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How Shop Pay works
Shop Pay has two functions that facilitate seamless shopping experiences: accelerated checkout and installment payments. Accelerated checkout lets you save your email address, credit card, shipping and billing information. This way, you don’t have to enter your card details every time you shop, and that means faster checkout. Shop Pay allows you to pay in four equal installments instead of one full payment. No late fees apply! Want more information about Shop Pay? Go here.
How to Shop Now and Pay Later
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]]>The making of every bag begins with aso-oke, a prestigious fabric of great cultural significance to the Yoruba people of Southwestern Nigeria. Aso-oke translates to “cloth from the hinterland,” or more literally, “top cloth,” and it is a very important fabric to the Yoruba people of Nigeria. While aso-oke weaving and wearing are native to the Yorubas, asooke has been widely adopted for use amongst other ethnic groups within the country and even outside. It is the most prominent fabric used in social and cultural events in Nigeria.
The cloth is said to have originated from the Iseyin people, a sub-group of the Yoruba ethnic group, in the 17th century. Aso-oke is also called “aso-ofi,” a name that references the production process; aso-oke is typically made on vertical or horizontal looms. While “aso” means “cloth,” “ofi” means “loom”.
The primary material used in aso-oke production is cotton. However, silk and synthetic yarns have also been adopted for use, depending on the type of aso-oke. The fabric is often used as a commissioned cloth, which symbolizes communal ties and solidarity, at special or important events.
Production of aso-oke begins with planting and harvesting cotton. After harvest, the cotton goes through an assortment of processes to prepare it for weaving, the last of which is determining the colors and designs on the aso-oke.
Not only is aso-oke prestigious; it carries social significance for the Yoruba people and it is also widely known to be durable and long lasting. The weaving of aso-oke, which is a painstaking process that has been passed on amongst weavers for centuries, is a reflection of our cultural heritage.
By incorporating traditional fabrics into modern design, our products invite women all over the world to experience the beauty and culture of Africa with an emphasis on craftsmanship, heritage, and legacy. Our goal is to build a brand that represents African cultures at the world stage, making them accessible to women all over the world, starting with handbags.
]]>Mum deserves the best and there's no better time to show how much you appreciate her than this Mother's Day. Need unique gift ideas? Our gift guide showcases our most wanted and bestselling items for any budget!
Adunni Tote (from $358)
Adunni Belt Bag ($318)
This multi-functional belt bag comes with a detachable coin purse and a leather shoulder strap so you can style it as a purse, belt bag, and crossbody. Fabulous, right? However you choose to rock it, you're sure to make a statement. It's available in black, pink, and burgundy.
If she loves to stay ahead of the curve and is not afraid to make trend-setting fashion statements, these are the top picks for her.
Adunni Wallet ($128)
Say hello to the ultimate everyday sidekick: we don’t head out without it. Its quick zip-open design is filled with compartments and dividers, so you can store coins, notes, cards and other small essentials — there’s even a gold-tone D-ring to hook it onto your keys or handbag.
Adunni Makeup Pouch ($65)
Made with gorgeous, hand-woven aso-oke with bold colors and ivory patterns, our pouches are elegant and functional, perfect for your everyday needs
Statement pendant meets dainty necklace in this timeless jewelry piece. Featuring the Olori crown, the Crown Necklace is a celebration of your inherent power, beauty and worth.
Adunni organizer ($45)
Keep small items organized in a bigger bag with the hand-woven Adunni Organizer. It works great as a standalone pouch or as a catchall in a bigger bag.
Adunni Mini Pouch ($45)
Made with gorgeous, hand-woven, aso-oke with bold colors and ivory patterns, our pouches are elegant, functional, and perfect for your everyday needs.
Stronger Together charm ($45)
A beautiful reminder of the power of our unity as women, the Queen Charm features features three different women standing together, united in purpose. The Inscription on the back reads, "Stronger Together" .
Hi Queen,
I still can’t believe we’re already at the end of 2021; it flew by way too fast!
Honestly, I’ve been afraid to sit and reflect on the year because it felt like I was down for most of it. I struggled to meet a lot of the goals / plans I had set for the year. It mostly felt like I was pushing against a brick wall that refused to budge. However, a couple of weeks ago, things started to fall into place and last week, my sister sent me a message, out of the blue, listing all my blessings, and I was shocked. I felt so ungrateful because it turns out I actually had an incredible year! But I couldn't see it because I was so focused on all the things that were falling short of my ambitious goals. I’m thankful that I was able to finally get my head out of the water and appreciate my 2021 journey.
In 2020, Olori got a lot of visibility (along with many other black businesses) which resulted in a significant growth in revenue for us. When 2021 started, I was so worried because I thought we would move back to 2019 revenue status. But you defied that and we were able to achieve double digit growth in 2021 in spite of challenges with Facebook ads that have plagued most small businesses. Thank you. You did that.
Here are a few other things that we achieved together:
'Tis (almost) the season to be jolly, giving, loving! Need gift ideas for your nearest and dearest? We've curated a lit of unique, highly sought after items that are sure to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. Every Olori product you buy makes quality education accessible to girls in under-resourced African communities.
Adunni Shoulder Strap ($45)
Tola Shoulder Strap ($45).
These gifts are bigger and bolder, but no less statement. They're perfect for the woman who loves functionality and unique style
Adunni Wallets ($128)
The Adunni Wallets are filled with dividers and compartments so you can store anything from cards to cash and coins and other essentials. It even comes with a retractable D-ring where you can store your keys! This beauty is available in black, burgundy, and pink.
Tola Maiden Shoulder Bag ($218)
The bag for all seasons, this shoulder bag is a bestseller for a reason. It features hand-woven aso-oke on the body with leather trimmings and is the perfect everyday bag. Add a little more edge to your look with the Tola Shoulder Strap.
Adunni Maxi Tote ($348)
'The Mother of all Totes' is perfect for stashing your tech and beauty essentials. Made with our signature hand-woven Adunni fabric, it comes in the maxi and mini sizes. It's also available in burgundy!
Olori’s Adunni Belt Bag ($218)
Our famous multi-functional belt bag is now available in burgundy! It comes with a detachable coin purse and a leather shoulder strap so you can style it as a purse, belt bag, and crossbody. It also comes in pink and black.
Still need gifts for the special woman in your life? Never fear. From the authentic, down-to-earth queen to the woman who has everything, here are our top holiday gifts ideas for the regal woman.
Olori’s Adunni Mini Tote ($268)
Love Iguehi's "Yetunde" Iro and Buba Set ($98)
The traditional African attire with a modern twist. Wear the iro and buba with heels for a formal look or pair the buba (top) with jeans or slacks for more versatility; however you choose to rock it, you're sure to make a statement.
Baluku Design’s Solo Gold Wood Ring ($65)
Geometric wood piece meets single folded loop in this smooth, rustic, and modern design.
If she loves to stay ahead of the curve and is not afraid to make trend-setting fashion statements, these are the top picks for her.
Olori’s Adunni Belt Bag ($218)
It's the hottest new thing (if we may say so ourselves). This multi-functional belt bag comes with a detachable coin purse and a leather shoulder strap so you can style it as a purse, belt bag, and crossbody. Fabulous, right?
Love Iguehi’s “Niyah” Wrap dress ($147)
How many ways can you wear a wrap dress? Let's see. Dress up the stylish Niyah with heels or wear it open as a stylish jacket. Pair with jeans and a tank for that effortless head-turning look.
Baluku Design Shell Earrings ($75)
Whether you're going for subtle elegance or a bold statement, the handmade Shell Earrings add that "special something" to your look.
Love Iguehi’s “Shaka” Head Wrap ($28)
Olori’s Tola Classic Shoulder Bag ($188)
Handcrafted for queens, the Tola Classic Shoulder bag is made of leather, with spacious interior pockets made of aso-oke, a hand-woven African fabric. Every Olori product you buy makes quality education accessible to girls in under-resourced African communities.
Olori’s Adunni organizer ($35)
Keep small items organized in a bigger bag with the hand-woven Adunni Organizer. It works great as a standalone pouch or as a catchall in a bigger bag. Every Olori product you buy makes quality education accessible to girls in under-resourced African communities.
Superkin’s "Add to Resume" T-shirt ($35)
Superkin's soft, eco-friendly t-shirt was launched to create awareness for the Black maternal health crisis. $10 from the sale of each shirt will be donated to Black Mamas Matter Alliance.
Olori’s Queen charm ($45)
A beautiful reminder of the power of sharing our strength and wisdom as woman, the Queen Charm features a woman passing a crown to a young girl. The Inscription on the back reads, "Real Queens Fix Each Other's Crowns." Every Olori Product you buy makes quality education accessible to girls in under-resourced African communities.
I can’t believe I’m sending this kind of message for the second time in 2020… but hey, it’s 2020, right? I’m very heartbroken by what my brothers and sisters in Nigeria are going through right now, and I would like to invite you to join us as we fight for our fundamental human rights.
Nigeria is where half of our team resides, it's also where the artisans who make our aso-oke materials reside, so this is very important to me as a Nigerian, and to Olori as a brand.
Nigerian youth began peacefully protesting against police brutality on October 8th, 2020. The Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) was put in place to protect civilians from armed robbers; instead, they extort, harass, attack, and kill innocent youth. The protests have become, not only a cry for a reformed police force, but also for better governance in order to secure the future of generations to come.
My mission with Olori has always been to show the world the beauty of Africa in culture, craftsmanship, and legacy. Right now, the lives of our artisans and our team in Nigeria are at stake.
We launched the “My Voice is Powerful” t-shirt in honor of the International Day of the Girl & committed to donating 10% of profits to CAMFED, but we’ve found that this message is also relevant for so many things going on in our world right now and for this reason, we have decided to extend the impact of this limited-edition statement t-shirt.
Until the end of October, we are donating the remaining 90% of proceeds from the “My Voice is Powerful” t-shirts to the #EndSARS cause and we invite you to join us in this fight.
Your Voice is Powerful. Help us make change happen.
Warmly,
Tomide
]]>What are some of your work from home tips?
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I understand that these are unusual times which call for unusual measures, but I also know that it is important that we find a sense of normalcy. We need to find a way to make the burden easier on ourselves, and take care of ourselves not just physically, but also mentally. Here are a few things that I think might help:
Bonus: Help others. If you can, donate to organizations that feed school children, work to provide relief for those who have lost their jobs or those who need shelter. If you have elderly or immuno-compromised people around you, check on them to see if there’s anything you can do to help them. Don’t forget to stay 6 feet away.
]]>With new years come resolutions. Many of us attempt to stick to our resolutions but more often than not, we fall off the wagon after a few weeks. Whether it’s a new diet or attempting to let go of bad habits, it’s tough to stick to these, isn’t it? However, with 2020 practically here, there are some plans you should definitely make and stick to. No better time to focus on self-development than at the start of a new decade, right?
In the world we currently live in, the “never-ending-hustle” seems to be the new cool. People are more ambitious and competitive than ever, but they often forget that to become well-rounded individuals who are truly successful, taking care of yourself, your emotional and personal life is more important than your career or professional life; career progression and self-growth are so intricately linked. In light of this, here are some tips to help you set better goals for the coming year.
Our jobs often require us to perform multiple activities at the same time on a day-to-day basis. Although it might sound like a good option to get everything done quickly, it often results in tasks remaining unfinished or not being done well. Therefore, focus on only one task at a given time. That way, your brain can process the different details of different projects, and you can give in your 100% to each task.
How often do we find ourselves saying things like “I’m busy” or “I’m stressed”? Pretty often, right? Owing to our busy work schedules, it’s natural to feel stressed and overwhelmed. Although, at times it does happen that we put ourselves through more stress than necessary. The way to remedy this is to create a ‘busy jar’.
Whenever you say something like “I’m busy,” put in some money inside the jar. This will let you keep a track of the unnecessary stress you take on, and lead you to reduce the number of times you make such statements.
A major aspect of career growth and self-development is to teach yourself new things. Isn’t that one of those New Year resolutions that mostly never see the light of day? It’s time to change that.
Indulge in a new, positive habit. It could be something like practicing yoga to soothe your mind and soul, which in turn will lead to self-growth as well as professional growth. Or perhaps learning a professional skill that could aid you in your job.
Being prepared and organized forms a vital part of having more confidence in yourself and your professional abilities. Before each work day, prepare a list of the things you need to accomplish. Having a clear routine lets you plan and schedule accordingly, and this reduces a lot of the work-related stress you might have.
Reading is a habit that nurtures your mind and soul. In order to get the best of both worlds, read books that help you level up in your career. Not only will this help put things into perspective, but the act of reading will also increase your overall patience.
]]>Since the commercialism related to the holiday season has increased over the years, people always find themselves overwhelmed while managing several different things, including buying gifts, having to meet people you don’t really want to, cooking, attempting make everything perfect, and so on.
While it’s great to have your fair share of fun during the holidays, it’s also important to remember to keep your sanity intact. In the middle of all you do this holiday season to put smiles on others’ faces, it’s essential to take care of yourself as well, so as to stay physically and emotionally healthy.
Here are some self-care tips for the holidays:
The inevitable re-unions that come with holidays are sometimes stressful; nothing ruins a mood faster than rehashing unpleasant stories or having to dodge unwanted questions. Don’t quote us, but we’re pretty sure it’s one of the leading causes of overindulgence in food and alcohol. While eating and drinking merrily is just fine, make sure you’re not doing it just to avoid uncomfortable situations. Try to get some exercise in between as well, and watch how much you’re drinking, so that your mind can stay clear-headed.
We’re always so worried about what to get others during the holidays, that we forget to get something for ourselves. A great way to practice self-care is to do the things that make you happy, and getting a present for yourself is the first step to that.
Perhaps there’s a dress or a watch you’ve been eyeing for a while. Or maybe there’s a book you’ve been meaning to read. Get yourself what your heart desires, because you deserve it.
Look around you. Do you see yourself surrounded by people who love you? If yes, then be thankful for that. Practicing gratitude reminds you of all the beautiful things in your life. Make a list of what’s making you happy in the moment, and show gratitude for it.
Holidays mean constant get-togethers and parties. This results in our sleep cycle getting completely disrupted; don’t let that happen. No matter how many Christmas parties you’re going to, give your body a good eight hours of sleep. Too little sleep will affect your physical health, and leave you cranky and lethargic.
Most of us work throughout the year without taking any breaks. The holiday season is a chance for us to get our minds off work, and stay away from our phones, laptops, emails, work documents, etc. Spend more time with the people who have come to visit you, don’t keep checking your Facebook and Instagram; instead, be present and pay attention to the holiday cheer surrounding you.
]]>No matter what, it is inevitable. No amount of planning, reminders and past experiences can change this ritual. That being said, there are ways to make last-minute holiday shopping easier. Here are some tips to help navigate the world of last-minute holiday shopping.
The world has gone digital, and rightfully so. Online shopping can remove stress from holiday shopping. With big online retailers offering enviable discounts and fast shipping, some even offering a 2-hour shipping period, online shopping can prove to be a saving grace this holiday season for last-minute holiday shoppers.
Many people assume that just because it’s late in the night, most stores will be shut. During the holiday season, retailers tend to extend their operational hours. The opposite scenario happens as Christmas comes closer, most stores prefer to stay closed when it comes to the dates close to December 25th.
It helps to check the store timing before going shopping. A helpful rule is to be there during the early hours or during the extended hours to avoid the crowds.
While physical gifts are pretty to look at, sometimes they aren’t what people need or expect. Gifting an experience is a great way to channel the holiday spirit, especially for last-minute holiday shoppers. Forget expensive gifts; a nice dinner or tickets to their favorite play can mean much more. Consider going the goofy route and offering coupons that can be cashed in later for any experience of their choice (hours of chores done by you, sexy time, etc.).
Gifts don’t always have to be store-bought. There is a certain feeling of love and effort that shows when presented with a handmade gift. If there’s no time to buy something, or everything seems to be out of stock, consider DIY-ing a present. Handmade presents often have more sentimental value than regular presents and serve as valuable memorabilia for friends and family.
For the extreme last-minute shoppers, all hope’s not lost. Many might assume that Christmas Eve is not the best time to shop, but there is still hope before the clock strikes twelve. There are many shops and stores that choose to stay open during Christmas Eve, mostly for last-minute shoppers. One just has to put in extra effort in finding such stores. A huge plus point would be that these stores will have no holiday rush and choosing a gift will be easier and quicker.
Regardless of how late or how early one is venturing out to shop for the holiday season, it's vitally important to remember that gifts come from a place of love and have great sentimental value attached to them. There’s always time to find the right gift with the right deal.
]]>In 2019, there’s no greater inconvenience than a mobile device that’s run out of batteries. Having a charger in your handbag means you’ll always be available in the case of an emergency.
Beyond that, you want to remain plugged in when you're away from home/work. Whether it’s snapping photos for Instagram during your nature walk or needing your GPS for a long car ride, a functioning mobile device is a necessity in today’s landscape. So, always keep one in your handbag.
In the colder seasons, primarily, your lips can dry out faster than the Sahara. There’s one way to combat this issue, and it’s by keeping a lip balm in your handbag at all times. If you feel like going a bit higher end with your choice, there are some that are the perfect mix of aesthetics and function. In other words, you’ll keep your lips moist but also achieve a subtle personalized tint.
Any mother knows how vital a spare pack of tissues can be when, for instance, there’s been a saucy restaurant kerfuffle with her 2-year-old. But you don’t need to be a mother to reap the benefits of permanent tissue access. Look at tissues as an insurance policy for when you spill salsa, for example, on your dress before an important meeting or social gathering. These snafus require immediate action—lest the stain becomes permanent.
Even when you’re dialed into your cycle, it’s still possible to get absentminded from time to time. In which case, the spare tampons/pads you keep in your purse will pay massive dividends. Also, there’s the added bonus of helping your friends if they happen to be in a period-related predicament.
Do you feel like we’re missing anything? What are your handbag must-haves?
As idyllic as it sounds, it simply isn’t practical. In other to lift people around you, you must first be able to lift yourself up. Compromising your personal well-being to focus on others simply reduces the impact you can have on people.
“Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people will not feel insecure around you.” - Marianne Williamson
How do you start with self-care?
The first step to self-care is self-awareness. Most people carry a lot of “healthcare debt,” that is, physical and mental issues that have come as a result of years of neglect. Unfortunately, most people have no idea they even carry these burdens.
The first step to self-care is understanding what needs to be cared for. For example, most sedentary office workers have serious posture issues. Bad posture is an epidemic, and it is responsible for a host of different physiological issues. It’s correctable, but requires dedicated effort - and first, one has to be aware of their posture issues and the consequences that come from them.
There’s no magic pill to self awareness. It requires taking health checks with your doctor, seeing a therapist (EVERYONE should see a therapist once in a while) and starting to read and understand about your own physiology.
Oh - journaling helps!
Start setting goals
Once you’ve developed an awareness of your “self” and the areas that need some attention, it’s time to start setting some tangible goals. If fitness is a big goal, don’t set some ephemeral goal like “get fit”. You serve nobody by setting audacious, vague goals. Instead, break it down into small milestones and do what you can to reach those milestones. For example, set a goal to reach a 5-mile run in 3 months.
And what happens if you fail?
Be kind to yourself
The most important step to self-care is compassion. Don’t put yourself down for failing. Don’t be overly harsh in your self-assessment - that’ll just lead to body dysmorphia and other issues.
You’re the most important thing in the world - start treating yourself like it.
]]>From the marriage proposal until the moment the groom places the wedding ring on his bride’s finger, a tidal wave of emotions and drama takes over the two uniting families. After all, these weddings are more than just a night on the town.
Yes, people are celebrating, but a Yoruba wedding goes well beyond a mere party. It’s akin to a festival, wherein entire communities gather to enjoy the warmth and excitement brought upon by the union. Relatives, friends, well-wishers, neighbors, and anybody loosely connected with the couple bask in the glory of fragrant home cooking, glorious pageantry, warmth, and love. The ceremonies themselves are lavish and elaborate. There’s singing, chanting, epic stories, emotional eulogies, and choreographed dancing.
Even with the mass amounts of attendees, engaging ceremony, and mouth-watering food, there’s one aspect of a Yoruba wedding that stands out most. The stunningly gorgeous outfits on display. Grooms look dashing in clothing such as their flowing agbada (robe), Sokoto (pants), and fila (cap). While brides radiate with their refined beauty in the traditional iro and buba, (blouse and wrapper), gele (head tie), and iborun (shoulder sash). These wardrobes are an integral part of making a Yoruba wedding such an enchanting experience, and one of the primary materials responsible for the eye-catching garb is a customary Yoruba textile known as aso-oke.
Aso-oke exudes not only the rich history of the Yoruba culture but also a distinguished grace and style that’s fit for queens and kings.
A Cloth of “High Status”
This hand-loomed cloth is pronounced “ah-SHAW-okay” and translates as “top cloth” in English. Meaning, aso oke is held in esteemed regards—denoting luxury and elevated social stature. The fabric is generally hand-woven with techniques that have remained the same for centuries. It’s exclusively worn by people from the Yoruba culture throughout southwestern Nigeria and Ajase in the southeastern Benin Republic. While the cloth has been associated with the social elite for centuries, efforts in recent times have been made to make the material accessible for casual use.
What Does it Mean to Wear Aso-Oke at a Wedding?
Nigerian weddings are unforgettable and a pinnacle facet of the culture. The significance of a ceremony means the choices of clothing holds incredible weight. The fact that aso-oke is such a prominent material in Nigerian weddings is evidence that it’s of the most extraordinary quality. Furthermore, every stitch of aso-oke contains a vibrant chapter of the story of the Yoruba culture and projects confidence, self-worth, power, and pride. Anybody wearing clothing and accessories made of aso-oke is bound to feel like royalty, no matter the situation. In fact, whoever chooses to adorn any garb made with aso-oke is guaranteed to light up every room in which they step foot.
Bags Fit for Royalty
Olori bags are made from aso-oke. As such, they’re made with the same detailed, intricate handcrafting that’s befitting of the most extravagant Nigerian wedding.
]]>In fact, it’s workplace stress that is by far the largest contributor to the increasingly high stress levels of American adults, according to the AIS. And, of those who experience stress due to problems with their job, 46% report that it’s their workload, specifically, which is causing them grief.
How do we know whether or not we’ve become part of the 46%? How can we gauge when the work we’ve undertaken is too much and, more importantly, when we should slow down?
Keep an eye out for the following signs that it might be time to say “no” the next time your boss tasks you with the 100th addition to your current workload.
Psychotherapist Ching-Ling Chiang told Financial Management magazine that suddenly consuming loads of calories or sugar can be a tell-tale sign that the stress is becoming too much. The same goes for a sudden increase in alcohol consumption.
Even if you’re productive throughout your workday and check off several items from your to-do lists, it means little if you’ve only added more items than you’ve completed. If you don’t remember the last time your calendar was empty, you’re probably trying to do too much.
Changes in sleep patterns can be just as telling as changes in food and beverage consumption. Chronic fatigue, emotional exhaustion, dread, and difficulties falling or staying asleep are all clinical signs of burnout.
A study from the University of Georgia authored by Malissa Clark, Ph.D. tells us that overwork can lead to interruptions in both our health and our happiness. We need mental breaks, Clark emphasizes, so reevaluate your workload if you find yourself unable to enjoy a night off.
There is perhaps no sign more telling than having a persistent cold, your body’s way of begging you to lessen your workload and take a rest. Tension aches and muscle spasms may be signs of workplace stress, too.
If you notice one or more of these signs cropping up in your life, be kind to yourself and take time to schedule more breaks. If you can, take some time off. Delegate parts of your workload to others, if possible, and take stock of your responsibilities.
Unfortunately, 31 million girls throughout the world don’t have access to any education, with 17 million of them coming from Africa. These girls face harrowing circumstances that stem from lower social status, such as child marriage and labor.When girls living in the face of these dire conditions receive an education, it provides a window into what their life could be. With that hope, they can rise above their overwhelming obstacles and become empowered enough to help others receive the education they need and deserve.
But the underprivileged queens throughout the world need our help; there are too many extenuating factors preventing them from doing this on their own. So, here are a few ways we all can support girls’ education and make a direct impact on the future of all women.
Donate to Organizations
There are a plethora of organizations centered around the education of girls in impoverished countries. For instance, the Bridge International Academies partners with governments, communities, teachers and parents to deliver evidence based quality education for primary and pre-primary school children, currently serving more than 100,000 children across Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Liberia and India. By providing a life-changing education to children in underserved communities, they help put children, their families, and their countries on a better development path. Bridge offers an array of ways for people to connect and contribute to the cause.
Purchase From Socially Conscious Brands
Olori works with Bridge International Academies to help provide girls with education in Africa. Through this initiative, a month of learning is made available to an underprivileged child with each bag we sell. Bridge scales four regions and chooses the student based on needs, while we accumulate donations and send money every single quarter. We want to make sure we aren’t just periodically sending money, but that Olori is responsible for a steady stream of income into these programs.
This cause is at the very essence of Olori’s existence. We firmly believe that all girls – no matter their circumstances – deserve to be treated like queens.
Use Your Voice
In 2019, major brands are more socially conscious than ever. These companies know that consumers expect them to have a conscience and to care about the betterment of society. Coupling that fact with the digital revolution making it easier to reach decision-makers at powerful brands means it’s more probable than ever to make a difference. It’s possible to reach out to the Googles and Nikes of the world. With loud voices, we can ignite them into making an impact on issues such as the education of girls.
It’s okay to demand more from our brands. In fact, 66% of US internet users believe that brands should take a stand on social issues. As such, these companies will feel more inclined to launch initiatives and give something like girls’ education more exposure.
Conclusion: It Only Takes a Little to Make a Lot of Difference for Girls’ Education
Girls, all over the world deserve the same opportunities as everybody else, but some of them don’t have that benefit, especially those in under-served communities. Fortunately, it only takes simple steps like the ones mentioned above to help ensure more girls than ever receive the education they so desperately need.
]]>For the rest of us, it may be time for a quick status check to see where we are with our goals and re-focus our efforts to make the most of the remainder of 2019. Here are three simple ways to ensure that you finish the year with clarity and confidence.
Time is a precious commodity. Busy schedules and over-commitments mean that we have less time to focus on the goals we’ve set for ourselves throughout the year. We’re left feeling overextended and unfulfilled.
The last few months of the year have the potential to be the busiest and most draining, thanks to back-to-school activities, holidays and other demands. To combat “time-drain” and the resulting fatigue, make sure you only say “yes” to the invitations and obligations that truly interest you and support your personal goals.
There is no need to be apologetic about how you choose to spend (or not spend) your time. If you give yourself permission to say “no” when you need to, you’ll have more time for the goals and projects that mean the most to you, and you’ll end the year strong and energized.
The objectives we set at the beginning of the year will naturally shift and evolve. As you move into the last quarter of 2019, revisit the plans you made earlier in the year. How are you progressing? Has anything shifted?
First, eliminate anything on the list that no longer makes sense or deserves priority--and don’t feel guilty about it. Next, take the key objectives that remain on your list and reprioritize them according to what you most want and need to accomplish by the end of the year.
Finally, write down an action plan with specific, manageable steps for each item and how you plan to get it done. Write milestones on your calendar and create a checklist to stay on track. It’s not too late to achieve what means most to you this year if you clearly identify what it is and let go of what doesn’t matter.
It can be overwhelming to look at a list of big-picture goals and thinking about all of the time and work it will take to reach them. Instead of focusing on what you have to finish the rest of the year, spend your energy thinking about what you can finish in a single day.
Split each item into smaller steps and set mini goals for yourself each day. Take time to celebrate as you meet milestones and move to the next step. Your progress will snowball quickly over the course of the next few months and before you know it, you’ll meet your big-picture objectives.
As you map out your plans for the rest of 2019, it’s the perfect time to think about what you want to achieve in 2020. What are you most proud of that you can carry into the new year? What lessons did you learn in 2019? Take ownership of your time and how you wish to spend it and you’ll have plenty to celebrate on December 31st.
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We’re here to dispel false notions about feminists and feminism, and to educate readers about what they truly mean/represent.
Feminists Do Not Hate Men
Those attempting to undermine the movement try to paint feminists as callous man-haters. This idea really couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes, the principles of feminism dictate that women won’t put up with inappropriate conduct from men. But that doesn’t necessitate any amount of loathing.
Also, just because somebody is a man doesn’t mean we think they’re a proponent of the patriarchy.
Sexual Preferences and Orientation Have Nothing to Do with Feminism
Of course, members of the LGBTQ community could be feminists if they so chose. But just because someone is LGBTQ doesn’t necessarily mean they are feminist. But feminism welcomes anybody with open arms who is looking to topple the patriarchy.
Feminists Know the Difference Between Chivalry and Chauvinism
Feel free to buy a feminist dinner or hold the door open for her. Just don’t expect something more in return. When men choose to be chivalrous, it’s a matter of being polite and showing good values. When these actions are done under any kind of pretense, that’s when it becomes chauvinism.
Furthermore, just because a man doesn’t catcall, hoot, and holler at women, doesn’t mean he isn’t a chauvinist. Chauvinism is a deeply ingrained belief that men are superior to women, and it manifests itself in many ways.
Feminism Wants Women to Follow Their Dreams
The only thing the feminist movement wants for women is for them to be unobstructed by inequality—nothing else. Whether women want to be the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or would prefer being a stay at home mom, feminism wants the choice to be of their own volition. Not because somebody told them that it was the only choice they had.
Feminists Support Women
Some people think that feminism exists to judge women—this is 100% incorrect. The reality is quite the opposite, in fact. The primary focus of the movement is giving women the support they deserve. We don’t want to tell women they need to act a certain way. Instead, we want to let them know how wonderful, strong, and smart they are, and to be proud of their accomplishments.
Feminism Isn’t Competing with Men
Seeking equality and fair treatment is drastically different from trying to be superior in any way. Yet, many naysayers try to act like feminists think they’re ‘holier than thou’ when compared to men. Expecting respectful behavior towards us isn’t the same as seeking some form of dominance.
Feminism Doesn’t Automatically Support Abortion
While feminism is pro-choice, not all feminists will have an abortion in their lifetime. Many feminists will actively choose against having an abortion in a situation where it’s an option.
There’s a difference between pro-choice and pro-abortion. Feminists believe that women ought to have the right to choose what they want to do with their bodies. And we also don’t think that it’s fair for a group of powerful males to decide whether women should have governance over their own bodies.
Conclusion: Don’t Paint Feminism with a Brush of Misconception and Preconceived Notions
Feminists don’t fit the stereotypes people read in the news or on social media. And if you agree with the above principles, it means you’re most likely a feminist at heart.
]]>Grown mostly in parts of West Africa, Fonio has been around for thousands of years. Natives planted and harvested this grain as a staple crop and major source of sustenance. Farmers devote(d) hundreds of thousands of hectares to its cultivation and it supplies food to millions of people. Africans considered the grain so special that in some places, it was reserved for traditional bride price payment and other such special occasions. It is still considered special and is now imported to other parts of the world.
There are two types of fonio: white fonio and black fonio. White Fonio grows in a considerably short time, between six to eight weeks. Because of its short growth cycle, it is ready for harvest long before other grains and crops, and it helps alleviate the annual “hungry seasons” experienced in some parts of West Africa. Black fonio takes a little longer to grow (between 160-180 days), but both types grow even in areas with poor soil and little irrigation. It has been dubbed one of the world's "best-tasting cereals," and with its size and flavour, it can be ground and mixed with some other flours to make bread; used in porridge and couscous; brewed for beer; eaten as a side dish; used in stir-fry; mixed in with salads; and it can be eaten as cereal. It is also said to be a good replacement for semolina, the wheat product from which pasta is made.
In Nigeria’s predominantly Hausa northern region and in Benin, wusu-wusu, a type of couscous is made out of both types of fonio. In northern Togo, the Lamba people brew tchapalo, a famous beer from white fonio.
Fonio is highly nutritious – its seed contains important amino acids to human health that are not present in enough quantities in other major cereals such as rice, wheat, rye, and barley. This supergrain isn’t only good for humans, it is also sold as animal feed because it is easily digested by goats, sheep, cattle, and other ruminant livestock. Fonio straw is also commonly chopped and mixed with clay for building houses or walls or burned to provide heat for cooking.
Here are some other of Fonio:
With all these benefits, we'll definitely be trying out fonio recipes soon. Superfood? More like wonderfood.
]]>If you’re going to set goals, you may as well set big ones. Challenge yourself to do better than you did last year in one or more aspects of your life. If you run a business, aim to double your profit margin. If you ran two miles every day last year, how about trying for five this year? If you don’t make five, you’ll make three and a half, which is an improvement over two. It’s like they say: shoot for the stars; if you don’t make it, you’ll land on the moon (that is what they say, right?). Do something you’ve never done this year. Try something outside your comfort zone. Eat food from a different culture, go scuba diving or snorkeling or even bungee jumping. New experiences open up your mind and help you see the world differently. You never know what inspiration might come from there.
Yes, we said to dream big, but you must dream smart too. You know what SMART goals are; let’s say it together now: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. A general “I’m going to be a better person this year” statement is good, but what’s better is specifying how exactly you intend to be a better person. Is it by listening more? Giving more? Being more present? Your goals should be measurable, achievable, realistic (don’t try to go from being a couch potato to climbing Everest all by yourself), and must have a time frame within which they will be achieved.
There’s something about putting things down in pen and ink. Or on your phone notes app. It concretizes things, takes it out of your head, makes more than just an idea or a fancy thought and transforms it into a real plan. It is easier to remember and to hold yourself to something written.
Big goals are less daunting easier to tackle if you take one step at a time. If, for example, your goal is to make a total of $100 million in profit by the end of the year, you can break it down into months or quarters. How much profit do you want to make each month or each quarter to meet this goal? If you want to make 20 new friends this year, set a number of new people to meet each week or each month to make it possible. Breaking goals into smaller tasks makes them easier to measure and adjust as necessary. Do something every day that takes you closer to where you want to be. Remember, little steps add up to make big ones.
Set milestones and clear progress indicators for your goals. Keep a journal or diary to record your progress. Review your progress regularly; seeing how far you’ve come can motivate you to go the remaining mile.
If you find that you aren’t meeting your expectations or things are not going as you planned, don’t beat yourself up. There is always room to improve or re-strategize. Don’t be so set in one direction that you don’t realize when it is time to turn back or time to take a detour.
Rewards can be incentive to achieving your goals faster. Put a prize at the finish line; give yourself something to look forward to. And when you reach your goal, pamper yourself (but don’t overindulge).
The second quarter of 2018 is your oyster, Superqueens. Let’s crush those goals!
]]>Now that that’s done, how do you set about achieving all you plan to do on a given day? How can you manage your time and self better? Here are a few tips that might help:
Routine is a solid starting point to your day. It sets a good tone for the day, you’ll be more organized and more prepared to face the day if you have list of activities you run through from the moment you wake up. Could be meditation, exercise, then emails, or emails first, exercise, then breakfast; find whatever routine works for you and watch your productivity level spike up t.
Weekly planners and To-do lists are very good ways to keep track of all the things that you need to do, but if not they are not handled carefully, they can become additional sources of stress. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the best out of your lists:
If you are not driving, the time you spend commuting is a good time to squeeze in some tasks. You can make some calls, send emails, schedule appointments, catch up on your reading, and so forth.
TV and the internet are great sources of information and entertainment, but they can slow you down and swallow up your time like nothing else. You’ll plan to look at just the next few posts and before you know it, an hour is gone. Turn off notifications for social media. When planning your day, schedule some down time, when you can go on the internet. If your work is internet-based, then try not to sign in to any personal accounts while you are working.
Apart from your phone’s in-built fitness tracking apps, reminder and task list options, there are hundreds of apps out there designed to make life easier and to help us be more efficient at time management. Using too many of them can be more of a problem than a solution, but here are some that you may find useful.
The strongest and most effective people are not the ones who pile all the tasks in the world on themselves; they are the ones who ask for help, who are not afraid to let other people lift a side of their burden to make their walk lighter. It is important to build a network of people you can trust in your professional and personal life, so that when you need support, you know who to turn to. Do you need to let someone else handle that project? Do the laundry? Take that call? Delegate, so you can make more time for other important things.
Hard work is important, but so is self-care. You can only be at your best at work and in life when you have optimum health all round – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Make time to let your hair down and relax, do the things that give you pleasure. Nurture your relationships, hang out with friends and family. Get enough sleep (the average adult needs seven hours’ worth), eat well, and exercise. Healthy eating, sleep, and exercise not only fight stress, they also keep you fit, focused, and mentally alert.
There you have it, Queens; that’s it from us. Do you know of any other apps and tips that can help increase productivity? Share with us!
]]>Tomide Awe: Thank you so much for agreeing to be part of the first interviewees for the blog, Turquoise. Can you tell me a bit more about yourself? Your background, why you wanted to be a teacher, just your story in general.
Turquoise Brennan: My background starts really with my parents; my father is a white man and my mother is an African-American woman. We were poor growing up, but they wanted the biggest thing for my sister and myself, which was education. So, my parents used any extra dollars they had spent on books for us. Anything that we did do later in life, as far as a trip or anywhere we went, my sister and I were asked to write essays. We had to always earn whatever we got, and we did that by doing some kind of work for my mum and my dad. Any day we took off school, he would add up the cost and we would have to pay him.
My dad was a police officer; he had been a police officer on the street for about two years and then he got into an organization called Police Athletic League, which is pretty much cops protecting and serving but spending time with kids. By the time I was ten, he was doing that, and I liked to spend time with them every day after school, and every day during summer. I definitely saw the impact my dad had being a white male in an all-black neighbourhood for twenty years, and I saw what an impact he made just being a presence. And that pretty much set me up to say I want to be around kids all the time. I want to impart anything I know onto kids because I didn’t have many people that looked like me teaching me when I was growing up.
It was really important to me to learn everything I possibly could, and be able to go back to the classroom, especially in inter-city. I have always worked in struggling areas; I just believe that the kind of education that everyone deserves should not be dependent on their zip code or economic status. Every child deserves the absolute best education, which is why I have stayed where I’ve stayed for twelve years.
Tomide Awe: You’ve been a teacher for twelve years?
Turquoise Brennan: I’ll be finishing up twelve years in June
Tomide Awe: Wow! That’s amazing; congrats! You’ve been teaching for twelve years now; what would you say are the guiding principles for you as an educator? What is your philosophy on teaching and learning in general?
Turquoise Brennan: Thank you. I would say my philosophy on teaching is that I believe teaching is crafted over time; you are never perfect at it, you continuously work on it and hone it, and you’re learning the whole time while the kids are learning along with you. It really becomes a part of your life. It’s not a nine-to-five or something that stops in the summertime; you have to be very committed and you sacrifice a lot if you really want to make change in the people you work with. That has to be your focus, and you have to hunker down and make a decision when you’re going to do it if you’re going to do it well. It’s not an easy choice to make, you have to be very disciplined to do it.
No matter what student is in front of you, no matter what you think about them, what you know about them based on appearance has to go out the window. You have to inherently believe that every child is worth it, and they really can do what you’re asking them to do. If you don’t, you will have stereotypes and you’re not going to provide the child with the education they deserve.
Tomide Awe: From everything you said, what I hear is that you have a deep passion for bringing education to kids that would otherwise not have access to quality education; is that correct?
Turquoise Brennan: Yes, absolutely.
Tomide Awe: As a teacher, have you had any peak moments? What has been the most joyous moment of your career?
Turquoise Brennan: There are so many! I think when more people get to see how well my students do. Winning awards is great; in 2016 I got Teacher of the Year and that was great, but that’s not something that stands out to me. But these past two years, my students, out of ten middle schools in the city and the network, have scored the best in literature across all those schools.
Tomide Awe: That is amazing.
Turquoise Brennan: It is amazing. To guide people who think they can’t do it and who are just absolutely incredible, makes me want to do better. I’m very honest about all the challenges they are going to have just being black, just coming from where they come from. We talk about it all the time and I always feel like I provide them access to my own life and my own struggles, and things they wouldn’t normally see, guess, or hear, so that they are super prepared for life in general. Students I’ve had years ago come back; when they see me standing at my same corner in their neighbourhood, they know I’m there, they know I’m not going anywhere.
Tomide Awe: To balance the view, what would you say is the worst part of being a teacher?
Turquoise Brennan: The trauma that the kids come to school with has been the biggest lesson and the biggest challenge for me, continues to be. They have so many things they bring with them that I didn’t have growing up. I now look back and think how privileged I was, even growing up poor like I did. They come to school with such baggage: they have been hurt, harmed, not loved, ignored, neglected, and that comes out every day in the class room, and the biggest lesson I have learned from that is patience. Some of their trauma can be jarring. It can be humbling. You have these moments as a teacher, as an educator, as someone who is supposed to be their role model and I had plenty of those, and there are moments to remember what these kids go home to, and that it is something I have to constantly check in with and learn to be more patient. That’s something I am constantly working on.
Tomide Awe: I guess that’s why they need great teachers in the classroom as well, to be able to provide some sort of support outside of their homes.
Turquoise Brennan: Yea, we are the most stable people they see all day. We call ourselves solid objects because normally they are with people who unravel them and they are unravelled all day long.
Tomide Awe: When you teach, do you see any marked differences between boys and girls in the way they adapt to learning? Would you say there are any trends in that regard?
Turquoise Brennan: I would say of course. Teenage boys are much easier because they are very innocent, naïve. The girls around this age are quite interesting; this is the time when they are concerned about image; their hair, the way they look. Sometimes they don’t want to come into the classroom when they have half of their hair braided and half of it out. I think the pride and sense in being a black female is not spoken enough about, so they sit in the background more. I always repeat to them, “Have a bold voice, be confident when you’re speaking. No one will ever listen to you if you don’t have a presence in the room.” I think with my class, I give the females a definite opportunity.
Tomide Awe: This reminds me of my experience in Nigeria. Just thinking of some of the people around me, and it’s a cultural thing, educating girls wasn’t much of a priority. It wasn’t the same for my family; the girls were probably more of a priority. In Nigeria and Africa in general, they think girls are going to get married anyway. They will end up in another man’s house, so they would rather spend funds educating boys because those are the ones who will carry on the family name. I heard something similar from a doctor in Philadelphia and I was shocked that something like that happens in the US. What is your view on that? Why is it important to educate female children?
Turquoise Brennan: Females have always been the unheard gender, and they have a lot to say. I think they need to know that there is more out there than just being the secretary to the man. They need to know that they can be leaders in all facets, not just in the nurturing stance. It is interesting for me especially because I am 33 years old, divorced, and never had kids. Yet I spend my entire life with kids. And I think a lot of the time when new students meet me, it’s interesting to them. The kids who have known me for a long time also ask the same questions, “Where are your kids?” Even teachers ask me all the time. I am more than content with these kids being my kids for the rest of my life; they are my life. It’s different but empowering for them to see me in this role. I go home and read, I go to their games, they call me, they text me. I am in their lives and they are a part of my life.
Tomide Awe: What part can the nation play in ensuring that girls get the voice that they need, that they are educated and brought up to be smart women? Do you think for instance having more female teachers would help?
Turquoise Brennan: I truly beleive that overall, education has been a largely female profession, but I would say creating more female leaders in education and pushing them that way sets the tone for the actual building. A lot of the time, females are teachers, but we don’t see them at the higher level. There are not enough female educator/leaders who will provide more opportunities for more female students to do things, to take initiative, to be readers. I don’t think the programs are creative enough. Most of the time when we think about after-school activities, we think about basketball, football; those things are given the most funding. There are not enough female leaders and people in the community who want to step up and run projects. At my school, we have Girls on the Run, which is a program run by a teacher at my school. We have another teacher who leads the girls’ dance team. We are able to do that, but we are only one entity out of a city that doesn’t do that.
Tomide Awe: Why do you think the city doesn’t invest in things that relate to the leadership development of girls?
Turquoise Brennan: I think because they don’t see value in it. They look more towards what can bring in revenue and what people want to see. People want to see boys playing sports and going to college. I think it is not thought of enough that women deserve an equal opportunity to express themselves in the same way that boys get to do. It’s a given that they get to do it; we have to fight for it.
Tomide Awe: When I started Olori, what I was thinking was, we talk about these challenges a lot, it is very obvious that they are there. Kudos to the ladies that are working on these programs, but I feel like women who are already leaders have to take the bull by the horn. If no one will do it for us, we have to find a way to do it by ourselves. It’s not saying we are at fault or the executives shouldn’t be putting gin investment where it is due, but sometimes if we want to see change we have to start it. It’s not fair, but we are the ones who suffer.
Turquoise Brennan: I think you’re right.
Tomide Awe: Hopefully, we will begin to see a bit more being done. I’m hopeful that the voices that are being raised about women and girls in general continue, and that in the near future we begin to see some change. I think in recent times, the level of activism going on around women empowerment makes me hopeful for the future of girls around the world.
Apart from education, what do you think are some factors that can contribute to raising well-rounded and productive citizens?
Turquoise Brennan: I would say we need role models; if that’s not empowering, I don’t know what is. We need time that is precious between you and someone else in a mentor or role-model relationship. I have people I look to who are either younger or older than me; just looking at all the things they are doing and have a passion for is empowering.
Tomide Awe: I agree with you; without the models in my life, I don’t know where I would be right now. What role do you think educators, people on the boards of education play in causes such as feminism, equality, and matters of social justice in general?
Turquoise Brennan: I think that has not been discussed yet. It is critical that these discussions be had. In our school, they have begun a series. They started it two years ago and it’s called Culture Context. They have people in your building who become mindset leaders; one is the person who runs Girls on the Run and the other is the Guidance Counsellor. They go to trainings so that they can then bring the knowledge back to our schools and have workshops for us. They have really started conversations for us. We start always with the same norm: things will not be better until people learn to accept differences, listen to each other’s messages, and assume best intentions. We as a staff talk about how race affected us as students growing up and as educators now. We spend time doing healing to write exercises on that, we also spend time sitting in co-worker groups; you have to sit with teachers you don’t see on a daily basis, different grades, different context, they really mix it up so you are definitely having these in-depth conversations about how you see yourself as a female, as a person of your race, as a human being, and how you pass that on to the people around you, including your students. That has been the start of something that I believe other schools need to do.
Tomide Awe: Thinking about a girl in your class, one of your students, as she leaves your classroom, what is that one thing you want her to learn and take with her into the world after your time with her?
Turquoise Brennan: I want her to know that the one thing she can always have with her no matter where she goes, what happens to her, how hard life gets is education. You will never lose the education you have been given. You can always add to it and you can always use it as your weapon or tool. I know that no matter how many hard things I have gone through, the one thing I could always keep with me was my education. It has gotten me far, helped me meet people, and it’s the one thing that doesn’t let me down.
Tomide Awe: Expanding on what you said about education as a tool that every girl ought to have, how does education empower you?
Turquoise Brennan: It sets you apart form other people. It is self-driven and limitless. For me it’s this thing that nobody gets to direct but you; you decide where it goes. And I think that it is personal, private, and can be something that you have ownership over and take accountability for. It’s something that you own, you have, you get to keep.
Tomide Awe: It has been an amazing conversation with you Turquoise; thank you for taking the time to speak with me.
Turquoise Brennan: It was my pleasure.
]]>At its core, Feminism is the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of men and women, or in colloquial parlance, the belief in the idea that women are human too and should be treated as such. The ideology continues to expand to be more inclusive, and in the spirit of New Year resolutions, here are some of our tips on how to become a better feminist in 2018.
It matters little whether it is values that we have internalised because we grew up in patriarchal societies, or opinions that we have formed and unwittingly passed on over the years as a result of these values; one of the marks of a true feminist is evolution. You must be willing to unlearn somethings, re-learn some others, and keep with the times. With quality research as your aid, critically think about what it means to be a woman in our society and times, and the historical treatment of women. Only then will you be able to identify loopholes and gaps that need to be filled. The emancipation of the mind, which comes through education, is a never-ending journey.
Being a feminist means that you respect not only other women as and their choices, it also means that you respect people who have differing opinions, and who may not be as enlightened or educated as you are. It means being graceful enough to teach without condescension, because no one is a fountain of knowledge. We can learn from each other and help each other along in the growth process. Show kindness to men and women alike.
It is important to remember that while they are in no way dismissible, your personal experiences do not solely constitute the spectrum of oppression or needs of women all over the world. The true spirit of feminism is fighting for other marginalised/minority people or groups, both within and outside your community and culture. And this is another reason why reading is important; it exposes you to the struggles of others and helps you have (more) empathy.
Feminism is an everyday movement; this means you do not have to wait until a march or a demonstration is staged before you do something. You can be effective as a feminist in your daily life. Whenever you have the opportunity to, speak up for women. Identify gender gaps in your community and give your voice in support of causes such as, equal pay, women in the boardroom, women in politics, and so forth. Do not tolerate sexism or any form of harassment, wherever you notice it. Even if it is not happening to you, don’t be silent about it, call attention to it. Speaking up for or against issues will mean that you no longer have the safety net that silence provides; that anyone can criticise you, and one must prepare for that, but it is worth remembering that “If you do not stand for something, you will fall for anything.”
And finally, our favourite kind of feminist is one who talks the talk and walks the walk. We admire women who are not only kind and respectful, intelligent and resilient, and who lend their voices to the challenges women face, but who also, when and where they can, create economic opportunities for other women. Many women through the decades have broken glass ceilings and created opportunities for other women; more boundaries will be broken and our feminism will be progressive as women support and uplift fellow women. This is a good place to start.