanCrushWednesday and our Woman Crush is Somkele Iyamah!

Somkele Iyamah-Idhalama is a Nigerian TV and film actress and model. She is known for her roles in Dreamwalker (2012), 93 Days (2016), The Wedding Party (2016), The Arbitration (2016), the TV series Gidi Up (2013–present) and gained recognition at the Toronto and African International Film Festivals.

Iyamah was born in Delta State, to Andrew and Rosaline-Onyi Iyamah. She is the third of four children. She attended the Chrisland Schools and she was introduced to drama by an inspirational teacher while attending Grange School in Lagos.

Somkele holds a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from McMaster University. She volunteered in several shows for charity at McMaster and modelled during the holidays in Nigeria. Her site says this included work for Virgin Nigeria, Harp, ETB and Visafone Communications.

Iyamah’s first feature film was Dreamwalker, where she had a small part. From 2013 – 2016, she appeared as Yvonne, a fashion designer, in the TV series, Gidi Up where she worked with O.C. Ukeje.

In 2016, three films which she starred in 93 Days (2016), The Wedding Party (2016) and,The Arbitration (2016) were premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival which she attended as the first “female international Rising Star”.

In 2016, Somkele appeared in the comedy-crime/heist thriller Ojukokoro (Greed) with Wale Ojo, Ali Nuhu, Tope Tedela and Seun Ajayi.

Somkele has been nominated and won awards and recognition. She also manages the fashion brand, Andrea Iyamah, founded by younger sister Dumebi Iyamah.

Women Of Rubies celebrates you, Somkele Iyamah!

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GERTRUDE SAYS: A WORLD OF SMARTPHONES AND STUPID PEOPLE?

Wow…this seems like quite a BIG one. Okay before anybody judges me this quote or expression was not coined by ME per se. I am sure some of you might have stumbled upon it someway somehow. Personally, I stumbled on a meme similar to the caption which actually reads ‘We live in a world of smart phones and stupid people’.

‘Ermmm excuse me? I use a smart phone alright but am in no way stupid!’ was my remark. I had immediately assumed this was referring to me just by ‘personalising’ it. I mean it is not like the person who put this meme up directed it to me by tagging me or mentioning me in the post. Phew! Silly assumptions on my part! BUT after reflecting on this for a while, I think there was a point beyond its harsh outlook.

Mobile phones as a communication device we all know have come a long way in terms of branding and all. I mean at first, it was the Nokia 3310’s, Motorola and the likes with the basic functions of receiving and making calls, texting and other related stuff. Fast forward to about 5 or 6 years ago was the emergence of the Android, Windows Phone and Iphones among others. With the inception of these new kind, ALMOST everyone craved to have the ‘new era’ phones and most eventually got it (I mean with the exception of those who could not afford it or those who did not care about the ‘new era phones’). These phones could be used for literally everything particularly INTERNET SURFING. I mean we would not expect less at a time where internet is almost easily accessible to many people.

Now this ATTITUDE of finding out what’s trending, replying every single text from that friend who chats once in a while, sharing that video which probably isn’t APPROPRIATE, scrolling through all those messages you missed in your numerous group chats on WhatsApp and what have you is of major concern. Now, I wonder why people cannot FIND time to do all these somewhere in the day but RATHER choose to do this whilst crossing the road, walking on a busy street, doing an important assignment and other things which are SERIOUS BUSINESS! I am a CULRPIT too in some of these instances and in no way trying to exonerate myself. But you see these things that we do BEING CONTROLLED by that tiny or large device could cost us a GREAT DEAL.

I mean I have heard stories of people being knocked down by cars, some end up with brutal injuries or minor ones or some dying in the process. My dad for one always complains about how the craze of phones are these days as he recounted of how he had to be in ‘traffic’ one time just because this guy was crossing the road and was on his phone and probably forgot where he was. Thus, cars coming from all angles had to wait for him to finally cross the road before proceeding. What if the first driver in the supposed traffic decided to ignore this boy, knocked him down and he eventually died? How pathetic! What was soo important about that message he was trying to reply or that email he may be reading that could not wait? Really? In exchange for his life? I am not saying there is a right or wrong way to lose one’s life but you will agree with me that some deaths are preventable and in this case, this ONE is included in that list. I mean I don’t know if it is a way of these people trying to tell drivers or people walking in the streets to tread carefully or whatever but hey! that is not solely one person’s duty but you as well should register that in your LONG TERM MEMORY.

Apart from this craze, people spend too much on the accessories of mobile phones these days compared to the days of the old. I remember a friend of mine giving me a description of a particular phone case to buy for her and I was like SMH (Shaking my Head)…all that covering including screen protectors which mostly costs loads of money! Now, I am in no way saying it is a ‘bad thing’ to beautify your phone like any other thing but what makes me wonder is when some people are almost naked but have their phones all covered! The IRONY!

I once saw a group of ladies and a gentleman in the city centre during the winter period and judging from the day and time, my best guess is they were going to the club (FRIYAAYY!). Though the gentleman was all covered up, the ladies were in skimpy dresses, with their hands covered around their bodies (signifying they were cold) yet their phones were covered! Now, I did a bit of digging and I was told that in the clubs, you are charged for bringing extra clothing along…let’s say for someone to keep watch over your clothings whilst you are LETTING YOUR HAIR DOWN! (That’s some smart move especially when they know people will definitely come along with some jackets and all judging from the weather!).But how wrong they are to include people such as these ladies above. I may not know exactly why these ladies refused to wear jackets whether for the sake of saving the little money for something better or whatever. But what could be better than your health?? Exposing your body to such cold could result in some terrible cold and fever which could cost you your job or inability to do CERTAIN things (You will understand only if you have been knocked down in bed by a terrible cold before). In other words, if you saw the need to cover your phone to keep it NEW all the time (I mean a phone you will replace probably in a year or two) then why can’t you cover a body which is soo precious which is DEFINITELY irreplaceable!

I mean I could go on and on. One funny thing I realised is, some people strive to have these ‘smart phones’ which cost a lot in most scenarios yet can hardly fend for themselves. I mean why do you have to TRY TO BELONG? Then you find yourself on the streets after your landlord sacks you from the house because of instead of using that money you saved up to pay the rent , you THOUGHT it will be nice to also SHOW THEM THAT YOU ARE ALSO THERE. Who benefits and who loses in the end? I know of a guy who was squatting (staying with someone for a while) with a family friend due to family issues. I mean they were kind enough to not only provide housing for him but also food, care and protection without taking money from this guy…I mean he was not working. Now, this guy is offered a huge amount of money after doing a translation job. What is the most sensible thing to do? Be courteous enough to at least give the money out for the upkeep of the house. But as excited as he was, this was the right opportunity to purchase a brand new phone he had been targeting for a while! Alas! his prayers have been answered. But wait for it….It cost him his shelter. He was sacked from the house for this ‘act of stupidity’. How sad!

There are so many examples I could list where people choose a ‘smart phone’ at the expense of their life, health, accommodation and other things. I, with all HONESTY state here that it is not worth losing anything precious just because of a MOBILE PHONE…It is an inanimate object, your life is just one. If you lose it, that’s it! You cannot go back into your mother’s womb to be born again not even with the concept of reincarnation. I mean even if you did, you will MISS on a lot. Why not act WISELY by doing things at the RIGHT time. After all, the Bible even says in Eclessiastes 3:1 it says there is time for everything under the sun!

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gertrude Asumadu, a 24 year old young lady who is passionate about women empowerment, girl child education and overall helping others to achieve their own dreams. I am a graduate of University of Leeds with a degree in BSc (Hons) Economics. My time in university was the turning point for me I believe as I have been able to stretch myself and in essence on way to achieving my purpose.

Please feel free to contact me on various social media platforms so we can start working together!

Email: asumadugertrude@yahoo.com/asumadugertrude@gmail.com

LinkedIn: Gertrude Asumadu

Twitter: @AsumaduGertrude

Facebook: Gertrude Asumadu

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ESTHER IJEWERE, PEACE HYDE, AHMAD AISHA, LOLA OMOLOLA, AND OTHERS, MAKES LIST OF AWP NETWORK POWER LIST 2017

Esther Ijewere, the Founder of Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, an organization that organizes projects to include, the Walk Against Rape, Women of Rubies, Project Capable, Rubies Ink Media and the College Acquaintance Rape Education Workshops, has been listed on The 2017 AWP Network Power List, alongside Aisha Ahmad the Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Lola Omolola, Founder of FIN, Peace Hyde, Forbes West Africa Correspondent and Head of Digital Media and Partnerships for Forbes Africa, among others.

AWP Network aim to encourage more African women with powerful voices who will continue to create programs and policies that support the development and growth of African women and girls. The Power List recognizes 40 African women with powerful, inspiring, and influential voices.

To see full list below, go to https://awpnetwork.com/2017/12/04/the-2017-awp-network-power-list/
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WOMAN WHO GOT MARRIED FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER LIFE AT THE AGE OF 53, PUTS TO BED SAFELY AT AGE 56

A Nigerian woman simply identified as Mrs Leticia who got married for the first time in her life in 2014 at the age of 53 and safely put to bed this year at age 56, is inspiring many with her amazing story.

Her make-up artist, Kemi King shared the awe-inspiring story on her Instagram page and it has left many surprised.

Now at the age of 56, Mrs Leticia welcomed a baby boy to the amazement of many.

This only goes to show that it is never too late for you to get your own miracle.

View the post below

source: fabwoman.ng
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QUEEN ELIZABETH BREAKS ROYAL TRADITION TO INVITE MEGHAN MARKLE TO SPEND CHRISTMAS WITH THE ROYAL FAMILY

Meghan Markle, according to reports will spend Christmas with the royal family this year at the Queen’s Norfolk estate, Kensington Palace and  she’ll be breaking royal tradition by doing so.

This is certainly a first as Fiancées aren’t usually invited to spend the holiday with the royals. Kate Middleton, for example, spent Christmas with her family in Berkshire even though she and Prince William had announced their engagement a month before.

Prince Harry, who announced his engagement to Markle on the November 27th, is believed to have asked his grandmother for a special exception for his bride-to-be.

It has been said that Prince Harry is a favourite of the queen and she obliges him whatever he requests from her.

The former Suits star and Prince Harry will be attending Christmas Day church service on the Queen’s private estate, Sandringham House, with other senior members of the royal family.

Afterwards, they’ll likely participate in other royal holiday customs, like having a big lunch,  watching Her Majesty’s Christmas speech, drinking afternoon tea, and indulging in a buffet dinner

It has been observed that this isn’t the first time the couple has strayed from royal tradition. They frequently hold hand, right from their engagement photo call, to their first interview, to their first royal engagement

After the holiday, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (and their children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte) are expected to host the newly-engaged couple at their nearby country home, Anmer Hall.

 

 

Source: fabwoman.ng

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