Pauline Long, Media Mogul Extraordinaire

“Make no apologies for living your dream. You are human, you were born to live it. It is your gift, it is your rightful right. PL.” These words were tweeted by Pauline Long on 25.06.2013, a woman who has unapologetically lived by this mantra, as seen through her stellar achievements to date. TV presenter, BEFFTA founder, philanthropist, owner of East End Studios, and creator of Mr and Miss East Africa U.K, Pauline Long’s CV illustrates...

Read More

Event: "The Amen Corner" By James Baldwin | 4th June 2013 - 14th August 2013

Amen Corner ★ ★ ★ ★ ‘Marianne Jean-Baptiste’s performance is simply stunning. She is a survivor, a sympathetic authoritarian.' The Times Through the soulful sounds of the gospel choir, a profoundly moving story of "a community’s sense of love, grief and spiritual survival " will take centre stage in the National Theatre's production of James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner (1965). The play poignantly addresses the role of a church...

Read More

Nonyem Odili, Writing For Change

"Slavery has been abolished. Communism contained ... and yet, an evil persists". With these opening lines in a provocative piece on how and why governments should encourage women’s leadership, Nonyem Odili beat national contestants from 54 countries to win the Commonwealth Women in Leadership Essay Competition 2013 She attended the 10th Commonwealth Women's Affairs Ministers Meeting in Bangladesh, where Prime Minister Sheikh...

Read More

Valuing Diversity of Voice

Providing platforms for black women in Europe to share stories of success, ambition and challenges is important to Yaaya, as we believe that the intersectionality of racism and sexism contribute to a different set of experiences in the lives of black women. Black feminism gives voice to these experiences and perspectives, by highlighting how black women are positioned differently within the structures of power in comparison to white women, offering a different narrative to ‘traditional’ feminism which has often been criticised for...

Read More

Event: Africa Gathering | 21st - 22nd June 2013

Africa Gathering "Women, Innovation and Enterprise take centre stage at Africa Gathering 2013 ..." Africa Gathering, launched five years ago, is an annual conference that provides an exchange for African concepts and innovations to be brought to a global audience so that they can be "recognised, used and celebrated ". This year's theme is "Hands on technology: The rise of the makers, the dynamic and the disruptive thinkers of...

Read More

Event: Africa Oyé | 22nd - 23rd June 2013

AfricaOyé It's here! Africa Oyé, the UK's biggest African music and arts festival! Featuring talented performers including Osibisa, Dele Sosimi, and Mokoomba, the Oyé festival is a high-tempo celebration of the fantastic cultures, music and artists that make this great continent one of the most vibrant and inspiring in the world! More information on the Africa Oyé website. When: ...

Read More

Event: Africa Positive | 21st June 2013

Africa Positive "Celebrating 15years of working to promote the social integration of African migrants in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, Africa Positive is holding a conference on the prevailing media coverage of the continent and its people in European society" More information on the Africa Positive website. When: ...

Read More

Exploring The Challenges Ahead, On The Road Less Travelled

"Because it’s unfair to expect black women to constantly break down barriers. And it’s exhausting." They may be generations apart, but PhD student Janine Bradbury shares a few things in common with Professor Cecile Wright. Like her, Janine is a black...

Read More

The Persona Behind The PhD

"Knowledge is power, and when it is in the hands of the disenfranchised, it’s really potent stuff - the stuff that change is made of." For Janine Bradbury, the future...

Read More

Janine Bradbury, Against The Grain

In British society today, the words ‘black’ and ‘female’ are not synonymous with ‘academic’. Despite a 1 in 1,400 chance of success in her career, Janine Bradbury decided to pursue a PhD at the prestigious University of Sheffield. In her words, it takes "gumption" to build a career in UK Higher Education. We couldn’t agree more. That is why Yaaya reached out to Janine Bradbury, to share her voice as a conclusion to our 'Spotlight on...

Read More

Obiocha Ikezogwo, Achievement Personified

On May 5th 2013, three young, committed, and passionate women joined forces to launch Yaaya - a platform to showcase the achievements and ambitions of black women in Europe, and raise their aspirations through inspirational stories. Obiocha Ikezogwo forms one third of this trio, and defines herself as an "engineer of social justice", and a "future leader." Fiercely driven, yet compassionate, Obiocha possesses the courage and...

Read More

Yaaya Asked ...

Yaaya asks: Who do you consider to be your mentor or role model? Ona (Facebook): ...

Read More

Are you a GoWoman?

With a title reminiscent of Beyoncé's hit song "Run The World (Girls)", GoWoman, a newly launched magazine featuring motivational stories of successful African women, takes a direct and assertive approach to female empowerment. Described by founder Vickie Remoe as the magazine "for African women who find a way when there isn’t one ", it is a testament to women from all walks of life who are bucking the trend, and challenging the sexist...

Read More

Yaaya At: Africa @ Spitalfields | Home Interiors & Toys

Africa @ Spitalfields Africa @ Spitafields had a variety of home interior designers showcasing their work. Additionally, we loved the hand-made toys and dolls and how they captured the innocence and happiness of childhood in a way that identified with and celebrated African culture and heritage. Find out more below! Home Interiors Bespoke Binny makes home accessories such as...

Read More

Yaaya At: Africa @ Spitalfields | Fashion & Skin Care and Beauty

Africa @ Spitalfields One of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Africa is fashion. African textiles and jewellery have become increasingly popular, making its way into the stores of many Western retailers. Yaaya met some up-and-coming fashion and accessories designers, and discovered a lot of talent and creativity amongst them. We also checked out some of the products at...

Read More

Yaaya At : Africa @ Spitalfields | Art

Africa @ Spitalfields Yaaya attended Africa @ Spitalfields on Saturday 27th May, to experience a celebration of the Motherland in the heart of the City! The day catered to both young and old, with a variety of activities such as african drumming, storytelling, dance and singing. Here, we met talented vendors who used the day to showcase their products and creative skills. Check them out below! ...

Read More