Magazine final edition by ftk

www.blackgirlsigniteafrica.com

FILLED

VESSELS

Filled Vessels An Inspirational BGIA Magazine

Up Your Passion

Celebrate. Empower . Encourage . Inspire. Ignite

blackgirlsigniteafrica.com

Dabiri

Maiden Edition 2013

Annual Global BGIA Event

Igniting Your Passion


Founder and Editorial Director

Abby Osoba

Editor in Chief

Feyikemi Kukoyi

Editor at Large

Damilola Liyele

Deputy Editor

Idara Udo

Editorial Board

Education Contributor—Adewale Oluwatobi

Health Contributor —Idara Udo

Leadership Contributor —Deji Meije

Technology Contributor—Marianne Jamme

Page 27

Thanks

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To contact Editorial Team: Send us an email at

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Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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http://www.blackgirlsigniteafrica.com

THE PROBLEM WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROBLEMS

Health refers to the physical and emotional

condition of a person, the ability of a person

to function efficiently, and popularly, to be

free from illness, injury or pain. The World

Health Organization (WHO) defined health

in 1946 as "a state of complete physical,

mental, and social well-being and not merely

the absence of disease or infirmity."

Mental health is a state of emotional and

psychological well-being. It refers to the

ability of a person to function in a balanced

cognitive state that is beneficial and satisfac-

tory both to him/her, as well as to society. According to WHO, mental health is

"a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities,

can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully,

and is able to make a contribution to his or her community". WHO stresses that

mental health "is not just the absence of mental disorder".

Everyone has the potential for suffering from mental health problems. WHO has

estimated that one in four people in the world will be affected by mental or disor-

ders at some point in their lives. When it occurs, the individual encounters prob-

lems in relationships and jobs, – largely due to ignorance on the part of society –

most times worse than if they would have had a physical illness. Some mental health problems are popular and some are more common. Examples

of common groups of mental illnesses include anxiety disorders (panic disorder,

phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder),

mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder) and schizophrenia disorders. Men-

tal illness, mental disorders and mental health problems loosely have the same

meaning.

Cultural differences play an important role in the definition of mental health; they

influence the way individuals with mental health problems are treated, and create

a healthy environment for stigma to thrive. In much of the developed world, men-

tal disorders account for the leading cause of disability in people aged 15 to 44.

In low- and middle-income countries, severe shortages of human and financial

resources make it nearly impossible for mental health services to be adequately

provided, and only a scant percentage get the treatment they need.

.

Idara S Udo

Filled Vessels Magazine ׀August2013׀blackgirlsigniteafrica.com

Contents

Filled Vessels Magazine is an in-

spirational BGIA magazine. We

connect to women from all works

of life or ethnicity. What makes us

unique is that all of our efforts are

concentrated on empowering, en-

couraging, celebrating young and

older African women and girls

A BIG THANK YOU to all who helped to make the maiden

edition of BGIA Filled Vessels Magazine a success.

4 Welcome

By Founder & Editorial Director

9 Women as Leaders

11 BEN—Business

Enterprise Network

10 A close look at

Abike Dabiri

14 Introducing BEN

19 “Igniting your Passion”

Environment

20 The Prepared

Environment

21 Our Service to

Humanity

13 Technology and

African Women

Welcome Welcome to our exciting, new magazine!

I am please to introduce you to Filled Vessels, an inspirational BGIA magazine dedicated to

celebrate, empower, inspire and ignite young girls and women in Africa and all across the globe

in a personal, healthy, spiritual, and overall wellbeing in professional ways. To bring you infor-

mation you can use to boost your self esteem, identify positive role models in the various commu-

nities, make an impact in someone's life or in your community, start a new revolution, help some-one else achieve your purpose and dream, business success and career success. Filled Vessels is

filled with tips and stories to inspire and encourage you to

create whole-life success in your personal lives, homes, organ-

izations and communities. You’ll learn from the best of the

best—and from it, you can be your best. If you have an entre-

preneurial spirit, Filled Vessels is the magazine for you. And

if you juggle a busy work life or a busy home life, or both, you’ve come to the right place. Our magazine is a quick read

packed with tips on how you can make an impact in your

communities, in the lives of other young girls and women, to

help you clear the clutter and have a great lifestyle, manage the

chaos and create the life you want while being fulfilled at the

same time.

YOU have to be filled with something, What are YOU filled

with?

Filled Vessels is the result of my desire to help people reach

new heights. As a young girl growing up, I had long wished

for a magazine that could inspire women, and the goal was

brought into reality in winter 2013. Our tagline, celebrate,

empower, inspire and ignite young girls and women in Africa

and all across the globe, embodies what we hope you’ll learn

from the magazine: Live well, love what you do and inspire

others.

Filled Vessels will be considered the centerpiece to personal

development and inspiration in the years to come . Filled

Vessels capitalizes on these principles, but is geared specifical-

ly for young girls and women who want more out of life.

Names of women who have achieved great things and inspired

others in Africa grace the first issue, you will learn the secret to their success which is in their

stories so that you can stand on the shoulders of these giants and be able to do better than they have done. Each woman’s story in Filled Vessels is an uplifting, inspirational tool to show others

how we can all achieve such greatness.

As young girls and women, we have an innate ability to be champions of change. We support and

motivate our spouses, children and friends every day. Let Filled Vessels support and motivate you

as you work to reach your personal and professional goals.

I will like to personally welcome you again, ENJOY!

Abby Osoba Founder & Editorial Director


Page 25

Be the Change to Desire - MD, USA 2012 The 1st annual event—

Be the Change to Desire

within December 8,

2012, at Hilton hotel,

Maryland, USA. Mary-

land witnessed the event

that left many women

the desire to be the

change in their own lit-

tle way . This event ca-

tered to women

being more effective

around their

surrounding; the

desire to see the

environment change for

the better. In attend-

ance; Sherrie Johnson

of ABC 2 News Mary-

land, Chardelle Moore,

Adwoa Jones were

guest speakers along

with BGIA CEO, Abby

Osoba

Transformed to Inspire - Toronto, Canada,

2012 A workshop targeted at transforming

the minds of people in the

community. BGIA also visited a nursing home for senior citizens and

spent some time pampering the elder women.

Word from the Editor In Chief Dear Reader:

Welcome to our first ever Filled

Vessels Magazine.

The Filled Vessels Magazine has been in the works since the exist-ence of BGIA as our CEO; Abby Osoba shared this vision with me when I joined BGIA. This Filled Vessels Magazine will be a vehicle for the delivery of timely and thoughtful information and opinion on the many issues that involve our non-profit organization..

I would like to thank those who serve on the Filled Vessels Maga-zine’s staff and its Editorial Board for providing the support and feed-back necessary to find, develop, and publish material of such con-sistent high quality. I hope that we can build on such a strong record and continue to expand the reach of the Filled Vessels Magazine for the benefit of the entire communi-ty, and ultimately for the benefit of the girls and women in Africa.

This edition of the Filled Vessels Magazine inaugurates a somewhat modified format. Most important, however, are what our collection of contributors who are authors have to communicate. I hope you find this issue of interest, and as we continue to explore new ways to

make the Filled Vessels Magazine useful to your work, please share your ideas and thoughts with us. I can be reached at [email protected], and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Feyikemi Kukoyi Editor-in-Chief

Letter from the Deputy Editor

My name is Idara Samuel Udo; I am a Nigerian, the first child and only

daughter of my parents. The part of Nigeria where my father is from has

a peculiar tradition of giving children the first name of their fathers to

have as a middle name.

I am a junior doctor training in the specialty of Child and Adolescent

Psychiatry. Here at BGIA, I am the Executive Assistant/Administrator

and most recently, the Deputy Editor of the Filled Vessels Magazine.

It is with great delight that I welcome you to the maiden edition of our

magazine. The work of non-profit organizations is unique as well as im-

portant, most especially in regards to girls and women, as they constitute

a large proportion of the socially and economically underprivileged.

We hope that this magazine will provide a broader, higher platform on

which we can share and highlight the passionate work that we do at

BGIA. Through this means, the read-

ers like you can see how beneficial it

is to support organizations like ours,

and ultimately help the people who

are desperately in need of it.

Therefore, allow the stories to inspire

your imaginations and motivate your

minds. Step into our world as we

guide you through it.

Happy reading.

Sincerely,

Idara Udo

Deputy Editor

Email: [email protected]

Page 23

Past Program Activities SHE IGNITE SHE INSPIRE

(SISI)– Mentoring Program.

This is a Black Girls Ignite Africa

global monthly mentorship program.

Our goal for the girls & women who

join SISI will have increased their self-

esteem, become more confident and

show motivation. We currently are

mentoring in USA, Nigeria, Canada,

UAE, Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania

kicked off at all regional locations on

Saturday, March 23rd, 2013. This was a

one kind of event where young women

from all walks of life had the oppor-

tunity to network; share stories/interest

and listens to inspirational words from

motivational women in our communi-

ty.

June 2013 - SISI SHE

Summit

North America (S.I.S.I) In collabo-

ration with S.H.E. Summit

(Women’s Week) New York

“Leadership and Lifestyle event

for women”

BGIA Nigeria (Lagos Team) embarked on

an outreach to a village named Itedo in

Lekki phase 1, Lagos on 05/08/2013. The

aim of this outreach was to bless/feed fifty

(50) families who are less privilege by

providing them with different food items in

care boxes. BGIA donated careboxes filled

with Rice, Garri, Indomie Noodles, Tin

Tomatoes and Palm Oil to local familes in

unpriviledged areas in Lekki.

BGIA CareBox

Outreach, Lagos,

Nigeria

Widows and Orphans

Alive Community in

Eldoret , Kenya

BGIA provided for

over 100 community

members, paid hospital

bills, house rents, and

fed them during

Christmas 2012

To empower, encourage, celebrate positive, life-changing

activity and healthy development through helping girls and

women foster their dreams of a better tomorrow without

comprising their integrity and self-worth today. Mentoring of

young girls and women to help combat negative images in

the media and all works of life. Seeks to build the self-

esteem by changing their outlook on life, broadening their

horizons, and helping them to empower themselves.

Our Mission

To empower girls/women to dare to fulfill their dreams, to

dare to be whoever they want to be, to let no one else define

what they can and cannot do, As a result, they will be great,

and they will ignite! The opportunity to enrich the lives of

girls aged 12 to 17 years old specifically and older women

through mentorship, arts education, cultural exploration and

public service.

Our Vision

We are a network of women connected invisibly by a common

thread of BGIA principles: We have a board of Trustees who are

Platinum Life Members and are ultimately responsible for the

Strategic direction of the work of BGIA.

We carry out annual activities and operations through the Board,

Executive Council, Senior Management, Management

Coordinators, and ad hoc volunteers.

We have active members and volunteer members.

Our Structure

Benefits of Membership

Access to empowerment sessions with BGIA and BGIA Part-

nered Events across the world which in turn allows you to

mentor other women and girls in communities in Africa.

All access VIP passes and discounts to all BGIA Events

across the world.

Get your private company AD to be featured on the BGIA

homepage –imagine the exposure

Opportunity to promote your business at BGIA Events.

Receive discounts for product advertised at the BGIA Website

or Event.

BGIA Members Undertake to:

Display integrity in business and personal dealings.

Dedicated time , strength , vitality and energy for effective

participation in the BGIA charity and empowerment

programs.

Advance the influence of women and girls in the communities

in Africa.

Celebrate the success and the success of other BGIA Member.

Be a source of support to other BGIA members.

Maintain respect for themselves and each of the BGIA mem-

bers regardless of age and social standing.

Membership Guidelines

BGIA is a loose network of purposeful women from diverse backgrounds and walks of life, each of us bound by a common thread of BGIA member’s principles (a desire and passion to celebrate, empower, encourage, ignite and inspire girls and women.

Page 21

Our Service to Humanity

Zarephath Project (Feeding of over 400 people in

Elekuru Village in Nigeria):

With the support of Living star

mission, a mission which has been

sponsoring the village by sending

money and helping children’s edu-

cation, BGIA was able to feed over

400 villagers in Elekuru village

and other nine sub-villages which

included Gbesinra Village, Lasidi

Village, Ilu Ate Village, etc, during

the Easter and Christmas celebra-

tion and purchased clothing for the

orphans. BGIA is currently in part-

nership to build a school and re-

source center in Elekuru Village.

BGIA Visits Elekuru Village

In efforts to progress with the

Zaraphath project, BGIA will be

helping purchase a piece of land

which will be used to build the

future school and business center

for the people of Elekuru . BGIA

has visited the village at Elekuru

during a site visitation with the

Founder and CEO of BGIA –

Abby Osoba, the Head of Living

Star Mission – Ayo Kukoyi, An

Architect, and other Active BGIA

Donors and Supporters .

The Prepared Environment

The Prepared Environment is a crucial part of the child's education in the classroom.

When the child enters the Montessori house, he/she will enter an environment that is

carefully prepared to cater for the child’s needs. According to the book ‘Maria Mon-

tessori’ her life and work by E.M. Standing, Maria Montessori sometimes used to

speak of this prepared environment for children (two and a half to six or seven) as the

luogo chiuso (the ‘enclosed space’).

"Plainly, the environment must be a living one, directed by a higher intel-ligence, arranged by an adult who is prepared for his mission. It is in this that our conception differs both from that of the world in which the adult does everything for the child and from that of a passive environment in which the adult abandons the child to himself…"

A prepared environment must liberate the spirit: an environment in which

children are simply physically free to run about and play is not enough.

The prepared environment allows the child to develop without constant

assistance and supervision from an adult.

A beautiful environment: a well equipped Montessori classroom, even the

materials are part of the environment and should be attractive to the chil-

dren.

The child has to be part of the group to be absorbed, the cultural traits, language, and

movement. The child also has a tendency to communicate, gregariousness and having

a space to move because he has the tendency to movement and sensitive period for co

ordination of movement. The prepared environment must meet the needs of the devel-

opment of the child. The environment does not contain any object that the child may

not need or that one hinders his development, nor does it contain any materials that are

broken or incomplete. Children function optimally in an environment prepared both

physically and psychologically. The design of the environment is based on the princi-

ples of simplicity, beauty and order. It is bright, warm and inviting, filled with the key

aspects of culture including language, plants, art, music, and books.

As part of the Practical Life activities, the children learn to keep their environment in

order and generally clean and tidy.

This also fulfills the child's innate

Sensitive Period for Order, the

sensitive period for co-ordination of

movement that gives the child the

precise movement.

This Montessori environment is

called the "prepared environment" because it has been set up to enable

the child to be successful and to

gain many skills here.

Adedayo Oluwatobi

WOMEN AS LEADERS? POWER, PARTICIPATION AND

PROGRESS IN THE 21ST CENTURY? – BY DELE MEIJI

The continued dominance of politi-

cal life in Africa by men is not

good for men, it’s not good for

women and it’s not good for the

continent. Thankfully, this is a

situation that is beginning to

change. African women have made

remarkable progress in emancipa-

tion and empowerment, not least in the last few years where we have seen a

few women take on the mantle of leadership in the political arena at the high-

est level. Women occupy the presidency in Malawi and Liberia. Mrs

Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma is the Chairperson of the African Union Commis-

sion. In many countries, women are now the leaders of key ministries. Ngozi

Okonjo-Iweala is the minister of Finance for Nigeria; Linah Moholo is the

central governor of the Bank of Botswana. Yet, many challenges remain, not

least, the use of rape as a weapon of war, which has been a particularly dam-

aging development in many recent conflicts on the continent.

Despite the challenges, where African governments have made gender parity

a priority, there have been significant results – Senegal, South Africa, Bot-

swana, and Mozambique all rank highly for their level of women’s represen-

tation parliament. The only country in the world with more than 50% of

women in its legislature is Rwanda. The debate on using quotas to achieve

gender parity in politics remains a lively one, in Africa, the UK and else-

where, yet there is no gainsaying the results. Mozambique, one of the coun-

tries where quota systems have been implemented is ranked 5th in the world

for female representation in Parliament. Carlos dos Santos, the Mozambican

High Commissioner to the UK, speaking at our event on Women as Leaders

in Africa, links Mozambique’s gender policies to the country’s struggle for

liberation, and the equal role played by men and women in it. He said: “We

consider women’s equality fundamental to development in Africa and else-

where in the world…Our conviction dates back to the time of the liberation

movement against colonialism, where women fought side by side with men

to liberate the country… It was clear then and now that the development of

our country requires the full participation of women, who constitute 52% of

the population.” Lofty ambitions – but attaining them in most African coun-

tries remains a challenge, even with some of the most progressive legislation

anywhere in the world in many of the continent’s constitutions.


Honorable Abike Dabiri Erewa: A close look Politician/Member of the Nigeria Federal House of

Representatives – Ikorodu, Constituuency in Lagos

State.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa has always been a familiar face. Right from her days at the Nigerian Television Author-ity, where she made her mark as a newscaster cum reporter, she has always been a jolly good fellow. From the tube to politics, she has emerged as an Ama-zon; a parliamentary activist of sorts, especially when public interest is in grave danger. Not a few female lawmakers admit that her performance in the House of Representatives influenced their deci-sion to become legislators. What then is Abike’s oeuvre? She re-veals this herself, beginning with her birth.

Hon Abike Dabiri Erewa is the daughter of Alhaji and Alhaja Ashafa Erogbogbo, her dad Alhaji Ashafa is one of the children of late Alhaji. Sule Erogbogbo of Adegorunsen Compound, Ajina square, Ita – Agbodo, Ikorodu. Both her parent distinguished themselves in their career and taught Abike, the significance of hard work, to believe in the power of education and instilled in her a love for the Country. Hon. Abike Dabiri Erewa started her edu-cational career at Maryland Convent private school, Ikeja while she attended St. Teresa’s College, Ibadan for her secondary educa-tion where she distinguished herself. She obtained her first degree in English Language from the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) Ile – Ife.

In pursuit of her quest for knowledge, she obtained a Post Gradu-ate Diploma (PGD) in Mass Communication and also a Masters Degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos, blackgirlsigniteafrica.com

Page 19

Breaking News: BGIA Annual Global Event

Black Girls Ignite Africa

Igniting Your Passion

October 15th-20th 2013: Dubai & Lagos

IGNITING YOUR PASSION FUNDRAISING CONCERT

REGULAR CONCERT TICKETS #2,000.00 (Naira)!

VIP CONCERT TICKETS #10,000 (Naira) VVIP/CORPORATE CONCERT TICKET (8 people)

#250,000 (Naira) Advance tickets are available NOW!

Contact us at [email protected] to reserve your spot today!

Poem — The super African woman that i am

I am what I am, woman, soul, spirited

I am fearfully and wonderfully created

I am what no man can do without

I am meant to deliver with no doubt

I am behind every successful man

I am what was created out of a rib of a man

I am what i instill today in the future tomorrow

I am that feels the pain others will never feel

I am that bleeds without getting hurt

I am emotional and fragile i easily get hurt

I am that heals by my words and understanding

I am the producer of fine product

I am who's character is reflected in my conduct

I am the one with my hands open wide for the weak

I am what every child seeks

I am a mentor and role model for many

I am not imaginary

I am strong even when left alone

I am never weak forever

I am the super diva

I am unstoppable

I am capable of doing the impossible

I am self-sufficient

I am self indulgent

I am young and sophisticated in my own way

I am with the semblance of a new day

I hold my head high when its supposed to hang low

I am beautiful, i am joyful

I am the perfect imperfect

I am mistreated, misunderstood and mistaken

I am underestimated and often shaken

I can't be outrun or outmatched

In being everything that i am

I am what i am, soul and spirited African woman

Abigail Sikwenda

She also had a stint at the Kennedy School of Government,

Harvard University, USA. This devoted Muslim is happily

married to Segun Erewa and they are blessed with children.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa fondly called “Mother of Theresa of

the tube” prides herself in her outstanding career as a broadcaster.

She spent 15 years of distinguished and meritorious service at the

Nigerian Television Authority (NTA). While in NTA she gained

a strong understanding of the industry because of her dedication,

inquisitive and professionalism. She anchored the weekly NTA

News line programme to the delight of millions of Nigerians irre-

spective of their tribe or religion. She warmed her way into the

hearts of many with her gallantary efforts of using television as

an effective tool to draw attention to the Millions of Nigerian.

Her commitment and passionate dedication to duty while

working on several heart touching News line stories stood her

out and endeared her to many. Indeed, she has made a suc-

cess out of her life having been a lawmaker of note in the

House of Representatives. For instance, she pursued the pas-

sage of the Freedom of Information Bill with the fury and

tenacity of a lioness.

Is she glamorous? Yes! But the mother of two would always

tell you there is more to her than glamour. “I have always

maintained that there is more to a woman than what she

wears. A woman can also be a part of whatever goes on in

her society— she can be a leader, an administrator or a suc-

cessful professional. On women, of course, she believes that

Nigerian women can do well in any position of authority.

“We have very qualified and highly competent women.


Poems - Empowered Woman

The Empowered Woman, she moves through the world

with a sense of confidence and Grace.

Her once reckless Spirit now tempered by Wisdom.

Quietly, yet firmly, she speaks her Truth without doubt or hesitation

and the life she leads is of her own creation.

She now understands what it means to live and let live.

How much to ask for herself and how much to give.

She has a strong, yet generous heart.. and the inner beauty she emanates

truly sets her apart.

Like the mythical Phoenix, she has risen from the ashes and soared to a

new plane of existence, unfettered by the things that once that posed

such resistance.

Her senses now heightened, she sees everything so clearly.

She hears the wind rustling through the trees;

beckoning her to live the dreams she holds so dearly.

She feels the softness of her hands and muses at the strength that they

possess. Her needs and desires she has learned to express. She has tasted

the bitter and savored the sweet fruits of life, overcome adversity and

pushed past heartache and strife.

And the one thing she never understood, she now knows to be true, it all

begins and ends with You. ♥

~Sonny Carroll

Page 17

Chantal Biya: The First Lady of Cameroon

If you are yet to hear of the Banane, then you read about it first on Afrikan Goddess

Online. Meet Chantal Biya, Cameroon’s First Lady, and her show-stopping hairstyles.

She is popularly known for her flashy hair-dos and flamboyant wardrobes, but at Afr-

kan Goddess, we will be introducing you to the heart and soul behind Chantal Biya.

Chantal Biya was born in Dimako, Cameroon in 1971. Her father, Georges Vigououx,

was a French expatriate, and her mother, Rosette Ndongo Mengolo, was a Miss Dou-

mé pageant winner. Her teeage years were spent in Yaounde, and she later married

Cameroon’s President Paul

Biya in 1994 after the death of

his first wife.

Flamboyantly adored and all,

Chantal Biya is passionate about

alleviating the suffering that

rises from poverty and disease,

specifically HIV/AIDS. She

founded Afri- can Synergy to

provide education, health treat-

ment centers, subsidized an-

tiretroviral drugs and better

care during blood transfusion

to patients. Her effort is building

unity in the fight against HIV/

AIDS, a unity we all know is

much needed in Africa. In 2009,

she led a team of Africa’s First

Ladies to the African First

Ladies Health Summit held in

Los Angeles. The event was co

-sponsored by African Synergy.

The focus of the summit was

maternal health, girls’ education and HIV/AIDS related issues throughout Africa.

Under Chantal Biya’s vision and leadership, African Synergy continues to synergize

the HIV/AIDS efforts of first ladies both in Africa and other continents with the work

of scientists and HIV/AIDS agencies.

The reputation of her hair and fashion styles sure precedes her, but her focus and pas-

sion to alleviate the suffering of the poor and destitute is much to talk about. In re-

sponse to issues of rural and urban poverty in Cameroon, she launched The Chantal

Biya Foundation to provide care for mothers and children, the elderly and for families.

The foundation bridges the gap between the people and much needed social services.

http://afrikangoddessmag.com/2011/12/28/chantal-biya-the-first-lady-of-cameroon/

http://www.fcb.cm/

http://www.fcb.cm/

Mobolade Adesanya

BGIA has really inspired me in a lot of ways, the major one

being the fact that, it has steered me towards fulfilling my

desires to help give

back to the society.

Prior to joining BGIA

earlier this year I have

been able to help in

the little way I can

with the nannies we

employ and people

around me but it

wasn't enough for me.

There still existed the

thirst to do more,

which to a very large

extent has been filled since joining BGIA. In Nigeria for

instance, we have succeeded in mentoring young girls during

our monthly SISI- She Ignites She Inspires program, to mold

and to shape them into better women in the society. Another

initiative of BGIA is the Care Boxes aimed at feeding the

less privileged families in our society. During our first

outreach, we were able to feed 50 families at the Itedo

village in Lekki, Lagos state Nigeria. I am also very excited

about our Elekuru school building project. I love everything

BGIA stands for and represent and I'm pleased to be part of

these success story. This is just the beginning though, we are

no where close to where God is taking us.

B-Spirations BGIA Inspirations


How Technology Can Transform Lives of African

Women

I recently left the Global Forum on Innovation & Technolo-

gy Entrepreneurship in South Africa, inspired, empowered

and hopeful, but extremely impatient to see radical changes

to help women in Africa develop a world-class talent in sci-

ence, technology, engineering, mathematics and businesses.

Throughout the event I saw women who were passionate en-

trepreneurs. They were all seeking new ways of growing

their businesses. The women discussed challenges and barri-

ers to success, and how to take their business to the next lev-

el. They wanted to grow their network and create global part-

nerships.

Women hold the key to Africa's development, from agricul-

ture to technology and entrepreneurship. But they still face

massive hurdles in many areas of development and they are

still financially disadvantaged and lack confidence in starting

up businesses in Africa.

Mid-career dropout is frequent; cultural and social bounda-

ries also are hurdles women need to overcome every day.

Gender inequality is also a major issue for women looking to

get loans from banks; often, they are not taken seriously.

In most African countries women account for a sizable part

of the workforce, but still, there are not many places where

women entrepreneurs can go for mentoring and support for

their businesses.

By Mariéme Jam

Introducing BEN


Page 15

Magazine final edition by ftk

Documents

Transcript of Magazine final edition by ftk