International Women’s Day – I #ChoosetoChallenge
To wrap up this week, we are highlighting the IWD 2021 campaign theme: #ChoosetoChallenge from some African women around the world.
As you read, we encourage you to continually show your commitment every day to choose to challenge inequality, call out bias, question stereotypes and help forge an inclusive world.
I was called “Nwoke Nwanyi” which means “Man Woman” in Ibo language (a language spoken by a particular tribe in Nigeria). Anytime I did something exceptional, this phrase was used to praise me. I #ChoosetoChallenge the stereotype that women are not strong and cannot rise to the peak. – Urenna Ukonne.
In my special message to women around the world, I #ChoosetoChallenge the injustice I see around the world and encourage women to speak their truth – Tiwalola Ogunlesi.
I #ChoosetoChallenge the lack of female agency. In our walk-in life, the safety and acceptance of women largely depends on our adherence to society’s standards and the patriarchal system. – Alaa Elobaid.
I #ChoosetoChallenge gender stereotypes. As women we are given labels. A strong woman is often called “difficult” and a vulnerable woman is often called “weak”. But I believe we can be any or both. A woman can be strong, confident and independent, and still be gentle vulnerable and open. As a result, that should be okay. – Foi Wambui.
I #ChoosetoChallenge archaic thoughts. Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. – Cute Kimani.
Feminisim isn’t about making women strong. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the word perceives that strength. I #ChoosetoChallenge all the notions against women. – Aisha Mussa.
Every year, we share how powerful women are and can be but I wonder how many practical safe spaces or conversations help us to be these type of women. When we talk about supporting other women, how do you authentically do that especially when you do not support yourself or have safe spaces that have supported you. I #ChoosetoChallenge each woman to pursue self-awareness. – Idam Wikali.
I #ChoosetoChallenge society and raise awareness on a disease that’s affecting over 200 million women worldwide, Endometriosis –Fyah Mummah Jahmby.
I #ChoosetoChallenge the stigma against women living/battling fertility conditions. We need to embrace each other with love! Every woman is enough just where they are. – Tabitha Ndichu.
As a woman, I #ChoosetoChallenge equality for women in the family space, work space and professional spaces. May we give room to women to shine and dominate more spaces. – Tife Awe.
As a brand, we challenge women to celebrate themselves and to shine their light.