women empowerment - Women of Rubies

In Inspiration August 16, 2021 By Women of Rubies

Metsana Kojane, A Bee Farmer From South Africa Is Contributing To Women Empowerment Through Beekeeping

Regardless of the kind of agriculture you practice, it is undeniable that the agribusiness is a lucrative business. Either as a fish farmer, a poultry farmer or you supply processed agricultural products, you are guaranteed a source of livelihood as an agripreneur.

Metsana Kojane, founder of Eden Roots PTY Ltd, is putting bees at the heart of her business. Her production of pure, natural honey has not only created local agri-processing jobs for women in her community, but also the creation of a natural skincare brand using the wax, propolis and royal jelly from her raw honey hives.

Metsana is a mother, a community leader, environmental activist and role model to many young women and girls in her village. She is also a Brand Builder and a graduate of VEGA.
She believes her business is a special one because it embraces their cultural heritage passed on by their foremothers who had unique ways of keeping bees and they used indigenous herbs for healing and staying healthy.

Eden roots pride themselves as being the custodians of the most important creature on planet earth that is also an endangered species. Without bees there will be no food and without bees there will be no life on earth.

Metsana describes her entrepreneurial life as a secondary pursuit and gives credit to passion as her force and motivation to do what she does. In her words, “I love and enjoy my work so much that I could work around the clock without even realising it. I tried a few business ideas previously but this one is more than just a business… It is my calling!’

With her business, Metsana plans to show Africa that our indigenous African beehive can yield good harvest of honey and other by-products. She also aspires to use the healing secrets of the hive to provide the world with unique natural products. She would also like to groom as many beekeepers as possible because the African eco system needs bees.

Metsana encourages women everywhere in the world to open their eyes to see the opportunities around them. She says “There are so many problems to solve out there in the world and for each problem a woman must rise to find solutions. Behind every solution, lies an opportunity to make money. You have all it takes because you are a woman!”

Eden Roots is an agribusiness with a presence in horticulture, beekeeping and agro processing.

The company was registered in 2015 but the business existed informally prior to that for 5 years. Beside producing natural honey, they also economically empower groups of women and girls with beekeeping skills.

In womenofrubies January 21, 2024 By Editor

Tope Mark-Odigie: Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship and Makeup Empowerment

Tope Mark-Odigie, a renowned transformational speaker and award-winning television host, is making waves not only in the world of entrepreneurship but also through her impactful initiatives in the beauty industry.

With over a decade of experience as a television host, Tope has seamlessly transitioned her passion for societal growth into innovative solutions that address unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.

Tope Mark-Odigie is the driving force behind “ewabela,” an outfit of professional makeup artists. Through Ewabela, Tope has empowered and trained over 500 women in the art of makeup artistry.

Tope’s love for makeup is a personal indulgence and a profound mission to uplift and empower women. In her own words, she expresses, “I love makeup, I sleep, eat, and drink it. I’m what you will call a makeup freak. I am passionate about teaching and generally impacting knowledge.”

Tope Mark-Odigie’s mission is to inspire growth and create positive societal change. Leveraging her expertise as a speaker and entrepreneur, she has successfully ventured into empowering women with tangible skills beyond traditional realms. The impact of her makeup empowerment initiative reaches far and wide, touching the lives of countless individuals.

Her impact extends beyond her professional ventures. As a passionate advocate for good governance, she actively engages with corporate organizations, nonprofits, and government agencies to develop effective solutions to unemployment, behavioral transformation, and mindset reforms.

Tope is not only a transformational speaker and television host but also a visionary entrepreneur committed to fostering economic inclusiveness and empowerment. Her journey unfolds as a narrative of innovation, impact, and advocacy, creating a ripple effect that leaves an indelible mark on the lives of those she touches.

Follow her via her Facebook page: Tope Mark-Odigie to know learn more about her work.

In self development May 26, 2020 By Editor

The Hidden Truth Behind Why Women Limit Their Dreams

There are so many women who have dreams, visions, plans and blueprints on what they want to achieve in their lives. Oftentimes those visions and plans come into fruition and other times those blueprints never lead to the building blocks they envisioned. Why is that? From time women have been taught to hold their tongues, talk themselves out of pursuing lofty goals and succumbing to the pressures of life.

The hidden truth behind why women limit their dreams is because there is this false idea that has been deeply planted in the minds of women that says, “I am not good enough.” For every “I can” there is a young woman somewhere saying, “but.” I am sure that men may experience the same limitations, however, the contexts are different. Women face an unusual amount of pressure to live up to certain expectations and social constructs that are placed upon them. All of these “pressure” points have unintended consequences that hinder a woman from fully creating the life she envisions for herself.

Most importantly, limitations are primarily seen as self-creating. Therefore external factors that cause self-limitation are not given enough attention. Insecurity is not only caused by internal issues, but is also caused by external factors. Young women need to be able to identify areas in their lives that chip away at their self-confidence. People, culture, familial expectations, and environments can serve as a big contributor to the lack of self-confidence. Self-imposed limitations compounded with external factors make it more difficult for women to pursue their dreams. The only way to move forward is by understanding that what you don’t allow to continue has no power in influencing your life.

Credit: Yetunde A. Odugbesan Omede

Guardian Woman

In Career Gems August 25, 2019 By Esther Ijewere

AISHA YESUFU COVERS GUARDIAN LIFE MAGAZINE

The co-convener of the “Bring Back Our Girls” Movement, Aisha Yesufu, known for her fearless stance on National issues, is the latest cover lady of Guardian Life Magazine as she talks about being a girl child in Northern Nigeria, feminism, religious faux, marriage and being a “BBOG” warrior.

Born in Northern Nigeria, where the female child is expected to keep mute on certain issues, little Aisha Yesufu was already breaking the rules by speaking out whenever there was injustice.

Read excerpts from her interview:

On growing up, she says:

“Even though my parents or adults were angry at me for speaking up especially when it does not favour them; when they had that need to have someone that was unbiased to look at issues, they would call me.”

“I have the gift to look at issues from both sides even when I am involved and when I am not. I am able to tell people, “okay look at it like this”. My mother would always say, ‘nobody wins in your court’, but in that same court when they want the issues to be told plainly, they would come.”

On Feminism and Marriage:

“I am very, very lazy. My parents used to say, ‘Is everything book?’ Even when my husband proposed, I told him, I am lazy and I hate housework, I hate cooking and he was ready to go with it.”

“I set systems in place to work for me. I hire and pay people to make me jobless. By the grace of God, I will never work for anybody so I have time on my hands.”

“Being brought up to expect that a man that will take of you, it was my husband that taught me to be financially independent so that I can have control over my voice and not be dependent.”

On being a Bring Back Our Girls warrior;

“Growing up, the average Nigerian was taught that you should not question elders. They grew up with how not to question authority and it went on through school. Now that they have become adults, they have used government to replace parents so they don’t question authority.”

“Fortunately, we are seeing more movements like BBOG inspire them to stay on course. They are realising that the office of the citizen is actually the highest office in the land. They are realizing that we don’t need permission from the police to protest but protection.”

“Whatever I am doing today, I am fighting for that little girl that I was that yearned for help, that begged to be helped with a textbook so that I can read and pass my exams. If I ever give up that fight, I will be giving up on myself.

In self development February 25, 2019 By Editor

THE ROLE FILM PLAYS IN THE EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN

In recent times, particularly in 2018, there has been a stronger movement in favour of empowering women in the film industry. From gender pay gap uprisings with the highest paid actresses in the Hollywood demanding the same pay as men in equivalent roles, to sexual harassment claims which gave birth to the #MeToo movement, there are many areas in the industry addressing the need to empower its women. Some of these issues were harder to address in the past as even top actresses needed the work, and with fewer leading lady roles decided to stay silent until much later after any grievances they may have faced. Today, Anita Kouassigan shares her view that there is a need to invest in more women screenwriters and directors.

In this day and age, with the many digital distractions we face by overusing our mobile phones, I firmly believe that film – more than ever – will remain the most effective medium for catching – and keeping – one’s attention when a story is being told. There’s nothing that focuses my mind more than escaping into a movie -at least a decent one, with an engaging story. And the use of film as a tool for storytelling and engagement is a major part of our March event as with all our events.

“There will be screenings of short clips showcasing the messages our sponsors and partners want to deliver. It could be an internally produced documentary that contains footage of a school that’s just been built. Or a view of the first hospital commissioned in a rural area. Or interviews of a victim who’s able to tell their story after being freed from some form of bondage.

Women can certainly become more empowered with an increase in films created to tell even the most uncomfortable stories about their struggles, and this includes documentaries, such as The Uncondemned, possibly one of the most uncomfortable yet. It is a film about the first conviction of rape as a war crime and component of genocide (directed by Michele Mitchell and Nick Louvel-now late, sadly). They worked together as a great team, and I am not suggesting we have films made by women alone, we just need more input from women, which means that there is a need to invest in women in film. Women in film need more funding, in their various roles, including on set, but especially when it comes to screenwriting and directing.

Let us consider the argument in favour of more women having a seat at the table (in boardrooms) and the need for women to play more important roles in the decision-making process of a country (women in law and politics). Those arguments are from the same underlying principle of the need for women to have a voice.

Similarly, in film, more women need to partake in the story-telling process and in directing films, as that is what will ultimately determine how a story comes across. It’s an ongoing reality that not enough scripts are being written by women (perhaps they need more of an incentive?), and men cannot entirely understand the feminine experience. I am not saying we should leave men out; we just need more of a feminine input.

Oftentimes, not enough lines or screen time are dedicated to female roles to humanise a character and one of the most negative aspects still ongoing in the film industry is the objectification of women. It’s still common for female characters to be ridden with clichés and in order to really sell a movie, women may have to appear sexy in order to be viewed as powerful. Why does a woman have to be sexy to be powerful? Why can’t she just be smart and influential in order to be powerful?

Maggie Gyllenhaal recently remarked in an interview that the use of sex in films is used as a tool for female roles to capture the attention of the audience, then they’ll be heard. On screen, women are oftentimes treated as accessories expected to look beautiful, glamorous and extravagant. The key is finding ways to make filmmaking more progressive, giving more dimension to female characters and their stories.

Scripts are often written by men, and while I am not suggesting that male screenwriters set out demean women, they naturally lack certain knowledge that only a woman can have about the certain women-centric issues being addressed. On the other side of what’s deemed as entertaining, there’s the portrayal of bitchy or evil (both with negative connotations), far from empowering.

But things are changing – including in Nigeria. Isoken, directed by Jade Osiberu is a film that has pushed boundaries in terms of the story itself and the way the lead actress (Dakore Egbuson-Akande) depicts her role. She does so in an empowered expression of the issues and choices she’s facing, subjects that are normally deemed as taboo and that cause people (both men and women) to even disrespect a woman in Isoken’s position. But there is still a funding gap for films written and directed by women, and actress-turned-director is still a harder promotion, compared with the case of men.

Credit: Anita Kouassigan, Guardian Woman

In self development February 6, 2019 By Editor

LOLO CYNTHIA: CREATING SOCIAL CHANGE IN AFRICA BY TACKLING THE ROOT CAUSE

When I think about the empowerment of women and children, I like to tackle the issue from the ROOT cause and in many cases- the lack of financial empowerment is one of the root causes of their disempowerment.

The BBC video of the – Money wives- a practice where young girls are sold to men to repay debts- shows a man who owns a money wife saying that they bring the girls to them; some as young as 6, and if she’s up to 10 she’s ready product because she can carry out domestic chores.

A woman there said she had to sell two of her grand-daughters because she needed money for some cleansing ritual. Another lady recounts how 2 men and a woman held her down for her money husband to violate her at a very tender age. The child right advocate spoke of how it’s seen as a status symbol- the accumulation of money wives indicate wealth.

To me repaying debts as little as N 10, 000 with a child indicates two things

Poverty
The commodification of the girl- child.

Those two root causes bleed into each other, so if we tackle one without the other, we will fail.

I believe there are many ways to solve a problem- In addition to fighting for children to be seen as humans and protected, I say we must also FOCUS on making sure that women are not financially dis-empowered, that they become vulnerable and seek out harmful solutions for their predicament.

The child right activist tells us that the practice is illegal and punishable since 2009, but until now- the practice continues. Ask yourself why? If we enforce the child rights act and not tackle the other driving factor – POVERTY– people will continue the practice but do it discreetly.

If we also believe that the goal should solely be to fight the men involved in the practice- we will fail before we begin- because it’s not a man vs woman problem. Both genders are complicit in this practice.

We can and should tackle curative measures – punishment for people involved in this practice but more importantly we must put preventive measures in place. That is how they eliminate any epidemic- STOP new cases and MANAGE old cases.

Let us start fighting this by reducing the poverty level- Someone who will sell her daughter for N 10, 000 will sell her son to the highest bidder – often for labor. We know that parents are already offering their kids to city men and women for them to “train” in exchange for shelter or education (that sadly many do not receive).

Research has shown that the educational attainment of young Muslim women is closely linked with their country’s level of economic output.

When we hear of people giving their children for marriage in the North- it’s so easy to think they hate the girls but I tell you, some people do it out of two things- Greed & Love.

They honestly believe that their daughters stand a better chance of having a better life with the rich old man – even when their actions prove otherwise- to them that’s the only logical and attainable escape route for their girls.

Sometimes, we human right activists NEED to listen to the people- DON’T ASSUME, DON’T PROJECT- Listen to UNDERSTAND, to EMPATHIZE and then show COMPASSION.

This is a different point but a little example to explain why it’s important to listen.

Female Genital Mutilation!

When we discuss it, we talk about it only from the angle of abuse and a way to control a woman’s sexuality but if you do your research, you will see that many mothers continue to ensure their daughters are cut so they won’t be regarded as outcasts in their community. This means that even if a mother doesn’t want her daughter to be cut, she still feels compelled because she wants to protect her child from discrimination.

We need to study and learn from the community to understand how they perceive their situation before developing programs and enforcing our solutions!

How then do you tackle this? It can’t be only from criminalizing the practice- You will need a system reform! A natural social change in the community- Break down the systems that contribute to the maintenance of the practice and make the community realize the dangers of that practice that they start to reject it collectively.

For example, organizing women meetings to discuss it- that way the woman who doesn’t want her child to be cut but is too scared to rebuke it will realize that she’s probably not alone – That way it’s easier to rebuke the practice.

Maasai elders in Loitokitok, Kajiado County have given 363 girls who have chosen to forgo traditional female genital mutilation as a rite of initiation into womanhood their blessings.

But what if some women say- it’s our culture! It’s our rite of passage into womanhood! Now you see that they hold sentimental value to the practice- This is where you suggest an alternative rite of passage.

In Kenya, Alternative rite of passage could end FGM FOREVER! Many NGOs have developed their own model that doesn’t involve cutting- for example, the organization; S.A.F.E. creates this by replacing the cutting for the practice of pouring milk on their things, to symbolize womanhood.

Between 2010- 2017, 30% of girls in the Maasai community in the Loita hills underwent this alternative rite of passage plus the ceremony to celebrate the passage.

FGM Graduation ceremonies in Mara region

We need to study and learn from the community to understand how they perceive their situation before developing programs and enforcing our solutions!

Lolo Cynthia Is a public health specialist, sexuality educator and founder of the social enterprise LoloTalks, that employs all forms of media (online and offline) to create awareness and sustainable solutions to our contemporary social and health issues in Africa. She also doubles as a documentary and talk show producer and lends her voice on issues regarding interpersonal relationships, sexuality, gender, and social issues through her YouTube channel LoloTalks and her blog.

In self development December 17, 2018 By Esther Ijewere

SIJU YUSUF: BLOOM WOMAN

#Bloom is a hashtag my friend recently started using when discussing (with) women and I understand perfectly why she has become obsessed by the need to see the womenfolk flourish.

Yesterday, I was further steered into analyzing what exactly my friend is on about. I was watching a movie, of a flourishing woman, who would rather be relegated and have her partner take the limelight. She wished, prayed and acted. Consulted all sorts of people to make this happen.

Women deal with a lot of unhealthy emotions and now, thoughts. It is perfectly okay to wish well for others but do not, I repeat, DO NOT wish any less for/on yourself.

‘Love your neighbor AS yourself’- This was said with the expectation that you have loved yourself first and foremost.

Do you know the saying that the sky is big enough for all birds to soar? It’s literal meaning is not only in birds but also humans (notice how this is human and not gender specific?)

It beats me to see women lurking in the shadows or wanting to.

To you, woman;

You are created with enormous potential. Your powers are phenomenal. Your wisdom is unprecedented. You are not an after thought creation, you were created to fill a palpable, conspicuous void. You are created with a purpose.

Stop lurking in shadows. Stop taking the backseat when the best has been reserved for you. Love yourself!

Approve of yourself. Bloom woman, bloom!

In Career Gems October 29, 2018 By Editor

P&G PARTNERS WITH KEBBI STATE GOVERNMENT TO EMPOWER WOMEN IN THE STATE

On Friday, October 20th, 2018, Procter and Gamble (P&G) in conjunction with Kebbi State government, held a successful partnership ceremony to empower and train women in Kebbi. With both parties signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), P&G is proving support to Dr. Zainab Shinkafi, first lady of Kebbi state, through her Kebbi Women Entrepreneurs Project (KWEP)to train Kebbi state women on financial literacy and the various technical aspects to growing a business venture, including skills and techniques. Present at the signing were Commissioner of Women Affairs, Haj. Tshara Bawa, Members House of Assembly, Representatives of various departments from P&G Company, Permanent secretaries from Ministries of Education and Women Affairs, Directors, among others. Undoubtedly, capital is essential to begin and run any business.

In that light, P&G donated products (Always Sanitary Pads and Ariel detergent) to the women to generate funding and sustain a small-scale business. The partnership is one to be applauded for all that it stands to achieve: an economic and commercial representation of women in the society, wherein they can deliver their full capabilities. Also, it is a clear demonstration of P&G’s commitment to empowering women; providing them access to business opportunities and getting them integrated into the supply chain of multinationals.

Temitope Iluyemi, Director of Government Relations for Africa at P&G said, “This partnership is in line with our commitment to impact lives through sustainable investments and remove barriers to women’s economic empowerment. We are committed to empowering women to live to their fullest potential. Deepening economic equality & inclusive growth can only make our world stronger. Through our company and brand impact programs, we are helping to make gender and economic equality achievable. When a woman is empowered, her family is empowered and by extension, the society is empowered. Our aspiration is a better world for all of us – inside and outside of P&G – a world free from gender bias and a world with equal representation and an equal voice for both men and women. As such, we are committed to continually seek ways to give women a platform to become key economic contributors to the society.”

Remarkably, P&G is among multinationals across the globe working towards ensuring gender equality in the workforce, through several initiatives and networks that continue to emphasize their commitment to empowering women and girls to be confident, strong and fearless leaders.

Since it commenced operations in 1992, P&G has been committed to developing Nigeria’s inclusive growth agenda through social programs and reforms, including the Always School Program, the Pampers Baby Care Hospital Program and Mobile Clinics, Children Safe Drinking Water Program, Pampers/UNICEF Tetanus Vaccine Program, Always UNESCO education program and our employee volunteering programs amongst others.

Source: Bella Naija

In Career Gems October 15, 2018 By Editor

AISHA BUHARI FOUNDATION BUILDS 70-BED CAPACITY MATERNITY HOSPITAL IN YOLA

The Clinic is being built to complement the existing 17 bed Maternity ward at the Centre.

Aisha Buhari’s personal physician, Dr. Mohammed Kamal, while inspecting the project said, the clinic when completed will cater for the health need of the people of Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba as well as the neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

Kamal, said the clinic was built as part of Aisha Buhari’s commitment to improve the healthcare of women and children in Nigeria.

The inspection was conducted to ascertain the level of work so far done.

Kamal, conveying Aisha’s optimism, said the project would be completed and handed over before the end of the year.

The facility, which is being built through private partnership comprises of emergency operation ward, consultation rooms, ultra sound room, Antenatal and Gynaecology ward, pharmacy, laboratory as well as family planning units.

The facility, when completed, will have the capacity of attending to 200 patients.

The Chief Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Prof. Auwal Abubakar, said, the new Antenatal complex will assist the Centre to adequately cater for the health needs of women and children.

Abubakar said that the existing maternal centre was over stretched due to the influx of patients within and outside the state.

He said that the new complex will go a long way in reducing the challenges faced by patients during emergencies.

Credit: NAN

In self development October 11, 2018 By Editor

AGGREY MOKAYA’S NGO IS HELPING FEMALE INMATES BUILD THEIR FUTURE WITH TECH

The latest feature in BBC Innovators series is 31-year old Aggrey Mokaya who runs an NGO – Change Hub – bring tech training to women in Langata maximum-security prison, Nairobi, the Kenyan capital.

Mokaya, who is also a tutorial fellow at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture, has through his organisation, trained 21 women so far and hopes to expand to every prison in Kenya.
“It’s all about giving people a second chance. It’s all about giving them a chance to tap into the economy they were not a part of before,” he said in the feature by Tamasin Ford and Suzanne Vanhooymissen.

60-80% of all inmates in Kenya will reoffend and land back in jail, according to Kenya Prisons’ statistics from 2014.

Mokaya’s organisation is working to reduce this.

“An ex-convict and a person who has never committed a crime, in the eyes of the law they are the same. So I think they should also be the same in the eyes of the economy, in the eyes of entrepreneurship or opportunities.
“If they are denied opportunities and chances to actually get into a space where they can make something of themselves we are basically setting them up to fail,” Mokoya said.

One of the beneficiaries, Dorcus, 44 who is due to be released later this month after serving half of her 3 and half-year sentence fr forgery had this to say:
When I came to prison I didn’t know computers. Now I can do anything. I can even create you a computer.

I have five children and I’m a widow, so going back to those children is the most important thing to me.

I won’t be moving around having dust on my feet as I don’t have a car.
It will change my life. I will be saving time and money.

Another beneficiary Rahab Nyawira, 35, who was released this year and now runs her catering business is also thankful and grateful she’s making her three children proud.
“There’s nothing you can compare with prison. Prison is the worst place to be but for me it was my turning point.

My website, I can say, it is my superpower in my business. It helps me meet new clients online everywhere in Kenya.

I learnt so many things through Change Hub. I was introduced to HTML, CSS and Javascript. For my website I coded everything myself.

When my daughter sees me now, I feel so proud,” she said.

On why he chose to start with a women’s prison, Mokaya said:
There’s a gender bias when it comes to technology.
If I’m able to impact the life of one woman it means you know there is a knock-on effect. It’s even a chance for her kids to get exposed to that programming early on.
When you talk about wanting to do a technology project everyone says why don’t you go to the men’s prison, or the juvenile prison?
I look at that and say yes it’s important, but it’s secondary. We will get there once we get it right at the women’s prison.

Credit: Bellanaija