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This year, as we gather to celebrate International Women’s Day, we stand united not just in celebration of womanhood, but in recognition of the broader role of women in shaping a more inclusive, equitable world. Our theme, “Vision for Inclusion,” is a clarion call to reflect on our collective journey, the strides we have made, the challenges we have overcome, and the path that lies ahead.

Let us first ponder a profound question: Where would we be today if women had not spearheaded some of the most pivotal movements and protests in history? Imagine a world without the tenacity of women who fought for suffrage, for civil rights, and for equality in the workplace. Consider the absence of voices like those of Rosa Parks, whose simple act of defiance became a monumental symbol of the civil rights movement. Rosa’s refusal to give up her seat on that Montgomery bus wasn’t just about a seat; it was about claiming her rightful place in the fabric of society. Her courage reminds us that change often begins with the actions of one, not the crowd.

As I reflect on my personal journey, arriving in Canada some years ago and founding Women of Dignity International (WODI), I’m reminded of the challenges and triumphs that have marked our collective progress. Establishing WODI was not just about creating another organization; it was about building a platform where women’s voices could be amplified, where their struggles could be shared, and their achievements celebrated. It was about creating a space where women from diverse backgrounds could come together to advocate for change, support one another, and push the boundaries of what is possible.

I was confronted with a reality that was both challenging and illuminating. I encountered barriers, not just of language and culture, but of perception and opportunity. These challenges were not unique to me; they are faced by countless women who find themselves in new lands, striving to rebuild their lives and redefine their identities. For new migrants, there’s always the anxiety of speaking out and being heard. I have always believed that if we don’t rise to defend and protect new migrants, and create a pathway for them to thrive, who will? Unfortunately, we begin to lose the plot when women struggle to find their voices.

It was through these struggles that the vision for Women of Dignity International (WODI) was born—a vision fueled by the belief that every woman, regardless of her background, has the right to live with dignity, to have her voice heard, and to contribute to society. WODI became a beacon of hope, not only for immigrant women but for all women seeking to make a difference in their communities and beyond.

However, just like many success stories in life, the road to inclusion is fraught with obstacles. Across the globe, women continue to grapple with issues of violence, discrimination, and inequality. The gender pay gap persists, undermining the economic independence and security of women. In many parts of the world, girls are still denied access to education, depriving them of the knowledge and skills needed to thrive. Women’s health and reproductive rights are still under threat, and domestic violence against women is still on the increase, limiting their autonomy over their bodies and lives.

These are not abstract problems; they are real, pressing issues that affect millions of women and girls every day. They remind us that our work is far from over and that the vision for inclusion requires relentless effort, unwavering commitment, and collective action.

Our vision for inclusion goes beyond mere representation and affirmative action. It’s also about influencing policy, about making sure that women’s perspectives are not just heard but are integral to the decision-making process starting from our communities. It’s about recognizing the interconnectedness of our struggles and the power of our collective action. The breakthroughs we celebrate today, as women, are the result of relentless advocacy, of challenging the status quo, and of women daring to envision a different world. If we are pregnant with a burden, we will surely deliver the consequences of our passions.

So, how do we strategize for greater impact and participation in the socio-political discourse? The answer lies in education, in the indoctrination of young girls into positive activism in schools, and in readying them for relevance in innovative technological solutions.

Education is the cornerstone of empowerment for both old and young. By ensuring that girls have access to quality education, we equip them with the tools they need to challenge injustices, become leaders in their communities, and contribute meaningfully to societal progress. But education alone is not enough. We must also foster a culture of activism, encouraging young girls to engage with the issues that matter, to raise their voices, and to take action. This means creating safe spaces for dialogue, for questioning, and for critical thinking. Freedom is at the heart of admirable inclusive pursuit.

As we look to the future, we must also recognize the role of technology in shaping a more inclusive world. Women and girls must be at the forefront of technological innovation, not just as consumers but as creators, engineers, and leaders. By bridging the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), AI and encouraging women-led startups, we open up new pathways for participation, problem-solving, and progress.

As we draw our reflections to a close, let us carry forward the spirit of resilience and advocacy, echoing the powerful words of the late, great Ruth Bader Ginsburg, a relentless warrior for gender equality: “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It should not be that women are the exception.” May this quote inspire us to persist in our efforts, ensuring that women are not only included but integral in shaping the future. Together, we stand, united in our quest for a world that celebrates, respects, and uplifts every woman. Thank you.

WODI WE MOVE…

 

 

 

Damilola Ajibade embarked on a life-changing journey to Canada as a Permanent Resident. Her professional background as a Channel and Business Development Manager in the ICT industry equipped her with valuable skills and insights. However, upon settling in Canada, Damilola noticed a significant gap in knowledge and understanding about immigrants in her new community.

Bridging the Gap Through Storytelling

Motivated by a desire to bridge this gap, Damilola delved into storytelling, recognizing its power to amplify voices and foster understanding. Through insightful interviews, she set out to showcase the inspiring journeys of new immigrants in New Brunswick and beyond. Her commitment and passion for storytelling eventually led to the creation of her television show, “The Journey Amplified,” which aired on Rogers TV.

Supporting Entrepreneurial Success

In addition to her television endeavors, Damilola actively engaged in public service, where she played a pivotal role in aiding new entrepreneurs. Her day-to-day involvement in guiding entrepreneurs through the essential information needed for their business success further demonstrated her dedication to supporting the immigrant community.

Recognition and Impact

Damilola’s impactful contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored as one of Canada’s Top 100 Black Women to Watch, a testament to her role as a beacon of support for the immigrant community and a catalyst for entrepreneurial success. This recognition celebrated her commitment to bridging gaps, inspiring change, and empowering others.

Wendy Nwajiufor is an award-winning professional with over 10 years of valuable experience in the ever-evolving tech industry. At present, she holds the distinguished position of Senior Agile Business Analyst with one of North America’s largest logistics companies and serves as a Program Manager at BlackTECH. However, her impressive journey doesn’t stop there.

Wendy is the brilliant mind behind WinTECH, a visionary initiative born from her unwavering passion and commitment to reducing the gender gap in the tech world. She believes in fostering a more inclusive industry for everyone, regardless of gender, and she’s taking concrete steps to make this vision a reality.

Collaboration is a key element of Wendy’s approach. She has worked closely with corporate organizations and other stakeholders to deliver impactful programs and initiatives aimed at advancing women in the tech sector. Her dedication and tireless efforts have garnered well-deserved recognition, with awards such as the Community Champion Award by YMCA and the Women in Tech Excellence Award by Remarkable Women Inc.

A Versatile Education and Skill Set

Wendy’s educational background is as impressive as her professional achievements. She holds a degree in Computer Science and has earned a master’s in Human Capital Management, a perfect combination of technical knowledge and human resources expertise.

Her encompasses various facets of the tech and business world. Wendy excels in Business Development, Planning and Coordination, Agile Business Analysis, Strategy and Transformation, and Content Creation. With over 48,000 YouTube followers, she has successfully built a substantial online presence and community.

Wendy Nwajiuofor

Certifications That Speak Volumes

Wendy Nwajiufor’s commitment to excellence is evident in her numerous certifications. She is an SAP ERP Certified Human Resources (HR) professional, a Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP), a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), a Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO), and holds the Certified Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) certification. These certifications reflect her expertise in diverse areas and her dedication to continuous professional development.

Balancing Work and Family

Beyond her career, Wendy treasures quality time with her family. She is happily married to the love of her life and is the proud mother of four adorable children. This harmony between her professional and personal life is a testament to her ability to excel in multiple domains.

Wendy’s journey in the tech industry is not just about individual success; it’s about creating a more equitable, inclusive, and diverse future for all. Her work and achievements exemplify the positive impact one person can make on a global scale.

Connect with Wendy (Chyluv) on her social media platforms:

  • Facebook: Wendy Nwajiufor
  • Instagram: Wendt Nwajiufor
  • YouTube: Wendy Nwajiufor
  • Email: wendynwaji@gmail.com

For Mental Health Awareness week, BLACK ENTERPRISE is interviewing numerous individuals within the wellness community to talk about the racial disparities that affect the Black community in the hopes of creating a safe place to talk about mental health. 

Meditation apps have grown more popular as more Americans begin to prioritize their health and wellness needs. Despite their popularity, many of these apps are focused on a predominantly White audience and do not cater to the specific struggles that people of color face, specifically in this politically-charged climate.

After learning to cope with the recent onslaught racial injustice and police brutality, Katara McCarty sought out to create a meditation app for women of color.

McCarty is the founder of EXHALE, the first emotional well-being app designed specifically for Black women and women of color. The content is separated into five categories for daily mindful practice including affirmations, guided visualizations, breathing, and meditations. In light of the police shooting of Jacob Blake and recent protests, McCarty is providing the premium version of the app for free in September.

BE: How did you get the idea to create EXHALE?

McCarty: During the beginning of quarantine, I was proactive and began to amp up my self-care. I did more things to get still daily, find time to rest, commit to moving my body, and meditate more often.

As the news began surfacing about COVID-19 hitting Black and Brown communities disproportionately, my heart became heavy. Almost simultaneously, while that was occurring, the video of Ahmad Arbery went viral. I remember feeling an overwhelming sense of sadness, grief, and hopelessness for my community. The weight I felt was not unfamiliar, as I have felt this before with other tragedies due to systems of oppression my community has experienced. As we were reeling about this, we heard about Breonna Taylor’s murder, and the George Floyd murder was videotaped and going viral.

What we were seeing wasn’t new to me, but it felt incredibly insurmountable. I began to ask myself what I was going to do. How was I going to lean into my community and help? I got still, tuned in to myself, and listened for the answer. After several days, I got it! I would create an emotional well-being app for Black, Indigenous, Women of Color. Putting in the app the practices I’ve adopted in my everyday life that have kept me centered and grounded.

I created this app for BIWOC because most well-being apps are predominantly White-narrated, White-owned, and are overall White spaces. The uniqueness by which BIWOC has to weave through life, I believe, calls for a unique and specific curation that speaks to us and the weight that we carry because of racism, anti-blackness, misogynoir, and all systems of oppression.

Why was creating this kind of service for Black women important to you?

The uniqueness by which BIWOC weave through life, I believe, calls for a unique and specific curation that speaks to us and the weight that we carry because of racism, anti-blackness, misogynoir, and all systems of oppression. BIWOC are some of the most marginalized in our society. I was also raised by two Black women who took me in and adopted me after my biological mother abandoned me. Creating this app feels like a full-circle moment for me as I specifically give back to the community who stepped up, took me in, and raised me.

Your service is free for September. What prompted you to make that decision?

We launched our app on August 25th, two days after the shooting of Jacob Blake. When I heard Jacob’s family speak, specifically his sister, I could feel their pain and grief. I decided that I wanted to make EXHALE completely accessible to be a resource for us as we continue to navigate our collective grief, pain, fear, anxiety, and trauma.

Why is it important for Black people to incorporate mediation into their daily routine?

According to the American Institute of Stress, deep, abdominal breathing reduces stress and anxiety. For just 20 to 30 minutes each day, “deep breathing increases the supply of oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes a state of calmness.”

Our parasympathetic nervous system controls the predominant state our bodies should be during downtime, which should be 80% of the time. It’s the natural state we should be living in when not in danger. Our heart rate slows down, our breath is calm and relaxed, our digestive system is stimulated, and our hormones are balanced.

Yet BIPOC are often living in what the body perceives as danger due to racism and other forms of oppression. Our chest is tight. We’re tense. Our breath is short, we’re poised to fight, fly, or freeze, and it is making us sick. It is imperative that we tap into our breath, to reduce stress, to tune into our parasympathetic nervous system, and to heal.

When we experience stress and anxiety, we can use the power of our breath to come back to a state of calm. Tools that provide guided breathing techniques and mediations help individuals harness our breath to inhale calm and exhale stress and anxiety from body.

Taking the time for ourselves and focusing on our breath as BIPOC is both an act of reclaiming our power and an act of resistance. We may not be able to control what’s happening to us outside of our homes, the daily microaggressions and racism we’ll face, but we can control our breath. Our breath is in the moment, now, and we can use that breath to ensure we’re not holding the oppression we experience in our body. Deep breathing becomes an active tool to resist the toll that racism has on our bodies and minds.

Source: Blackenterprise