Kodris Africa’s Post

I am thrilled to share that I have been selected as an Women Who Win Africa audacity conference delegate under the theme “CLOSING THE GENDER REPRESENTATION IN NATION BUILDING” This great opportunity comes to connect young activists and human rights advocates like me and equip us with a number of objectives that is not limited to; > Equip young women with actionable skills and knowledge in leadership, entrepreneurship, social impact, and policy advocacy. > Facilitate a platform for networking among young African women and experienced women leaders, creating mentorship opportunities and fostering collaborative connections. > Promote active engagement of young women in local and regional development processes, emphasizing their role as agents of positive transformation across Africa. > Address gender specific challenges that African women face in various fields and discuss practical ways to overcome them, ensuring an inclusive path to success. > Empower attendees to take a proactive stance in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and in influencing African policies to promote gender equality and inclusivity. Women delegates will inspire participants by sharing their stories of resilience, growth, and impact, setting a powerful example of what young women can achieve. We will as well will discuss pathways to influence policy, break down barriers, and promote gender equity and inclusivity in African societies.✊🏾 #africanwomanaudacicmtyconference Women Who Win Women Power Africa UNWomen Wwk WomenRising, Inc. Womenrights Ltd Womenrights advocacy initiative

What can you do differently this year to #inspire inclusion in your immediate environment? Inclusion isn't about allowing the "underdog" to "breathe". It is a needed strategy for growth and development in organizations and societies. No development effort can be sustained without it. It's great that we have so many women to look up to in Nigeria. Women who have, not only lived exemplary lives, breaking grounds that were considered exclusive to men; but also gone further to champion women empowerment programs and lead campaigns advocating for the socio-economic development of the girl child and the female gender at large. We celebrate you all. I urge all women to follow this path or create similar pathways; not just wait for others to do the needful. Happy International Women's Day! #Inspire inclusion #Investing in women: accelerate progress.

RevUp Women Initiative Grants $100,000 to Propel Female African Entrepreneurs. The RevUp Women Initiative has awarded $100,000 in grants to 10 outstanding businesswomen. The initiative, dedicated to fostering gender equality and economic growth, culminated in a prestigious business showcase, during which each entrepreneur was bestowed with a $10,000 grant. The RevUp Women Initiative, in collaboration with AfriLabs and the Visa Foundation, orchestrated the event, underscoring its commitment to equipping women with essential resources, mentorship, and training to thrive in the business landscape. The initiative's mission is to uplift individual entrepreneurs and catalyze broader economic development across the continent. Among the winners were visionary entrepreneurs representing diverse sectors and originating from various African nations. From Nigeria's Baby Grubz and Queen Amina Medical Integration to Kenya's Ecokud and Ziada, Cameroon's WaziEats and V's VitaLife, the recipients showcased the rich tapestry of entrepreneurial talent across Africa. Nanko Madu, AfriLabs' director of programs, emphasized the strategic imperative of investing in women as drivers of economic progress. Recognizing the pivotal role of women in fostering inclusive growth, the initiative underscores the imperative of harnessing their potential for sustained economic development. #RevUpWomen #Entrepreneurship #GrantProgram #FemaleEntrepreneurs #AfricanBusiness #EconomicGrowth #GenderEquality #BusinessShowcase

"When Agbowo and Liberation Alliance Africa collaborated to host the Arts and Women event in March, the conversations explored points of intersection on womanhood: Who is a woman? How does a woman represent the self and her embodiment of humanity in a society that constantly attempts to relegate, shame, and define her as less-than? What does it mean to navigate a world that has politicised womanhood for capitalist extraction of labour? What does diversity mean in the context of being woman and feminine? How do women remain authentic and relevant in the face of patriarchal expectations of “good womanness”? What does representation look like in daily life, in the arts, politics, and leadership? While hetero-patriarchal capitalist structures continue to demand the subjugation of women, conversations and organising like this one, at the Arts and Women event, contribute to the resistance, and promote women as worthy of respect, dignity, humanity, and rest. Safe spaces for women to share experiences and deliberate on ways to liberate themselves foster solidarity and bolster our dream of collective liberation." Thanks to Open Country Mag for publishing this joint article by Agbowó and Liberation Alliance Africa which shares highlights from conversations at the Arts and Women event earlier this year.

Due to the lack of scholarship funding, I won’t be able to make it to #LeadershipSawubona organized by Akina Mama wa Afrika in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 1st November 2024. This funding gap continues to highlight the challenges we, as young African feminists, face in accessing platforms that amplify our voices. However, I am fiercely committed to the cause. Here's a glimpse of what I would have shared in my workshop titled “Empowering Tomorrow: Youth-Led Movements Shaping African Democracy" What is the issue? Across Africa, young people are driving a new wave of political activism. However, authoritarianism continues to undermine democracy, limiting civic engagement, and silencing marginalized voices—especially young women. This is more than just a political crisis; it's a human rights issue that stifles progress and innovation across the continent. How is it playing out? We are witnessing a rise in oppressive regimes that restrict free speech, limit electoral integrity, and perpetuate inequality; eg, the Anti-rights & Anti-gender movements. Youth, particularly women, are often excluded from decision-making spaces. But despite these challenges, youth-led movements are gaining momentum, refusing to be silenced. From grassroots advocacy to social media campaigns, young leaders are pushing back against authorities, demanding inclusion, and driving reforms. Proposed Solutions: To effectively counter authoritarianism and shape a more inclusive democracy, we need to equip young activists with the skills and tools they need to succeed. This workshop would provide hands-on strategies, from using digital platforms for mobilization to building cross-sectoral alliances. By learning from successful youth-led initiatives across Africa, participants would gain practical insights into driving social and political change. More importantly, this workshop aimed to create a space for young leaders to connect, collaborate, and build sustainable movements. Let’s continue to foster a generation of activists capable of challenging entrenched power structures and amplifying marginalized voices, particularly those of women. This is not just about reshaping governance; it’s about ensuring that Africa’s future is built on the principles of equality, inclusion, and justice. Thank you for taking the time to watch & listen to my ideas in the almost 3-minute video🙏🏾🥰. Make Every Woman Count FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Futurelect UN Women Tanzania Gender Networking Programme (TGNP) Mzalendo Trust Eunice Musiime Sharon Eryenyu Chimwemwe A. Fabiano Akina Mama wa Afrika International IDEA #LeadershipSawubona #YouthLeadership #AfricanDemocracy #FeministLeadership #YouthActivism #HumanRights #GenderEquality #Inclusion #SocialChange #Empowerment #DigitalActivism #CivicEngagement #WomenInLeadership #AmplifyVoices #FutureLeaders #EqualityAndJustice

March Is Women’s History Month; How Can We do More to Support Africa’s Women in Business?

🌍 Today, we celebrate International Day of the Girl, a day to not only recognise the challenges girls face globally but also to acknowledge their resilience and proactive efforts to achieve their “vision for the future”. At HII, we are dedicated to supporting organisations in generating evidence to better understand these challenges, developing solutions that uphold girls’ rights, and ensuring they have access to the resources and opportunities necessary to realise their potential. Siobhán Foran, HII’s Lead on Diversity and Inclusion, emphasises the importance of moving beyond the tendency to view women and girls as a homogeneous group. At HII, we take a holistic approach, applying a gender lens that considers the full person and the unique experiences of each girl, particularly as they stand on the threshold of their future. Our research in the Middle East and North Africa highlighted a transformative learning model that equips young girls—future women leaders—with training to build their knowledge, skills, confidence, and networks. Through engagement with local politicians and community leaders, these girls are prepared to raise their voices and advocate for the future they envision. #InternationalDayoftheGirl #GirlsRights #DiversityandInclusion #LeadershipDevelopment #GenderEquality #HII

Today, we celebrate the power and potential of girls around the world on this International Day of the Girl! This year’s theme emphasizes the critical importance of amplifying girls' voices in shaping a sustainable future. While progress has been made, we must take intentional steps to ensure girls not only have opportunities but also the meaningful engagement they deserve—moving beyond tokenism to genuine participation. At SAEDI Consulting, we are committed to empowering girls by actively involving them in our Stakeholder Engagement Activities, collaborating with women and girl-focused civil society organizations globally. We believe that addressing the gendered needs of girls is essential to designing and implementing key development projects worldwide—tackling critical issues such as period poverty and food insecurity that many girls face. We see girls not only as leaders of tomorrow but as active, participating members of their communities today. Together, we must stand side by side with girls, championing their rights and ensuring their voices guide us toward a brighter, more equitable future! 💪💚 #InternationalDayoftheGirl #EmpowerGirls #SustainableFuture #GirlsVoicesMatter #SAEDIconsulting #GirlLeaders2024

As the Founder and Executive Director of Lead Girls Africa, I've witnessed firsthand the pervasive impact of gender stereotypes on the aspirations and achievements of young girls and women across our continent. These stereotypes, deeply ingrained in our cultures and societies, often dictate what girls and women can and cannot do, hindering their potential and stifling their dreams. I vividly remember my dad denying my kid sister from going to college after primary school because she was this girl who wasn't getting the good grades in primary school. Gender stereotypes are not just harmful; they are limiting. They tell young girls that their place is only in the home, that certain professions are not for them, and that their voices are less valuable. These narratives create invisible barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential and contributing meaningfully to our economies and communities. At Lead Girls Africa, we are dedicated to shattering these stereotypes. Through our programs, we empower girls with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to defy these limiting beliefs and pursue their ambitions fearlessly. We foster environments where girls can see and be inspired by female leaders in various fields, showing them that they too can break through any glass ceiling. It's time for us all to challenge and change the narratives around gender. We must encourage our daughters, sisters, to own their dreams and ambitions. It's important we let them know that they are Possible. #rahelrandy #leadgirlsafrica #genderequality

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Africa 🌍 Women entrepreneurs are transforming innovation and community development in Africa. They often target underserved markets, create tailored solutions, and reinvest profits locally, strengthening their communities. A prime example is the RevUp Women Initiative, which has awarded US$100,000 in grant funding to 10 female African entrepreneurs. This initiative is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs across Africa through mentorship, training, and access to resources. By providing the necessary support, RevUp Women helps women start and grow successful businesses, driving economic growth and fostering gender equality. To help more women thrive, we need to increase funding access by providing special funds and investors focused on women-owned businesses through public-private partnerships and impact investors. Support systems are essential, connecting experienced business leaders with female entrepreneurs for mentorship and guidance while offering training in finance, marketing, and business strategy. Policy and regulatory reform is also crucial. Enacting policies that promote gender equality, facilitate access to finance, and provide childcare options can create a more level playing field. I believe that Investing in female entrepreneurs is not just a social good; it’s a strategic economic driver. Recognizing their potential and providing support will help them shape Africa’s prosperous future. #Africa #Women #Entrepreneur #Empowerment