#AMPLIFYHER: Sisterhood, Feminism & Philanthropy: Profiling and Celebrating the Journeys of African Women in the Diaspora

To kick off the year we are excited to announce a campaign we are launching in partnership with the African Women's Development Fund USA called Amplify Her. For more on the campaign see below:

Photocredit Mandy Photography taken at AWDF USA's flagship event Afriwomen Hangout 2019

For far too long, there has been a silencing of the voices, issues, and stories of African Women in the Diaspora.  It is assumed that due to location, African women, are afforded all the resources they need with limited amount of challenges, but that is not the case.  The #AmplifyHer campaign recognizes these incredible women as pivotal to the growth of the African feminist movement, our successes, our stories, and our challenges.  Additionally, #AmplifyHer builds the bridge between the continent and the diaspora and the amplification of the important work for the communities we serve. Our mothers, aunties and big sisters hold so much seasoned wisdom along with the next generation of millennial and young African women with new energy.  Our stories must be told, our histories must be penned, and our legacies must passionately live and thrive.  

Photocredit Mandy Photography taken at AWDF USA's flagship event Afriwomen Hangout 2019

 In the course of our work over the past 15 years, we have seen firsthand the power of women and their collective ability to effect change at all levels. As we have amplified the voice of women and girls and mobilized resources to support their activism, vibrant and vigorous movements have emerged. We have seen the profile of African women elevated at the highest levels of leadership as Presidents and their contributions recognized as Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. While we should be proud and celebrate these incredible achievements, we also recognize the importance of continuously raising our voices and mobilizing to gather relevant resources to sustain and expand our efforts. AWDF USA, as an organization, our role is pivotal for building the capacity for both social change and sustainable development, and our efforts show this.  #AmplifyHer is our proud brainchild campaign for all of the hard work that our lovely, strong members put in day in and day out. We are looking to recognize you, your mothers, your sisters, and your friends.

Photocredit Mandy Photography taken at AWDF USA's flagship event Afriwomen Hangout 2019

Women|Change|Africa in partnership with AWDF USA are beyond excited to showcase AmplifyHer and these incredible women, while uplifting our voices in this African feminist movement that is driving hope for change and opportunities each and every day!

The AWDF USA Amplify Her campaign will share stories on the themes of feminism, sisterhood and philanthropy from now throughout the year. To follow more stories throughout the campaign follow our blog and follow @awdf_usa and @womenchangeafrica on instagram and via facebook. For inquiries on the campaign email info@womenchangeafrica.com and amplifyher.awdfusa@gmail.com.

A new Co Working Space Opens up in Freetown Sierra Leone

We love seeing new female led spaces and businesses launching. Today we spotlight BSI an open office rental and co working space recently launched in Freetown Sierra Leone by Aminata Dumbuya.

Setting up a business can be a headache - finding office space, buying furniture, printers, and photocopiers, but if you're not ready for all that, BSI can help.

BSI provides furnished office space for the short or medium term. To find out more about BSI, please take about half a minute to watch this video and visit our website provided at the end of this video, or visit the website directly at: www.Bsi.sl.

We certainly will be using their space in the near future. Congratulations to them on their launch.

For more information on their launch visit their website:
www.bsi.sl or www.bsisl.com

Enjoy this short video to get more insights on what BSI has  to offer :

We Will Lead Africa Launches it's Returnee Edition: Call for submissions

In the spirit of Sankofa and celebrating the returnee experience, We Will Lead  Africa is excited to announce their call for chapter submissions for a first-of-its-kind volume of stories by and about everyday Africans born and/or raised in the Diaspora, who have made the choice to return to lead change and transformation across the continent. 

Interested in submitting a piece to this volume? Join the movement of everyday Africans, leading and owning our own narratives. Tell your story of action, change and transformation. Visit www.wewillleadafrica.com for more information. 

Celebrating 25 years of Beauty, Community & Excellence in Sierra Leone: Afromeric Institute

Josephine Koroma-Oyewole 

In sharing stories of African women entrepreneurs, this month we share the story of Afromeric Beauty Salon. A Beauty Salon which was established on December 9th,​ by Madam Mary Fofanah. A returnee that wanted to make her own in pack on her native country of Sierra Leone. a reputable Community Based Organization (CBO) which was set by madam Mary and her daughter Joe Koroma Oyewole on December 9, 1993 to educate young girls in various areas of study in the cosmetology Industry, thus rendering them financially independent.

Cosmetology being a Profession that renders alot of employment benefits and Career opportunities ranging from Hairstylists, Make-up Artists, Retail Specialisst, Manicurists, Educationist, Salon Owner, Research Technician  are some of the job opportunities that young women are provided through the Afromeric Institute. We Interview the now overseer of Afromeric Josephine Koroma-Oyewole who also recently launched her product line Ofino Naturals. 

WCA: We know you have been in Sierra Leone for over 25 years now. Tell us about 3 achievements you are proud of?

JKO:​Over the years, Afromeric has trained over 2,000 youth and has help them to stand on their own. This has been credited as the most proficient cosmetology institute in Sierra Leone and has collaborated with agencies and other  humanitarian organizations. Approved by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Afromeric has contributed to a large extent in educating young girls and women who have dropped out of regular educational system, those who may have never been educated, and those might have dropped out of school. By giving   them a vocation that earns them a positive living the young women have become more independent and reliant on themselves. 

Afromeric has opened branches in various parts of the districts and as well as as well as pop-up shops in various parts of West Africa. 

Afromeric is most proud of extending in the business into Ofino naturals an all natural ingredient hair and body line that provides intense nourishment formulated to stimulate hair growth and promote healthy natural and relaxed hair. Ofino products also promote healthy skin leaving your body soft and moisturized, restoring skin elasticity and reducing the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

WCA: You recently branched into natural products such as body creams and hair products. Tell

us what inspired this?

JKO: living in Sierra Leone during the Ebola period things became very limited and I was looking for natural alternatives for my kids who both have eczema. I started mixing oils and butters and I saw the difference that the mixtures made with my family so wanted to extend it to my clients. My intent wasn't really for profit but to benefit and give and alternative to what was available on the market.

WCA: What can we expect from Afromeric this year?

JKO: As we celebrate our 25-year anniversary we are launching a scholarship campaign 25@25! Which provides  scholarships to 25 students in makeup Artistry, Nail Tech, and also are cosmetology programs. We have started a go fund me to help us achieve the goal. 

WCA: How important is self-care and inner beauty to your business and share 2 self-care tips that you share with your clients with us?

JKO: self-care is very important in in life with everything that happens you always need to make sure you take time for yourself. One of the things I do is I block everything out before my day begins and I  meditate for at least 5 minutes to get you ready for the day. I also advise that it is important to stay hydrated! water is life! Last but not least it is important to treat yourself to something at least once a month just for you whether it be a pedicure, scalp massage, or just sitting and watching the sunset. 

Ofino Naturals, the newest product line through Afromeric 

WCA: How do you overcome challenges in business?

JKO: there are so many challenges that pop up,  whether it's how to get your supplies into the country, making sure the staff expense the trainings we provide to them, making sure the students get the full impact of the program, making sure that we're giving them their money's worth!! in the 25 years we found the best way to solve all these problems is utilizing your network; A problem shared is a problem solved.

WCA: Any advice for women entrepreneurs starting out in this industry?

JKO:The best advice I can give anyone in this industry is make sure your team is strong you're only as best as your weakest staff member

For more on Afromeric visit their facebook page here: HERE
For more on Ofino Naturals visit their facebook page: @Ofinogurl

Mid Year Self Care Check in: Celebrate your milestones

Hey Bosschiques,


We are at the midyear mark and our main question is how are you taking care of yourself. As you crash those goals, and slay those business steps are you taking time to breathe, relax recuperate? I find it very important that we celebrate our milestones when we are mid point and here are reasons why it is important to do so:

1. It's good for your self esteem and mental health: Yes! It is important to celebrate your milestones and achievements because sometimes the mid year can either make one feel good or unaccomplished. But if you take the time to jot down the goals you have accomplished so far, it gives you the boost you need for the rest of the year. Also writing things down you find out that there are some things you accomplished that probably weren't even on your goals list for the year!

2. It helps your community understand the importance of celebrating milestones: Too often we like to get into the next moment, or the next thing, but what if sometimes we just took he time to slow down and just be more present? This is what celebrating your milestones at the mid year mark does, it allows you to reflect and just relish in the moments.

3. It helps you identify your strengths as you move into the second half of the year: We all know we sometimes need that extra push as we head into the second half of the year. Well celebrating your milestones will help you identify what you accomplished, how you did it and the people who helped you do it. It helps you tune into your strengths, your community as well as your focus. Being able to identify the strengths that made you accomplish the goal will allow you to leverage those strengths as you move into the new year.

CreateHer Stock

4.It helps you prioritize: Celebrating your milestones will give you a sense of what you were able to accomplish which in turn all help you focus on what rem

ains to be accomplished for the year as well as it gives you insight on utilizing similar systems on how to smash out the rest of your year.

I hope these tips have been helpful for you. I am someone who is big on selfceare for women entrepreneurs and I constantly push us to think of the concept of selfceare in concrete ways.

I wish you a great rest of the year and continue watching this space for more inspirational and concrete content to help you remain inspired and educated in achieving your goals.

We Will Lead Africa Volume 2: A Feminist Manifesto and Beacon to All Africans

This month we celebrate two trailblazing women Yabome Gilpin Jackson and Sarah Owusu along with their team at We Will Lead Africa for releasing the volume 2 portion of their book. Read more about the inspiration behind the book, what to expect and of course how to get your own copy. 

The volume is a compilation of stories of everyday African women leaders, curated and edited by the We Will Lead Africa team of co-founders Sarah Owusu and Yabome Gilpin-Jackson and Volume Two editors Chenge Maruziva and Moyra Keane.

The women’s volume, like Volume 1 before it, is intended to share stories of everyday leadership from Africa that often do not make mainstream media. They are stories that align with the definition of everyday leadership and action for the future of Africa,  that co-founder Yabome Gilpin-Jackson proposed after researching the principles that are evident when African Leaders are affecting positive change and transformation:

We: Collaborative and accountable leaders, taking unified action.

Will: The leadership WILL, grit and courage to do something, anything, now and for the future, demonstrated through action-oriented and aspirational leadership.

Lead: Everyday leaders, motivated by service, in every sector, including emerging leaders from marginalised groups. Women with a deep authenticity and integrity in their leadership, focused on a values-driven path, even if it is challenging.

Africa: A focus on a prosperous continent, where divides are bridged and leaders work across boundaries and borders to achieve a broader success.

This volume is filled with the stories of everyday African women – leaders – with a desire to bring a vibrant future to life. The work emerged out of a call for everyday African leadership stories for two separate volumes: Women and Governance. When the team realized that all the governance stories they had received were by women they decided to create a single volume showcasing African women’s leadership - influencing in a variety of spaces, from entrepreneurship to board governance, policy arenas, education and health - all while creating platforms for others and (de)constructing narratives of women and Africa in the process.

It is as much a feminist anthem and manifesto as it is a beacon to all Africans and others, of what is possible with a vision, a little faith and a lot of hard work.

The team believes that it is timely to be publishing this volume as we move towards the end of the African Union’s 2010 - 2020 AFRICAN WOMEN’S DECADE. It is time for African Women's contributions to the prosperity of our continent to be amplified. Documenting our stories in all their breadth and beauty, will bring new perspectives and possibilities and will provide a space of inspiration and togetherness for a future that values, respects and learns from African women.

The team put out the call for submissions in the context of what they called called their: Year of Voice. According to the team, they state "We envisioned adding our African Women’s voices to the call for change sweeping the world with movements rising against the tides of complacency and injustice. We hope this volume gives you the hope it sparked for us in the midst of our struggles in the process of editing and curating it."

As renowned Zimbabwean Journalist Davison Maruziva noted after reading it,"- these are:

"Riveting stories from Africa about the audacity of hope, the courage, determination and drive to push new frontiers even in the face of hardships and sometimes overt hostilities and frustrating challenges. These are stories of triumph against adversity and they all have a common thread - that it is possible to overcome the seemingly insurmountable."

Watch for the next call for submissions for We Will Lead Africa, Volume 3: Returnees.

For more information on We Will Lead Africa visit:

Wewillleadafrica.com

https://www.facebook.com/WeWillLeadAfrica/

Twitter: @willleadafrica

IG: @wewillleadafrica

Right Now A New Anthem for Africa Day by Maame Afon and Ivy Hollys

A new Anthem for Africa is in town and we are excited about the energy it is creating. We are excited to be celebrating Africa Day with a song by Maame Afon and Ivy Hollys. The song is a rallying cry for us as Africans to come together, make the change and move our continent forward. As we celebrate Africa Day let's reflect on what we need to do to move the continent forward. For us at Women Change Africa it is all about telling stories and amplifying the voices of African women whilst creating meaningful experiences for learning and community collaboration. Here's to #RightNowAfrica. Want to join the Right Now Africa movement? Share this song in your networks and continue to add your voice to shaping the narrative of the direction of our continent. 

 Listen below: 

Album Art by Nana Kofi Acquah Africa Showboy 

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. 

Google Africa Launches Women Will Initiative

On March 8th, Google Africa Launched its Women Will Lead Program. To celebrate International Women's Day Google Africa launched a film featuring various African female musicians following their journeys through their career, in order to inspire women globally. 

This year, google is contributing to women's empowerment through the expansion of their Women Will Initiative in Africa. They aim to support women with the right skills through coaching, mentorship and community support to access various opportunities within their communities. 

According to Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, Head of Brand & Reputation, Sub Saharan Africa "Google Africa aims to add 18 Women Will Chapter across Sub Saharan Africa and will support women within these chapters to build skills, find inspiration and connect with each other through trainings, events and advocacy". For more on this new initiative visit: Google Africa Blog

As part of the launch of their initiative, Google Africa also launched a film
"Women will lead, create and inspire" . Check it out here: 

Celebrating African Women Culture Shifters in the Diaspora

We are celebrating African women in the diaspora community that inspire us in many ways because of how they are shifting culture in their various spaces of work. Every year around this time, we like to curate some type of list of the women we have our eyes on for the year and all the amazing work they are doing. These women have been studied, handpicked and trailed for some time.  Personally as EIC, I have either had coffee, skype chatted, or blatantly stalked their linked in profiles. 

We wanted to highlight women who you may not hear about every day on the "big screen" but are doing amazing work in their various spaces most of these women are professionals who are also running their businesses at the same time. What's not to celebrate and applaud? We present this year's list of culture shifters in the Diaspora. Get to know them and celebrate them all year round. This list is not curated as a ranking list but more so as a celebration list. 

Sulafa Salim, Dawa Apothecary, Canada 

Sulafa is a trainer, facilitator, project manager, but more than anything else, she is a connector. She is the founder of Dawa Apothecary, bringing her expertise as a health and wellness consultant together with her desire to connect women of color to a wellness space that is tailored specifically for them. 

For more on Sulafa and her work visit www.dawaapothecary.com 

Eyitemi Popo, Ayiba Magazine, Canada 

Eyitemi is the founder and editor-in-chief of Ayiba Magazine. She is a Master of Digital Experience Innovation graduate from the University of Waterloo and an alumna of Mount Holyoke College. She also holds a graduate certificate in digital publishing from New York University. She also founder of Girls Trip a community built to encourage African millennial women to travel across Africa whilst also doing good. 

For more on Eyitemi's work visit www.ayibamag.com 

Dr. Nwando Olayiwola, Inspire Health SOlutions LLC & Association of Minority Women Professionals, The United States 

Dr Nwando Olayinka is  CEO and Founder of Inspire Health Solutions, LLC and the Association of Minority Women Professionals, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She is also the Chief Clinical Transformation Officer of RubiconMD, a leading technology company that provides electronic consultations between physicians to improve access to care. She also serves on the board of the African Women's Development Fund-USA. 

For more on Nwando's work visit: http://www.drnwando.com/

Cynthia Amo, Africans Gone Natural, The United States 

Cynthia Amo has garnered tremendous success in her platform and online community Africans Gone Natural. A community that seeks to empower and uplift and educate African women about their natural hair. She has move on along with her partner to launch Afrikinky a product line that focuses on natural products from Africa necessary for hair, skin and body. Cynthia is also an accountant by day and serves on the board of the African Women's Development Fund USA. 

For more on Cynthia's work visit www.afrikinky.com 

Farai Simoyi, The Narrativ, Bloom The United States 

We love a good concept shop with African owned luxury brands. This is exactly what our girl Farai is doing in her Brooklyn owned concept store the Narrative, where she hosts various global eclectic African owned brands. Farai also hosts a gathering for women entrepreneurs called Bloom. 

For more on Farai and her work visit www.thenarativ.com 

Rita Oluchi, The Building You Foundation & Corporate Black Girl, The United States

There is nothing that makes us happier than seeing other black women helping other black women to succeed. This is exactly what Rita Oluchi is doing with her company corporate black girl, a company that is focused on supporting black women in corporate America to land their dream jobs. Rita has also recently launched the Nigeria version of Corporate Black Girl, Corporate Black Girl Nigeria. 

For more on Rita and her work visit https://www.thebyf.org

Farai Mubaiwa, African Matters, The United Kingdom

                                                    

Farai Mubaiwa is project manager at The Aurum Institute, a leading African TB and HIV research and implementation institute. She is a Queen’s Young Leader for South Africa for 2017, a One Young World Ambassador and a King’s Principal’s Global Leadership Award Recipient. She is also co-founder of Africa Matters. 

For more on Farai's work visit www. Africamatters.com

Stephanie Quaye, Naa Duku, The Netherlands 

        

Headwrapping became very special to Stephanie when she started to wear it more often in the year 2015.  She drew many to her creative sense of headwrapping in the Netherlands. With her Ghanaian cultural heritage she has found a way to infuse her creativity, culture and womanhood into her brand Naa Duku a brand that aims to bring women together to equip them with the art of styling and wearing inspired headwraps. 

For more on Stephanie's work visit www.naaduku.com 

Adaku Ezeudo, Phoenix Rize, Denmark

          

Adaku Ezeudo is on a mission to engage, educate and empower individuals, companies and organisations to recognise the value of diversity & Inclusion. She is passionate about creating
platforms which celebrate ethnic and cultural diversity, explore differences and embrace multiple
ways of thinking and working together. Founder of PhoenixRize, she is a Diversity & Inclusion
Consultant, trainer, life coach, mentor and speaker. 

For more on Adaku's work visit: http://phoenixrize.ie/

Micheala Turay, MQ Events LLC , The United States 

           

With a keen eye for details, beauty and glam, Micheala has found a way to turn her passion for curating impeccable events with her business MQ events. She is a mother and enjoys spending time with her daughter whilst taking on the events world with  a bang.  Micheala plans everything from weddings, to small launch events, to birthday parties and constantly brings a unique flare to every event she produces. 

For more on Micheala's work visit www.mqevents.com

Maria Bradford, Maria Bradford Kitchen, The United Kingdom 

     

Maria Bradford is a creative culinary artist and genius, she is of Sierra Leonean heritage, based in the United Kingdom. She utilizes her love for food, culture and people to share Sierra Leonean inspired cuisine with the world. You can find her creating some of the most artistic and mouth watering dishes which are Sierra Leonean inspired with a global palette. 

For more on her work visit mariabradfordkitchen.com 

Rashidat Oyegunle, Tailoring Needs, The United States 

  

If you don't know who Rashidat Oyegunle is, stop what you are doing right now and follow her brand Tailoring Needs.  Tailoring needs is a one stop shop for all things African fashion. The platform helps you find the nearest custom wear fashion designer. Rashidat is also an engineer by day. 

For more on Rashidat's work visit www. tailoringneeds.com

Wura Kolawale, Miss Wu on Hair, The United States  

No one should have a wedding and not hire Wu for their wedding hair style.  Wura is a hair stylist, enthusiast and as she calls herself a "Hair Slayer". She is also a grade school teacher by day and a firm believer in Jesus Christ 365 days of the year. 

For more on Wura's work visit www.misswuvirginhair.com 


Mahawa Kamara, Mahawa Kamara Consults Ltd., The United Kingdom 
                                         
Mahawa Kamara has been dedicated to supporting business professionals in the design of their business. Looking for business development support ranging from business strategy and beyond? Mahawa is the person you need. She centers her business around faith, family and business. She is also owner of the Soap Connoisseur a skin luxury company.
For more on her work visit www.mahawakamara.com 

Aisha Addo, Power to Girls Foundation & Driver Her App, Canada 

Aisha is a graduate in Business Administration and uses her true passion and dedication in ensuring girls around the world are provided with the guidance and resources that help them identify their true purpose and calling to reach their full potential. She founded Power To Girls Foundation a non for profit organization that helps offer mentoring to girls. She is currently launching her DriverHER app a ride sharing service for women by women which is her latest initiative.

For more on her work visit www.aishaaddo.com 

Wunmy Eyiwunmi, Those African Chicks Podcast, The United States 

Wummy is the curator of the podcast Those Africa Chicks, she is a firm believer in telling stories about African women that breaks the typical monolith about our lives. On her podcast she explores, femininity, womanism, identity and many other topics. 
For more on her work visit http://www.thoseafricanchicks.com/about


Desiree Young, Vice President Programs, Tory Burch Foundation, The United States 

Désirée is the Vice President of Programs at the Tory Burch Foundation. She is involved in several philanthropic efforts including her most recently led Cotton Tree Philanthropy Advisors, a company she started in 2012. Prior to that, she lived in Nigeria working as the Director of Entrepreneurship & Leadership Development for the Tony Elumelu Foundation. She began her career in philanthropy at the Robin Hood Foundation in New York and later at Synergos Institute, an international development organization connecting philanthropists to solve complex social issues. She is an active board member of several organizations in the U.S. and abroad.


For more on Desiree visit http://www.toryburchfoundation.org

Sarah, Nakintu Kintu New York, Switzerland 

Sarah is founder and creative director of Kintu New York a handmade global bag curated with Italian leather and Kenyan craftsmanship. Sarah is on a mission to preserve artisanship, culture and her love for travel all in one brand. Her brand brings a refreshing vibe to the fashion industry. Sarah is of Ugandan heritage and is a true social entrepreneur with experience in working across industries and companies such as Google, Aol and many others. 

For more on Sarah's work visit https://www.kintunewyork.com/


Edwina Kulego, Essentials by Edwina, The United States 

Born and raised in Sweden by Ghanaian parents, Edwina Kulego manages International Business Development at UBM Fashion Group. Edwina is the founder and CEO of Essentials by Edwina; A vegan, make up collection in partnership with Celfie Cosmetics. She began her career working for Zara/Inditex Group, as a Sales Manager in Copenhagen Denmark. 

For more on Edwina's work visit www.edwinakulego.com 

Susy, Oludele, The United States 

Susy is a hair creative genius, she owns a hair shop in brooklyn by the name of Hair by Susy where she creates the most eclectic, creative masterpieces for women's hair. She is known for creating hair styles for Solange, Beyonce and many other celebrities. Susy doesn't just stop at her hair shop, she also recently released a book titled Lady a collection of women and celebrating their various identities with hair at the center of it all. 

For more on Susy's work visit www.hairbysusy.com