Nigerian Woman, Abigail Katung, Makes History, Emerges First African Lord Mayor Of Leeds
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 May 2024
·
Nigerian Woman, Abigail
Katung, Makes History, Emerges First African Lord Mayor Of Leeds
·
Princess Zahra Aga Khan
Assures Gilgit-Baltistan Govt Of Support In Health, Education
·
Famed Iranian Director and
Actress Debut Cannes Film Post-Iran Escape
·
Female Muslims In Bradford
Benefit From Award-Winning Coach Nalette Tucker
·
Why Some Iranians Posted
Nude Photos to Celebrate Raisi's Death
·
IBA Supported Saudi Arabia Initiative
To Introduce 1-Star Female Coaches Courses For Arab Women
·
Mastercard women’s
leadership network expands into Saudi Arabia
·
Female Leadership In Action
At Africa Week
·
Instagram Celebrates
African Women In Made by Africa, Loved By The World 2024 Campaign
Compiled by
New Age Islam News Bureau
URL:
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Nigerian Woman, Abigail Katung, Makes History, Emerges
First African Lord Mayor Of Leeds
Abigail Marshall Katung
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24th May 2024
A Nigerian woman, Abigail Katung, has been announced as
the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City in England, becoming the first person of
African descent to hold the position.
The announcement was made following the Leeds City
Council’s annual general meeting on Thursday night, as confirmed by a statement
on the website of the council.
The statement read, “Taking over the role from Al
Garthwaite, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung becomes the city’s 130th Lord
Mayor and the first person of African descent to hold the position.
“Councillor Marshall Katung will be supported throughout
her tenure as Lord Mayor by her husband, Nigerian Senator and Lord Mayor
Consort, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung.”
The statement further revealed that Katung was born in
Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, and arrived in the UK to study at the University
of Leeds as a postgraduate student in the Politics and International Studies
Department in 2000.
It added, “Following the passing of her father in 1999,
whom she credits as a ‘profound influence’ on her life, and with instilling in
her an ethos of ‘education for service’, Councillor Marshall Katung resolved to
honour his legacy and study in the UK.
“Transitioning from student to professional life,
Councillor Marshall Katung established her own business while also embracing
the joys and responsibilities of motherhood to twin sons, who are now pursuing
their own university studies.”
Katung was also reported to have held various roles
within the Leeds City Council, including “chairing the scrutiny board for adult
health and active lifestyles and the scrutiny board for infrastructure,
investment, and inclusive growth.
“She was the lead member for faith and belief, chaired
the hate crime strategic board and further education for 14–19 years, and is a
food champion.
“Breaking barriers, Councillor Marshall Katung became the
first African to become a ward member of Leeds City Council when, in 2019, she
was elected to represent the Little London and Woodhouse ward in the city
centre. This is one of Leeds’s most culturally diverse wards, where over 82
languages are spoken. She was subsequently re-elected at the 2023 elections.”
As part of the tradition, Katung, who is said to be an
avid athlete and coach and serves as a governor at Leeds City College, has
chosen a charity to champion throughout her term.
“Councillor Marshall Katung has chosen the Leeds
Community Foundation. She chose this charity due to its wide-ranging support of
small, local charities tackling critical societal inequalities such as food
poverty, health inequalities, mental health, and digital inclusion, which are
all causes close to her heart,” the statement read.
Expressing her gratitude upon her appointment,
Katungemphasised her deep connection to Leeds and her determination to ensure
that all voices are heard and celebrated throughout her tenure as Lord Mayor.
She was quoted as saying, “It is with great appreciation
and humility that I embrace the privilege of becoming this great city’s 130th
Lord Mayor. Since arriving in Leeds in 2000, the city quickly became my
cherished second home. It was not just the city where I lived, studied, and
worked, it’s where I chose to raise my children and become a public servant.
“My appointment as Lord Mayor has been widely celebrated
in the city’s African community and is a shining example of the enormous
contribution international students make to UK society. As Lord Mayor of Leeds, I am committed to
working tirelessly to ensure voices are heard from all areas of the city and
every triumph is recognised and celebrated.”
Former Vice President AtikuAbubakar has also congratulated
the new Mayor of Leeds on her appointment, stating that her elevation is “a
testament that Nigeria is not short of talents and excels wherever they may
find themselves.”
In a post on X.com on Friday, Atiku wrote, “I
congratulate Abigail Marshall Katung, the 130th Lord Mayor of Leeds City, the
first person of African descent to hold this enviable position, and her
husband, Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, Senator representing Kaduna South
Senatorial District. May her tenure be impactful.”
Source: punchng.com
https://punchng.com/nigerian-woman-makes-history-emerges-first-african-lord-mayor-of-leeds/#google_vignette
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Princess Zahra Aga Khan
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May 25, 2024
GILGIT: Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who arrived at
Gilgit-Baltistan on Thursday, has assured the government of support and
cooperation for development in the education and health sectors.
GB Governor Syed Mehdi Shah, Chief Minister Haji Gulbar
Khan and his cabinet members met Princess Zahra during her visit to the region.
On the occasion, the chief minister lauded the services
of the Aga Khan Development Network in the health, education, infrastructure,
and social development.
GB Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan welcomed her in GB on
behalf of the government and the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. He said that it
was their wish that the health and education programmes under the AKDN should
be extended to all the districts of GB, especially remote areas.
He requested the cooperation of AKDN to address the
shortage of doctors, specialists, paramedical staff, and biomedical equipment
in health facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan. He also highlighted the need for
training of teachers and sought the cooperation of Aga Khan Education Service
to improve access to and the quality of education in the area.
While talking to her, the chief minister also conveyed
his best wishes to His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan and extended an
invitation to visit GB.
Princess Zahra assured the CM that health and education
projects would be reviewed.
She also discussed AKDN’s interventions in
Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas of mutual interest in a meeting with Governor
Syed Mehdi Shah held at Governor House.
The governor appreciated AKDN’s role in GB and requested
the support of the institutions for the development of the region. HBL Chairman
Sultan Ali Allana and other officials were also present at the meeting.
Source: dawn.com
https://www.dawn.com/news/1835532/princess-zahra-assures-gb-govt-of-support-in-health-education
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Famed Iranian Director and Actress Debut Cannes Film
Post-Iran Escape
After fleeing their native country, prominent Iranian
filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof and dissident actress SetarehMaleki attended the Cannes
Film Festival for the premiere of their movie.
Rasoulof was greeted with a long-standing ovation on
Friday as he displayed photos of the cast at the premiere of his latest film,
"The Seed of the Sacred Fig," which is competing for the prestigious
Palme d'Or award at the festival.
The dissident filmmaker fled Iran by foot through rugged
mountainous terrain after receiving an eight-year prison sentence, a flogging,
a fine, and property confiscation for “the signing of statements and the making
of films and documentaries,” which the regime claimed are “collusion to commit
a crime against the country's security.”
On the red carpet, Rasulof and actress GolshiftehFarahani
showcased images of the film's actresses, SoheilaGolestani and MisaghZareh, who
could not attend the event.
Maleki was forced to flee Iran following her appearance
without the mandated hijab in an underground film, examining Iran's nationwide
protest movement in 2022 following the death of Mahsa Jina Amini.
According to the UN, the Iranian regime is responsible
for the violence that led to Amini's death - after she was reportedly detained
and beaten by "morality police" for wearing her hijab improperly. The
months-long protests, often dubbed the “Women Life Freedom” protests, saw
security forces kill at least 550 and detain tens of thousands.
Iran's Culture Minister Mohammad Mehdi Esmaeili condemned
the production and distribution of his film, calling it "illegal."
Maleki gained prominence before appearing in Rasoulof's
film when she posted a video on Instagram in which she visited the grave of her
father, who died of COVID-19, and vehemently criticized Supreme Leader Ali
Khamenei for leading the "biggest dictatorship in history" as a
"ruthless murderer."
A team of medical experts revealed in a report last year
that over 75,000 Covid deaths could have been prevented in Iran if the Supreme
Leader had not banned vaccines produced by American and British companies.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405249917
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Female Muslims In Bradford Benefit From Award-Winning
Coach Nalette Tucker
25 May 2024
BRADFORD-BASED coach Nalette Tucker pretty much defines
the word ‘selfless’, as she inspires women across the city to follow their
sporting dreams.
The 34-year-old was named ‘Coach of the Year’ at the
Bradford Sports Awards last Friday night, the least she deserved after
dedicating hours of teaching and guidance to others.
Tennis specialist Tucker, who moved to Bradford as a
youngster to live with her grandparents, converted to Islam several years ago,
and her faith plays an important part in what she does around the district.
Speaking to the T&A on Friday night, Tucker said: “I
do deliver a lot of coaching sessions and for me it’s personal.
“I took part in sports when I was younger, before
becoming a Muslim in 2010.
“I started to wear a headscarf and all of a sudden, it
meant I couldn’t take part in a lot of sports.
“This last 14 years has been about creating opportunities
for those women that didn’t have them before.”
One of Tucker’s key messages is that Muslim women can
take part in sports and should always feel that that opportunity exists for
them.
She said: “We can play them and we want to play them as
well.
“That’s something we prove every day, that there is a
market and there is a need there for it.
“If the right opportunities and right facilities are
there, women will come flooding in to join these sessions.”
Bradford gave Tucker a home as a youngster and is
somewhere with a significant Muslim population.
The city feels like the perfect fit for the 34-year-old
and her sporting projects, and she said: “This is why tonight is even more
special.
“I’ve had recognition elsewhere, and I felt really
honoured by it, but to be recognised by Bradford is just something else.”
A decade ago, Tucker founded Sunnah Sports Academy Trust,
a registered charity offering sport lessons, including tennis coaching, to
communities in Bradford, and she was recognised for her tireless work there by
the Lawn Tennis Association last October.
One of the most recognised and prestigious sporting
governing bodies in the country, they handed her the ‘Outstanding Contribution
to Tennis’ Award.
She said: “The LTA have given us so many opportunities
and they’ve gone out of their way to try and make sure tennis is accessible in
Bradford.
“They’re helping refurbish several tennis courts in the
city and we’ll be pushing to get some sessions on those.
“The LTA have been fantastic to us and that’s pushed us
even more to enjoy the sport and keep facilitating it.”
Tucker has delivered sessions with Judy Murray, a former
tennis player and coach herself, and mum of Wimbledon winners Andy and Jamie.
Talking about her relationship with the Scot, Tucker
said: “She’s a massive inspiration and I think everyone forgets she was a great
player before becoming a coach and mum to Andy and Jamie.
“She’s a woman that has so many things behind her, that
she can’t really be defined by one thing.
“She’s been amazing with our women and girls’ sessions,
she’s come down, taken part in them and she always meets up with us whenever we
go down to Wimbledon.
“She’s someone I really look up to, more so now having
met her.”
And speaking about the academy’s regular trips to SW19 to
watch high-quality Grand Slam tennis, Tucker said: “I’m 34 now, and it’s taken
me a long time to get these opportunities myself.
“The fact that I can give those to these girls before
they reach that age is amazing.
“I want to be able to keep doing that, because it’s
fantastic.”
Source: thetelegraphandargus.co.uk
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/24340864.female-muslims-bradford-benefit-award-winning-coach/
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Why Some Iranians Posted Nude Photos to Celebrate Raisi's
Death
Women covered in dark veils, wailing at the death of
Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi in public displays of sadness, couldn't contrast
more than the joy exhibited in street parties, morbid jokes, fireworks and more
recently - nude photos.
Some Iranians, women and men, posted nude photos of
themselves to rejoice in the news.
Using nudity to express joy over Raisi's death is a way
to release from a form of "suffocation," said HaniehZiaei, a
political scientist and associate researcher at the Raoul-Dandurand Chair in
Montreal.
"They feel suffocated. So they want to just open
everything and it's maybe the expression of this kind of suffocation,"
said Ziaie.
The call to go nude to celebrate Raisi's death reportedly
started off with a tweet by an Iranian social media influencer who allegedly
posted to X at the time of Raisi's disappearance that if he is dead she would
pose a naked photo.
Iran International is not revealing the account for their
safety. It is not known whether she meant it as a joke, a dare or a form of
political expression, but it did lead to some Iranians joining the call and
going nude. What seemingly started off as a bet, turned into a viral trend.
Given the forced policing of women and even men's bodies
in the Islamic Republic, the use of the body to overcome oppression, according
to SiavashRokni, who specializes in subcultures and social movements in social
media, fits with the narrative of defying oppression.
Raisi, he said, is the epitome of oppression.
"Nudity and body has always been a taboo. And it has
also been an object or something to protest with."
Rokni told Iran International that you don't have to go
far back in history to see examples.
"The hippie movement, an anti-war movement in the
1960s and 70s would be an example of it. More recent, the Femen movement that
started in Europe and has gone to other countries in North America and Asia, is
an example of using nudity as a form of protest movement. The big piece in this
whole story is the fact that a body is a form of speech."
Rokni said by going nude, these Iranians started a
conversation against patriarchy and against the taboo of body shaming that has
been in Iranian society, especially since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, he said.
"Raisi took lives. He was a murderer, but he also
suppressed bodies. When people are sharing their bodies, they're literally
going against this patriarchy in our society, but they're going specifically
against Raisi and the crimes that he committed for the past 40 years,"
said Rokni.
Raisi, the so-called 'Butcher of Tehran', was one of four
judges who sat on a prosecution committee in 1988 that ordered the execution of
thousands of political prisoners - some were reportedly as young as 13 years
old.
Raisi denied his role in the 1988 massacre, but in 2021,
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard urged an investigation
of the President for his alleged "crimes against humanity" while he
was head of the judiciary.
The conservative hardline cleric took office in August
2021 and was known for enforcing brutal crackdowns on political opposition, and
for policing women's bodies.
A recent UN Fact Finding Mission found various cases of
rape and other forms of sexual and gender-based violence like gang rape and
electric shocks to the genitals. It also uncovered the use of AI technology to
identify and punish women who didn't follow the country's strict dress code.
Ziaei said "the body is forbidden," in Iran and
by going nude, "it's another way to express their frustration."
"The body is becoming a political space," said
Ziaei.
However, it could also be used by cyberbots of the
Islamic Republic to discredit the Women-Life-Freedom movement, and it wouldn't
be the first time an Iranian women's body was used against her, said Ziaei.
By publishing some nude photos, cyberbots, possibly
working for the regime, might try to tell more traditionalist Iranians that
this is what opposition activists do. If you trust them and follow their lead,
your families can also lose their moral compass.
In 2015, actress and human rights activist
GolshiftehFarahani posed nude in a French magazine, and received backlash.
Ziaei said that photo can be seen as a "symbolic
act."
Rokni said the negative backlash only exposed the
patriarchy in Iranian society.
"Iranians obsessed over the fact that
GolshiftehFarahani an Iranian, you know, showed a nude photo of herself, which
is interesting because it is okay for the French to be nude, but once it's an
Iranian, it's different for some reason. So it just shows you how we have a
problem with body," said Rokni.
Iranian-Canadian Lily Pourzand, an expert in gender
equality, came to Farahani's defense at the time and said she paid a price for
it.
"Part of the society feels that they own women's body,"
said Pourzand.
As a gender equality expert, Pourzand said, she can't
comment on whether going nude after the President's death is effective, but she
said it does carry much symbolism.
"That act of protest, which should showcase itself
in celebration mood, I think it's a message. That's saying no to the
governmental ideology and forceful ownership over women's body, over women's
life in Iran," she said.
Pourzand said it could be seen as taking back ownership
of one's body.
Whether the nude photos posted in the wake of Raisi's
death to celebrate his end, were done in fun, a dare or an act of defiance, is
not known but what is known, said Rokni, is nudity is a form of resistance to
reclaim control in a repressed society that stands for gender apartheid.
"After the revolution, one of the points that really
solidified the Islamic Republic was the domination over body. Domination over
body of women by putting scarves over their heads, putting hijab over their
heads, but also domination of men by asking them not to wear short sleeved
shirts," said Rokni.
Source: iranintl.com
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202405220521
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IBA supported Saudi Arabia initiative to introduce 1-star
female coaches courses for Arab women
May 24th, 2024
The International Boxing Association (IBA) supported the
initiative of the Saudi Arabia Boxing Federation to organize a special 1-star
coaching course specifically for women. Held in Riyadh, the course saw the
participation of 38 female boxing coaches.
Led by an experienced instructor, Vice-Chair of IBA
Coaches Committee Nadia Abdelhameed Mohamed from Egypt, the course united
female participants from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Tunisia, Morocco, Eritrea, United
Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Palestine.
From 18-24 May, the participants learned theory and took
part in the practical exercises followed by exams. The participants who pass
the examination will receive IBA 1-star coaches certification.
IBA Secretary General and CEO Chris Roberts OBE claimed
that IBA is committed to delivering education opportunities to all corners of
the world.
‘The IBA is championing gender equality, and offering
Muslim women the chance to join a dedicated female coaching course is a
splendid testament to our commitment to meeting the needs of our community. I’m
thrilled that our extensive network of certified coaches will grow and will now
include these remarkable women from Arab nations who are eager to gain new
insights. I eagerly anticipate seeing them at future IBA competitions,’ he
said.
Nadia Abdelhameed Mohamed added that she was pleased to
see the high level of coaches taking part in the course.
‘I am deeply grateful to the IBA for this incredible
opportunity for Arab Muslim female coaches. Many of these women hold degrees
from prestigious universities and actively practice boxing in various
countries. The participants demonstrated an impressive level of technique and
knowledge that truly surprised me. I eagerly look forward to awarding them
their well-deserved certificates, marking their first step within the IBA
coaching system,’ the course leader said.
Source: iba.sport
https://www.iba.sport/news/iba-supported-saudi-arabia-initiative-to-introduce-1-star-female-coaches-courses-for-arab-women/
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Mastercard women’s leadership network expands into Saudi
Arabia
May 24, 2024
Mastercard has launched a new Women’s Leadership Network
(WLN) chapter in Saudi Arabia. The move marks an extension of its Accelerator
Program in EEMEA in partnership with Women Choice to Saudi Arabia.
Mastercard says the launch builds on its ongoing efforts
to advance female empowerment and gender equality in Saudi financial services.
The launch event will feature keynote speakers,
networking opportunities, and insights into the upcoming programming for 2024.
Participants can expect engaging discussions, skill-building workshops, and
valuable connections that will drive their personal and professional growth.
“We are excited to bring the Women’s Leadership Network
to Saudi Arabia. It provides a platform for women in finance to connect, grow,
and succeed,” said SelinBahadirliCaglan, EEMEA Lead, WLN.
“We are confident the chapter will have a profound impact
on advancing women’s empowerment in the Kingdom and wider region.”
NezhaAlaoui, founder & CEO Women Choice, added: “At
Women Choice and with the help of our partners, leading organisations in their
respective fields, we allocate resources to each activity and monitor progress
all the way to the actual impact. We expect this initiative to help bring a
positive outcome to the Saudi financial sector.”
Source: electronicpaymentsinternational.com
https://www.electronicpaymentsinternational.com/news/mastercard-launches-women-leadership-network-in-saudi-arabia/?cf-view
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Female leadership in action at Africa Week
24 May 2024
Leadership is shown with actions – not with what you say,
Leeds’ first Lord Mayor of African descent said in an inspiring panel
discussion about Women in Leadership.
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, who grew up in
Nigeria, advised women to be optimistic and hopeful while finding solutions to
implement change. She was speaking during an event at the University of Leeds
to mark Africa Week.
I am so proud that this banner will live at the
University of Leeds - a place that means so much to me.”
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds.
The University of Leeds alum was also presented with a
new banner which will live on the campus precinct, celebrating her achievements
since she joined the university community in 2000.
Councillor Marshall-Katung, who was officially named the
city’s 130th Lord Mayor this week, said: “This is where my life in the UK
began. Without the University of Leeds, I wouldn’t be here. 25 years on and I
still live in this city which I love. It’s an absolute honour to be invited to
sit on this panel alongside such wonderful women.
“I am so proud that this banner will live at the
University of Leeds - a place that means so much to me.”
Councillor Marshall-Katung appeared alongside a line-up
of impressive female African academics, led by Director of Internationalisation
Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris from the University of Leeds and including
Professor Marcia Wilson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience & Institutional
Equity from London Metropolitan University, Professor Opeolu Beatrice Olutoyin,
professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry and Founder and Director of
BEE Solutions and Consultancy Services, and pioneering academic of engineering
education technology Professor Sheryl Williams from Loughborough
University.
A group of five women smiling at the camera
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds
with the Africa Week women in leadership panel.
Inclusion
Sharing their journey to their current positions,
Councillor Marshall-Katung said: “I grew up knowing that I had to find the true
enrichment of life and a sense of leadership. Leadership is a verb, it’s what
you do – not just what you say.
“No one is going to bring anything to you and say, here
you go. No chance! If you’re an African woman waiting for that, you’ll be
waiting forever.
“I had to educate myself for what role I wanted. Social
injustice and inequality - that has been my key line in what I do. Diversity is
a fact, but inclusion is a choice.”
Professor Wilson shared: “Hostility, isolation, lack of
support, it’s all there. There have been many challenges for me, but to
counteract that, you’ve to find your support and those people who have your
back - and that’s what’s kept me going.”
Integrity
Asked what advice they would give to women looking for
promotion opportunities, Professor Wilson answered: “You really need to be
prepared. No one is going to knock on your door. Know that you will get there,
but also think about the kind of leader you want to be. What will that look
like inside? Integrity - to make really difficult decisions.”
She added: “Stay focused on what you want to do, and take
opportunities when they arise. Reach out to people who can help you get where
you want to go.”
Councillor Marshall-Katung added: “Don’t fold your arms –
open up!
“As a woman, it’s tough in politics. As a woman of colour
it’s tougher. I always say to women, half the world’s population are women, and
the other half – we made them.”
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds
with Professor Sheryl Williams from Loughborough University.
Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung, Lord Mayor of Leeds
with Professor Sheryl Williams from Loughborough University.
Cultural programme
Their rousing words closed the first conference day of
Africa Week, an inspiring academic cultural programme celebrating the
strengths, diversity and impact of African, African in Diaspora and Dual
Heritage scholars, organisations and partnerships.
The programme opened with an uplifting cultural
performance by ThandaGumede and Simeon Walker, whose songs had delegates on
their feet dancing and clapping. Poet in Residence for Africa Week Khadijah
Ibrahiim and Lebo Mashile spoke about the experience of African women in the
world, and how their voices are being heard as more barriers are broken
down.
Professor Hai-Sui Yu, Interim Vice-Chancellor and
President at the University of Leeds, welcomed delegates and celebrated the
opportunity to enable open intellectual exchange and build purposeful
relationships, before Professor Luis Francheschi, Assistant Secretary General
of The Commonwealth, spoke about Africa’s contribution to the world, and named
it as being key in the changing world’s future.
Prior to the conference starting, a day of networking and
conferences was held including the Black Female Academics’ Network, the
Yorkshire African Studies Network and the Women’s Leadership programme.
Black Female Academics’ Network
The network’s inaugural meeting celebrated global Black
female academic research culture, academic excellence and the contributions of
Black female professional services staff. The network showcased the strength
and diversity of the Black female work content, open education, discussion, knowledge
and exchange.
Professor Lisa-Dionne Morris, CEO of the Black Female
Academics’ Network said, "BFAN at Leeds University is leading the way in
African research and dual heritage scholars, fostering a diverse and inclusive
academic community that enriches our understanding of global research cultures.
“We want to see BFAN members at every global higher
education institute and in every commercial organisation in the future."
During the day, the network heard from keynote speakers
who shared their experiences of career progression and gave insight into how to
become successful in academia.
I hope today has left women feeling empowered to follow
their dreams.”
Professor Yoselin Benitez-Alfonso.
Professor Esther TitilayoAkinlabi, Pro Vice-Chancellor
for Research and Knowledge Exchange at Northumbria University, shared how
perseverance helped her career journey.
Professor Opeolu Beatrice Olutoyin shared how having
oriented and focused goals helped her self-motivation. She also highlighted how
professional communities and networks can help with your career. Professor
Opeolu started as a member and is now the first Black female Society of
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) World Council President.
Iman Federico Awi, a PhD Researcher and Generation Delta
Champion in Sociology and Social Policy, added: “Attending this conference was
a profound experience, highlighting the constant battles that Black women face
in academia. We are often expected to embody the 'strong Black woman'
stereotype, never showing weakness.
“Yet, in this safe space, we could break down our walls
and embrace vulnerability without fear of judgment or consequences.
“I left feeling empowered and deeply grateful for the
trailblazing Black female academics who have paved the way for us.
“We are especially indebted to our Black mothers and
their sacrifices, who have and continue to excel despite the challenges. They
deserve all the flowers and more for their resilience and strength.”
A large group of women from the Black Female Academics
Network smiling at the camera in the Nexus foyer.
BFAN at Nexus.
Currently, in the UK, there are 66 Black female
professors. At the network a panel of five Black female professors spoke about
progression, promotion and reward. The panel discussed their routes to becoming
professors and how they achieved promotion. The group spoke about their
challenges and how to overcome them and the skills they developed along the
way.
Speaking after the panel event, Professor Yoselin
Benitez-Alfonso, of the Centre for Plant Sciences at the University of Leeds
and Co-Founder of Black in Plant Sciences, said: “It was inspiring to see so
many women of different generations aspiring to be academics. Through our
experiences, we hope they can achieve what they set out to do.
“I hope today has left women feeling empowered to follow
their dreams”.
Further information
For further information please contact corporate
communications officer, Becky Pascoe at r.pascoe@leeds.ac.uk
Picture credit: Simon & Simon
Africa Week, held on 22-25 May included cultural,
scientific and artistic events in honour of Africa Day (25 May), when the
Organisation of African Unity (OAU) now African Union (AU), was founded in
1963.
Sessions included debate and discussion on open education
and knowledge exchange, led by African academics and researchers.
The packed programme included network events, panel
discussions and keynote speeches from researchers, Higher Education
institutions, partnerships and networks.
Africa Day will be celebrated with a variety of free
events taking place in Leeds University Union (LUU). For more information and
the programme of events, visit the Celebrating Africa website.
Source: leeds.ac.uk
https://www.leeds.ac.uk/news-university/news/article/5584/female-leadership-in-action-at-africa-week
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Instagram Celebrates African Women In Made by Africa,
Loved By The World 2024 Campaign
May 25, 2024
In celebration of Africa Day on May 25, Instagram has
launched its international and pan-African campaign ‘Made By Africa, Loved by
the World’. This year’s Instagram campaign celebrates women of impact,
spotlighting four trailblazing women from the continent and diaspora – all of
whom have built a global presence through their exceptional talents and
passions across sports, entertainment and music.
Now in its fourth year, the women featured in this year’s
2024 campaign hail from Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and for the first time
Egypt. EniolaAluko, BontleModiselle, Victoria Kimani and Tasneem Elaidy tell
their inspiring stories in four beautiful short films highlighting their
successes, challenges and passions. Shot in collaboration with five rising
filmmakers, Haya Khairat from Egypt, Michael Rodriques from South Africa,
NyashaKadandara from Kenya and London-based Nigerian Aaliyah Mckay alongside
co-director Shehroze Khan. These films amplify the unique voices and stories
of women who are changing the way Africa is viewed on the international stage.
As part of the campaign, Instagram is also partnering
with local African content creators to host the third edition of its community
challenge, ‘#ShareYourAfrica,’ bringing together emerging and established
content creators to create a movement and celebrate what it means to be African.
Speaking about the campaign, KeziaAnim-Addo,
Communications Director, Africa, Middle East & Turkey (AMET) at Meta,
said, “For the fourth year running, we’re incredibly excited to shine a
spotlight and celebrate just some of the amazing women from across the
continent and beyond, who are having a remarkable impact globally. These are
women who are contributing to positively shaping the female African narrative
and inspiring change across football, music, entertainment and culture. At
Instagram, we’re deeply rooted in culture and connection, and we know our
platform provides the perfect space to showcase passions and creativity, whilst
inspiring a worldwide audience.”
Source: independent.ng
https://independent.ng/instagram-celebrates-african-women-in-made-by-africa-loved-by-the-world-2024-campaign/
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