The African Women's Development Fund USA Hosts its 3rd Afriwomen Hangout

                                 

On March 14th 2019, the African Women's Development Fund USA hosted it's 3rd Afriwomen Hangout event in collaboration with Women|Change|Africa, MILT & Moremi Initiative. The annual gathering brings together seasoned and wisdom filled African women and new energy young African women to create an intergenerational space and platform for African women living in the Diaspora. The program stemmed from the yearning to create support networks and resources for African women in the diaspora who are often overlooked or seen as being "okay". 

The gathering provided a space for the women to discuss their challenges they experience on a daily basis, the types of supports they need to thrive and how they see themselves creating a better future for African women both in the Diaspora and on the African continent. Notable African feminists were a part of this monumental gathering including Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi Co-Founder of the African Women's Development Fund, Dr. Abena Busia Ambassador of Ghana to Brazil, Maame Afon Yelbert-Sai AWDF-USA Board Chair amongst many others.

The event ended with a positive, and powerful feminist energy of women determined to create new connections, and produce fresh ideas on how to maintain genuine relationships, whilst nurturing new mentoring ones, and looking to the future of creating more spaces for Afriwomen in the Diaspora. 

The Womentoring Experience: A Reflection

This year a solid theme of focus for us at WCA is  mentorship and ensuring that women are opening spaces to support and build each other up not just in business but also with professional career  and personal growth.  This is why WCA was thrilled to partner with the African Women's Development Fund-USA and Moremi Initiative an organization that develops African women leaders to become leaders.

The event was an intimate mentorship event in New York City during the Commission on the status of women on March 16th 2017 with the goal of bringing women together from different generations to learn, build relationships, and enhance their outlook on life. In particular, the event brought young African women from across different generations including feminists, activists, thought leaders and trail blazers. Here are some of my key takeaways from the event:

1. Value the importance of building relationships offline:  In the social media age it can be easy to forget that a phone call, and most importantly an in person meeting makes all the difference.  In sharing her experiences, Professor Abena Busia Chair of the African Women's Development Fund-USA emphasized the importance of black women coming together to gather frequently to support each other and to build communities of sisterhood.  She emphasized that one of the main reasons for Wo-mentoring was for us to have such a space with African women from all across the diaspora as well as the continent.

2. Build intergenerational relationships with women across all ages: One of the most important things I have known to be true for a long time is mentorship is neither liner nor is it a one way street. Therefore the value of  intergenerational mentorship is important. During the event I noticed how the older women offered advice from their younger years and how much the younger women in their  treasured such stories, because it made them feel as if "someone else has been through this". The affirmation one gets from another human being that "I see and know your struggle" can be tremendous and life changing and help nurture relationships in such spaces. I also noticed how much the older women learnt from the stories of the younger women in the space, what their challenges currently where ranging from "what am I going to do next with my life?" to how to balance relationships, work, etc..the conversations were endless and full of depths, where we laughed, cried, sighed, and had long pauses to take in the moment at times.

                                            

3. Your story is what defines who you are:   Ms. Bisi Adeyemi Fayemi someone whose work I truly admire, spoke of the importance of always doing a self assessment for one to be clear on their character and not what others make them out to be.  She advised the women one an exercise she partakes in often is developing a list of positive identity affirmations and reading them out loud  for e.g. My name is Moiyattu... I am brave, I am powerful, I am unshakable etc.  Ms. Fayemi explained that such affirmations often remind us of who we are when we experience life challenges that may cause us to forget.  There were very intimate stories shared by some of the younger women as well as older women. For us to be able to open up it meant being able to trust the space and "it takes strength for one to be vulnerable" Maame Afon Director of Partnerships from Moremi Initiative stated during the discussions.
                                                  

4. Practice Selfcare! During the conversations, Haddy Jonga, a Moremi Fellow from the Gambia and a member of Think Woman Africa an organization working to mentor girls in the Gambia, brought up her struggles of taking care of herself and expressed her need for advice on how to deal with stress and overload of work. One of the most powerful statements I took away was knowing the balance between selfishness and selflessness. Madame Fayemi advised the women to practice selffulness meaning that one isn't necessarily selfish and only thinking of themselves, or selfless and only pouring into the lives of others until they burn out, but to be selfful means  caring for others  whilst also nourish yourself and your work.  This point reasonated with me because at WCA and in my everyday life I am constantly thinking of intentional ways to balance pouring into others as well as pouring into myself.
                                   

Womentoring for African Women by African Women at the United Nations!

It's that time of the year again when women activists from all over the world gather, network synergize and celebrate the achievements of women rights activists whilst also strategizing the way forward for their work. The event is no other than the United Nations Commission on the status of women. To create an intimate space for African women to gather together, In collaboration with the African Women's Development Fund, Moremi Initiative we will be hosting an intimate intergenerational relationship building, mentoring open house and conversation. African women entrepreneurs, leaders, and innovators  are strongly encouraged to come and hangout with us! Come network build mentorship relationships and develop synergies to support various initiatives both in Africa as well as the African Diaspora. To RSVP send us an email at info@womenchangeafrica.com. This is an intimate event so space is limited and will be on a first come first serve basis. 

Sierra Leonean women doing business and “Networthing”

We all have heard the saying your “Network is your Networth”. Well let’s just say Sierra Leonean professionals and business women understand this concept superbly. When one thinks of Sierra Leone, they may think of the recent catastrophes that have happened in the country, but looking deeper one of the things the country can boast about is  it’s growing and thriving private sector. The Sierra Leone business market is booming and open for business. At the forefront of these businesses are women, specifically a network of women called Power Women 232.

Mr. John Sesay CEO of London Stock Exchange Sierra Rutile Ltd. at the Networth Ball

On Saturday June 4^th  2016, Power Women 232 a network of women professionals in Sierra Leone hosted “The Networth Ball” the first of its kind to be held in Sierra Leone. The inaugural ball was attended by decision-makers from the worlds of business, government, arts and the media; professionals and entrepreneurs with the intent of networking and developing new partnerships in a lively and fun atmosphere for a worthwhile cause. In attendance were some of Sierra Leone’s movers and shakers including, the John Sisay, the CEO of London Stock Exchange listed Sierra Rutile Limited, Mohamed Gento Kamara, CEO of Gento Group, government Ministers including, Isata Kabia , Minister of State II Foreign Affairs, Palo Conteh Minister of Internal Affairs, Gibril Sesay Minister of State I Foreign Affairs, and  Minority Leader of Parliament, Bernadette Lahai. With their 2016-2017 focus of community service  proceeds of the ball will go towards the  “Aspire” program a joint mentorship initiative between Power Women 232 and Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone (GESSL).

PowerWomen232 is a network of women professionals in Sierra Leone. The network aims to bring professional women together to promote career advancement and leadership development of women entrepreneurs and professionals in all fields through networking, professional development, leadership, social events and community service. These are your trailblazers, Bosschiques and soon to be Forbes women changing the economic landscape of Sierra Leone and ultimately changing the face of business in Africa. These are women who truly mean business.  The network of women have businesses in the industries including Hair and Beauty, Child care, Event Management, Staffing Services, Courier and mailing, Fishing and Real estate and much more.

Mrs. Yeniva Sisay-Sogbeh President of Power Women 232 

 Mrs. Yeniva Sisay-SogbehPresident of the organization in a brief interview stated that  “The image of the Sierra Leonean woman is changing. We can all hold our own from managing businesses, to the home, we get it done. But even with all our strength and confidence we have come to realize, far too often, that being a woman in Sierra Leone is becoming a priviledge and not a right. With mentorship from high profiled individuals like Madame Zainab Bangura and John Sisay it is our hope that we can strive to develop the Sierra Leone we want to see”

We wish them well in their pursuits and we look forward to following their journey. 

To follow  Powerwomen check them out at their Website and via their Facebook Page

Some of the Bosschiques of Power Women 232 

Photo Credit: Nash Media and Envizage 

Doing research will lead you to a good Business Partnership

This month I thought it was important to reflect on partnerships, what makes them strong and the importance of researching your potential partner prior to actually approaching them. In my years of curating stories of African female brands and working to cultivate these brands and start ups , I have learnt a lot about partnerships and which ones are best to cultivate. The best partnerships I have had are the ones that I take time to research and spend a long time actually cultivating the relationship with.

 This month  we will be sharing tips on partnerships and why they are important. Our first tip for this month is one of the most important, which entails research! A lot of times I get emails, and messages from people who want to become partners on different levels of my work but haven't done enough research about WCA. The first thing I like to know if how did the company find out about WCA. Within the first 5-10 minutes of the conversation I can tell how much research has been done on WCA and if this is a partnership discussion I should entertain.

The same applies to me as well, prior to approaching a partner I do my research online and also if there are any mutual brands that may be connected to the potential partner I ask about my partner brand prior to reaching out to them.

As you consider your next collaboration and partnership, I urge you to do your research,  spend time knowing your potential partner, read about them, watch videos, and ask mutual brands who may have worked with them what their experiences have been. If the potential partner has events, attend some of their events and get a sense of the work that they do.

The value of doing this type of research is that  research makes you stand out from other brands who may have not done enough research. Research also allows you to know what the key areas of partnership should be with your partner. Once you have done thorough research you can take the next step towards approaching your potential partner. Stay tuned for more tips throughout the month on partnerships.

Event Alert: Women Mean Business

You are Cordially Invited to Women Mean Business 

      WHO:  New and Emerging Business women

      WHAT: A virtual educational series Honoring African Women Entrepreneurs and empowering new and     emerging businesswomen. The event includes panel discussions and skills building sessions where entrepreneurs, at various stages of success, can learn from the experiences of our Honorees and speakers.                                                                                                                                                 

      WHEN:

o   March 7, 2015- Taking your business from thought to action- Farai Gundan, Lande Sanusi, Dr. Lolade Adeyemi

o   March 9^th How to fund your entrepreneurial venture––Samuel Suraphel

o   March 14^th – Balancing your Business & your life – Ekene Onu, Vianka Chung & Thomas Edward


WHERE: Register at www.womenmeanbusiness2014.eventbrite.com today!

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and honor and empower new and emerging business women. Follow Women Mean Business 

•       on Twitter @womenmeanbizz

•       on Instagram @womenmeanbusiness

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Womenmeanbusinesshonors

Event Alert: #WomenSocEntAfrica

As part of Women's History Month, we are pleased to be hosting the following Twitter Chat on March 26th with Afroelle Magazine. We look forward to having you! 

Event Alert: Women Mean Business Entrepreneurial & Leadership Honors Brunch

Happy March and a Happy Women's Herstory Month to all. This month is very special for us because it is our new year at WCA and we hope to bring many great things to you this year! 
To kick off some of the events going on in March a good friend of ours Co-founded the event Ms. Ajara Bomah. The event will be held in the DC, Maryland Virginia area (DMV) and it's definitely worth checking out, to meet network with some powerful women, whilst also gaining the knowledge on how they became entrepreneurs! What a great way to spend International Women's Day. 

WHAT: A brunch to honor and empower new and emerging business women featuring delicious food, networking, panel discussions, a keynote presentation, and Q&A sessions. WHO: For new and emerging Business women WHERE: Ritz Carlton 1700 Tysons Boulevard McLean, Virginia 22102 WHEN: March 8, 2014  HOW: Register at www.womenmeanbusiness2014.eventbrite.com 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, network, and honor and empower new and emerging business women.

WomenChangeAfrica attends the Women 2.1 Summit

WCA attended the  Woman 2.1 Summit in Accra and I truly was amazed and inspired by how well the event was organized and the information that was shared with the attendees, along with the networking.  The  Woman 2.1 Summit occurs on  yearly basis in Ghana and it it geared towards young women. The way I liked describing it is picture a Ted Talk (a platform for women who have become successful to share their stories to other women),  for Ghanian and African women to inspire women.  The event was simply amazing, and motivating. In a brief summary WCA would like to share our favorite moments from the event. We would also like to extend a  special thank you to Mr. Benjamin Gregory Aggrey from the Woman 2.1 Summit and his team for putting on a stellar event. We hope you enjoy our wrap up!

The event was solely for women and catered to women across a wide age spectrum:  It is very rare that such events exist on the continent that cater to young women, and have a positive platform to promote them. Woman 2.1  inspired every woman in that room and provided them with inspiration and ideas to keep them motivated to pursue their future career goals.

Miss Anita Erskine of Brand Woman Africa Interviewing Top Ghanian Fashion Designer Ms. Joyce Abiabo CEO of Joyce Abiabo Creative College of Design

The event had inspiring women speakers: Not only were the women inspiring in their stories, but they were also from varied backgrounds. There were women from the health and fitness industry, a speaker talking about promoting early detection, women who owned their own branding and consulting businesses, and women who owned their own event planning businesses you name it they were there.

Spoken word poet

 The audience played a participatory role throughout the event:  One of the sessions during the event, the  audience to  shared their stories on stage, on how they overcame challenges.  The event also offered an opportunity for a lucky woman with a good business idea to receive start up funds and coaching in starting their own business courtesy of Brand Woman Africa.

Ms. Bernice Antwi fitness expert

 The participants were positive and energetic about being a part of the event: I spoke to many young women who were enthusiastic about the information provided to them at the summit, and the speakers. I caught up with a few for interviews during networking sessions,  Ms. Rita age 22 stated "Unleashing her power meant she got experience about life" and she learned " How to connect with women" . Ms. Gifty 20  learned that "for you to actually develop your talent, is for you to develop in things, 1. believe in what you want to do, and go for it"

Gifty nicely finished our conversation by stating that  "Women Change Africa because, we believe in what we want and we go for it".

Participants networking and sharing ideas at the Woman 2.1 Summit

Cultivating Women: You are invited to a Vision Board Making Dinner Party

Vision boards make me so happy and inspire me to keep going. So just as an FYI I use maps and boards interchangeable throughout the article but mostly referring to boards. My liking for  vision board development begun when I stumbled upon an article on Oprah magazine talking about vision maps, the article discussed the concept of developing your vision into more concrete visual images. I am a very visual person and the fact that I basically plan everything in my life, I liked the idea of developing a bunch of images that aligned with my life goals. There was something about vision mapping that had less pressure and was fun! When I found out about vision maps years ago, I was also at the time in my life in a rut, I wasn't sure what direction my life was truly going to take, though I knew what I wanted from life and it made me a bit nervous. The thing I really like about vision maps is that they cater to the planners, and the easy goers, artists in a sense that it's not a rigid process, there is something about cutting out images and pasting them on a board, that was so concrete yet limitless. I then decided I loved doing them so much, I began to develop workshop for a friends organization in Sierra Leone for a youth empowerment camp, I continued doing this in New York City for little African immigrant girls and we had a blast in our sessions see here Empowering Young African girls at Telem Camp . I wanted to share this idea with everyone because it worked for me, everything on my vision map came to pass. A few years ago, I decided to host a New Years Eve party and invite a bunch of my closest  girlfriends over so we can make vision maps, and besides what better way to start off the New Year. At the party, we developed vision maps, shared our vision and goals  with each other and made promises to ensure we motivated ourselves throughout the year in achieving them.  That New Years Eve was the best I had in a while, because it manifested a core belief of mine the cultivating of  sisterhood relationships as a means of ensuring women fulfill their goals. 

A few days ago, I posted on one of my social media networks about a vision mapping dinner I had planned with my current group of friends. To my surprise, many of my followers/friends liked the post. I realized there was a need and yearning for more and so I was inspired to write on this particular matter on how to host a vision board making party with friends on the WCA platform. 

So I encourage you all to develop Vision maps for 2014, and please tag me on whichever social media platform once you develop your maps!

Making A Vision Board

Materials needed:

A beautiful portrait or face/individual photo of yourself (to place on the map once its complete), magazines, Journals or Boards or a surface you intend to put your visions on (even a mirror can work), scissors, glue or tape, music, wine, appetizers, friends or your partner, children family and basically anyone who wants to be involved.

Steps: 

Mentally Visualizing your dreams

1. Begin the  vision mapping session by closing your eyes and imagining your life in  5 years.  Then imagine your life even sooner in the next 1 year so be December 2014 where will you want to be and what 3-5 things do you wish to achieve, allow your senses to really feel all of these experiences whilst your eyes are closed. 
2. Then open your eyes and write out what you envisioned, or think through it. 

Goal setting via visual images 

1. Make a list of 3-4 things you want to accomplish in 1 year and 5-7 things you want to accomplish in 5 years 
2. On the item you plan to mount your  cut out images on,  develop a section for 1 year vision and a section for your 5 year vision (with this for starters maybe you can just stick to 1 year and update every year)

Vision mapping 

1. Now cut out various images (think of the images as your ways of how you will make the vision happen along with images of what the final product of the vision will look like)  from your favorite magazines that align with the vision (so for example, if your vision is to become healthier by December 2014 you may put photos of vegetables and healthy foods, a woman or man running, and your final product could be a very happy healthy looking woman on your board  etc) 
2. After cutting out the images,  paste them onto the board
3. Place the photo of your face in the middle of your board or anywhere visible that shows that you own this board with the dreams and visions you have pasted on it

Share out your vision 

1. After gluing your images in the order of how you see it happening in your life, share it out loud with friends at the party in a mini presentation and say every word of it like you mean it and are sending it out to the universe "So in December 2014 I will be healthier, because I will eat fruits and vegetables and work out more" 
2. Once you have completed sharing out, whatever way you connect with the universe or God do so and set your intention to dedicate yourself to ensuring you your vision become a reality. 
3. Finally raise a glass of wine or whatever liquid you choose to drink to celebrate the development of your vision board, within this session you should also pick a person who will be your buddy for the year who will check in on you and support you in ensuring you meet your goals

Sustaining and putting your vision into practice

1. Make a plan to accomplish three things for the upcoming year and plan out the months you will make this happen
2. Every morning you wake up your vision map should be placed somewhere you can see it and finally do a group session again with your group at the middle of the year to check in and see how things are going! 
3. Always  update your vision board once your vision is accomplished. To do this, you can put check marks on the items you accomplish as you go along, or any means of giving yourself a kudos for doing so.
4. Celebrate your achievements when they happen however you please.

Note you should always remember you shouldn't be hard on yourself if you haven't accomplished everything on your board. THAT IS NOT THE POINT. The point is to keep you focused and on task, whilst having a less stressful way (such as a personal strategic plan smile, which I also do), to visualize your dreams and most importantly make them happen. I hope this post was helpful! Enjoy the photos :).

You Are Cordially Invited to Celebrate Empowerment

As we get ready for our next Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone, we need all the help we can get in making the summit a success for our girls! We are in full swing fundraising for our Girls Empowerment Summit and are cordially inviting you to support us! If you happen to be in the New York City Tri State Area you should support our Joint Fundraising event to support both Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone and The Visao Foundation, in West Africa.

The Gist: We will be hosting 'Celebrate Empowerment' at the WIX Lounge on Monday, October 28th from 6-9 pm.  The event will feature a musical performance by Sierra Leonean recording artist Azania, an open bar, delicious food, and an African Bazaar.

Visit celebrateempowerment.eventbrite.com to purchase tickets at $25 and RSVP.

If you cannot attend but are interested in getting involved, please consider making a donation to support the work of these fantastic organizations:

 Girls Empowerment Summit Sierra Leone

·  $10 will provide ONE girl with a bag filled with essential hygiene products such as deodorant, soap, sanitary pads etc. 

·  $25 will sponsor ONE girl for the December 2013 summit. The two day summit is offered to each participant free of charge, and provides the girls with food, drinks, materials, a t-shirt, and a bag containing various necessities for their everyday lives.

·  $70 provides 10 girls with t-shirts for the December 2013 Summit

·  $200 provides food and drinks for all 45 girls for the December 2013 summit.

Visao Foundation

·  $15 will supply a child in Sierra Leone with a kit filled with essential school supplies.

·  $25 will provide a child with a bag filled with much needed reading materials to help them improve their fluency in English. 

·  $100 will cover the costs of a child's school fees, uniforms, books, materials, and transportation for an entire school year. 

visit www.visaofoundation.org or www.girlsempowermentsummitsl.org today!

 Admission and donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. 

The Visão Foundation is a registered 501c3 charity.

WCA Celebrates 1 year!

On March 8th, also International Women's Day,  WCA celebrated our 1 year anniversary yes 1 year! The mixer event was held at the Republic Bar and Grill in Osu Accra. It was really a good time and we appreciate everyone who came out to support! Enjoy the photos and we look forward to more events! For more photos of the event visit out facebook page at www.thefacebook.com/womenchangeafrica