Mia Blacklaws’ Post

Had a fantastic conversation on AITnews/The Weekend Show with the incredible host, Andrew Agbo-Madaki, actress and women’s health advocate Ini Dima-Okojie and Sports Presenter, Jimmie Akinsola about the urgent need to empower women and girls in Nigeria. We discussed the importance of creating an environment where women can thrive, make their own choices, and contribute fully to our nation's progress. As Nigeria celebrates a pivotal moment with over 60% female representation at the Olympics, it's clear that investing in women is key to our nation's success. At Gatefield where women make up over 70% of our workforce and management, we’re committed to empowering women and positive change happen. My two takeaways: 1. We need to change the narratives about women and their place in society until we create new norms and entrench gender equality as a society. 2. We need more champions and allies (men and women) demanding and holding leaders accountable for women’s economic opportunities and demanding more seats at the table for women in decision-making. Grateful to WRTHY for making these conversations possible. Watch the full interview here - https://lnkd.in/dwVHHRGn #EmpowerHerGame💪🏾

The United Nations consistently advocates for inclusivity in digital transformation, ensuring no one is left behind. At Zimba Women, we embrace this mission passionately because we believe that digital inclusion is pivotal to unlocking the potential of every woman. How are we translating this belief into action? In Northern Uganda, a region marked by enduring crises and displacement, technology holds promise in aiding the region's recovery and growth. However, women face significant barriers such as the absence of localized content in the local languages and limited awareness of digital tools and opportunities. At Zimba Women, we are committed to overcoming these challenges. In a recent discussion, our CEO Sherifah Tumusiime, alongside Andrew Muhwezi, CEO of Penda Capital delved into our "Her Digital Future" project. This initiative by Uganda Communications Commission focuses on addressing these issues head-on, empowering women through enhanced digital literacy and advancing gender equality in the digital sphere. #GenderDigitalDivide #WomenEmpowerment #DigitalLiteracy #HerDigitalFuture #ZimbaWomen #PendaCapital

Just imagine convincing men why they should participate in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). At The Conflict Lab, we’re taking that conversation a step further. This time, men are leading it. We believe GBV is not a women’s issue—it’s a societal ill that demands our collective attention and action. As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against GBV, we are hosting a conversation led by men on ending GBV. We’re thrilled to introduce our first speaker, Stevelee Mwichigi. Lee is a dynamic communications specialist and a passionate advocate for gender equality in agri-food systems. As the Women Empowerment & Advocacy Officer at AGRA, he plays a pivotal role in driving transformative narratives that empower women and youth across Africa. With his expertise in design and storytelling, Lee has championed initiatives like AGRA’s Generation Africa and VALUE4HER, promoting sustainable opportunities for women and youth. His dedication to inclusivity and equity is shaping a resilient and inclusive future for Africa’s agri-food systems. 📅 Date: 10/12/2024 🕒 Time: 5pm WAT 📍 Platform: Zoom 💡 Register here: https://lnkd.in/eai6BJMu This is not about inclusion; it’s about leadership. Men will guide this conversation, share their perspectives, and show how they can take the lead in challenging norms, fostering equity, and driving change. We are expecting a cross-section of male and female participants to join the discussion and add their voices to this crucial dialogue. Together, we can change the narrative and build a safer, more equitable world. #MenLeadingTheTalks #EndGBV #16DaysOfActivism Sonke Gender Justice UN Women FEMNET - African Women's Development and Communication Network Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa Women's International League for Peace and Freedom - WILPF Reach Out Cameroon Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung | Global Unit for Feminism and Gender Democracy

"Empowering Women: A Path to Equality" In Pakistan, grassroots organizations are transforming the lives of women by tackling issues of gender-based violence, economic inequality, and limited access to justice. Across Pakistan, organizations like the Aurat Foundation, Shirkat Gah, and others are playing a critical role in advancing women’s rights. From providing legal aid and vocational training to raising awareness on critical issues, these NGOs are empowering women to break free from cycles of violence and oppression. Take the story of Uzma Bibi, a survivor of domestic violence who found support through these organizations. Today, she runs her own tailoring business and is an active advocate for women’s rights. Her journey is a testament to the power of community-driven efforts and the importance of economic empowerment in helping women reclaim their lives. While progress has been made, the fight for gender equality in Pakistan continues. Legal reforms alone aren’t enough; societal attitudes must shift to ensure lasting change. Explore how grassroots movements are driving change for women in Pakistan and paving the way for a more equitable future: https://lnkd.in/dsYvu-5J #WomensEmpowerment #NGOsInPakistan #GenderEquality #WomensRights #FeminismInPakistan #SocialChange #WomenEmpowerment #MarketMosaic

WIN (Women Impacting Nigeria) is driving change by empowering women and creating opportunities that uplift communities. Through targeted initiatives, WIN is addressing critical issues like gender inequality, economic barriers, and access to education, ensuring women can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society. From leadership programs to grassroots development, WIN’s efforts are building a foundation for sustainable progress. By equipping women with the tools and resources they need, we are shaping a future where their voices are heard, their skills are valued, and their potential is fully realized. The impact of WIN’s work goes beyond individual success—it transforms families, industries, and entire communities. With every milestone, WIN continues to inspire a world where equality, empowerment, and innovation lead the way. #WomenImpactingNigeria #WIN #WINImpact #WomenEmpowerment #ChangeMakers #GenderEquality #SocialChange #EmpowerHer #EqualOpportunitiesForHer #Innovation

“Women’s empowerment” – what does it mean to you? Women’s empowerment is a fundamental human right, which gives women agency over their lives, bodies, choices and development. Empowering women means equipping them with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to make their own decisions. Immersing ourselves in their communities allows us to better understand the obstacles women face. Through this approach, we can pinpoint areas in which they need to be empowered and pour resources into initiatives that support that goal. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UN SDG) 5 aims for Gender Equality. The UN hopes to end all forms of discrimination against women and girls, end all forms of violence against women and girls, and ensure equal opportunities for leadership at all levels, including in the political, economic and public sphere. You can read their full list of goals here: https://lnkd.in/er7bEWi GVI is aligned with this goal, and has taken it into account with all of our programs linked to women’s empowerment. How can you contribute to the empowerment of women and girls? Here are some ideas: - Invest in women-run businesses. - Educate yourself by learning more about the issues that affect women and girls. - Practice inclusivity at work – make sure you’re bringing women into the conversation, giving them equal employment and leadership opportunities. - Participate in initiatives like GVI’s women’s empowerment volunteering program in Tanzania: https://lnkd.in/dtB9Se8G Supporting women’s empowerment can have long-lasting positive effects on individuals and their communities. What steps will you take today to empower women? #womensempowerment #womensrights #genderequality #genderinclusivity

I had the privilege of meeting elected leaders at the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) on developing a sustainable wage employment referral model for vulnerable women and enhancing services for rural women entrepreneurs. The discussion focused on three guiding principles: financial sustainability beyond the project period, scalability, and replicability. There were breakthroughs on practically enabling labour market transitions for vulnerable women through local collaboration with municipalities, one-stop crisis management centers, and other stakeholders. FNCCI also reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Women Entrepreneurship Facilitation Centres within municipalities, aligning with the National Gender Equality Policy, and identified ways to expand dedicated support for rural women entrepreneurs through its chambers. Co-creating solutions with private sector to promote women's economic empowerment is one of the core elements of our work under EU UN joint Empowered Women Prosperous Nepal programme. #EmpoweringWomen #SustainableEmployment #Entrepreneurship

🌟 Empowering Women in Business Across Borders! 🛩 🌍 Join us as we extend our commitment to uplifting women entrepreneurs beyond South Africa’s borders. The 12th Annual Finite Magazine Women Appreciation Awards brings you a Women Empowerment Seminar on the 23rd of August 2024, themed "Invest in Women | Accelerate Progress." This event will focus on unlocking opportunities for women in business through public-private partnerships. 💡 Mandisa Nkwanyana (PD) SA, our esteemed President of the Businesswomen’s Association of South Africa (BWASA), will lead a compelling discussion on what Lesotho can learn from South Africa’s experience in empowering women in business. This is a not-to-miss opportunity for those passionate about fostering growth, development, and gender equality in business. 🛫 Mandisa Nkwanyana (PD) SA's participation underscores BWASA’s commitment to fostering growth and creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs across Africa. Her insights will focus on what Lesotho can learn from South Africa’s experiences in promoting public-private partnerships that accelerate progress for women in business. 🎤 🔗 Proudly sponsored by BAM Group Foundation. Free Entrance | Empowering Women to Build Stronger Economies #WomenInBusiness #Empowerment #Leadership #WomenEntrepreneurs #BWASA #Lesotho #InvestInWomen #AccelerateProgress

As the world unites for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, we amplify our voices to address one of the most pressing crises in Kenya—femicide. Every woman deserves to live a life free of violence, fear, and discrimination. Yet, countless women in urban slums face daily threats to their safety and dignity. At Kutoka Urban Slums Initiative, we are committed to driving systemic change through advocacy, community engagement, and policy action. Femicide is not just a statistic, it’s a reminder of the inequalities embedded in our society. Together, lets confront harmful norms and create safer spaces for women and girls. Through programs focusing on civic education, empowerment, and peacebuilding, we aim to uplift vulnerable communities and champion gender equality. Let’s stand in solidarity! This #16DaysOfActivism, let’s be the change-makers in our communities. Together, we can build a Kenya where every life is valued, respected, and protected. #StopFemicide #GenderEquality #16DaysOfActivism #KutokaUrbanSlumsInitiative #EndGBV

On this International Day of Rural Women, we honour the women at the heart of Bangladesh’s development. Despite facing countless challenges—extreme poverty, lack of access to resources, and unpaid labour—they continue to drive change. Ashish Damle, Country Director, Oxfam in Bangladesh, highlights the vital role of rural women in sustaining agriculture, food security, and building resilience. At Oxfam, we stand by these women who are the backbone of Bangladesh. Let’s amplify their impact, advocate for their rights, and ensure they have access to the opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build an equal future where gender equality empowers rural women to thrive as leaders in their communities and beyond. #RuralWomen