humanitarian Archives - Women of Rubies

In Inspiration February 10, 2025 By Esther Ijewere

Jumoke Kolawole: Passionate Humanitarian Transforming Lives Through Service

Many people struggle to meet their basic needs, but there are those who dedicate their lives to making a difference. Jumoke Kolawole is one such individual—a devoted humanitarian, nonprofit leader, and community advocate whose passion for service has touched countless lives. As the Executive Director of Jumokecares Foundation and the Founder of Help to the Ageing Foundation (HAF), she has channeled her personal experiences into a mission of hope, working to ensure that underserved individuals—particularly women, children, and the elderly—receive the care, dignity, and support they need.

A Journey Fueled by Compassion and Experience

Jumoke’s passion for service is deeply personal. Growing up, she understood the weight of sacrifice, the difficulty of choosing between basic necessities, and the longing for opportunities that seemed out of reach. These challenges shaped her heart and ignited a vision: to create a future where others wouldn’t have to endure the same struggles.

For 15 years, through Help to the Ageing Foundation (HAF), Jumoke worked tirelessly to uplift the elderly, providing care, empowerment, and support. However, in 2019, she felt a deeper calling—one that extended beyond senior citizens. This vision led to the birth of Jumokecares Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing the struggles of younger generations by providing relief, empowerment, and long-term solutions to those in need.

A Multi-Faceted Leader

Jumoke holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing and is also a trained community health professional. Her extensive experience as a caregiver and cultural orientation coordinator for newly arrived immigrants at Irise has further strengthened her advocacy work. Additionally, she has served as a committee member of the International Women Peace Group (IWPG) and as a NAMI NJ peer support group facilitator, demonstrating her deep commitment to creating a more inclusive and empowered society.

Impacting Thousands, One Initiative at a Time

Since its inception, Jumokecares Foundation has become a lifeline for over 14,000 individuals. Through targeted programs and initiatives, the foundation has provided essential resources and opportunities, ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve. Some of its most impactful initiatives include:

✔ Feeding Over 12,000 Individuals through Pop-Up Food Pantries in more than 25 underserved locations.

✔ Bringing Christmas Joy to 2,000+ Children, ensuring they experience the magic of the season with new clothes, food, and entertainment.

✔ Providing Educational Support to 400+ Kids in four schools, distributing school bags and supplies to ease their learning journey.

✔ Empowering 100+ Senior Citizens and Widows through financial grants, helping them regain independence and stability.

✔ Distributing 400+ Packs of Cereal to children in underserved communities, providing nourishment and joy.

✔ Supporting Over 2,000 Girls with Menstrual Supplies, distributing over 10,000 pads, tampons, and period underwear to promote hygiene, dignity, and uninterrupted education.

Turning Pain into Purpose

Jumoke’s work is a testament to the power of turning personal pain into purpose. She believes that one act of kindness can change a life, and collective compassion can transform the world. Through Jumokecares Foundation, she is rewriting narratives of struggle into stories of resilience, empowerment, and hope.

The Mission Continues

But the journey is far from over. With every meal shared, every girl empowered, every child uplifted, and every elderly person supported, the mission continues. Jumoke Kolawole is not just providing aid—she is inspiring change, fostering empowerment, and transforming communities, one life at a time.

In Inspiration November 1, 2023 By Esther Ijewere

Lisa Ogbole: A Beacon of Hope and Empowerment In The Fight Against Domestic Violence

Lisa Ogbole is not just a devout Christian; she is a passionate advocate, a visionary, and a source of inspiration for countless individuals. As the founder of the Imani Foundation and the Executive Director of Melodia Homecare in Ontario, she has dedicated her life to making a profound impact on the lives of those in need.

A Mission to Make a Difference

Lisa’s journey as an Executive Director and former IT professional has been nothing short of remarkable. She wears many hats – a role model, a mentor, a coach, a serial entrepreneur, and a humanitarian. Her unwavering focus is on improving the lives of women and their families.

From Darkness to Light: A Personal Journey

Lisa’s steadfast commitment to helping victims of domestic violence is deeply personal. She is a survivor herself, having endured eight years in an abusive relationship. During those difficult times, she may have lost pieces of herself, but she never lost her determination to help others. Her dream to support women experiencing gender-based violence became a reality in 2019 when she founded the Imani Foundation.

Imani’s Place: A Haven of Hope

One of the most significant achievements of Lisa’s journey is the creation of Imani’s Place, a safe haven for domestic violence and human trafficking survivors. It’s more than just a transitional home; it’s a beacon of hope and a symbol of resilience. What sets Imani’s Place apart is that it’s the first black-led transitional home supporting the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community in Canada.

Since its inception, Imani’s Place has extended a helping hand to over 300 women. It provides shelter, counseling services, assistance with job searches, free groceries, free transportation, clothing, and support in finding permanent housing. For these survivors, it’s a place where they can rebuild their lives, free from fear and judgment.

Recognitions and Awards

Lisa Ogbole’s extraordinary work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, she was nominated and awarded the prestigious CIBWE100 Black Women to Watch in Canada. This recognition speaks volumes about her impact and influence in the community.

In 2023, she received the Community Advocate Award at the International Women Summit organized by Canada Vendors. This award highlights her tireless advocacy and dedication to making the world a better place, one person at a time.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Lisa Ogbole’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience and compassion. Her personal experiences have fueled her drive to be a beacon of hope for others. Through the Imani Foundation and Imani’s Place, she has provided a lifeline for those in need. Her work not only transforms lives but also sets an example for others to follow in the fight against domestic violence and human trafficking. Lisa’s story is a reminder that in the face of adversity, we can emerge stronger and make a lasting impact on the world.

In Interviews&profile May 4, 2023 By Women of Rubies

Meet Adeboye Joy Oluwatoyin, Feminist and Founder Of Resilient Girl Initiative

Nigerian women are breaking boundaries, and making a difference in the world. Adeboye Joy Oluwatoyin is one of them. She is a 21-year-old feminist who has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s humanitarian and youth engagement sectors. With over five years of experience in these fields, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership through volunteering with various NGOs and her social impact campaign projects.

Career

Throughout her career, Oluwatoyin has worked with several organizations, including the Female and More African Social Impact Fellowship, LEAP Africa, Women’s Advocate and Documentation Centre, BAOBAB, Inclusive Social Welfare and Empowerment foundation, and Nigerian Child Protection Trust. Her dedication to improving the lives of women and girls led her to found the Resilient Girl Initiative, an NGO focused on empowering young girls and women.

Oluwatoyin’s partnership and engagements have helped minors, sexual abuse victims, widows, and school children in Nigeria, she has also impacted her immediate school environment through webinars that raise awareness about sexual abuse and sex trafficking.

Other activities

Aside from her humanitarian work, she possesses impeccable storytelling skills, which have been instrumental in creating a documentary on sexual abuse, her passion for volunteering, hospitality, and humanitarian activities is evident in her numerous contributions to her community and beyond.

Oluwatoyin is a young and passionate feminist who has made remarkable strides in the humanitarian and youth engagement sectors in Nigeria. Her leadership, dedication, and impact have inspired many and continue to make a difference in the lives of those she encounters.

In Career Gems January 4, 2019 By Editor

OMOTOLA JALADE-EKEHINDE RENOVATES WIDOW’S HOUSE WITHIN FOUR DAYS

Veteran Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, through her Give and Let Give initiative, has helped renovate the home of a widow in just four days.

The widow, Folashade Chijioke, was nominated after many entries via emails by another widow. Some of the criteria for selection were that the widow being nominated must be a working woman, giving back to the community and raising her kids.

Folashade’s home was given a face life with new furniture, a new paint job, bathroom fittings, an upgraded kitchen, bunk beds and cozy mattresses, a TV, fridge, and gas cooker.

Folashade and her four kids were taken from the hotel they had been staying at during the renovation and they were shown their new home on the 31st of December. They were overjoyed.

See the photos below.

Photo Credit: Daniel Sync

Credit: Bella Naija

In Career Gems November 29, 2018 By Editor

DJ CUPPY BECOMES AN AMBASSADOR FOR SAVE THE CHILDREN

The billionaire heiress announced this on her Twitter page on Wednesday, November 28, 2018. According to her, she also joins the African advisory board of the NGO.

“So proud to be announced as the newest Ambassador of @SaveChildrenUK and also to join as a member on the African Advisory Board! Looking forward to working around the continent to save children’s lives… #CuppyCares,” she tweeted.

DJ Cuppy’s is well known for her benevolent heart. She has impacted a lot in society by giving back and helping people in need.

In Interviews&profile October 9, 2018 By Editor

PROFILE| MEET NADIA MURAD, THE FIRST IRAQI WOMAN TO WIN A NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AWARD

Nadia Murad is a German based Iraqi human right activist who recently won the Nobel Peace Prize awards at the age of 25. She is also the first Iraqi woman to win that award.

She was awarded alongside a Congolese doctor, Denis Mukwege for their efforts in ending the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war and armed conflict.

Murad and about 3,000 other Yazidi women were kidnapped and sold into sex slavery by ISIS in 2014, as part of the terrorist group’s genocidal campaign to wipe out the religious minority.

Here are 9 things you should know about Nadia Murad:

1.Her full name is Nadia Murad Basee Taha

2.Murad was born in the village of Kojo in Sinjar District, Iraq.

3.Nadia Murad was taken into slavery by ISIS on 15 September, 2014.

4.She escaped from ISIS camp in November, 2014.

5.Murad started living in Germany in 2015 after leaving the refugee camp.

6.Murad worked with United Nations in global and local advocacy initiatives to bring awareness of human trafficking and refugees in December, 2015.

7.In September, 2016, she announced her Initiative called “Murad’s Initiave”to provide advocacy and assistance to victims of genocide.

8.In 2016, she received her first award which was the first Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking of the United Nations.

9.Nadia Murad became the first Iraqi woman to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize

Credit: Fabwoman.ng

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