By The Youth Hub Africa
Lemme guess!
A young woman from far Busoga in Uganda, one of the poorest sub-regions in the country, where her role is largely domestic, including housekeeping, child rearing, fetching water, cooking, and tending to community needs.
Just before you overthink it, today’s newsletter will not highlight the ills and limitations that women in Africa experience. Far from it.
Today I write to you in celebration of Women’s Month, the unique month of March.
I can’t believe we are already in the last month of the first quarter of 2024. For me, it has been a busy and productive year so far.
While we strive for relevance and productivity in our different spheres, I’m looking forward to the new projects, from SPA II, in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, to The Move Africa Project with GIZ, and the Palladium Project which is wrapping up soon, their challenges, and successes which will come along in the remining quarters of the year.
You must have seen a lot on social media celebrating women and their achievements. I share the same sentiments, because women comprise an integral part of the economy, and many in Africa and the diaspora have faced and overcame challenges, demonstrating strength and determination in the face of adversity. From navigating social and economic barriers to challenging gender norms, African women have continued to break new ground and shape the future of their communities.
I am elated to bring you into the world of some women in Africa, who have played pivotal roles in social and political movements. Their voices have been instrumental in shaping the narrative and inspiring inclusion in various spheres of life.
Here are few African Women I want you to know about;
Bonang Matheba: A 36-year-old renowned South African Public Speaker and Entrepreneur. She is also an award-winning television presenter, radio personality, actress and social media personality. In 2020, Bonang
featured in Forbes Africa’s 50 Most Powerful Women.
Thandiwe Muriu: A self-taught Kenyan Photographer, who is making waves across social media for her creative work. By 2019, she had received multiple commissions for collaborations with brands such as Apple, Dior, and Lavazza. Muriu has exhibited her work internationally and has been featured in numerous publications and on television.
Olajumoke Adenowo: The 55-year-old multiple award-winning Architect, including the 2020 Forbes Woman African Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and a duo of U.S. Congressional recognitions for leadership, impact and
Philanthropy, as well as the 2024 Forbes, Know Your Value 50 Over 50.
Aya Chebbi: The Tunisian diplomat is a multi-Award-winning Pan-African Feminist. Aya, the 36-year-old, became the first appointed African Union Envoy on Youth in November 2018.
I must remind you that it is important to move away from monolithic narratives and appreciate the individual stories that contribute to the mosaic of African womanhood.
So, you might be wondering, Who Is She?
She (like the women featured above) is a woman who carries with her a unique history, aspirations, and dreams. Hence the need for Inclusion across all boards for women.
The Show Continues Next Week…
“Khadijat, a 13-year-old in our school at Lola Cater for the Needy Foundation, suddenly stopped coming to school and attending classes, we reached out to find out why a girl has brilliant as Khadijat is no longer coming to school, only to find out that she made that decision to be married off, just like her mates. The girls believed that marriage
for them was a way of escape from chores and an opportunity to attain a level upgrade in their society”.
This is the story of millions of Girls in Nigeria, hence the need to discuss the importance of engaging parents, communities, and stakeholders in efforts to promote girl-child education.
In the 15th episode of the AGGE Radio Show, our special guest, Ololade Ogunnubi gave insights, emphasizing the pressing need for collective investment in educating our girls through community, parents and stakeholders engagement.
Ololade, who is the founder of Lola Cater For The Needy Foundation, stressed that increased awareness and advocacy are the key to ensuring every girl receives the quality education she deserves.
Pen down your thoughts to young Khadijat, as we lend our voices to creating awareness for Girl-Child Education.
Together, we can make a difference!
When we think of women in Africa, let us envision a kaleidoscope of strength, resilience, and diversity. By embracing and amplifying the myriad stories of African women, we contribute to a more inclusive narrative that reflects reality.
