• I dream of the day when these, the African mathematicians and computer specialists in Washington and New York, the African physicists, engineers, doctors, business managers and economists, will return from London and Manchester and Paris and Brussels to add to the African pool of brain power, to enquire into and find solutions to Africa's problems and challenges, to open the African door to the world of knowledge, to elevate Africa's place within the universe of research the information of new knowledge, education and information -Thambo Mbeki, former South African President
  • They therefore concluded that “the findings of this (and other) surveys indicate that coverage of Africa, by the leading sources of American media is, at best, dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential, and thus leading to continued ‘exotification’ and marginalization of the African continent. At worst, coverage disregards recent trends toward democratization, thus betraying an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the potential and progress being achieved on the continent.”

Above excerpt is from a writer: Gbemisola Olujobi

  • By Gbemisola Olujobi - The Africa You Need to Know - Posted on Nov 28, 2006 See Full Article above

Why is the African image so negative?

  • Tell the Truth
  • What is your image of Africa?

Friday, February 20, 2009

A woman empowered without credentials.....


I started out small, just like the rest of everyone else.
With a family so close knit, faithful and ambitious, i ventured into good things, all coming through the generous hands of my father, my hero, who up to this day, I credit for my ambitions as small as they might seem.
I credit him for the knowledge, will and strength i carry with me in all that i do. He might be far right now - in Kenya, but he's forever edged in me. So is my mom and 5 brothers.
My husband is the cornerstone of me, where i fall on everyday. A soul mate who i can't see a future without. That's how much he means to me. My 2 girls, my flesh and blood. Enough said about that. Before i forget...i also ventured into bad things, mistakes, bad decisions and all...but that's life.

Then comes all others. My sisters (brother's wives), my friends, the church, hobbies, dreams and all. Great stuff, scary stuff, hard decisions, sleepless nights, demanding kids, fast lifestyle, $$ less accounts and all the good things too.

BUT I am a woman empowered. Empowered by ambition, dreams, hopes, aspirations and need to change the world. I don't have economic credentials, neither do i have a big title behind my name. I don't even have an Electrical Engineering degree, or a Masters in International Development or 20years of experience in a financial Institution. I am just empowered. With my business degree and 10 years of experience in corporate America, Non-profit and my 24/7 family, I am empowered to change to change the world, one child at a time.

In my life, i have women i look up to, starting with my mom. A teacher for over 30yrs, she taught me how to listen, nurture and love. Though strict, and a woman you can't lie to, she's my mother with all great intentions. She knows best, but i don't tell her everything.

My sister in-law, whose name remains with me, is such an inspiration to me. She knows it, but I'm not sure how much. She was apart of my life for so long before moving back to Kenya. I watched her talk, think and venture into things, and where she's is today, she remains a strong empowered example of an unstoppable woman. She is changing the world, one child at a time.

That's exactly what I am inspired to do, but i remain a woman empowered without credentials..
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