National Institute of Minority Economic Development’s Post

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Building partnerships and networking among collaborators is crucial for fostering trust and establishing lasting relationships. To build enduring relationships, it is important to attend events and conferences, as this way individuals can develop a solid professional network, build credibility within industries, etc. To foster a culture of empowerment and cooperation, it is crucial to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.This not only encourages them, but it also shows our solidarity with helping girls and women. It fosters the notion that we are their allies and are rooting for them. Through these, we continue to establish a solid foundation of trust and support in our communities. In other words🫣, we were at Plan International Nigeria to talk about new potentials we can collaborate on and how we can all work together to make the lives of women and girls better. During the meeting, we outlined the value of women and girls solidarity and togetherness, as well as the strength of cooperating to achieve a common objective. By pooling our skills, expertise, and experiences, we can better reach and solve the issues that girls and women face. We highlighted the opportunities for partnership that will significantly improve the lives of people we aim to empower. We can all work together to give women and girls around the world a better future. Charles Usie Stephen Nyagonde Ajumbi Achegbulu Uko Ekott,(MBA, FCIA, DCILRM, FIMC, CMC) Khalid Kumbuka

On this National Women's Day, let's celebrate the unsung heroines like Thembi from Soweto, who exemplify the strength and resilience of South African women. 🇿🇦💪 Thembi's story - waking at 4 AM, commuting across Johannesburg, working a day job in Sandton, running a side business, and single-handedly raising three children - is a powerful testament to the determination of countless women across our nation. But imagine the heights Thembi and millions like her could reach with proper healthcare and economic support: Access to quality healthcare empowers women to make informed decisions about their bodies and families, directly impacting their ability to pursue education and career goals. When women are healthy, they're more productive, driving economic growth from the ground up - from spaza shops to corporate boardrooms. Investing in women's health and economic opportunities isn't just the right thing to do - it's smart economics. Studies show that when women thrive, entire communities prosper. This Women's Day, let's not only celebrate our sisters' incredible resilience but also commit to creating a South Africa where every woman has the healthcare and opportunities she needs to reach her full potential. From Alexandra to Soweto, our women are the backbone of this nation. It's time we invest in their health and success - for a stronger, more prosperous South Africa for all. Share the story of a local heroine in your community who's making a difference! #NationalWomensDay #WomenEmpowerment #EconomicGrowth #HealthcareForAll #WozaNation Yvonne Motsisi PRISTEM

The Significance of Voices at the Africa Youth Forum @ UN Nairobi Kenya. #YouthForum organized by the Oslo Center, we were privileged to hear from influential speakers including **Kalonzo Musyoka, Issa Timamy, and Dr. Asha Mohammed (Permanent Representative of the IFRC to the African Union in Ethiopia). Their insights and perspectives were not just impactful but also essential in shaping the future of youth engagement across the continent. Dr. Asha Mohammed underscored the importance of: -Strengthening Community Resilience: Preparing communities to better withstand challenges. - Promotion of Public Health: Ensuring that health is prioritized for all. - Community Engagement: Actively involving communities in decision-making processes. - Global Youth Mobilization: Recognizing the youth as a critical asset for global change. Dr. Asha also emphasized the power of Intergenerational Dialogue: - Building a tribeless structure where everyone is heard. - Encouraging reciprocal discussions that benefit all generations. - Creating opportunities for creative dialogues that foster innovation and volunteerism. - Highlighting the tragic loss of over 75 lives during peaceful protests in Kenya, a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by young people for their beliefs. Kalonzo Musyoka pointed out the significant influence of Kenyan Gen Z on movements across Africa, from Nigeria to Bangladesh. He stressed the need for youth participation to be both protected and meaningful in shaping the future. The forum reinforced the critical role of youth in driving change and the necessity of intergenerational collaboration to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Africa. #YouthEngagement #IntergenerationalDialogue #CommunityResilience #PublicHealth #YouthLeadership #AfricaRising #OsloCenter Story By Joseph Silali - Correspondence Africa Bureau For Climate stories-ABOS

Entrepreneurship is a crucial driver of long-term economic development, especially in developing nations facing social challenges and high unemployment. Women, who make up half of the global population, are particularly important in addressing these issues. Supporting women entrepreneurs is effective in promoting sustainable economic growth. Hence the importance of a timely Special Report entitled Women Entrepreneurship in South Africa: What does the future hold? Authored by GEM South Africa researchers Natanya Meyer, Mahsa Samsami and Angus Bowmaker-Falconer, the report notes that despite their potential, women entrepreneurs in South Africa face significant barriers. Women entrepreneurs often allocate more resources to health, education, and community welfare. Attached is the read for your food for thought! Happy Reading!

Symposium to Advance Social Justice and Human Rights of Older Persons in Contemporary Africa ...reflections on Day 1 As a management and social work professional, this symposium struck a chord deep within me. It reminded me of the foundational principles we were taught decades ago: that social work is an empowering profession. At an organisational level at Tafta, we embarked on a journey fueled by a vision of expansion and collaboration. Partnering with Ikamva Labantu in the Western Cape ignited a spark of possibility. I vividly recall our first hesitant conversation, unsure of where it would lead. Yet, two years on, we've conducted research together, shared platforms to disseminate findings, and continue to be inspired by the potential for further achievements. On the panel, I emphasized three words that encapsulate the essence of our mandate: Abundance, Innovation, and Unity. These words may not typically feature in discussions on elder abuse or social justice, but they hold immense significance. In preparing for the discussion, I was struck by the abundance of policies at national, regional, and international levels—a stark contrast to our resource scarcity. This dissonance challenges us to rethink narratives of loss and deprivation and embrace Africa's rich diversity and legacy of innovation. Unity, grounded in the principle of Ubuntu, underscores our interconnectedness and collective responsibility. The pursuit of social justice and human rights cannot be achieved alone; it requires each of us to step into the arena and ask, "How can I contribute to the solution?" Together, let's continue to champion empowerment, collaboration, and a narrative of abundance and unity. Africa's story is one of resilience, innovation, and unity in diversity. Let's rise up and be counted. #SocialJustice #HumanRights #Empowerment #Collaboration #Ubuntu #AfricaRising #Tafta 🌍🤝✨

Join us in congratulating our Director on his recent summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. Leonard Kitoka’s successful climb, proudly carrying the TangaYetu programme’s banner to the top of Africa, reminds us that with dedication and perseverance, we can overcome any challenge, no matter how steep it may seem. TangaYetu is a programme implemented under the ‘OurCity Initiative’ by Fondation Botnar, which aims to support selected cities around the world. Fondation Botnar focuses on leveraging digital technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform cities into places where young people’s wellbeing and opportunities are secured. The initiative collaborates with young people, Tanga City Council, civil societies, policymakers, innovators, and other city champions to nurture wellbeing and opportunity for the citizens of Tanga. Driven by local-level programming, TangaYetu addresses problems caused by urbanization, resulting in young people’s struggle to meet their needs, urban poverty, and social exclusion. Specifically, TangaYetu aims to address four challenges: urbanization, unemployment, capacity for evidence-informed decisions, and access to quality social services. TangaYetu is currently implemented by INNOVEX working together with various partners to create a brighter future for the youth in Tanga.

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The African diaspora is more than a community—it’s a dynamic ecosystem that powers positive change worldwide. 🌍💡 Consider this: 🔹 Cultural Enrichment: Partnering with the diaspora brings cultural richness into organizations, helping them better understand and serve diverse communities. 🔹 Social Impact: Engagement with the diaspora directly supports sustainable development, with remittances to Africa often funding health, education, and infrastructure projects that uplift entire communities. 🔹 Shared Goals: Working with the diaspora fosters a shared vision for economic and social empowerment, creating collaborative pathways for addressing global challenges. Are you looking to make a lasting impact through diaspora engagement? Let’s explore how these partnerships can drive meaningful change. Tag someone who’s passionate about diaspora connections! #SocialImpact #EconomicEmpowerment #SustainableDevelopment #CulturalEnrichment #AfricanDiaspora Ron Reynolds, Ivan Sanchez