Nollywood star actress, Mrs. Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is this year's Best Actress in a Drama/TV Series at the 2018 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.
Omotola Ekeinde won the coveted award for her lead role in the movie 'Alter Ego'. This marks the first time she is winning an AMVCA in her long and illustrious career.
Omotola Ekeinde attended the Crans Montanan Forum on Africa & South-South Cooperation in Dakhla (Morocco) in 2017 & 2018.
We extend our warmest congratulations to her for this prestigious and most deserved award !
Mrs. Aisha Babangida, Chair of the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman, attended the last meeting of the African Women's Forum held at the European Parliament on the occasion ofthe 29th Annual Session of the Crans Montana, last June in Brussels.
She gives her impressions of the Forum in an article published on Medium.
A Recap After the Crans Montana Forum
This past June, I joined the Crans Montana Forum and European Parliament to address a subject very close to my heart. People frequently frame Africa in negative light or diminish the promise of the continent by only discussing the problems, when in fact, like every area, with its problems, Africa also holds a wealth of potential. As a Nigerian, I know the potential my friends, family, neighbors and community members hold. Even still, some of that potential still goes unused or wasted. I think it’s important for everyone to begin to focus on how we tap into that untapped potential.
To overcome the social, economic and political problems that plague areas all over Africa, I think we need to reconfigure the way we approach problem-solving so that rural Africans in particular, can also benefit from this new wave of progress. The simple solution, the key to the puzzle for me, has always been empowering women and rural women in particular.
As many know, my late mother Dr. Maryam Babangida began our NGO the Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman because she saw the untapped there. She wanted to enable these women to actively participate in their local economies, speak up on social and political issues and help them soar to these unsaw heights. Her vision and inspiration is what now inspires me today as the Chairman of the Better Life Program.
If we can develop these women’s capacity and opportunity in their communities through education initiatives, skills training and cottage industry development, we all benefit. If they improve themselves, they will also improve the lives of those around them, and their nation as a whole. I am privileged to be able to see this transformation take place on a regular basis. With help and support from businesses and policymakers alike, we have been able to bring about a new generation of empowered women through access to education, health services, and an introduction into the agriculture industry.
Our programs build the capacity contained in each of these women and help foster a sense of independence. Strong, independent women support a strong sustainable economy. While our efforts may seem modest, we are pioneering a new approach to problem-solving, a new economic model based on holistic development. In creating a system where empowered women are the foundation rather than the exception, I think we will see a shift and sustainable change.
The fact of the matter is, our old model of government-led aid was not effective at developing an independent society, because I believe they were too far removed from the issue. I myself spend a lot of time speaking at events about rural women knowing full-well that neither I, nor those in the crowd, can truly understand the issues unless they have seen them firsthand. For us to make informed and effective decisions in developing a strong development model, we need to turn our attention toward those on the ground that have an in-depth understanding of what we want to achieve and how to achieve it. Together we can support them in becoming agents of their own betterment.
Governments need to actively support female empowerment, especially in rural communities where many women are more vulnerable, by supporting increased legislation that guarantee women education, pensions, land and property rights. In writing history, the government has the power to stimulate great change or prolonged inactivity. We need to push for progress rather than languish in waiting.
Businesses can stimulate change by providing support and inclusion for women in the workplace and mentoring female entrepreneurs. Eliminate occupational segregation that prevents women from working in fields previously dominated by men and honing their technical skills. At the end of the day — companies should want the best person for the job, unbiased by gender stereotypes.
Community members can support empowerment and development by supporting local cottage industries spearheaded by women who are able to open their own businesses through financial inclusion programs like microfinance banks. Prove our dedication to a prosperous future with our actions and not just our words.
The ‘Africa problem’ can often feel like it is a step removed from the rest of the world, but the Crans Montana Forum reinforced the idea that Africa’s main concerns are the world’s main concerns. In order to achieve our goals for 2030, as cliche as it may sound, it needs to be a team effort. If Africa is struggling to overcome the obstacles before them, the world struggles. That being said, the effort Africa puts forth to overcome those struggles is compounded by the world’s efforts to support Africa in overcoming.
About Aisha Babangida: Aisha Babangida lives in Nigeria where she works to better the African Community, specifically the lives of rural women and children. She believes in the power of education and financial inclusion as exhibited by her work with the Better Life Program and the Egwafin Microfinance Bank. You can hear more from Aisha on her blog.
On the occasion of its African Women's Forum meeting, the Crans Montana Forum will pay tribute to a Man of Peace, the late Secretary-General of the United Nations on Friday October 26, 2018 at 9:30 a.m. at the United Nations Office of Geneva. Mr. Kofi Annan recently left us. The world has lost an inspiring Leader and a great advocate of universal human values. He was awarded with Nobel Peace Prize in 2001 for his outstanding commitment and actions towards a fairer and more peaceful world. He devoted all his energy to the promotion of human rights as the cornerstone of international legitimacy and multilateralism.
During the last African Women's Forum meeting, held on June 29 at the European Parliament, the Crans Montana TV interviewed prominent personalities who attended the meeting.
Among them :
Mrs. Maria Consuelo Nguema Oyana
Minister of Social Affairs and Gender Equality Equatorial Guinea
Mrs. Aisha Babangida Chairperson, Better Life Program for the African Rural Woman Nigeria
Mrs. Maha El Khalil Chalabi UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador President, Tyre Foundation
Mrs. Yvoire de Rosen Founder Mwanamke - Collectif Afroféministe Belge
Mrs. Marjorie Esomowei President & Founder Wisdom for Women International United Kingdom
The Crans Montana Club of Ports welcomes in its Strategic Committee, Mrs. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou, President of Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA).
WISTA is an International Organisation which gathers Women with high level management position in the Maritime Transport industry. The Organisation provides them with a decisive support and implement actions to make this industry more attractive for Women.
Mrs. Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou is the second Woman to join the Club of Ports' Strategic Committee, after Mrs. Nozipho Mdawe, Secretary General of Port Management Association of Eastern & Southern Africa (PMAESA).
During the latest African Women's Forum meeting, held in March 2018 on the occasion of the Crans Montana Forum on Africa & South-South Cooperation in Dakhla, the Crans Montana TV interviewed prominent personalities who took part in the proceedings.
Among them
Mrs. Debbie Remengesau First Lady of the Republic of Palau
HRH Princess Tirelo Molotlegi Royal Bafokeng Nation South Africa
Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili Senior Economic Adviser Africa Economic Development Policy Initiative, Nigeria
Mrs. Joan Guriras Wife of the Former Prime Minister Namibia
The latest meeting of the African Women's Forum took place in Dakhla (Morocco) in the framework of the Crans Montana Forum on Africa & South-South Cooperation.
This exceptional Programme gathered numerous high-level personalities coming from all around the World, to address Women's Empowerment in the Economic & Social frameworks.
The Crans Montana African Women's Forum celebrates all inspiring Women on the International Women's Day 2018.
The African Women’s Forum is committed to improving the status of Women in Africa and all over the World.
The next African Women’s Forum Special Programme will be held on the occasion of the Forum on Africa & South-South Cooperation in Dakhla (Morocco) on March 16. This meeting will gather First Ladies, Ministers, Parliamentarians and Members of the Civil Society to address Women’s Empowerment in the economic and political frameworks.
Discover the African Women’s Forum TV Report made during the exceptional session held at the European Parliament, in October 2017.
Le challenge sportif solidaire au féminin, la "Sahraouiya", tient sa 4ème édition du 3 au 10 février 2018 à Dakhla au Maroc. Plus qu’un événement sportif féminin, Sahraouiya est un élan solidaire. Un appel à ancrer l’esprit de la solidarité.
Le raid "Sahraouiya", sous le haut patronage du roi Roi Mohammed VI, continue avec une nouvelle édition qui marque un carrefour important dans l’histoire de ce challenge 100% féminin et gagne 2018 plus de visibilité à l’international avec la participation de 3 équipes françaises et un ancrage dans le continent africain avec cinq équipes africaines de femmes d’influence représentant le Kenya, le Nigéria, le Cameroun, le Mali, le Ghana et l’Afrique du Sud.
"Sahraouiya" un challenge à la fois sportif et solidaire, qui permet à toute femme engagée dans l'action sociale de vivre une expérience inédite, alliant sport, émotion et découverte dans un site exceptionnel, tout en adhérant à une cause sociale. S’inscrivant durablement dans des valeurs de solidarité, de partage et de soutien, le raid Sahraouiya apporte son soutien à des actions et à des personnalités œuvrant pour la solidarité et la promotion des droits de la femme.
Il sera marqué cette année par plusieurs nouveautés, ont annoncé les organisateurs lors d’une conférence de presse de présentation du raid tenue au siège de la représentation à Paris de l’Office national marocain du tourisme (ONMT).
Parmi les 40 équipes participantes (2 concurrentes par équipe), cinq seront, entre autres, composées cette année de concurrentes de haute stature venant de plusieurs pays d’Afrique (Kenya, Nigéria, Cameroun, Mali, Ghana et Afrique du Sud), une nouveauté dont s’est réjouie Mme Laila Ouachi, organisatrice de l'évènement et présidente de l’association Lagon Dakhla.
Marraine de cœur de l’événement depuis la première édition, Mme Aicha Ech-chenna, œuvre depuis plus de 30 ans à l’assistance et veille à l’intégration des mères célibataires à travers l’Association Solidarité féminine. L’engagement de Mme Ech Chenna au travers de son association solidarité féminine est reconnu et récompensé par les plus hautes distinctions et dans de nombreux pays dont la France (l’Opus prize décerné en 2009, chevalier de la légion d’honneur en 2013…).
Dans ce même esprit solidaire, L’association des amis du Ruban Rose, qui vient en soutien aux femmes atteintes du cancer du sein a rejoint l’élan "Sahraouiya" depuis 2016 pour devenir l’une des associations soutenues annuellement par notre challenge et avec en prime, la participation d’équipes issues de ses rangs.
Pour cette nouvelle édition, "Sahraouiya" accueille une Marraine exceptionnelle. Il s’agit de Stéphanie Fugain, présidente de l’association Laurette Fugain. "Mme Fugain est le témoignage d’une femme et d’une mère qui a su transformer sa douleur et sa révolte en une force, une énergie et une volonté mises au service de la recherche contre la leucémie et pour faire changer la connaissance et les comportements au service des dons de vie", souligne Laila Ouachi.
Trois équipes, soit six participantes prendront part à l’édition "Sahraouiya" 2018 pour porter les couleurs et les valeurs de l’Association Laurette Fugain.
Les équipes Françaises et Africaines concourront ainsi aux coté des 42 équipes marocaines représentant des Associations œuvrant pour la promotion de la femme et à travers des actions concrètes de solidarité.
"Sahraouiya" est organisée par « l’Association Lagon Dakhla» et l’hôtel Dakhla Attitude Beach Club, en partenariat avec la Wilaya de la région Dakhla-Oued Eddahab. Plusieurs autres partenaires nationaux d’envergure se sont également engagés dont notamment la MDJS, la RAM, l’OCP, la Fondation Phosboucraa, l’AMCI, l’ONMT, le groupe les Eaux d’Oulmes et le Groupe Carrefour Label’vie/
