Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse (YIAVHA), an NGO, has called for an end to domestic and gender-based violence in the country.
The Executive Director of YIAVHA, Mr Pwakim Choji, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Jos.
He said the call became imperative as the world celebrate the International Women’s Day.
Commemorated on March 8 annually, the 2017 International Women’s Day has
“Wake Up Call For the Achievement of Justice” as its theme.
According to Choji, no society will experience meaningful growth and development when women are subjected to gender-based violence.
He said “lets not forget that women can’t achieve greatness when they are not bold in their approach toward self-liberation and engagement of any individual, group or institution that undermines their humanity.
“Women must be strategic in speaking about their demands, rather than their plights. They have this capacity because of their number.
“Our young girls must be brought up in a manner that they would be able to speak up for their rights from childhood to adulthood.
“It is only when we have a society where women are free from violence that we can begin to get things right.”
The director urged women to be bold, take their destiny in their hands and disallow any form of relegation in their respective societies.
He also called on government at all levels to put in place policies and modalities that would safeguard the place of a woman today and future generation of women in society.
“Our women should be bold to know that whatever a man can do, they too can do; this will make them to be more active in community development.
“Women must be bold enough to negotiate certain rights in the society; they and other ally’s must speak against domestic violence and other forms of gender-based violence.
“These acts have continued to dehumanise women directly; these acts ultimately undermine the rights of all,” Choji said. (NAN)
The wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, has challenged governments at all levels to rise to the global challenge of ensuring gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.
Mrs. Buhari, who gave the challenge in her message to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, appealed all stakeholders to rise to the global challenge of ensuring the achievement of the goals in line with the objective of sustainable development goals.
The Director of Information, Office of the wife of the President, Mr. Suleiman Haruna, issued the statement on Tuesday in Abuja.
Mrs. Buhari, who congratulated the Nigerian women and women all over the world on the event, reaffirmed her commitment towards the cause of women through her initiative, “Future Assured”.
According to her, the event has provided yet another opportunity to reflect on the condition of women both at the global arena and national level with a view to providing a way forward for the betterment of the Nigerian women.
“Today is a historic day in the struggle for the upliftment of Women across the continents.
“I recall with happiness the series of steps taken at different levels to drive attention to the plight of women in the areas of health, education and opportunities in the scheme of things.
“However it is my wish therefore to felicitate with fellow Nigerian women and women all over the world on this very memorable and important day,’’ she added.
The wife of the president also urged the women not to be discouraged by the seeming socio-economic challenges they had been experiencing in their journey towards greatness in the society.
He said: “As you may be aware, records have shown that women are the most vulnerable and poorest group globally.
“In Nigeria, this gap exists as a result of socio-economic and other factors. Despite these challenges that women face in their journey, however, they must not be deterred as they are the fountain of wisdom and endurance.’’
The United Nations had set aside March 8, of every Year as a day to mark the International Women’s Day.
This year’s theme, “Be Bold for Change”, encourages taking groundbreaking action that drives the greatest change for women; accelerating gender parity and helping women advance and unleash their limitless potential.
From inventing windshield wipers to coming up with solutions to improve the lives of millions of people around the world, women have been harnessing the power of technology to do great things for their communities, families and themselves since as early as the 18th century.
In Africa, women have also made their mark on the world. Take Kenyan-born Juliana Rotich for example. Rotich is the co-founder and executive director of Ushahidi – a web-based reporting system that uses crowdsourced data, mobile phones and web reporting to formulate real-time visual maps during crises. Or, Mariéme Jamme from Senegal, who is the CEO of the London-based SpotOne Global Solutions, as well as the co-founder of African Gathering, a global platform that brings together entrepreneurs and experts to exchange ideas about Africa’s development.
To mark International Women’s Day this year, we are celebrating the dynamic doers, the trail-blazing trendsetters and the unsung heroes from four countries across Africa who are using technology to #MakeWhatsNext:
Sayu Abend – Nigeria “Women need to be bold, strong and driven to pursue their dreams. Create your own future and not one society has mapped out for you.”
Sayu Abend is the CEO and founder of a company called Spacepointe, which is a retail technology company that aims to bridge the gap between SMEs and their target market through technology-based business management.
But before being a CEO, Sayu is a mother and a wife first.
Finding the balance between running a highly successful company and spending quality time with her family is one of her biggest challenges.
However, with the help of technology, Sayu is able to maintain a healthy balance between her family and remaining productive in her business. In addition to using Microsoft’s suite of productivity tools both in her personal and professional life, she also hosts Spacepointe’s entire platform on the Azure Cloud.
Sayu’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology:
“Do not pursue a career in STEM just for the sake of it. Technology is a means to an end. Find a problem in an area you are interested in and solve it. Don’t only solve it because it affects you personally, but solve it because it makes the world you live in a better place.”
Sayu Abend – Nigeria
Dr Wuleta Lemma – Ethiopia “I’m showing young women it CAN be done”
Originally from Ethiopia, Dr Wuleta comes from a long line of tough women who believed that women should be given an equal opportunity to succeed in life. And succeed is exactly what Dr Wuleta did. Growing up in one of the most turbulent periods in Ethiopia’s history, Dr Wuleta was able to overcome extreme adversity to study degrees in medicine, epidemiology and international health abroad.
With a deep love for Africa and a strong desire to develop home-born solutions for the African continent, she returned to her motherland. Dr Wuleta decided to marry her love for IT with the knowledge she had gained in medicine, by developing an e-health system to improve healthcare operations in Ethiopia. The system, called the TenaCare, is currently being used in over 3000 facilities. She has also developed ICT-enabled training centres and programmes in conjunction with local universities and colleges.
In addition to using Microsoft technologies like Visual Studio, SQL Server, Windows, Azure and Power BI to power this revolutionary eHealth system, Dr Wuleta is also a self-confessed gadget geek and loves to use technology in her day-to-day routine. This helps her stay productive and balance her busy life.
Dr Wuleta’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology:
“Africa is coming, Africa has a place and young African women are key to making this a reality. They have so much talent, and through my work I want to show young women it can be done.”
Dr Wuleta Lemma – Ethiopia
Caroline Nafula – Kenya “Never apologise for having drive and passion”
At only 21 years old, Caroline Nafula, is well on her way to becoming a woman to which all young girls can aspire.
The middle child in a family of girls who are all pursuing degrees in STEM subjects, it’s no surprise that Caroline’s love for science and technology has led her to pursue a degree in IT and business information technology at Strathmore University in Kenya.
After enrolling with the Microsoft MySkills4Afrika programme, Caroline developed the skills needed to create two successful applications. One is called Food Junky, which is an online directory for street vendors. The other is an e-cards website called thoughtfulwishes.co.ke, which redefines the way people view, use and send e-cards.
Caroline owes much of her early success to her MySkills4Afrika mentors,Nate Koweda and Patrick Ngatchou, who are both based in America. Despite the distance, Caroline’s mentors have contributed greatly to her growth as a developer. “We use Skype and Outlook to keep in touch. My mentors have been able to teach me new tricks and hacks that have enhanced my coding skills. This wouldn’t have been possible without technology to connect us.”
Caroline’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology: “You should never apologise for having drive and passion. Life is too short to second guess yourself and not pursue what you really want. Block out the noise, block out the doubts and discouraging remarks. Tell yourself you can do it. If you are a young woman contemplating a career in STEM, go for it! This in the one field that makes you best placed to change the lives of millions of people all over the world.”
Caroline Nafula – Kenya
Lebogang Madise – South Africa “To all the young women out there – you are science, you are engineering and you can shape the future through technology and mathematics.”
Lebogang Madise developed a love affair with her computer when she was in primary school, but she never in her wildest dreams believed she would pursue a career in technology. However, her future had other plans in store for her. Lebogang’s love for computers and technology was so strong that it inspired in her the desire to learn how to code and develop solutions that could change the world.
She is now a facilitator for mobile-tech startups at mLab. She also works as a committee member for IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group in Humanitarian Technology). IEEE is the world’s largest professional association dedicated to advancing technological innovation for the benefit of humanity.
Lebogang’s message for young women wanting to pursue a career in technology: “You can be anything you want to be, irrespective of your background. You don’t need permission to dream big. Take that first step, don’t be afraid to fail, you have it in you to invent the next big thing. You are science, you are engineering and you can shape the future through technology and mathematics. Don’t expect it to be easy though. It will be challenging, not because you are a woman, but because STEM careers are generally more mentally stimulating careers.”
Lebogang Madise – South Africa
Microsoft remains committed to closing the gender gap and creating even more opportunities for women to innovate, create and unlock the best opportunities for their future. Last year, Microsoft launched a new movement calling on young women and girls to #MakeWhatsNext. The campaign raises awareness of the issues that cause girls to drop out of or lose interest in studying science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM), and aims to pique their excitement and educate them in how they can change the world — if they stay engaged.
The response to #MakeWhatsNext makes it clear that girls’ passion is strengthened when they see female role models who have created innovations that are used in our everyday lives. As the motto goes, “If you see it, you can be it.”
For more inspirational stories of women in technology, watch this video.
President Muhammadu Buhari has felicitated with all Nigerian women as they joined the rest of the world in celebrating International Women’s Day.
The day was set aside by the global community to encourage and celebrate women’s social, cultural, economic and political achievements.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, President Buhari reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the promotion of women’s rights and the well-being of women in all geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
The President noted that the theme of this year’s International Women’s day, “Pledge for Parity,” is consistent with the promise by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to remove all impediments to the realization of equality by Nigerian women and he assured them that his administration will continue to do all within its powers to fulfill that pledge.
Accordingly, President Buhari has directed the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to move quickly to identify critical issues militating against the well-being and progress of Nigerian women, with a view to rapidly devising adequate plans, programmes and strategies to address them.
He wished all Nigerian women a happy International Women’s Day.
Recare limited, makers of Natures Gentle Touch, women’s hair care brand, has disclosed plans to sponsore the 3rd edition of Yeye Cabaret, an annual cultural showcase that celebrates mothers.
The company made this known in a press statement stating that it as part of its plans to celebrate Nigerian women during the international women’s day celebration on Sunday, March 6th in Lagos.
With the theme “From Mother, With Love” the statement noted that the event will feature gifts of love and lessons passed down from mothers to children, all presented in a theatrical performance.
According to the company’s Marketing Manager, Kunmi Balogun: “This year, we are celebrating the Nigerian woman in a different way.
“For us, this is an opportunity for every woman present at the event to further experience our brand offerings.
“Over the last 2 decades, Natures Gentle Touch has remained committed to solving hair and scalp related issues especially among women, helping them look beautiful in their real hair and ensuring they feel confident in whatever they do.”
Balogun added that more than 100 women at this year’s Yeye Cabaret will receive a gift card each from the beauty brand which will admit them to the Natures Gentle Touch hair institute for hair consultations, treatment and styling.
Expected at the cabaret include the first lady of Lagos state, Mrs. Bolanle Patience Ambode and many others.
The event will also feature Naomi Mac, first runner up at the maiden edition of Nigerian Idol, Ayodele Dipe, a literary author and creator of the Eclectic 21 Project and guest, Chef Fregz.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day which has been observed since the early 1900s, a London-based firm pays tribute to 4 women who are trailblazers in their own right.
Tokie Laotan-Brown
Tokie Laotan-Brown has written a well-received book called ‘10 Steps to Managing your household budget’, is currently undertaking a joint Phd Program in Economics and Techniques for the Conservation of the Architectural and Environmental Heritage at the University of Nova Gorica and Universita Iuav di Venezia, Italy. She is as an environmental architectural technologist. She is also a full-time mother and wife!
Atiti Sosimi
The multi-award winning Atiti Sosimi successfully manages to juggle family life, being a mother, running a business, writing books, inventing, producing and selling the Shhh or Tell it board game, lecturing in HE part time, mentoring business owners to become award winners and young people to believe and achieve! As if all of this wasn’t enough she has launched the high end fashion label, Eyato! She still finds time to be human too – a moment in her company will stay for a lifetime in your memory!
Amanda Rabor
Isossy Children was founded by Amanda Rabor in 2010. Isossy Children is a celebration of
colour, vivacity, global influences and fashion. It offers children and their parents’ choice, style and design, which is why many of the pieces are limited edition prints. Amanda has worked tirelessly to grow this business from scratch, earning international fashion acclaim along the
way! Amanda’s passion and enthusiasm for her business is not only an inspiration but also an indication of what really is possible when one dares to dream.
Hazel Chawapiwa
Hazel is a passionate business woman who started her first business in 1999 whilst studying at University. She often says the financial strains of being a young single mother and a student was the motivation for her to start her own business. A redundancy and the need to raise a deposit to
get on the property ladder led to her becoming involved in a number of business ventures most notably The 2Inspire Network which is inspiring women from across the UK to truly live their best lives! Hazel continues to strive for the very best for herself and other women, inspiring us all to do better!
BERLIN: This International Women’s Day, ladies everywhere will celebrate breaking the glass ceiling in industries of all kinds. And while the global tech industry has copped its fair share of criticism as being male-dominated, in the heart of Berlin’s booming start-up scene things are starting to change.
The city’s flourishing tech scene has become one of the world’s tech hotspots and female leaders are right at the forefront of this innovative movement. Within Silicon Allee, the German capital’s thriving start-up community, women are now starting to lead the way.
Lamudi (www.lamudi.com), a Rocket-Internet venture, serves as a platform for emerging real estate markets across the globe. In its stable of 75 successful start-ups worldwide, the incubator has a strong team of women to thank for its achievements.
Lamudi alone boasts three female Managing Directors worldwide, as well as three Directors located in their Berlin HQ. More than half of their workforce in Berlin is also female.
Malen Gomez, Head of SEO at Lamudi, says the industry has developed enormously over the past 10 years. “The tech industry has changed so much over the last decade that now it isn’t rare at all to see a woman heading up global teams in this field. My role within Lamudi shows the huge potential for females within the world of start-ups,” she says.
While the tech arena is still a man’s world, there is no question that women are gaining ground in the industry. From industry leaders like Julia Kaganskiy, the editor-at-large for VICE magazine’s The Creators Project, to Twitter engineer Sara Haider, women are making their mark on this growing sector.
There are countless others who not only lead the way in making female voices heard within the tech community, but who have also taken an innovative approach to the industry as a whole.
Jacqueline van den Ende, Founder and Managing Director of Lamudi Philippines (www.lamudi.com.ph), says women can bring something different to the table in the tech sector. “I feel that we particularly excel in creating a motivated and collaborative company culture. Paying attention to people before targets helps to create a team in which every single person is the best he or she can be. As a woman in a male-dominated setting I often feel you are in a position of strength rather than weakness,” she
says.
“I love being a woman,” says Katy Campbell, Lamudi’s Global Public Relations Director. “Being a woman at the top is such a fantastic opportunity to inspire everyone around me to climb up the career ladder.
I’ve always looked up to strong women as a way to encourage myself to be better; be stronger. The range of females who inspire me is so vast, from Arianna Huffington to Sheryl Sandberg. Being an inspirational woman doesn’t mean being at the top, it means being happy, being you, being great.”
Lamudi was founded in 2013 and is currently available in Algeria, Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, Kenya, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Peru, Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania, Tunisia and in Uganda.
Its real estate marketplace offers sellers, buyers, landlords and renters the ideal platform to find homes, land and commercial properties online.
