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 a woman with enviable self-belief, fierce ambition and a strong entrepreneurial appetite.

She is a fixture on Britain's awards ceremony stage, as the founder of the BEFFTA (Black Entertainment Film Fashion Television and Arts) Awards that celebrates and honours talented black personalities in entertainment, film, fashion, TV and the arts, whose successes are relatively unknown or overlooked. This October marks its 5th year, and the year of its expansion, as BEFFTA was launched in Jamaica early this year, and there are plans for it to make its indelible mark in Canada, Australia and Africa.

If this isn't enough, Pauline recently launched a TV show on Sky channel BEN (182), which focuses on global issues, and showcases exciting and inspirational individuals. In addition to this, the show also explores topics that specifically address issues within the black community like sickle cell, Africa, and the Continent’s consumption of aid. Pauline’s concern for the world and others around her, has fed into her other business ventures such as Mr and Miss East Africa which encourages entrepreneurship amongst East Africans in the U.K. This pageant works closely with East African children’s charities, most notably those that seek to address child homelessness through The Shout campaign she created. The campaign feeds street children in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, and aims to eventually take children off the streets.

Time management is clearly one of Pauline’s biggest assets, as she also finds time to run East End Studios, one of London’s biggest independently owned film and TV studios. The studio produces commercials, films, TV programmes and music videos for both signed and unsigned artists. Her client list includes well-known names such as Professor Green, Chipmunk and Starboy Nathan.

Ambitious, tenacious, conscientious, and successful are fitting adjectives that can be used to describe Pauline; however they almost don’t seem to do her justice. With more achievements to come, challenges to conquer and plans to execute, Pauline Long is yet to reach the height of her potential and success, as she builds a global media empire. To us, she is an undeniable ambassador of the potential of women worldwide, and those that are seeking to live out their dreams. Without a shadow of doubt, she is Yaaya.

Image Source| BEFFTA Awards Website: BEFFTA

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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 in an African-American family and the effect of poverty, birthed from racial prejudice, on an African-American community.

More information on the National Theatre website.

When:

4th June 2013 To 14th August 2013

Running Time:

2 hours 30 mins

Admission Cost:

£12, £24, £34

Where:

National Theatre
Southbank
London SE1 9PX

Image Source | Photo (Marianne Jean-Baptiste) by Seamus Ryan

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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 Hasina and Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma presented her with the winning trophy. Miss Odili, a Nigerian based in the UK, impressed the judges with her avid writing prowess, calling on nations and nationalities to promote gender equality and end cultural discrimination against women.

Her winning entry x-rayed the fault lines in humanity's perceptions of women's roles, our pressing need for gender equity, and surmised with an emotive call for "a change of consciousness ".

The grand-daughter of Barrister G.C. Nonyelu (QC), Nigeria's first Director of Public Prosecutions, Nonyem followed in the family footsteps, gaining an LLB (Hons) degree from the University of Cardiff.

When she is not working as a Finance Treasurer for a global commodities giant, Nonyem devotes her spare time to developing projects that tackle socio-political issues in her local community, such as unemployment, crime, and social injustice. She believes in being 'part of the solution, not the problem' and loves to collaborate with like-minded people who share her passion for gender equality and women's empowerment.

Her current project 'Eliminating poverty in Nigeria ' focuses on the state of unemployment among Nigerian youths. Nonyem believes strongly that the responsibility to tackle this epidemic does not lie solely with government, but that strategic partnerships and commitments from local corporations and international organisations are also required. She is exploring initiatives to improve the employability of young Nigerians.

Nonyem is a talented and intelligent young woman who believes she has a responsibility to help those around her as much as possible. Her philosophy in life is 'to whom much is given, much is expected'. She intends to leave her world in a better state than she met it.

In an emotive conclusion to her essay, she writes "I am the woman ... whose voice has not been heard ". We beg to differ. To us, Nonyem Odili is many things - a writer with a cause, defender of the voiceless, and a woman of the future. Unequivocally, she is Yaaya.

Image Source | Image is copyright of Yaaya.

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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 its eurocentric and middle class bias.

So why is this relevant, and why should people other than black women even care about black feminism? Our answer is simple. If we are serious in our attempts to address racism, sexism and class based oppression in Europe, listening, valuing and embracing the diversity of voice from those who experience such forms of oppression, is one way to achieve such aims.

Yaaya thinks Janine Bradbury’s video response, 'We Are Feminists ', on black feminism is a brilliant illustration of the potential of black feminism to create a more inclusive European society. In her video, Janine draws on the positive impact black feminism has had in her life. She also illustrates how it can be used to promote a diverse student and staff body at the University of Sheffield, and provide a fairer representation of those in positions of power.

What does black feminism mean to you? Watch Janine speak about black feminism by The School of English at the University of Sheffield.

Video Source | The School of English at the University of Sheffield

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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 Africa", which will be a celebration of the rise of African women within the technology sector in Africa.

More information on the Africa Gathering website.

When:

Saturday 22nd June from 2.00pm - 6.00pm
Sunday 23rd 2013 from 11:00am – 5:00pm

Where:

BBC Broadcasting House
Portland Place
London W1A 1AA

Admission Cost:

Prices varies from £15

Contact Info:

Facebook: Africa Gathering
Twitter: @africagathering

Image Source | Africa Gathering

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

Africa
Oyé

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:

Saturday 22 June and Sunday 23rd 2013
12:30pm – 9:30pm

Where:

Review Field
Sefton Park,
Liverpool, UK

Admission Cost:

FREE

Contact Info:

info@africaoye.com
www.facebook.com/africaoye
Twitter: @africaoye

Image Source | Africa Oyé

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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:

Friday 21 June 2013
8:30am – 6pm

Where:

Erich-Brost-Institute for International Journalism,
Otto-Hahn-Straße 1,
TU Dortmund University,
44227 Dortmund, Germany

Admission Cost:

From 20€

Contact Info:

info@africa-positive.de
www.facebook.com/africa.positive

Image Source | Africa Positive

Click here for more upcoming events!

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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 female academic, still a rarity in her industry (academia), and will likely encounter the same challenges and struggles in her professional life. Essentially, the road ahead is just as tough for Janine as it was for Cecile Wright in the ‘70s.

In the final part of our 3-part interview, Janine Bradbury shares her views on the chronic under-representation and social invisibility of black women in her field.

And so the conversation continues …

Yaaya:

What does ‘social invisibility’ bring to mind, for you?

Janine B:

I suppose it makes me think about what Patricia Hill Collins and others describe as ‘colour-blind racism’. By that, I mean the idea that if we stop talking about “race”, then it’s no longer a problem. It also makes me think about the enormous number of people in this country working hard as domestics, cleaners, pulling night shifts – and I wonder – do we recognise their contribution? I think they are socially invisible.

Yaaya:

What do you think should be done to tackle the under-representation of black women in academia?

Janine B:

Well, I mention in my Guardian article that the introduction of an Athena Swan type scheme for black women academics would be very welcome. A focus on widening participation in postgraduate study is desperately needed. I wouldn’t be surprised if this is where black women really start to face obstacles.

Yaaya:

Drawing on your own personal experience, you mentioned that a supportive supervisor inspired you to become an Academic. How important do you believe role models and mentors are to enabling us actualise our ambitions?

Janine B:

It’s interesting that you mention this, because we run a session for school kids on the differences between mentors, role models and heroes. Visible role models are much needed, and your initiative (Yaaya) is brilliant in that it draws attention to women of colour who can serve as role models to other women of colour. You don’t have to ever meet a role model for them to have an impact (on you) – it’s just encouraging to know at the end of the day, that what you want to do isn’t impossible and that somebody has blazed that trail for you. Because it’s unfair to expect black women to constantly break down barriers. And it’s exhausting.

Mentoring is critical and that’s what has made the difference for me. One of my supervisors, Rachel van Duyvenbode, recognised my potential when I was in my final year of my undergraduate degree and said to me “if you want to be a lecturer, if you really want to do this, this is what you’ve got to do”. Without her (Rachel’s) encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have realised my potential as quickly. Since taking a more activist inspired approach to PhD study, I have sought out a really amazing group of people, men and women of all backgrounds, who are supporting, championing and mentoring me. And that is one of the things that sustain me.

Yaaya:

On the subject of giving back, in 2011, you co-founded We Are Here. Can you tell us more about this initiative?

Janine B:

We Are Here is a scheme based in The School of English at The University of Sheffield. We work mainly with black and minority ethnic (BME) school groups to encourage participation in arts and humanities subjects including English, History, Creative Writing and Film Studies. I co-founded it in response to what seems to be national under-representation of BME students in subject areas like mine. I’ve been teaching at the University for four years and I’ve barely taught any BME students. There are lots of reasons for this, but I wanted to do something to address it – or at least, start a conversation about it. I think almost 1 in 5 people in Sheffield are from BME backgrounds (slightly higher than the national average) but our classrooms and lecturers don’t reflect this.

Yaaya:

Janine, we'd like you to complete the following sentences. I hope my thesis contributes to ...

Janine B:

Our understanding of how black women writers negotiate these difficult questions we discuss, surrounding race and identity.

Yaaya:

Role models matter because ...

Janine B:

They show us that our dreams can become reality and that obstacles can be overcome.

Yaaya:

Yaaya for me represents ...

Janine B:

A really good opportunity to celebrate the achievements and potential of women of colour.

Yaaya:

Janine Bradbury, thank you for sharing your story with Yaaya. We are really glad to add your voice to our conversation!

This post concludes the final of our 3-part interview with Janine Bradbury. Catch-up on earlier parts of our conversation.

Part 1: Janine Bradbury, Against The Grain

Part 2: The Persona Behind The PhD

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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 is full of promise. Outspoken and passionate in equal measure, she has been recognised as an Emerging Scholar by the Runnymede Trust. Yet, it was not always this way. Growing up in Britain as a child of mixed heritage from a working class family, Janine Bradbury was no stranger to standing her ground and battling prejudice.

In Part 2 of this 3-part interview, we journey into her past, exploring the forces that have shaped her world-view.

And so the conversation continues …

Yaaya:

Going back to your Guardian article, you talked about enduring years of racist abuse as a child. How have these challenges shaped you as a young black woman?

Janine B:

I sense on occasion, that people feel awkward because I’m so interested in issues of race, ethnicity and diversity – but actually, it’s a small group of people who constantly reminded me of my difference, skin colour and hair texture from as young as I can remember, that we really have to thank for the contribution I’m making! I think what struck me is that I was always picked on for being Asian (my father’s white and my mother’s Afro-Caribbean), and I was always amazed by how poorly educated racists are. And so my knowledge of geography, history and culture became a way (in which) I could disarm them.

Of course, as an adult, I know the situation is much more complex and intersectional than that, and that the people who were so vocally racist in my youth were every bit as disempowered and vulnerable as I was. Experiencing racism at such a young age and so persistently, meant that I really wanted to learn more about how others deal with it – white people, black people – all people. Racism is not my problem, but ‘our’ problem; it’s affecting lots of people in devastating ways. And that’s ultimately what I’m doing when I’m reading a novel or analyzing a text – I’m asking (myself) ‘how did racism affect you, and how do you cope?’

Yaaya:

Unlike some of your peers, you have had the benefit of a different experience – studying for one year in the United States. What was that experience like?

Janine B:

Studying abroad in the US was undoubtedly a pivotal experience for me, professionally and personally. I’d always wanted to live in the US. A lot of my mum’s friends and family emigrated to the US in the late 1970s and early 1980s. I knew a lot about American popular culture. So I applied for an American Studies degree and when the time came, applied to The University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill, for my year abroad. I picked UNC Chapel Hill because its location and expertise were an ideal match for my academic interest in civil rights, slavery and southern culture (and because I heard that Dawson’s Creek had been filmed in nearby Wilmington). Chapel Hill itself looks just like something off the television. They have top sports teams, a big football stadium, and amazing libraries. I happened to meet the most diverse group of friends I could have wished for, who really helped me settle in. It was a bit of a culture shock moving there and back, but I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Yaaya:

Having lived in America, what is your experience of race relations here in Britain compared to the USA?

Janine B:

It might seem ironic to say this in light of the recent rise in the support for right-wing parties, but racism here (in the UK) is much more closeted and secretive than in the USA. As a nation, we don’t really like to talk about anything difficult, and we’d rather have a cup of tea and put a brave face on things than confront the problem. Stiff upper lip and all that. The result is that talking about racism becomes stigmatized, rather than racism itself. That said, in many ways, the UK feels a lot more liberal to me and I’m very aware that if I didn’t have a British accent, I would have had a very different experience studying abroad. That’s very general, and these are my initial thoughts.

Yaaya:

Outside of your work, you have been busy, from establishing the University of Sheffield’s Race Research Network to organising Black History Month events. Are you driven to make a difference to your community? Do you consider yourself to be an activist?

Janine B:

For the longest time, I didn’t consider myself to be an activist or even politically active – although I’ve always had an incredibly strong sense of social justice, which I inherited from my parents. I suppose I ‘awoke’ as an activist a couple of years ago, when I realised that if I didn’t start making and ‘being’ the changes I wanted to see in the world, I might as well not bother.

Undertaking a PhD in a national climate in which black women are so underrepresented takes real gumption, and that was what pushed me into what some might consider ‘academic activism’. I really see it as a commitment and responsibility to ensure that everybody gets a fair shot at pursuing higher education (if they want to). I wanted to make sure that others who might have been put off by pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate study, felt encouraged to do so, and I’m incredibly committed to that.

So I try daily, in my own small way, to create an academic community that celebrates diversity and champions excluded voices. The University of Sheffield is a particularly fantastic home for this kind of activism. Although I don’t think you have to be an academic to be an activist, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the individuals like Angela Davis and Martin Luther King had PhDs. 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.

Yaaya:

How do you unwind and take your mind away from deadlines and transcript writing? What do you do to relax?

Janine B:

That’s a lovely question! I love watching box sets. I’ve recently finished watching ‘The Killing’ and I’m about to start watching ‘Borgen’, and I’m a big fan of ‘The Wire’ and ‘The Sopranos’. I also love reading for pleasure and jogging, though I don’t make enough time to do either of those as much as I should!

On Saturday 15th June, Yaaya concludes with the final post in our 3-part series on Janine Bradbury. Join us as we explore the issues facing black female academics in the UK.

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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 Academia' series. We believe Janine is proof of a growing number of black women in Europe who are breaking the mold and pursuing their passions, against Herculean odds.

In Part 1 of this 3-part interview, Yaaya discovers the bold and bright woman behind the lectern.

And so the conversation begins …

Yaaya:

Janine Bradbury, Yaaya is delighted to meet with you! Tell us, what made you agree to share your story with Yaaya?

Janine B:

Thank you for asking me. I was really encouraged to see that a platform aimed at celebrating and supporting the aspirations of women of colour had been established by you. It immediately struck me as an incredibly useful resource for young women in particular and so I was very happy to lend my support and will watch the site develop with keen interest.

Yaaya:

You recently published an article in The Guardian, in which you describe your experience in the US as an “a-ha!” moment. Is this what inspired you to pursue a career in Academia?

Janine B:

Absolutely. The year before I moved to the US, I was running very low on morale and wondering whether University was really for me. The year abroad gave me a huge confidence boost and when I returned, I felt as though the world was my oyster. I was struck by how inclusive the syllabuses were, how ethnically diverse some classrooms were, and I was inspired by the number of black lecturers and professors on campus (and non-black professors who were committed to celebrating and teaching black studies). I thrived academically while I was there, achieving a 4.0 Grade Point Average. I wrote on film, geography, and the slave trade. I even wrote my own memoir (!).

I interviewed my mum about her childhood in Trinidad for a project, reviewed art exhibitions, and examined and wrote on actual plantation journals from the antebellum era. The style of assessment really suited me – there was an emphasis on sustained, regular testing and creativity. We had a whole library and librarian dedicated to the study of black culture and history (The Sonja Haynes Stone Centre). I remember vividly that after I gave a presentation on Alice Walker’s ‘In Search of Our Mother’s Gardens’, a girl in my class came up to me afterwards and told me I had to become a lecturer.

There’s something fascinating about studying abroad – in that all of the ‘contexts’ that can weigh you down in one situation can be shed in an instant and be replaced by new dynamics. For the most part, I felt my nationality (British) was the first thing that people noticed about me, then my 'race', and nobody could read my class background. So that was the thing that I really got to shed, the 'baggage' that came with living in social housing and claiming benefits. When people heard me speak, they thought of the Royal Family and American Revolution, not electricity keys and gas cards – something that would never happen here.

Yaaya:

You are currently studying for a PhD in African American studies. Can you tell us what influenced you to pursue this subject?

Janine B:

My family had always been interested in black American culture. The first time I got to apply any of these interests, was during my A-Level English studies. I read 'The Colour Purple', and was taken with the messages in Walker’s novel. I have always been interested in the connections between my Trinidadian heritage, my British heritage and African American culture.

The United States has taken on an almost symbolic quality both here (UK) and in the Caribbean, and as I mentioned, 'Britishness' carries its’ own currency in the US. In the third year and fourth year of my degree, I focused almost exclusively on African American history and literature, and wrote my undergraduate dissertation on African American art and literature, so following through with Master’s level and PhD study was an obvious choice for me.

Yaaya:

What do you hope to gain from your PhD?

Janine B:

I thought originally (and romantically) that my PhD would mean uninterrupted time to delve into those research areas I love. I would be up all night writing, drinking coffee, reading old books, and travelling to and from the US on research trips.

In reality, I self-fund my PhD study through three part-time jobs, and time alone with my research is scarce. Instead, I’ve tried to develop a professional profile that is informed by research interests in race and ethnicity and the skills and experience that I have developed along the way. More than anything, I hope my PhD unlocks more opportunities for me to continue learning about people, because I’m passionate about people.

Yaaya:

What do you see yourself doing next after your PhD?

Janine B:

I hope to become a university lecturer so I can consolidate all of the various bits of work I do into one job. I will definitely continue to work in Higher Education in some capacity and might well pursue postdoctoral opportunities. Academia is unique in the degree of flexibility it offers in terms of life paths. Martin Luther King did a PhD, Angela Davis was an academic – so it’s not just about sitting in an office writing books – it’s about making your knowledge relevant and making change.

So yes, I want to write loads of books, talk to lots of people about their research and mine, but most importantly, make it as easy as possible for people from backgrounds like mine to pursue research in arts and humanities subjects.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of this 3-part interview with Janine. On Thursday 13th June, we learn more about the persona behind the PhD.

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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 foresight of transformational leaders. With such ambition, confidence and an unerring sense of social responsibility, it was no surprise that she beat over 2000 applicants to win the coveted place as a 2013 MILEAD Fellow on May 29th 2013. Recognised as an emerging African female leader, Obiocha will undergo 12 months of leadership development, starting with an intensive 3 week training programme at the Institute of African Studies in Accra, Ghana. As a MILEAD Fellow, Obiocha will also be tasked with establishing an initiative to address the issues faced by black women in her community.

Obiocha feels strongly about investing in people; a passion which has led her to assume numerous mentoring positions including her current role on the University of Manchester’s Gold Mentoring Programme. In addition to this, she has mentored over 50 young women, and is currently a School Governor at the Harris Academy South Norwood in London.

Her nomination as the national representative for the UK, ties in well with her vision for African womanhood, in which "we are empowered at home, and respected abroad." This vision speaks to her decision to co-found Yaaya, an initiative which she believes will highlight the intersectionality between ‘race’ and gender, and tackle the social invisibility which black women and girls in Europe face.

A Petroleum Economist by day, Obiocha’s academic and professional credentials also illustrate why she was selected as a future African leader. With a First Class degree in Finance from the prestigious University of Manchester, Obiocha began her profession on the Graduate Leadership Programme at Centrica Plc, working in different countries such as Norway, and developing a global and pragmatic view in her approach to solving problems.

In the near future, Obiocha hopes to complete an MBA at a prestigious European business school and continue serving her local community. She has ambitious plans for Yaaya’s development, which she hopes to concretise with the support and resources provided by the Moremi Initiative, to ensure that the phrase "iamyaaya" is embedded in the lexicon of young women worldwide.

Through her works and deeds, Obiocha is a positive example to young black women, and a proud ambassador of her country, Nigeria. To us, quite simply, she is Yaaya.

Image Source | Image is copyright of Yaaya.

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Yaaya Asked ...

Yaaya asks:

Who do you consider to be
your mentor or role model?

Ona (Facebook):

My Mom - Pedigree, Stickability, Resilience, Beauty, Love and Grace.... She defied gravity!

Noel (Facebook):

I know where I want to be and how I want it to be, therefore like a chameleon, I sponge myself from friends, family and people with good minds and hearts. Genuine minds shape my path and honest hearts guide my direction

Obiocha (Facebook):

My father. He laid the foundation that others have built upon. He inspired me to aspire to greatness.

Loretta (Facebook):

It’s difficult to pick only one, as I have multiple mentors and role models. Some of them I know personally, others are strangers, but their actions, beliefs, and attitude have set positive examples for me to follow. In this sense, I don't believe a role model or mentor have to be people you know, or have interacted with. That said however, role models and mentors are often people we know and connect with. My earliest role models are both my parents. My Dad for his generosity, principled and supportive nature, belief in my ability, and enthusiasm for education, learning and development. My Mum is also a role model as she has taught me to be kind and empathetic to everyone, she has set an example of how to be a brilliant working mum, and emphasised the importance of patience in one's life.

---

Mentors and role models are instrumental individuals in people’s lives; offering direction, guidance, support and encouragement. For anybody, such relationships represent important bonds, in either professional, personal or academic environments. As the responses we have received to this ‘question of the week’ highlight, role models and mentors are often those who are close to us (parents, extended family and friends) and also those who we admire. In addition, they do not necessarily have to be people we personally know, but rather individuals who we believe have set (and continue to set) positive and/or inspirational examples, and who we consider to be a wealth of knowledge.

For women in particular, role models and mentors can provide much needed encouragement and confidence to thrive in hostile environments, pursue difficult endeavours, and challenge stereotypes. This is particularly important in the context of the under-representation of women executives in FTSE 100 companies and top government positions, the lack of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) careers, and the prevalence of harmful sexist stereotypes.

Yaaya believes that mentors and role models are imperative to developing confident, ambitious and successful women and girls. This is why we feature inspirational interviews of women from different walks of life, across diverse industry sectors, and run the She is Yaaya series. By doing this, we believe we can inspire black women in Europe to achieve their dreams, with unshakeable confidence and belief.

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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 stereotypes of patriarchal African society.

In the latest addition to the urban dictionary, a GoWoman (n.) is defined as "a self-starter, pioneer and go-getter ". Angelique Kidjo (Grammy Award winning Béninoise singer), and Leymah Gbowee (2011 Nobel Peace Prize winner) are just a few of the inspirational women for whom the term has been coined.

The magazine, which officially launched on April 13th 2013, highlights prominent women such as Saran Kaba Jones. Jones is the founder of FACE Africa, a non-profit organisation that provides access to safe drinking water for rural communities in post-conflict Liberia. Upcoming issues promise profiles on prominent women such as Miatta Kargbo, Sierra Leonean Minister of Health and Sanitation.

Packed full of feel-good feistiness and girl-power, GoWoman dares to be different. Editor Pamilerin Beckley warns that "this is not your typical women’s magazine ". We couldn’t agree more. Yaaya shares GoWoman’s passion for empowering women of African descent with thought-provoking stories, and voicing real-life examples of women who have defied challenging odds to succeed in their respective fields.

We need more mouthpieces and platforms like GoWoman, Yaaya and MsAfropolitan, who are using their media platforms to shed light on pressing social issues such as identity and integration, that affect black women.

The premier edition has gotten off to a fantastic start, and we look forward to more inspiring stories in upcoming issues. By her definition, Vickie Remoe is a GoWoman. By ours, she is Yaaya.

Image Source | These images do not belong to Yaaya. Images courtesy of the GoWoman Facebook page .

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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 cushions out of African textiles. We found her work (as well as her personality) to be bright, funky and cultural, adding exuberance to anyone’s living room.

Contact Info | Facebook: Bespoke Binny | Twitter: @BespokeBinny | Website

Happy Piece describes itself as being a company that uses business and design to empower women to rise above poverty, by producing and selling Rwandan woven baskets and bowls. We were captivated by the beautiful bowls made by the women they work with, and even more by the social entrepreneurial cause that underpins their operation.

Traditional hand-made Rwandan baskets have proven to be a hit in America. Last year saw popular U.S. department stores like Macy's and Anthropologie stocking them on their shelves.

Contact Info | Twitter: happypieceHQ | Facebook: Happy Piece | Website



Children's Toys

Dolls by Verona C makes hand-made dolls adorned in African-inspired textiles. They are cute, colourful, and cuddly, and would make a lovely present for any child.

Contact Info | Facebook: Dolls by Verona C

Yaaya thoroughly enjoyed speaking to all the vendors we have featured in our coverage of the Africa @ Spitalfields event, and we look forward to the next one.

Now, Yaaya would love to hear from you! Did you attend the event, if so - which stalls were your favourites? If you were a vendor at the event, please let us know more about your experience of sharing your passion and creativity with everyone.

See below for all our posts on the coverage of the following stalls at Africa @ Spitalfields 2013.

Part 1 : Yaaya At : Africa @ Spitalfields | Art

Part 2 : Yaaya At: Africa @ Spitalfields | Fashion & Skin Care and Beauty

Part 3 : Yaaya At: Africa @ Spitalfields | Home Interiors & Toys

Click here for more upcoming events!

Image Source | Spitalfields What's On Guide : Africa At Spitalfields
All other images are copyright of Yaaya.

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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 the skin care and beauty stalls that specialised in using natural ingredients only found in Africa.

Fashion

Ines Kitoko make African-inspired accessories. We found her hats in particular to be stylish statement pieces, and versatile enough to complement any outfit.

Contact Info | Facebook: Ines.Kitoko | Twitter: @__KITOKO__

Accessories Lots is a new label that specialises in leather belts and bags. We liked the quality of the leather, their matte finish and their lightweight feel.

Shifara Jewellery hand-make Ethiopian Jewellery, which we found absolutely stunning! The detail and craftsmanship, as well as the symbols and colours used in their pieces proudly displays Ethiopian culture.

Contact Info | Website



Skin Care and Beauty

Essence of Morocco produces natural beauty products made from Argan oil, which is extracted from the Argan tree that only grows in Morocco. It has various nutritive, cosmetic and medicinal properties, and is often used to: hydrate skin, improve skin elasticity, and improve the appearance of stretch marks and scars.

Contact Info | Website

Stay tuned for our last post in our coverage of the Africa @ Spitalfields event, Monday 3rd June, which features the home interiors and toys stalls.

Click here for more upcoming events!

Image Source | Spitalfields What's On Guide : Africa At Spitalfields
All other images are copyright of Yaaya.

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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!

ART

Azawala is a unique contemporary arts company that promotes and supports the talents of up-and-coming African artists. Based in the UK, Netherlands and Ghana, they work together with aspiring African artists to bring greater exposure to their work at various exhibitions. We were particularly drawn to the striking portrait of Nelson Mandela, and the colourful painting of a black women playing the piano.

Contact Info | Facebook: Azawala | Twitter: @Azawala

ARTsisTIC is a company that makes unique woven portraits and beautiful ornaments with intricate embroidery. Yaaya was drawn to this stall, as the woven images presented a stunning way of capturing the beauty of the African landscape and people.

Contact Info | Facebook: ARTsisTIC

Stay tuned for our next post on Sunday 2nd June, which features the fashion designers and cosmeticians that caught our eye at Africa @ Spitalfields!

Click here for more upcoming events!

Image Source | Spitalfields What's On Guide : Africa At Spitalfields
All other images are copyright of Yaaya.

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