SW-ISSUE_1

ISSUE 1|2017

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ISSUE 1|2017

PUBLISHER Founder’s note
Women4Africa
YOU ARE THAT ‘SOLID WOMAN’
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jane Okafor Dereave Welcome to the first ‘Solid Woman’ conference and
Monica Alabi what can I say but that I am always excited to
Mercy Kudakwashe start something that I know will elevate women
Sam Onigbanjo to higher heights.
Kemi Tomide-Johnson
‘The Solid Woman’ is the empowerment arm of Wome-
PICTURES n4Africa. Apart from the Conference which will hold every
Supplied by writers year in the month of March to mark International Women’s
Month, we will also run a number of exciting campaigns
CONTACT US and competitions for you to take part in and be a part of
[email protected] something great that will go on to affect generations to
come.
WE ARE SOCIAL
Twitter: @thesolidwoman For today, I just want you to enjoy the conference and ab-
Instagram: @thesolidwoman sorb all that inspires, motivates and encourages you. If you
Facebook: The Solid Woman hear anything you like, please tweet us or comment on
www.thesolidwoman.com Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #TheSolidWom-
anConference2017 or #TSWConf2017.

I’ll leave you for now but do remember ‘Have no desire
to be anything else but YOU because YOU are a Solid
Woman’.

Tola Onigbanjo

Founder The Solid Woman
Co-founder Women4Africa

Cover Design and Page Layout by Kenteba Kreations

2| ISSUE 1|2017

Speakers

Dr Fiona Bartels-Ellis OBE is Global Head of the law, diversity, education and healthcare, is a regular media
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at the British commentator, a keen fundraiser for various charities (including
Council, the UK’s principal cultural relations Cancer Research UK) and has twice served as school governor
organisation. In this role she sets and drives and as a board director. She recently founded the Akindolie
the strategic direction of diversity across the Medical Scholarship in memory of her father, Dr. Frank Olufemi
organisation’s offices in 110 countries and Akindolie. This is a privately funded bursary and leadership
territories based on an applied tools informed by international mentoring initiative aimed at supporting future doctors from a
experience. This and the UK’s approach are frequently shared with minority ethnic background.
a wide range of external international contacts and stakeholders
including government ministries, NGOs and the private sector. As Funke was honoured with a ‘Point of Light’ award by the UK Prime
a lifelong learner her qualifications include diplomas in advanced Minister and the UK Cabinet Office for outstanding voluntary work
social work and in counselling, a certificate in Mediation, a post in October 2016, recognizing the positive impact of her voluntary
graduate Certificate in Higher Education, an M.Phil in Social diversity work in improving workplace diversity and supporting the
Policy and a Doctorate in Professional Studies. Fiona is a member next generation.
of Higher Education Academy, Enfield Race Equality Council, The
Camden Society, Amnesty International and the Premier League’s HRH Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin
Equality Standard Panel and a trustee of the African Gifted is a Graduate of Journalism & Communication
Foundation. In 2002 Fiona received a Mainstreaming Diversity Arts. She is a Broadcaster & Media Specialist
Award from the European Federation of Black Women Business and Grand Daughter of a Nigerian Monarch.
Owners and in June 2005 an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Trustee Chair & Official Spokesperson, Girl
Honours for her work. In 2009 she received the ORC Worldwide Child Network Worldwide (GCNW).
Equality and Diversity Champions Award. She was named in the In 2006, She Created her own TV Talk-Show Platform ‘PRINCESS
2014, 2015 and 2017 Power Lists of Britain’s most influential OF ARIZE!’ which she effectively uses for her roles in Community
black people and the 2015 Women to Watch USA Profiles in Development, Nation Building, Communication & Media,
Diversity list. Leadership, Mentorship, Empowerment etc within the African
Community & wider UK Society, across Europe, Africa and the
Funke Abimbola FRSA is a solicitor and Globe.
senior leader for the world’s largest biotech Starting her career in 1975 at the tender age of 17yrs with
company. She is currently the most senior black Nigerian Television Authority Lagos; September 2014 marked 40
lawyer working within the UK’s pharmaceutical years of Princess Moradeun’s Career as a Broadcaster & Media
industry and one of the most senior globally. Industry Professional. Over the years, she has been recipient
She has been recognised by the Financial of Numerous National & International Awards plus Special
Times as being one of the top 20 BAME leaders across the UK, Recognitions, for her Efforts, Contributions & Achievements.
Ireland and US (UPStanding100 2016 Powerlist). Princess Moradeun worked in the Music Industry Managing Artists
for over 20yrs; she is also a talented Actress of Stage, TV &
A multi award winning solicitor and diversity leader, she has Film. She is a Prolific Writer, Analyst & Commentator on Social
received both national and international recognition for both her and Political Matters. She is also particular about Ethics, Etiquette,
legal and diversity work. Amongst other awards, she won Career Cultural Values & how one’s carriage.
Woman of the Year at the 2015 Women4Africa awards and Princess Moradeun and her Husband reside with their Children, in
received a UK Recognition award in 2016. the Suburbs of Surrey, United Kingdom.

She is a Committee member of a House of Lords-based diversity |3ISSUE 1|2017
recruitment drive and is also part of the BBC’s volunteer team of
world news reviewers, appearing regularly on BBC 1 and BBC
World News.

Funke is a proud working mother juggling the demands of career
and home. An expert mentor and sponsor, she is passionate about

Anne Ogunlesi, LLB, is a law graduate, an award presented at the House of Commons in recognition of
Economist, teacher and a trained therapeutic her work with children and young people in the United Kingdom.
counsellor. Despite her academic achievements, Kathi is an accomplished speaker who is often called on to speak
nothing on earth could have prepared her for about a range of subjects to very varied audiences. She has
what young love, fate and chance ordeal had contributed to a number of books, the including “Reflections on
in store for her. Thirty three and still standing is Nelson Mandela Icon of Peace” and has been a regular panellist
Anne’s resurrection story. How on earth does a 20+ year old lady on the Arise News TV channel.
live, love and hope again after own husband stabs her 33 times
and leaves her for dead. Anne’s life is a story of a second chance. Amara Kanu is a creative entrepreneur she
Anne, is the Author of 33 and still standing (To be released in leverages her qualifications in Architecture
summer 2017) A book that will move the coldest heart to tears….. and Entrepreneurial Management to channel
As you read the final chapters in this book you can not but wonder her unique brand into a true lifestyle product.
if Anne is actually a miracle, and more importantly if the same A fitness enthusiast, Amara has an impressive
miraculous turn around can happen in your life. social media following and is an inspirational
Anne, the ordinary woman on your street will share on how what coach to women around the globe on achieving healthier lifestyles
was termed a write off of a life can become your best life ever. through exercise, nutrition and lifestyle choices.
#Thesolidwoman Amara, has recently, completed her first Book, which includes her
11 tips for staying fit and healthy.
Kathi Scott is the Executive Director of the
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK and the A dedicated wife and mother of 3 children, Amara has a client
Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital Project base of parents she works with. Amara also shares insights on
for Europe. She helped establish the UK raising confident children, achieving work/life balance and
office of NMCF UK in 1996 and has steered management of the home. Amara’s positive energy, drive and
its extensive contribution to the work of the determination are what keeps her at the top of her game. She is
Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund since then. With a background always keen to connect and help, motivate and support others.
in media, sports management and development, Kathi is also a She is the creator of the fitness strategy HIIT® (high intensity
volunteer and mentor for a number of UK charitable organisations. interval) training workouts that will target your belly and thighs
She is a passionate supporter of the Integrated Education Fund in areas to make you look and feel your best possible self.
Northern Ireland and the MissDorothy.com Learning Programme. Amara insists that Women must enjoy Life #Thesolidwoman
In 2007 Kathi was named as a Kids Taskforce Champion with

4| ISSUE 1|2017

#BeBoldForChange

Take control of your destiny

Jane Okafor

Lusaka, Zambia

Igrew up believing that and self-confidence. challenges misconceptions about disability”. My question now is
I was not good enough if Anne could overcome the challenges that life gave her and be
and would not amount to the solid woman she is today, what is stopping YOU?
much! Don’t get me wrong
my parents loved me and Many of us, after experiencing setbacks and failures, emotionally
provided me with the basic give up and stop trying. We begin to believe that because we
necessities on life but they were unsuccessful in the past, we will always be unsuccessful and
failed to prepare me to see we unknowingly create barriers in our heads, even when no ‘real’
what a cruel place the world barrier exists between where we are and where we want to go.
is and to arm me with the Retracing our step and not being afraid to go back to the basics
most important necessity of is the first stage to breaking this barrier.
life, which is to have courage
We can all agree that life can be unfair and can be very partial
You see I was born without complications but due to being but being determined is one of the attributes of success. so my
administered an expired batch of injections i ended up contracting message today is in light with the International Women’s Day
Polio and could not walk for the first 2 years of my life and I 2017 campaign theme: #beboldforchange. Forget about where
grew up being teased and made fun of because I had a bad you are coming from, forget that business that went belly up, forget
limp. I was told that I would never get married and should be that idea that did not pan out, forget that relationship or marriage
content with step children! But fast forward 27 years later. I am that ended up badly but look forward and take control of your
a solid married woman, mother to three children and have being destiny.
able to achieve things that society made me believe that I could
not achieve because I was a polio survivor. I completed my first The poem invictus by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY comes to mind:
marathon in tears and pain, as I approached the finish line, i
was asking myself how did this happen to me ??? The answer Out of the night that covers me,
is simple: at a point in my life I just stopped talking NO for an Black as the pit from pole to pole,
answer or waiting for destiny. You see I am true believer that I thank whatever gods may be
our destiny is not cast on stone but can be changed if we are For my unconquerable soul.
determined to never give up and to keep trying.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I recently became privileged to become Facebook friends with I have not winced nor cried aloud.
a truly inspiring lady, Anne Wafula who contracted polio at the Under the bludgeonings of chance
age of 2 and decided to play the cards that life dealt her by My head is bloody, but unbowed.
embracing disability and refusing to be restricted to what she
could or could not do! “Anne Wafula Strike MBE, provides a Beyond this place of wrath and tears
perfect example of courage, commitment and determination that Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,
I am the captain of my soul.

|5ISSUE 1|2017

6| ISSUE 1|2017

LIVING
THE

DREAM

By Mercy Kudakwashe

Iam an International Makeup Expert with over 10 years’
experience who specialises in On - Location Bridal and Beauty
Makeup. I’m Zimbabwean but now European based. I grew
up loving anything to do with beauty, I even remember coming
up with different names for my Beauty Salon at age 14! I studied
Marketing but still dreamt of becoming a makeup artist some day
and here we are.

After professionally training in Fashion, Photography, Film and
Television Makeup as well as Special Effects. I became Assistant
Counter Manager for Lancome Cosmetics for nearly two years.
During that period I continued to expand my knowledge in
beauty and obtained became qualified in AestheticTreatments,
Acrylic Nails, Eyelash Extention and also trained to be an HD
Brows Stylist.

I continued to be blessed and worked my way up to becoming
the 1st Black Studio Manager for Bobbi Brown Cosmetics in the
Uk and Ireland a position I held for 7 years .I educated myself
as I perfected my craft and God bestowed the privilege to attend
Master Classes and receive extra training from Bobbi Brown
herself in London, a hands on experience not many have had!
Working for two of the top “ Go to” brands in the Beauty Industry
gave me creative makeup skills and extensive knowledge which
allowed me to have the confidence to set up my own Makeup
Studio Miss Mercy Makeup Artistry where my team and I provide
an awesome service.

Some of my career highlights include being the Chief Makeup
Artist in Uganda, Kampala for a movie project written and directed
by the CEO of Londonollywood Nelson Spyk starring some of
Ugandas biggest stars Abbey Mukiibi well known for his famous
role in The Last King Of Scotland. I have had an Amazing journey
following my dream. From winning the Women4Africa Makeup
Artist Of The Year Award , Divas Of Colour Diva Makeup artist
Of the Year Award and The True African Heritage Entrepreneur
Of The Year Award.

Every day I wake up and get to do something which I love with a
Passion. When a person comes to my studio for a One on One
makeup lesson or a makeover, I feel alive. Then seeing them look
in the mirror and fall in love with themselves all over again, makes
my job heaven sent. My approach to makeup is about enhancing
a client ‘s features, I believe we are all beautiful so why not have
fun with your looks.

If you have any questions or like to chit chat about this you can visit
my website www.callmercy.com or facebook page Callmercy
Dotcom.

|7ISSUE 1|2017

WomanThe Solid
2 017

Before I started writing this article, I thought of all the Women • Financial freedom: The Solid woman must remember
I know who would read this and curiously wonder what I it’s never too late to start to become financially free firm
was going to write. So I thought that I should start with really and stable. She must remember that even if she doesn’t
understanding the concept “The Solid Woman.” meet this goal, it’s not mandatory to be financially
freedom (But it is wonderful). Financial freedom is a result
Here is what Google says about these two words: of effectively transforming and communicating a plan
Solid “firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid” and from dream to reality. Although we must all remember
Woman “A woman is a female human; that is, of the species no matter how much we plan sometimes people and
Homo sapiens. The term woman is usually reserved for an adult. things just don’t work out. This said, financial freedom
at the least liberates you from compulsive attendance at
With these definitions as an outline, I thought of the following as work. Financial freedom for the Solid woman means you
a value adding gift to this conference. can invest your time in Relationships/Family/Personal
dreams.
From 25 to 65 most Solid women will spend their lives in one or
more of these five areas: • Fulfilment/Reproduction: I have chosen these words
deliberately as they are feature words as opposed to
• Income ready: Finishing degrees, apprenticeships, or true definitions. Fulfilment occurs when you start to meet
deciding and switching career paths. A Solid woman your lifetime goals, raising a great family, developing
must remember she has to remain “Firm and Stable” as an a legacy project or business, changing a course in life.
equal to anyone else in higher learning or employment. Reproduction, otherwise known as mentoring, helping
Part of this is exercising your minds with new Information, other young or older people become firm and stable.
networks and embedding Stable goals. The Solid The Solid woman will help them apply energy and
woman must not be flaky and indecisive she must go external wisdom to reach goals or dreams faster. Even
toe to toe with older women and Men, not behaving as she gracefully passes the 65-year mark.
like them but she must glow with an internal fortitude of
100% peaking self-confidence. I always tell members of
my coaching academy Self-confidence is not the same
as arrogance, rudeness or self-centeredness. It simply Over 70% of my clients in 2016 were women. All these women
means you have goals and you will firmly stick by them were either interested in or already rapidly growing as leaders
with or without external validation. and business owners.

• Engaging in Employment/Enterprise: A Solid woman The number one challenge, most women, faced that came through
has a plan, she knows that employment/enterprise must my doors was Insufficient Self Confidence. I say insufficient
provide sufficient Income but is not only about Income. because they already had demonstrated confidence as Parents,
Interpersonal skills, meeting new people, being a managers and business owners. Despite these achievements
blessing and helping other people, learning, improving and knowing what to do for the next level. They still had internal
existing systems and developing yourself/mentoring doubts and doses of unbelief in themselves. Truth be told everyone
others are all part and parcel of employment/enterprise. including the most successful of men have doubts as well, we just
To keep climbing that ladder, the Solid woman must be learn how to deal with them.
able to effectively communicate this goal to herself first
then to her immediate network, so they understand her So, today, I am hoping people will find this article worthy of their
journey and end goal. time and not a waste of time (smile), but hey I choose to knock that
on the head and forward this to the editor to publish.
• Relationships/Family: The Solid woman will develop
herself as a superb communicator. This is not the same Sam Onigbanjo
as a woman that talks all the time, or forever wants Author 37 Business Thoughts
to repeat or express her concerns The Solid woman CEO
must “Firmly” adopt the slogan “People first” the people Great Business Platforms
in her life, her children her husband, her parents, her www.greatbusinessplatforms.com
valued network. I must say that in my opinion, this is the
most important and “Stable” of all the Solid woman’s
achievements, although it is not always the most urgent
or pressing(as life has a way of making financial pressure
a priority)

8| ISSUE 1|2017

WomanThe Solid
and her health

By Monica Alabi The relationships nurtured and allowed to thrive will affect your
mind. Seek out and nurture relationships with people who make
Asolid woman lives life with no excuses, apologies or you better with every interaction.
constraints. It is a good time to be a woman in many parts
of the world. We do not forget the regions where women Spirituality is affected but not limited to religion/faith. Maintaining
are limited in their aspirations and bound by societal expectations. perfect spiritual balance is a personal pursuit however periods of
We commend all th e men and women working to ensure that the quiet (meditation), prayer or fellowship with people of like beliefs
rhetoric changes. helps.

We are able to be more and to do more. However in doing more Exercise is the most important way to keep the body in balance.
it is important to remember to keep the mind, spirit and body in Just like keeping the mind and the spirit in balance, keeping the
balance. body healthy requires discipline. There is no easy fix.
The good news is that, there is bound to be a form of exercise that
Being out of balance can have devastating effects on health; a appeals to one’s unique requirements. Exercise varies from high
solid woman is vigilant to any disruption. impact to low impact, cardio to weights and so on.
Whatever you do, keep an eye on your calorie input (food,
The mind needs to be fed wholesome information. Reading or snacks) and output (exercise).
listening to material that improve your knowledge and build your Keeping the body in balance also means knowing when to seek
self-esteem and sense of purpose is crucial. medical advice, get your health checks and to comply with all
There are endless sources and obtaining relevant material is now medicines prescribed.
at the tap of a screen.
Now is a good time to re-evaluate how solid you are. Do more.
Be more. Have fun!

|9ISSUE 1|2017

The Chord of Tomorrow

Kemi Tomide-Johnson aka Kemi Klimax

When families do great, societies excel this will impact and poor. The elements we need to build a peaceful society void
on our nation and the global society. The concept of of hates and war where we can all live in peace and harmony.
good family is essential to good global societies. There is too much loneliness and conflict in our world as a
result of family breakdowns. The world is at war because family
Human beings love interaction, playing, working, making families. units are at war within their households. Children are growing
We always have relations, very pure and precious things that into dysfunctional adults because of lack of parental love and
cannot be replaced by computers or technology. Family units are mentoring by significant adults thereby making the societies a
a special gift from God, with every link interwoven to the next breeding ground for crimes and hates.
family, creating a big society.
The future lies with the family. The family is a necessary good
The real meaning of family is in the feeling of love, care, affection, for the nation, an essential foundation for the society. It is an
responsibility and kindness we share with the loved ones. The irreplaceable good for children, who ought to be the fruit of love,
family is about togetherness, trust and love. The family is a haven, of the total and generous gift of self of the parents. Proclaiming
where love can be expressed at its best. It is a unit where young the whole truth about the family, the sanctuary of life is a great
one’s look up to elders. Where elders share their love and responsibility for all and it my earnest dream and desire that one
affection. In a family unit problems are shared with the entire day, the family units will be great again in unity and love standing
family. The family unit is the first school in which a child receives as the bedrock of love to our society and the world.
the basic values of life. The morals and values learnt in the family
become our guiding force. They make our character; they lay the
foundation of our thinking. In the family there is always love for
the relationships without any prejudice and differentiation of rich

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ISSUE1|2017 |11

Highly Fabulous Women is a vibrant,
compassionate, supportive and powerful
international network created and
founded by Patricia Benjamin of London,
UK. It is a network for the woman who
has decided finally to take control of her
life, having realised that if she doesn’t,
then somebody else will; the woman who
wants to write her own life story instead
of having someone else write it for her.
Patricia saw the need for women to receive
support both practically and spiritually as
they strived for their goals. She also saw
women who had put their dreams on hold
or who had even seen their dreams die.
She felt a deep need to let them know that
their dreams could live again, and they
also had the power inside themselves to
dream a new dream, one that didn’t need
to die. For Patricia, its imperative to give
support to other women as you stand in
your own truth and in your own purpose;
and this essence is at the core of Highly

Fabulous Women.

WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP #MOREWOMENLEADERS

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ISSUE 1|2017Photography Credits12|Download Your Copy Today At
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Emma-Jane photography
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