AWD
AFRICA WOMEN’S DINNER
MARCH 2018 EDITION
THE RESILIENCE AND DIVERSITY OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN
MY STORY HEATHER KAPUTALAMBA
AWD LADIES CLUB
THE AWD JOURNEY
Message from AWD Founder Since launching AWD back in 2014, I have had the privilege of meeting many women just like you from across the world – women who i can now call my ‘Sisters’; an opportunity that i would otherwise not have were it not for AWD. Over the next five years, I have no doubt that the connections we will all make with other women across the UK and beyond as part of the AWD movement will be extremely enriching, both personally and professionally. Too often i come across women going through life’s tussles many of which you might recognise from your own lives - from inflation-bursting household bills, broken promises, health problems, childcare dilemma, difficult career-life demands and decisions, bank balance in the red… the list is endless. I have also come across women, who despite obstacles faced in their own careers, have still found the time and energy to encourage others along the way. Our belief is that each and every woman has a story that can unlock another woman’s prison.
Twitter @AWDinner
Instagram @AfricanWomensDinner
This year, the International Women’s day theme is “ Press for Progress” and there is no better time than now to be the change we want to see in ourselves. The need for progress, change and togetherness will always be there and the African Women’s Dinner is indeed the platform for that.
Facebook @AfricanWomensDinner
Founder, The African Women’s Dinner
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AWD JOURNEY THE
The AWD Journey has been a long road that has taken us to different paths along the way. In January 2018, The African Women’s Dinner changed names and incorporated the name AWD International as an umbrella to cover all the work that we do. Our core brands include AWD Expo, AWD Retreats, AWD Ladies Club and The African Women’s Dinner.
AWD International’s goals remain the same; to connect, empower and elevate the African diaspora woman whilst celebrating our rich diversity and excellence. We will continue to provide a unique platform where African women living in the diaspora are able to network, connect with each other, inspire and empower each other, share experiences and ultimately elevate and celebrate each other’s wonderful achievements.
‘Motherlands.’ Our strength, and that of the continent from which we originate, lies in the bonds that tie us together as African women, regardless of where we are in the world. With the power of technology, we can create an accessible, safe space between a network of female role models, to inspire the next generation of African women leaders and entrepreneurs
The AWD International community is vast, spread as far as Europe, Africa and the US. sharing experiences via a digital network, and engaging with women on the African continent as well, we can continue to own and share our heritage, embrace the multicultural aspect of our identities and maintain connections between our previous and new
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Event programme DINNER EVENT SCHEDULE Enjoy an extraordinary evening of Networking, Dining and Entertaining 6.00pm – 7.00pm Red Carpet arrivals | Drinks Reception | Networking 7.00pm – 7.30pm
Table seating and Welcome note – Sheila Gatonye
7.30pm – 8.30pm Dinner – Starters | Main | Dessert Live Performance: Shamim
STARTERS
Sweet Potato, Peanut Soup With Warm Bread Rolls Charred Corn And Mango Salad With Jalapeno Dressing Papaya , Root Vegetables And Pomegranate Slaw Grilled Aubergine And Pepper Salad Seasonal Mixed Greens And Chopped Vegetable Salad, Coriander And Lime Dressing
MAINS
Jerk Marinated Chicken With Spring Onion Grilled Cajun Spiced Tilapia With Pepper And Tomato Stew Chicken Suya Skewers, Chick Peas And New Potato Stew Rice And Beans Fried Plantain Okra, Coconut And Cassava Stew
DESSERT
Hot Malva Pudding With Custard Exotic Fruit Plate With Seasonal Fruits, Malibu And Muscovado Marinated Pineapple , Lime Whipped Cream
8.30pm – 8.40pm Guest speaker: DENTAA AMOATENG MBE 8.45pm – 8.50pm Live Dance: CELESTINA BANJO 8.55pm – 9.05pm Fashion Show - CUCICIO COUTURE 9.05pm – 9.10pm Charity Campaign – ‘AGAINST ALL ODDS STILL STANDING 9.15pm – 9.25pm Guest Speaker: EKANEM ROBERTSON 9.30pm – 9.40pm Live Performance: SISA SENKOSI 9.45pm - 9.55pm MOTHER’S DAY RAFFLE / BEST DRESSED 10.00pm – 10.10pm Live Performance: BM 10.15pm – 10.25pm Vote of Thanks – FOUNDER, SHEILA GATONYE 10.30pm – 12.00am DJ Music by Award Winning DJ CYMOH
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IG A P AM
C U IM
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In 2017, AWD International launched the ELIMU CAMPAIGN which aims to significantly reduce the numbers of children throughout Africa who have no access to education either through living in extreme poverty or affected by conflict and natural disasters and also those living in urban slums or remote rural areas. AWD’s aim is to offer these children hope of lifting themselves out of the cycle of poverty through education. In February 2018, AWD Founder, Sheila Gatonye visited one of the beneficiaries of the Elimu Campaign; Oloikas School, Oltepesi which is in
one of Kenya’s most arid areas. The school has around 80 children from the nomadic maasai community and what the school lacks are adequate desks and chairs for the children as well as basic resources to feed the children during the school days as some of the children walk long distances just to get to school. AWD is working closely with the school committee of elders
support the school. Some of the items AWD will be collecting are school bags, pens , pencils, shoes and water bottles and any donations will be highly appreciated To donate or for more information, please email elimu@ africanwomensdinner.com
CHARITY CAMPAIGN Against All Odds Still Standing (AOS) was founded by Philanthropist FIKELEPHI JACKSON who draws her passion from her childhood experiences of growing up in intolerable conditions where she was forced to fend for herself against all the odds of being fatherless and suffering war, poverty, abuse and betrayal. She knows first hand the stigma and the emotional trauma and psychological scars this brings with such upbringing. It is people like these that AOS reaches out to and this forms the vision for the Charity.
women and children. The voluntary help and support provided has since developed, when Founder Fikelephi realised that many African women, suffer in silence enduring violence and domestic abuse in order to retain their home or protect their family honour
Fikelephi, however, has survived “Against all odds” and has since gone on to lead a far more fulfilling life as well as helping others. She wrote the story of her experiences in the life changing autobiography ‘Against All Odds (I Survived!)’ published in April 2013. AOS mission is to rebuild lives and restore hope, to build secure and robust communities both in the UK and in Africa. AOS has been working to support safeguarding and protection of Black and minority ethnic (BME) women and children for some time. The charity seeks to end violence and abuse against
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For more information, visit the website www.aosuk.org . Contact us at info@aosuk. org or call 07950 918983.
AFRICA WOMENS DINNER
GUEST:
SPEAKERS DentaaAmoateng MBE Dentaa Amoateng MBE is the founder of the GUBA Enterprise which consists of GUBA Awards, GUBA Expo and GUBA Foundation. The GUBA Awards is a non-profit organisation that focuses on enriching the African community in the UK with the aim of empowerment and growth. It is an annual event dedicated to highlighting and rewarding outstanding achievers.
Member of the Highest Order of the British Empire (MBE) by her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II
Dentaa has positively influenced many through her work with the GUBA enterprise and her work to improve UK- African relations earned her an MBE in Her Majesty the Queen; Elizabeth II’s 2016 Birthday Honours.
Young Professional Role Model Award (2015)
Dentaa has previously been involved in a number of successful personal projects such as her hit TV show: ‘The Dentaa Show’ an entertainment program filled with exclusive interviews from celebrities in Ghana and the UK.
Most Innovative African Woman in Europe (African Women In Europe Awards, 2013)- Awarded for supporting awareness campaigns and the contributions of GUBA Awards to the community
Exemplary Leadership, Diaspora Mobilization Award (2017) Enterprise Minds Awards (2016)
Best Event Organizer of the Year (Women4Africa Awards, 2014)
International Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR Excellence Award, 2013) – An award for our support of growth within the African community in the UK. International Green Apple Award for 2013 Appointed as a Board Member of Waltham Forest Business in 2013 FIFA President Sepp Blatter’s invitation to present a statue in memory of Arthur Wharton, the first black professional footballer. GUBA’s work in acknowledging present and past achievers led to this opportunity. Young Social Entrepreneur of the Year (Future 100 Awards, 2011)
Some of the Awards Dentaa has received include
Ekanem Robertson Ekanem Robertson is driven by the desire to see all women becoming the best version of themselves. She has tried to do this across on a variety of platforms. As one of the presenters ofThe Women Show on BENtv Sky 238 and now on social media she hosts her own show, The EK Show dealing with a variety of human interest issues which affect her wide-ranging international audience getting to the heart of the matter. Ms. Robertson is a Trustee, Antitrafficking and Children’s Champion for AFRUCA the premier black charity dealing with child abuse in the Uk amongst the African community. She
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has for the last five years travelled throughout the UK training parents, community leaders and professionals in the UK about cultural clashes, the law and the dangers of child abuse in order to reduce the number of black children ending up in the care services. As a columnist for the U.K. based, community newspaper, Nigerian Watch, her column, ER With The Eagle Eye tackles important ideas periodically on the Woman Watch page. Ms. Robertson is a valued mentor, counsellor, coach, trainer and thinker in a number of fields that benefit from her enthusiastic change making, believing that “change does not just happen.”
THE RESILIENCE AND DIVERSITY OF THE AFRICAN WOMAN IN THE DIASPORA Embracing and promoting our stories, journeys, bravery and successes as women is a form of empowerment in itself and that is what AWD represents. When one woman wins, we all win.Here’s a story of one lady who had her life turned upside down at the tender age of 33 years Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Heather Kaputalamba and I am 38 years old, single, fun loving daughter, beloved sister and I should think a loyal friend with a steady full time job. Although I am not married and no children either, I have amassed a loyal inner circle that fulfil my life on a daily basis. Where my story starts to differ is that I am also living with breast cancer, having had the diagnosis twice now. The first time was in summer 2013 when I was 33 years old and the second time was in summer 2017 How did the diagnosis impact your life? Now I know that being told a person with cancer has a story to share normally sets the scene for a tale that contains a pre-amble of ill health, numerous trips to the hospital, painful treatments and medication, unique or rare diagnoses, inherited conditions, trials and tribulations, and hopefully, if it’s a good cancer story, it is also accompanied by inspirational accounts of revelations and dramatic change to one’s life. I want to tell you that my story does not have all of that drama. There is none of that set up at all. Instead I feel my story will be relatable because it’s not a unique story by any stretch of the imagination, but it is not a story that is usually not shared amongst us African Women in the Diaspora, so here goes. I was first diagnosed with breast cancer summer 2013 and had my first mastectomy within 2 weeks of the first consultation with the GP. I had always had lumps in my breast intermittently over my lifetime, they were lumpier and tender during of my monthly period, or sometime my breasts hurt near my armpits after strenuous exercise, but in reality, they had never given me cause for concern. I
was also very healthy; I ate well, I exercised and had a personal trainer that I saw 3 times a week, I did not drink or smoke. I also had no family history of any cancer that I knew of. After all, in my country and in many African countries, the belief is that cancer is a white person’s disease, a disease of the first world, and if anyone in any family were to have suffered or died from cancer (or AIDS for that matter), you did not admit it or speak of it. I am going to challenge that notion today.
6 months after her passing, I finally went to the GP who then referred me to a specialist breast clinic for further checks, biopsies and scans. Within 2 weeks of that initial appointment, I had a cancer diagnosis; an operation to remove my right breast because the cancer spread was too large to just remove a lump and subsequently over the past 5 years, I now have non-stop surveillance and treatments to monitor the cancer and treat any recurrence whenever necessary.
How or when did you first notice that all was not okay with your health?
What advise do you have for other women?
In February 2013, a good English friend of mine lost her battle to cancer at the age of 40. She had been diagnosed a few years before that and I was fortunate enough to share some of her cancer journey with her from afar as she talked candidly of her experience. As her only African friend, I was sympathetic from a distance and would speak to my friends and family about the taboo of her situation. She was the first person that I had known with the disease, I had no experience of it at all and truth be told, because she was young, I did not expect that the cancer would kill her. Her situation just gave me an interesting story to tell other friends, so when she eventually died of the cancer, the shock of her passing made a big impact on me and it was the first time that I had ever checked my breasts and really questioned what these lumps and bumps I could feel were. After a few months of poking at the lumps, going online to research what unhealthy lumps would feel like, as well as getting friends and family to feel me up as well (and all of them reassuring me that the lumps did not feel sinister), I decided to go to the GP just to double check, because I could not shake the feeling that something was not right with my body. When I think back, I can see that I really should have gone to the GP sooner, but like most of us I let life take over, and family and work get in the way. I would always have an excuse not to go to the GP, but fortunately, my friend was not far from my mind, and
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It is normally at this point that a cancer story starts to detail the journey around the treatments, the illness, the side effects, the fatigue, the changes in the body and the super human strength that is needed to get through the whole cancer ordeal. You see, it is all too easy to get carried away with the fast paced world of diaspora living and my advise to other women is to be vigilant with your health, even whilst you are feeling healthy and firing on all cylinders! Listen to your bodies and listen to your instinct when something feels off, because you are the first person that you can rely on to identify within yourself symptoms that point to disease. You see, we don’t have the benefits of having been born in this first world country that we now call home, where family medical history spans generations at your local GP practice and there is information available to help you identify whether you are in danger of getting some of these diseases. We have also not grown up in communities that encourage us to talk about inherited diseases or urge us to seek out help for illnesses that many people are encountering and living with day to day until it is too late. So don’t be discouraged from getting symptoms looked at. If you do get an unsavoury diagnosis, it does not always have to be accompanied by a doom and gloom story. It does not have to be accompanied by a story where you need to find an inner strength to deal with the day to day because trust me African woman, your strength is already hard-wired into you and you are stronger than you will ever give yourself credit for!
AFRICA WOMENS DINNER
ENTERTAIMENT
SINGER:
SINGER:
(UGANDA)
(CONGO)
SHAMIM
BM
DANCER:
SINGER/ DANCER:
CELESTINA
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SISA SENKOSI
(ZIMBABWE)
AFRICAN WOMENS DINNER
Exhibitors LORNA Mfene
SUPPLY TO MY DOOR food, services and more
Advert215x275mm-1.indd 1
KENYAN TRADING COMPANY LTD
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8/8/2016 5:57:59 PM
LAUNCH OF AWD LADIES CLUB 6 OCTOBER 2017, SHAKA ZULU LONDON
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AWD 2018/19 Events Calender AWD Summer Retreat, Limassol, Cyprus 19 – 24 June 2018 AWD Family fun day 5 August 2018 The African Women’s Dinner, Nairobi 15 December 2018 The 5th African Women’s Dinner, London 30 March 2019 The African Women’s Dinner, Stockholm (TBC)
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