The $50,000 Dilemma
Going Back to High School - Deal or No Deal?
Hey there!
Ever wondered how much you would pay to change one thing from your past? Well, with the dollar rate dancing Tshwala Bam, getting 50 thousand dollars to go back in time doesn't sound too bad, right? Or maybe I should just keep moving forward? Hehe, anyway, hi!
I can't tell you how excited I am for this newsletter edition to be published. While writing, I felt like a schoolgirl getting a text from her childhood crush – so much creative energy flowing! This excitement is just like what we experienced during the recently concluded Lagos Community Dialogue 2.0. As you can imagine, we have been on a break trying to recover from all the buzz. Personally, I have been on an involuntary break since Easter. It's involuntary because I've been a bit under the weather, which ironically feels great. It's like being back in high school, where deadlines didn't matter and you could take all the time you needed to recover.
Speaking of high school memories, remember those boring morning assemblies where teachers would talk about SexEd from religious and cultural perspectives? It often felt like girls were unfairly targeted with underlying accusations and scrutiny regarding sexual assault. Ah, the memories! Looking back, it's striking how young girls were often unfairly blamed by society's leaders. I can't help but wonder what survivors of sexual assault must have felt during those moments when they were made to feel responsible. It's a poignant reflection, especially in April, which is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. At Her Story, raising awareness is at the core of what we do. That's why we are kicking off this month with an insightful article on the Sexual Assault Conundrum in Nigeria by Immanuelle Okwedy.
But that's just the beginning. Dive into this edition to discover fascinating stories in Watching Women Work, gain valuable insights from the Sexual Health Corner, relive the engaging moments from the Lagos Community Dialogue 2.0, launch our long awaited Speaking Club, seize the Exciting Opportunities we have in store, and don't miss our featured Article of the Month. Enjoy the read!
Watching Women Work
Happy International Girls in ICT Day! Yesterday, we celebrated girls and young women in Information Communication Technology (ICT), encouraging them to explore and excel in tech careers. It's a day to honor women who have made significant impacts in ICT, inspiring the next generation. This year's theme, leadership, highlights the importance of female leaders and mentors in STEM fields, where women often face challenges. Let's celebrate and recognize the achievements of women in tech, paving the way for future generations! We are spotlighting 3 women and their outstanding contributions to the field of Tech.
Odunayo Eweniyi
Odunayo Eweniyi is the mastermind behind PiggyVest, a fintech platform revolutionizing saving and investing. Her tech-savvy approach and entrepreneurial spirit have propelled PiggyVest to remarkable success, despite encountering challenges along the way. Odunayo's achievements have garnered recognition from renowned publications like Bloomberg and Forbes, highlighting her resilience and intelligence in the tech industry. Her story serves as a testament to the importance of adaptability and continuous learning, inspiring future tech enthusiasts and business leaders alike.
Abiola Rasaq
Abiola Rasaq is the visionary behind The Bug Detective, a groundbreaking Software Testing Company and a vibrant community for software testers across Africa. Her tech journey began with a passion for quality and innovation, leading her to specialize in software testing to ensure cutting-edge tech products' reliability and functionality. Abiola is a staunch advocate for empowering women in the tech industry, dedicating herself to guiding and inspiring aspiring women to achieve their goals. With her unwavering passion and clear vision, she is shaping the future of technology in Africa and beyond. Abiola is not just a leader; she is a catalyst for innovation and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the industry and paving the way for newcomers to excel.
Angela Semwogerere
Angela Mirembe Semwogerere is dedicated to bridging the digital gender gap and empowering girls and women in STEM. As the founder of Coding In Heels, a social enterprise, she is focused on inspiring girls and women to pursue tech careers and debunking stereotypes in the field. Angela's mission is to ensure women have a voice in shaping the future of technology. She demonstrates that with determination, anyone can pursue their passions in tech regardless of gender or background. Angela's work serves as a beacon of empowerment, showing that hard work can help us all reach for the stars.
There are many other women like these, including Ire Aderinokun, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, Kemisola Bolarinwa, Omobola Johnson, and Juliet Ehimuan-Chiazor, who are making remarkable contributions in tech. To our young female readers, we hope you can aspire to be future role models like them. We can't wait to see your impact!
Sexual Health Corner
Not only is April Sexual Assault Awareness Month, it is also Stress Awareness Month in some parts of the world.
Stress is a common part of life, often arising from challenging situations that cause mental tension or worry. While a little stress can be beneficial and help us perform daily tasks, excessive stress can lead to various physical and mental health issues. When women experience stress, their bodies produce a hormone called cortisol, which can disrupt the production of sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This imbalance can lead to a lower libido and less enjoyable sexual experiences. When we are stressed, our bodies basically say, "Sorry, sex can wait—I'm busy trying to survive here!" High cortisol levels can also cause weight gain, intense cravings, fatigue, and trouble sleeping, further affecting our sex drive. Managing stress is crucial for a satisfying sex life, and strategies like reducing workload, getting enough sleep, and enjoying a relaxing massage can help improve overall well-being and sexual health. Limiting news consumption, taking care of your body through healthy habits, avoiding excessive substances, engaging in enjoyable activities, and talking to trusted people can also help manage stress.
In Case You Missed It
Highlights from LCD 2.0
LCD 2.0 was an absolute blast! Participants engaged in intense conversations about gender-based violence, sharing personal stories and insights that left us all deeply moved. The energy was electric as we came together to tackle this important issue head-on. Check out some snapshots from the event below.
But that's not all – we've got exciting news! Her Story is starting a speaking club, and we want YOU to be a part of it. We are building a community of trained public speakers who are passionate about women's rights and gender equality. If you're interested in becoming an advocate and honing your speaking skills, sign up using the link below. Be the first to know when we launch!
Opportunities For You
Article Feature of The Month
Upholding Women’s Rights: An Overview of CEDAW by Ewaoluwa Adekanye
Adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979, the CEDAW is often celebrated as the international bill of rights for women. It outlines women’s rights in several spheres including political involvement, education, employment, and healthcare, urging states to eradicate discrimination and champion gender equality. CEDAW was ratified as an international treaty on September 3, 1981, after it was endorsed by the twelfth nation. This treaty is not just a document but a dynamic framework committed to the elimination of discrimination against women in all walks of life. Read more.
We Want to Know
If your favourite city is not listed, please send us a message with your choice.
Annnnnnnd, it’s a wrap!
And that's a wrap for this edition of the Her Story newsletter! Remember, every voice matters in the fight for gender equality, so keep sharing your stories, advocating for change, and inspiring others. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities to make a difference.
Till next time,
David and Tari.
One thing we do at #herstory is have great and impactful conversations!