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3 INCREDIBLE TOURIST SITES in AFRICA to visit in 2022 5 FIRST LADIES at the heart of GIGANTIC SOCIAL PROJECTS DOROTHY RHAU fights for the success of AFRO-DESCENDANT WOMEN in CANADA

5 FACTS you may not know about AYA NAKAMURA

Dossier:

AFRICAN WOMEN FROM THE DIASPORA WHO HAVE MARKED 2021

FIND US ON: herogotv.com

The Panafrican storytelling TV Empowering Afro Women

MAGAZINE

Tourism: 3 incredible tourist sites to visit in Africa in 2022

Education: 3 African first ladies with exceptional academic backgrounds!

Portrait: Olivia Yacé, Miss Ivory Coast, beauty queen of the world!

Contents VOLUME 2 . NUMBER 2

Editorial: 2022 opportunities to seize!

Inspiration: They said ..

Society: 5 first ladies at the heart of gigantic social projects

Portrait: Loraine Doumbouya, ex cop and first lady of Guinea Conakry

Music: 5 black female musical artists to definitely follow in 2022

People: 5 facts you may not know about Aya Nakamura

Portrait: Caster Semenya, an androgynous black woman with an exceptional journey!

Culture: Cameroon, the Essani a Beti dance performed to pay homage to the dead!

Cinema: 5 heroines who run the show in African cinema

Success stories: 4 African women in the diaspora who blew up in 2021

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Portrait: Unity Dow, "guardian angel" judge for women's rights

Beauty: 5 simple tips for taking care of your black skin

Health: Sport, a powerful weapon against old age!

Entrepreneurship: Laureen Kouassi launches Birimian, an investment company serving luxury made in Africa

Health: 5 amazing benefits of sports that you may not know?

Entrepreneurship: Introducing the woman who has the largest African restaurant in France

Sports: A black woman refereeing at the 2022 ACN football game

Dossier: 20 women from the African diaspora who made a mark in 2021

Social: Dorothy Rhau fights for the success of Afrodescendant women in Canada

People: 3 internationally recognized female celebrities who found out they have African origins

Business: When 2 African actresses don businesswomen suits!

Favorite: 2 exceptional Mama Benzes with atypical routes

Integration: Cameroonian, Amina Gerba, becomes a Senator in Canada

Personal Development: 5 tips for making your marriage work while pursuing your studies

Personal Development: Women, pursuing your studies while working is possible!

Health: Yes, you can be a woman who stutters but still speaks well in public!

Women in the Media: Denise Epote, an exceptional broadcasting career in France

Inspirational: Asha, single mother and taxi driver

Discovery: Edna Amagbegnon, mechanical genius and welding expert

Coaching: Lady Sonia makes a significant impact throughout social media

Cooking: Why is the white Penja pepper the best in the world?

Cooking: Spices that lay the foundation for African cuisine! 5

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MAGAZINE volume 2 number 2

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Editorial team: Serge Nkepseu, Malick Gaye, Fidele Kitsa, Geoges Goumtsa, Myriam Keptou Translation: Mikhail Martynov, Sophia Tan Nidhi Patel, Pramanik Supratik

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MAGAZINE

EDITOR’S Letter

2022

opportunities to seize!

ach year has its song, its hero, its story, its major event. Two thousand and twenty-one started with a rhythmic touch of hope, punctuated by the adoption of the various vaccines against Covid-19. Then, against all odds, when everything seemed under control, the year ended under the threat of the new variant of Covid-19, Omicron. Scientists are announcing an even more terrible wave if nothing is done with rigor. So, once again, just as in 2020, Covid-19 dictated its law in 2021! Slowing down the passage of many implemented projects both nationally and internationally aimed at the empowerment of black and African women. Yet, according to World Bank figures, women represent 58% of the self-employed population on the African continent. They were clearly even more exposed in 2021. According to the North Korean Yongyi Min, head of the monitoring section of the sustainable development goals of the Statistics Division of the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Development (UN DESA), Covid has had a big impact on Sus-

tainable Development Goals (SDGs), African women have been hit hard. She illustrates this so well in her 2021 report on the SDGs: “The social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have hampered progress towards gender equality. Violence against women and girls has escalated, child marriage is expected to increase, and women have suffered a disproportionate share of job losses and increased home care work. " However, all is not lost! A scent of rebirth and gradual reboot hangs over the planet. There is hope despite the Damocles sword of the variant Omicron hovering and thundering. This year, beyond fighting to survive, black women must dare more, believe more and undertake more! More than 2022 opportunities are reaching out to millions of young black mothers and mothers at the start of the year. These opportunities are buried in institutions, non-governmental organizations, grant programs, entrepreneurship and many other mechanisms. These thousands of opportunities lie in the magic of the flowering of possibilities offered by information and communication technologies. It will inevitably be necessary to reorient in a more objective way the use of the Internet, of social networks, which are very often tools of distraction, more than of construction or development.

In 2022, young black women around the world must choose to free themselves from the false influence of “influencers” dream sellers and “queens” of social networks. To this end, it will be necessary to convert the toxic addiction from the hunt for "likes" on the web into the pursuit of true information. The first challenge will therefore be to win the war on economic information! This is one of the keys to unlocking more than 2022 opportunities to be seized throughout the new year 2022. No information, no opportunities… All this involves reading, consulting the websites of institutions, companies and large international organizations. This also involves the choice of models that we undertake to follow on social networks. If, for example, you have a dream of one day leading your country, or working in the governance of institutions, do not hesitate to follow a profile on social networks like that of Michaelle Jean, former governor of Canada, former secretary general of “la Francophonie”. If you are passionate about the workings of international finance, subscribe to the social accounts of an expert like the Ivorian Thidiane Thiam, former Managing Director of the Swiss Bank. Follow role models who embody your dreams. The key, we cannot say it enough, is to be well informed. As it must be said, how many young Baloumgou girls, a village located somewhere deep in western Cameroon, know that the UNDP is looking for the year 2022, 25 talented young African women, citizens of a Member State of the African

Union, to join the second cohort of the Young African Women Leaders (AFYWL) scholarship program? How many female business leaders in Mogoditshane, a town in Botswana, know that Apple, the American tech giant, has launched the “Apple Entrepreneur Camp 2022 for black founders and developers around the world” program? Thousands of opportunities like these abound in all sectors: fashion, sport, technology, music, science… They are all to be seized by 2022, on condition that you find out about them and apply for them. The world has become a "small village". You can stay in your city of Abobo in Ivory Coast and order an iPad in a store in Montreal, with just one click! As if you were just going to the corner store. There is no more limit, no more barrier! Thousands of opportunities are reaching out to you in 2022. You just have to browse, find out and grab them! Have a good and happy year 2022.

Serge Nkepseu Editor-in-Chief

INSPIRATION:

MAGAZINE

They said...

Article by Fidèle Kitsa

Each month, our magazine Mama Benz Africa highlights women with incredible backgrounds. Each word, utterance, and sentence by these successful professionals is a source of huge inspiration for millions of girls and young women across the African continent.

Oprah Winfrey

“I will tell you that there have been no failures in my life. I don't want to sound like some metaphysical queen, but there have been no failures. There have been some tremendous lessons.“

Lupita Nyong’o

Michelle Obama

“When I’m being true to myself, I can avail myself to extraordinary things… You have to allow for the impossible to be possible.”

“Success isn't how much money you make but how much of a difference you make in people's lives.”

Beyoncé Knowles

Folorunsho Alakija

“People should not just look at people who are on top. They should go and study how they got there and the challenges they had to face as they while climbing the ladder. “

Melinda Gates

“A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. But the search to find that voice can be remarkably difficult.“

"The world will see you the way you see you and treat you the way you treat yourself."

Anthony Robbins

“The secret of success is learning how to use pain and pleasure instead of having pain and pleasure use you. If you do that, you're in control of your life. If you don't, life controls you.”

SOCIETY

Society:

5 FIRST LADIES at the heart of

GIGANTIC SOCIAL PROJECTS By Alexandre Nsame

IF THEY ARE GENERALLY RENOWNED AS THE WIVES OF PRESIDENTS FROM VARIOUS REPUBLICS, SEVERAL AFRICAN FIRST LADIES ARE ALSO STARTING TO BE KNOWN FOR THEIR SOCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN ACTIONS. AS A RESULT, THEY OCCUPY AN INCREASING PLACE IN AFRICAN PUBLIC LIFE. HERE ARE 5 AFRICAN FIRST LADIES INVOLVED IN GIGANTIC SOCIAL PROJECTS.

Chantal Biya

AT THE BEDSIDE OF HIV / AIDS PATIENTS Chantal Biya, born Chantal Pulchérie Vigouroux, has been 10

campaigning with conviction for education and health for more than 20 years. In 1994, she created the “Chantal Biya Foundation”, which supports projects aimed at reducing poverty and fighting diseases, in particular in the context of HIV. The Foundation's Mother and Child Center offers comprehensive pediatric care and health education, with ongoing and regular care for children born to mothers living with HIV. The Chantal Biya International Reference Center supports medical research, particularly in the treatment and prevention of HIV. The Cameroonian first lady is also behind the launch of the “African Synergies” initiative, which aims to respond to the problems encoun-

tered by women and children living in rural areas of the continent. Chantal Biya is what we can call a “daughter of the people and international muse!"

Dominique Ouattara

COMMITTED TO SERVING CÔTE D'IVOIRE. Dominique Ouattara, born Dominique Claudine Nouvian is the wife of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara. Upon the accession of her husband, President Alassane Ouattara to the Supreme Magistracy of Cote d'Ivoire, she gave up her activities as a business leader

SOCIETY

to put herself at the service of her fellow citizens and especially children in difficult circumstances. Very involved for two decades in humanitarian aid, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara materialized her social commitment in 1998, by creating the Children of Africa Foundation, which works in 11 African countries, and particularly in Côte d'Ivoire. From then on, she set up a true multinational organization, with within it several volunteers and generous souls, eager to relieve the most disadvantaged children on the African continent. More than twenty years after its creation, the Children of Africa Foundation continues its humanitarian actions in helping children.

IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD LABOR Committed to the elimination of the worst forms of child labor in Côte d'Ivoire, in all areas of economic life, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara was appointed head of the National Monitoring Committee for actions to combat trafficking, the exploitation and child labor (CNS), on November 3, 2011 by the President of the Republic. For this valiant purpose, she collaborates with national and international partners towards the elimination of this scourge in Côte d'Ivoire and in the West African sub-region. Making children and families a priority is therefore Dominique Ouattara's long-standing commitment!

Jeannette Kagamé

PRAGMATIC AND DISCREET! Jeannette Nyiramongi, as her Jeannette Nyiramongi, as her maiden name, is the wife of Rwandan President Paul Kagamé. She has made social action through associations her priority. Having become first lady in April 2000, Jeannette focused on help-

ing people with AIDS and in May 2001 organized a summit bringing together her counterparts from the continent, which gave birth to the Protection and Care of Families against AIDS project (Pacfa). On December 26, 2007, she created the Imbuto foundation (which means "seed" in Kinyarwanda). It carries several projects, such as the extension of basic care, economic support for families affected by HIV, improvement of information and changing attitudes towards adolescent sexual health, protecting young people against AIDS, preventing malaria, success in school for young girls, scholarships for disadvantaged young people, promoting the reading and the culture of entrepreneurship and leadership for young people. She is also a patron of the Kigali-based Rotary Club Virunga, which established Rwanda's first public library in 2012, and a member of the boards of several organizations, including the Global Coalition of Women against HIV/ AIDS and Friends of the Global Fund Africa. In addition, she invests herself in improving the lives of vulnerable populations in Rwanda, in particular widows, orphans and poor families. The sky is the limit for the ambitions of this great first lady.

Sika Kaboré

SENSITIVE TO RESPECT AND TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS Sika Kaboré, born Adjoavi Sika Vovor is the wife of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Burkina Faso. A lawyer by training, Sika Kaboré has been involved for several years in children and women's advocacy. In addition to her professional activities, in 2006 she created the Kimi preventive health assistance association. The action of the association revolves around three strategic axes: an awareness program for the fight

against genital cancer in women, a contribution to the elimination of trachoma and diarrheal diseases and a contribution to strengthening the fight against sickle cell disease. It aims to prevent the main diseases affecting women and children. In Burkina Faso, genital cancers rank first among cancers in women. Many factors (social, cultural and economic) make prevention and even care for those affected difficult, despite the efforts made by the government, in particular by the decision to make it free for women and children of less than 5 years old.

Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi BRINGS A SMILE TO THE POOR

She became First Lady of the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the investiture ceremony of her husband on January 24, 2019 in Kinshasa at the Palace of the Nation. She established in May 2019, the Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi Foundation (FDNT), which pilots several projects, such as women's health, educating young girls, empowering Congolese women, fights against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV), fights against sickle cell disease and grants scholarships to local and international universities in the form of academic excellence awards. In February 2020, she launched the “Excellencia” program, which consists of scholarships in local and foreign universities to the top state exam candidates (baccalaureate) with the aim of promoting academic excellence. Bringing a smile to the poor in the health sector, Denise Nyakeru is interested in children with sickle cell disease and AIDS orphans. 11

PORTRAIT

Portrait:

Loraine Doumbouya ex cop and first lady of Guinea Conakry

By Etoundi Raissa WHILE EMPLOYED BY THE FRENCH MILITARY POLICE, LORAINE ENCOUNTERED THE CURRENT PRESIDENT OF GUINEA CONAKRY, MAMADY DOUMBOUYA. VERY QUICKLY, THE TWO LOVEBIRDS GET MARRIED. A QUITE ATYPICAL COUPLE OF SECURITY AGENTS MADE THEIR WAY TO THE HEART OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE. SPOTLIGHTS ON A FORMER COP, NOW FIRST LADY OF GUINEA CONAKRY..

amady Doumbouya overthrew President Alpha Condé last September, before being sworn in as president for an indefinite transitional period. This new position of president automatically propelled his wife Lauraine to the rank of first lady of Guinea Conakry. Once unbeknown to the public, she first appeared in the official swearing-in photo in traditional Guinean attire. Still, little is known about her, except “that she has four children with Mamady Doumbouya and that she is employed by the French military police”. However, even this little biographical information was enough to show beyond the very person of Lauriane, "it is France which is targeted, just like its policy in West Africa", relates The Times. 12

THE FAMOUS MEETING BETWEEN MAMADY DOUMBOUYA AND LAURIANE ... According to Jeune Afrique, Mamady Doumbouya and Lauriane met shortly after his arrival to France, in 2005. That year, he who will become the head of the Special Forces Group (GFS) arrives to don the Green Beret of the foreign legion, for five years, within the second foreign infantry regiment of Nîmes (Gard). Lauriane has just completed a three-month training course at the Tulle school of deputy-constables. One of her fellow students describes her as "sporty" and "sure of herself". She is also a good rider, which will lead her to leave the south of France in 2006 to join the Republican Guard in Paris. Nevertheless, things are not going as planned. "The subaltern roles ded-

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icated to the deputy-constable of the Guard do not excite her", adds one of his comrades. In addition, another added, “We were young and we were leaving the baccalaureate. At that age, many of us were there, not really sure what to do next. ", He describes her as a "joker", "jovial" and "loves life". Lauriane Darboux then left Paris to return to the South of France. She seems wholeheartedly attached to the Rhône valley where members of her family still live. After returning to her non-commissioned officer classes in 2006 in Libourne (Gironde), she returned to her native land, Chabeuil. It was in this city that his career as a police officer really began, according to information shared by Jeune Afrique. In September 2008, Lauriane was already wearing the uniform. In 2011 and 2014, she received a bonus for exceptional results. Not stopping there, she became a judicial police officer of the gendarmerie in 2016 and head marshal in 2017. She quickly rose, like her husband.

THE FIRST LADY IS THE VICTIM OF ONLINE HARASSMENT... Married to Mamady since 2011, Lauriane took the road to Guinea to follow her husband in his presidential destiny. Unfortunately, Lauriane Doumbouya's beginnings were not easy. Some Guineans say they are not happy that the first lady is French. In addition, some report that she is the victim of a campaign of harassment online by Russian trolls, who lead an anti-French campaign. In any case, Lauraine Doumbouya seems well integrated in her new country.

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MUSIC

BLACK FEMALE MUSICAL

2022

ARTISTS to definitely follow in

THEY ARE IN A GREAT NUMBER EVERY YEAR TO MAKE YOU DANCE AND DREAM! 2022 WILL NOT ESCAPE THAT RULE AND WITH NEW, FORMER NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS, ALL THESE STYLES WILL MAKE YOU MOVE… MAMA BENZ LOOKED AT THOSE WHO INNOVATE IN TERMS OF STYLE AND SOUND, WHO EXPLORE NEW GENRES. HERE IS OUR LIST OF THE 5 BLACK FEMALE MUSICAL ARTISTS TO DEFINITELY FOLLOW IN 2022! By Cynthia Wanyou

LOUS AND THE YAKUZA

(BELGIAN-CONGOLESE)

LEÏLA LANOVA

(CANADA)

The Canadian singer, from Montreal more precisely, grew up in a family of artists: her father is a pianist and a photographer. As a child, she created her own group with her cousin, bathed in the music of Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin, etc. She began her teenage career and collaborated with many artists, including Drake on his song "All Night". In 2014, she released her EP "Leila Lanova". Since, she created her own production house, Belfast Avenue and released her single “Bread”, a duet with Jok'Air in 2019 and “Malin Plaisir” in 2020. With her slightly grainy voice, her melodies in tune with the times and calibrated to make you dance, Leila Lanova is a golden nugget to watch very closely in 2022.

Does the name Marie-Pierra Kakoma ring a bell? Certainly not. Yet you probably know Lous and the Yakuza. It is actually one and the signed at age 22 with Columbia same. The young Belgian-CongoRecords via Sony Music in France. lese artist, model, and singer, was His first single "Dilemma" released born on May 27, 1996 in Congo. on September 19, 2019 is striking: Lous and the Yakuza - Lous is the ten million streams on Spotify and anagram of Soul, this music of the close to 4 million views on YouTube soul, the source of her musical takes her to the forefront. After “Tout inspiration, and Yakuza, the Japaest gore” in December and “Solo” nese organized crime syndicate, her in March 2020, the very first album war name, it's the way of relating to “Gore”, produced by El Guincho, the her "team", her "band" of musicians, producer of Rosalía, releases on Ocdancers ... on stage or behind the tober 16, 2020 (Columbia / Sony). scenes. The songs of the young Belgian From the street to the music singer of Congolese origin highlight Lous started composing her her different identities and take a music at the age of seven, and rather raw look at the world and the at fifteen, sent letters to Columgray areas that have built it. Lous bia Records in the hope of being definitely has not yet sung her last signed. Kakoma is disinherited by words. She is an artist who still has her parents who would like her to a lot to dismantle therefore; she is be a doctor rather than a singer, definitely to follow in 2022. then expelled from her home, she is 19 years old. Starts a homeless life on the streets for several months before finding a music studio where she can record and sleep while doing odd jobs. She recorded 52 songs in three years. Her passion for music finally prevails towards the creation of an album. She takes her relatives on board to perform in underground bars and clubs in Brussels. At the end of 2017, she formed an acoustic ensemble for La ChillZone, then

MAGAZINE

NDIVHUWO ELAINE MUKHELI

(SOUTH AFRICA)

At just 22 years old, Ndivhuwo Elaine Mukheli, better known as Elaine is a singer to follow in 2022, after a year full of success. Indeed, Elaine quickly established herself as one of the golden voices of R&B on the African continent. At this time when many singers resorted to technical adjustments to improve the rendering of their voice, the young woman remained faithful to her real voice. She signed with the American label Columbia Records last August, which should allow her to build on solid foundations. Elaine wowed fans with her authenticity and her 2019 song titled "You're the One", sung by herself without editing or track adjustments. She thus became one of the most popular artists in South Africa. Her

debut EP "Elements" released in 2019 reached number one on both national ITunes and Apple Music charts, making her the first independent female artist to do so. “Elements” has certified Platinum by RISA a year after its initial release and received a nomination for Best R & B / Soul Album at the 26th South African Music Prize.

YSEULT (FRANCE) Former participant in the French show "The New Star" in 2013, singer Yseult then wrote for artists like Yannick Noah and Chimène Badi. Her songs address racism, body positive and ambitions. She was a model for Asos and recently appeared in the fashion magazine Vogue. Yseult released her last Ep, "Black", in 2019. She is on the cover, which is surprising since she is a curvy African woman with dark skin. These are the kind of images you rarely see in the French music industry. Yseult, however, does not want to be just a body positive spokesperson. What is important is that she is a young woman who makes music, which she describes as Y-trap, a clever mix of trap and pop music. Called "Yseult", the singer's first album finally released at the very beginning of 2015. Faced with a commercial failure, Yseult decided to break her contract with her record company and founded her own label. It is under her independent label that she then markets 3 EPs, and the single "Corps" in 2019 which earned her the recognition of the public. Eager for new experiences, Yseult has also launched into fashion. In 2021, she takes part in the great L'Oréal Paris fashion show. She therefore has some big surprises in store for us in 2022.

MANAMBA KANTÉ

(GUINEA)

Ranked among the ten finalists for the RFI 2020 Discoveries Prize, the Guinean singer had a good year in 2021. Nominated in the category "Best Female Artist of West Africa" at the 2021 edition of AFRIMA, an annual event to consecrate some of best artists of African music. The author of the album "Nany baly", singer Manamba Kanté Manambé can now hope to follow in the footsteps of her illustrious husband Soul Bang's, and make her music even more known on the continent. Daughter of one of the most famous West African griots and wife of the new Guinean soul star, Manamba Kanté is above all an outstanding singer and a self-made woman to follow in 2022.

PEOPLE

5 FACTS

YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT

AYA NAKAMURA By Serge Nkepseu

SHE IS THE MOST POPULAR FRENCH-SPEAKING SINGER IN 2021. AYA NAKAMURA IS A REAL SUPERSTAR IN FRANCE, BUT ABOVE ALL A SOURCE OF PRIDE FOR THE ENTIRE BLACK COMMUNITY BECAUSE OF HER AFRICAN ORIGINS. WHILE SOME OF THE SMALLEST FACTS ABOUT HER CAREER HAVE BEEN REVEALED BY THE INTERNATIONAL PRESS, THERE ARE FACTS ABOUT HER LIFE THAT REMAIN ALMOST UNKNOWN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC. HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW ANA NAKAMURA? HERE ARE 5 FACTS YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT HER… 16

PEOPLE

SHE GETS NOTICED THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA

NAKAMURA IS NOT HER SURNAME

Contrary to popular belief, her birth name is Aya Danioko. Aya changed her name when she decided to pursue a career in music. She chose the name Nakamura, as homage to a character from the series "Heroes", Hiro Nakamura. Nakamura is therefore her stage name.

Aya took her first steps in music by composing her first texts and songs herself. She had the ingenious idea of using social media to make herself known to the general public. Two of her first titles, in particular, "Karma" and "J'ai mal", were well received. After reaching 3 million views with “J’ai mal”, Aya Nakamura decided to definitely embrace her career as a musician. Thus, her growing popularity on social media presented her with the opportunity to sign a contract with the Parlophone record company, which belongs to Warner Music Group.

A GRIOT FAMILY

If the superstar grew up in France, she was born in Bamako on May 10, 1995. Her family, a family of griots (storytellers-singers) moved from Mali to France and settled in Aulnay-Sous-Bois. Ana was therefore predisposed from birth to be a good cantor.

NOT MARRIED, BUT NO LONGER AVAILABLE!

While the 26-year-old superstar is not yet married, she is no longer available. She passionately shares her love life with producer Vladimir Boudnikoff. The two lovebirds just welcomed a baby. Aya is therefore a mother for the second time. Aged 33, Vladimir Boudnikoff, his work also revolves around the world of music and he wears multiple hats: producer, editor, director, etc... He works for Vova Records Label which is full of praise for his artistic talent. A great fan of motorcycles, he has collaborated with Aya, but also with Oboy and Julian Klay. Perhaps the arrival of the baby will allow the young couple to take another step in their relationship. The least we can say for the moment is that Aya is very happy and flourishing by his side.

FIRST ALBUM, GOLD RECORD!

Aya Nakamura's first album was released in 2017 and is called "Private Journal". A real success that allowed the singer to win a gold record. The following year, the single "Djadja" gave her international fame. She obtained a double nomination at the NRJ Music Awards in the categories Francophone song of the year and Francophone revelation of the year. Her career took off… 17

MAGAZINE

Tourism:

incredible tourist sites in Africa to visit in 2022 By Assoumou Michael

WHEN WE TALK ABOUT VISITING AFRICA, WE IMMEDIATELY THINK OF ALL THESE UNUSUAL NOT TO BE MISSED PLACES THAT WE FIND IN COUNTRIES LIKE EGYPT, TANZANIA, KENYA, SOUTH AFRICA ... INDEED, AFRICA AS THE CRADLE OF HUMANITY ABOUNDS IN NATURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS. ACCORDING TO OUR SELECTION, WE OFFER YOU 3 INCREDIBLE AFRICAN TOURIST SITES TO VISIT IN 2022.

1. The Pyramids of Egypt Pyramids and deserts, history and nature… are some of the elements that attract tourists to Egypt. Speaking of the pyramids, there is still no concluding fact about how the construction was carried out. Note that there are three main pyramids in Giza: the great pyramid of Cheops (or Cheops), the pyramid of Kafhre and the smaller pyramid of Menkaura. And each pyramid was used as a tomb for one of the pharaohs of Egypt. In front of the pyramids is the Great Sphinx, this enormous sculpture in the shape of a cat which each time

mesmerizes millions of visitors. The Great Sphinx or as the ancients knew it as “Shesib Ankh” or “the living image”, has to be one of the most recognizable constructions in history. Visiting Egypt therefore becomes "an almost mandatory experience for anyone interested in the history of civilizations." According to the Lonely Planet guide, in 2022, the country will notably celebrate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

TOURISM

3. The Tibesti massif in Chad

2. The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya

This marvel located in the far north of Chad is a must-see site in 2022. The Tibesti massif is a mountain range in the central Sahara. It is the highest peak in Chad and the Sahara with its 3415 meters above sea level. Its highest point is the Emi Koussi. The massif covers 100,000 km², and spans two countries: Libya and Chad. You will find there: rocks such as Basalt, sandstone, trachyte, dacite and ignimbrite. Visit these different tourist sites in 2022 and learn a little more about the cradle of humanity that is Africa!

The Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya takes the second place on the podium of incredible tourist sites to visit in 2022. Known as the largest wildlife reserve in Africa, the region is home to many African lions and Maasai people. With 570 recorded bird species, 95 mammal species with over 2 million annual migrations of wildebeests, zebras and Thomson's gazelles, this is certainly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Africa. The period from July to October marks the time that most animal migrations are observed. 19

EDUCATION

FIRST AFRICAN LADIES with exceptional ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS!

IF GENERALLY, WE ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN THEIR SPARKLES AND GLITTER, ANOTHER ASPECT OF THEM IS STILL INTERESTING: THEIR LEVEL OF STUDY. YOU HAVE NO DOUBT ALREADY WONDERED ABOUT THE ACADEMIC CAREER OF THOSE WHO SUPPORT OUR PRESIDENTS AND WHAT THEIR LEVEL OF STUDY IS, AND HERE ARE THE FIRST THREE AFRICAN LADIES WITH EXCEPTIONAL ACADEMIC BACKGROUNDS! By Véronique Ndiaye

Dominique Ouattara

(Ivory Coast)

The wife of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has a very nice biography. After a bachelor's degree in economics obtained in 1972 from the Academy of Strasbourg, Dominique Nouvian received in 1989 a Diploma of Expertise in Real Estate in Paris (France). Then a diploma of Property Administrator FNAIM (France) in 1987 and in 1975 a DEUG in languages option economics at the University of Paris X (France). Speaking of her professional career, Mrs. Dominique Ouattara, had a brilliant career as a business leader, particularly in the real estate sector. In fact, in 1979, she was CEO of the AICI International Group, a real estate company which brings together agencies in Africa and Europe.

In 1993, a condominium management firm, "Malesherbes Gestion", which manages more than 200 Parisian buildings, completed the expansion of the AICI International Group. In 1996, she was appointed CEO of EJD Inc., a company that manages the Jacques Dessange Institute in Washington. In 1998, she acquired the Jacques Dessange franchises in the United States and then became CEO of French Beauty Services which manages all the brand's American franchises, hairdressing schools and the distribution of Dassange products. Following the election to the Presidency of the Republic of Mr. Alassane Ouattara in 2011 and in accordance with the campaign commitments he made, Mrs. Dominique OUATTARA resigns from all her professional functions to devote herself exclusively to her role of First Lady of Côte d'Ivoire and her Children of Africa Foundation.

EDUCATION

Sika Bella Kaboré

(Burkina Faso)

Born Adjoavi Sika Vovor, Sika Bella Kaboré is the wife of Roch Marc Christian Kaboré, President of Burkina Faso. After obtaining a master's degree in law from the University of Lomé - where she met her husband - Ms. Kaboré obtains a Specialized Higher Studies Certificate in Business Administration which she received in France. Originally from Togo, she arrived in Burkina Faso in the 1980s and held the position of public studies officer at the Chamber of Com-

merce and Industry (CCI) of Ouagadougou. A follower of peace and freedom, she supported her husband in his political engagement for several years. Alongside Roch Christian Kaboré for over thirty years, Sika Bella Kaboré is a woman of action, involved in non-profit organisations in Burkina Faso. Indeed, in 2006, Sika Bella Kaboré founded an association for preventive health assistance, KIMI which means “umbrella” or more broadly “protection and prevention” in the Dioula language. The KIMI association works in several Burkinabe provinces and villages to help women and children. Its mission is to inform people about the means of prevention of the five main diseases that affect mother and child alike: cervical cancer, breast cancer, sickle cell disease, trachoma (filthy hand disease that causes blindness) and Bilharzia. Already a grandmother, Sika is proof that a woman can get a great education while remaining a good stay-at-home mother.

Lalla Salma Bennani

(Morocco)

After having started two years of preparatory classes (advanced and special mathematics) at the Moulay-Youssef high school in Rabat, she was recognized as a State Engineer in computer engineering at the National School of Computer Science and Analysis of Systems (ENSIAS). Lalla Salma, who speaks fluent English and French, is the first wife of a Moroccan monarch to have a role on the international stage. During her husband's official trips, she had the opportunity to meet many foreign heads of state, from Jacques Chirac to Hu Jintao. She also assumes solo trips and represents the king, as at the wedding of Kate and William in England in April 2011. A committed woman, in September 2005, she created her own association dedicated to the fight against cancer. In July 2006, she was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for the World Health Organization.

BEAUTY

Portrait:

Olivia Yacé Miss Ivory Coast, beauty queen of the world! By Damien Diouf

CROWNED MISS IVORY COAST ON SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4, 2021, OLIVIA YACÉ CURRENTLY REPRESENTS THE COUNTRY OF ELEPHANTS AT THE 70TH EDITION OF THE MISS WORLD COMPETITION. BEAUTIFUL, COURAGEOUS, INTELLIGENT AND ELOQUENT, MAMA BENZ WILL TAKE YOU TO THE DISCOVERY OF THE BEAUTY QUEEN OF THE WORLD!

he Ivory Coast has a new beauty muse. Her name is Olivia Yacé. The 23-year-old Miss Ivory Coast is a third-year marketing student at Widenera University in Philadelphia, United States. If she is among the top-of-mind young girls, it is surely thanks to the rigor and firmness of her father. The latter wanted to instill in the eldest of his four children a sense of discipline, a value surely acquired during his time in the Ivorian army, in which he served for 16 years.

MODELING A SPRINGBOARD ... Olivia who has a weakness for modeling has all the necessary assets (size, elegance, natural ebony complexion and poise). Quickly, the great Ivorian fashion designers such as Gilles Touré trusted in her and adopted her. She participates in several fashion events and makes the cover of the online magazine "Boulevard Webzine". She also posed for the catalog of the loincloth brand Uniwax. She even participated in the Top 10 of fashion in September 2015, where she won the award for best female top model. Olivia does not intend to stop there. Her story has only just begun... An important step taken which allows her to consider more seriously her childhood dream of "one day becom22

BEAUTY

ing Miss Ivory Coast", a dream that came true on the evening of September 4, 2021. OLIVIA YACÉ FROM MISS IVORY COAST TO MISS TOP MODEL TO MISS WORLD In fact, from her height of a meter eighty, Olivia Yacé, holds the pinnacle of online votes in the Miss World contest as the favorite to attain the holy grail of world beauty. Carried by an unprecedented wave of media support on the web, initially during her campaign for Miss Côte d'Ivoire then a crescendo for the Miss World contest, the apple of the Ivorians' eyes is in a position to win the precious crown. Especially since the Ivory Coast, despite its previous participations, has never passed the climax for a victory in this world competition. Will Olivia Yacé succeed Jamaican Toni-Ann Singh? Côte d'Ivoire holds its breath and languishes after the verdict, which will be given in three months, since the final has been postponed because of the state of health of several candidates, including Olivia Yacé. On December 6, 2021 in San Juan, capital of Puerto Rico, Olivia Yacé, Miss Côte d'Ivoire 2021, won first place in the “Miss World Top Model” contest at the 70th edition of the Miss World contest, a first in the history of Cote d'Ivoire. On the same occasion, she ranked second in the “Designer of the world” competition. Just wow!

SPORT

Sport:

Caster SEMENYA An androgynous BLACK WOMAN with an exceptional journey! By Daniela Faye

A TABOO PHENOMENON IN AFRICA, HYPER ANDROGENISM MEANS, IN A WOMAN, HAS A HIGH LEVEL OF MALE HORMONES. CASTER SEMENYA, SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETE, THREE-TIME WORLD CHAMPION AND TWO-TIME OLYMPIC CHAMPION IN HER 800-METER DISCIPLINE HAS IT. HER PERFORMANCES ARE ON A REGULAR BASIS CONTROVERSIAL. HOWEVER, WHAT IS THE BLAME AGAINST CASTER SEMENYA?

t is the story of an athlete who runs too fast. A sportswoman who has shoulders that are way too square, muscles way too prominent and a voice way too deep. A woman who is criticized for being way too much everything, in a nutshell, but not feminine enough. "I heard that at birth you were a man?", dared to ask a journalist after her first 800m world champion title in Berlin, in 2009. Ten years have passed since the explosion of Caster Semenya at the highest level of international athletics. A decade crowned with medals (three world titles and two Olympic

titles), but nothing has changed with WOULD CASTER SEMENYA BENEFIT FROM TESTOSTERONE? this controversy because the South For the International Athletics FedAfrican athlete is hyper androgenic. eration (IAAF), the answer is yes. AcThis means that her body is producing high levels of male sex hormones, cording to them, hyper androgenism is the cause of performance gaps androgens, including testosterone. between runners. Also, in order to In fact, she naturally produces more than the average of other "protect free and fair competition", the IAAF decides to establish limit women (because yes, women also produce testosterone, but princi- testosterone levels for female athletes. pally in low quantities), which has Their first resolution was contested by the hyper androgenic Indian an impact on her body. And this overproduction is discomforting… sprinter Dutee Chand who won her With each of her victories since case in 2015. Still, the federation re2009, the label of the “hyper an- launched the battle three years later. drogenic” sportswoman emerges, They publish a new regulation that requires hyper androgenic athletes and the doubts that go with it.

SPORT

and even encouraged. “A man, we will never tell him that he is too masculine; but a woman who wins, and who demonstrates a certain power, she is immediately a "super-woman" who should compete in a separate category ", annoyed the former French high jump champion Maryse Éwanjé-Épée. Still others wonder about the credibility of the International Federation, which justifies its battle in the name of "fairness" in world athletics, while doping has plagued the environment for years. to lower their testosterone levels to a level less than or equal to 5 nmol / L for races ranging from 400 m to a mile (1.609 m). THE SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETE SEIZED THE COURT OF ARBITRATION FOR SPORT (CAS) Caster Semenya, specialist in double lap and 1,500 m, is clearly targeted by these provisions. She attacks the regulations of the federation before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and advances the natural origin of this hyper androgenism: "God created me as I am, I accept myself and I am proud", she declares. During her trial, the South African athlete received a lot of support. Her speech is supported by scientific studies, which demonstrate the complexity of the relationship between hyper androgenism and athletic performance. Doctor Cara Tannenbaum, professor of medicine and pharmacy at the University of Montreal, considers in particular for her part "that excluding Caster Semenya because she naturally produces too much testosterone would be as unscientific as prohibiting a basketball player from playing because he is too tall. […] To become a good athlete, you need a lot more than a high level of testosterone, a big height or big feet, which can all be considered as a genetic advantage”, continues the researcher. Some also denounce the sexism of these provisions, which only concern women's competitions, while the undivided domination of male athletes like Usain Bolt is welcomed,

THE DOUBLE OLYMPIC CHAMPION HAS ALREADY LOST SEVERAL APPEALS. This legal battle between Caster Semenya and the International Federation finally received answer on May 1, 2019, when the CAS ruled in favor of the IAAF. Today, the African champion can no longer participate in international competitions on her favorite distances if she does not agree to follow hormonal treatments, which she does not seem willing to do. "The IAAF used me as a lab rat in the past to experiment with how the treatment they wanted me to take would lower my testosterone level,"

says the South African athlete who appealed for the CAS decision. “I will not allow the IAAF to use me and my body again. “ A courageous decision that deprived her of the 2019 Worlds last September. AN UMPTEENTH RECOURSE ... It was arguably the most difficult race of her career, but Caster Semenya did not forfeit. The 31-year-old sportswoman seized, in February 2021, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in Strasbourg. Her lawyers believe that the Swiss justice has "failed in its obligations to protect it against the violation of its rights under the European Convention on Human Rights". "All we want is to be allowed to run free once and for all, like the strong and courageous women that we are and always have been", Caster Semenya explains in the press release. Last I heard, this champion has also started playing football in Johannesburg. What is certain is that Caster Semenya will continue to be the talk in the coming years. On the tracks as on the field, she will never stop being a champion, and that's all!

CULTURE

Culture

CAMEROON, the ESSANI a BETI DANCE performed to PAY HOMAGE to the DEAD! Through Etoundi Raissa IN THE CULTURAL UNIVERSE OF THE BETIS PEOPLE (FANGS, BULUS, EWONDO, ETONS, MANGUISSAS ETC.); “AKEN” DESIGNATES THE RITE. THE AKEN IS THEREFORE A "MYSTICAL" MEANS THAT MARKS THE CONDITION OF HUMAN EXISTENCE. PREVIOUSLY, THE LIFE OF A BETI WAS PUNCTUATED FROM THE CRADLE TO THE GRAVE BY RITES. THERE ARE THUS TWO TYPES OF RITES: INITIATION RITES AND EXPIATION RITES WITH THE BACKDROP OF INTEGRATION AND FUNERAL RITES. TODAY WE PRESENT TO YOU WHILE EXPLAINING THE SPECIFICITIES OF: L'ESSANI, ONE OF THESE FUNERAL RITES. ORIGIN OF THE WORD ESSANI The word Essani comes from the verb 'San', which means: to jump, to exult, to dance for joy… The Essani was originally a war dance, performed to celebrate the heroes or high personalities who died in combat. This ritual and mortuary dance that we perform, palm leaf in hand and to the sound of tom-toms, was performed after the 'palaver' called "Nsili Awu" was held, translated into English as "from what did he die?" The objective here is to release the family from responsibility for the death of one of its members and to send the soul of the deceased to the 'Ndong Bivol' (the valley of silence). In the past, the Essani was danced at exactly midnight for ten to fifteen minutes to the sound of drums; a way of asking the ancestors to open the doors to welcome the illustrious 26

disappeared, to welcome the soul of their child who joined them in their world. However, nowadays, the Essani is danced at any time of the day, sometimes even like ballets in schools and even during simple evenings. Therefore, we ask ourselves the question "are losing our cultural values?" WHO DANCES THE ESSANI? The dancers of the Essani are members of the family, friends or relatives of the deceased who want to show respect and love to the deceased in front of his mortuary remains. Note that, the well-executed Essani leaves a lasting impression on even the most insensitive audience. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH ADOPTS THE ESSANI After several attempts made under Bishop Jean ZOA, it was finally

in 2005, with the arrival of Bishop Victor TONYE BAKOT, that the Liturgical Commission of the Diocese of Yaoundé published a document allowing the celebration of Essani in all the parishes to commemorate the victory of Christ over death. This ritual dance that we perform, palm leaf in hand and to the sound of drums, actually befits Christ who emerged victorious from death. This is why the Essani rite, which celebrates an example: the model of a man, the merit and the hero BETI takes an important place in the celebration of Good Friday. Cameroon being therefore a magnificent country that abounds in a most astonishing cultural diversity continues to make the rites to strengthen social cohesion and to increase a sense of balance and security.

www.mamabenz.ca

CINEMA

Cinema:

5 HEROINES

who run the show in AFRICAN CINEMA By Gérôme Fodjo

THE CURTAIN HAS DEFINITELY FALLEN FOR 2021. IT IS NOW TIME FOR THE RESULTS TO UNFOLD! IN AFRICAN CINEMA, NEW FACES HAVE EMERGED AND SUCCEEDED IN MAKING THEIR TALENT SHINE. DESPITE THE DIFFICULT TRANSITION FROM ANALOG TO DIGITAL, HERE ARE 5 HEROINES OF THE 7TH ART WHO RUN THE SHOW IN AFRICAN CINEMA.

Syndy Emade

(Cameroon)

riginally from Kumba in South-West Cameroon, Syndy Emade whose real name is Elone Synthia Emade, 28, passionate about the 7th art, truly launched her acting career in 2010 in the movie "Obsession" directed by Achille Brice. She was only 17 at the time. A year later, when she created the Living Dreams Entertainment platform with the collaboration of two friends, she co-produced the movie "Different Kinds of Men". Emboldened by her progress, Emade will go from accomplishment to accomplishment. In 2014, she won 28

the Miss Heritage Cameroon award, and the following year, she founded her own production house: Blue Rain Entertainment! She then released the movie "Rose on the Grave", co-produced "Chasing Tails", then the feature movie "A Man for the Week", starring Nigerian actor Alexx Ekubo in 2017. The movie was a huge success on the Cameroonian and Nigerian movie scene. Named "best Cameroonian actress" at the Canal 2'Or 2019 gala for her role in the series "Bad Angel", Syndy Emade will have the pleasant surprise this year to see her movies "A Man For the Week" and "Broken" with John Dumelo and Nabila will be chosen to be integrated in the famous American platform of movies on demand, Netflix. Cameroonian cinema can undoubtedly boast of having her in its ranks!

CINEMA

funded by CENACI (Gabon National Cinema Center, currently IGIS: Gabonese Institute for Image and Sound). With this documentary, she aims to fight against discrimination and stigmatization of HIV-positive people, as well to encourage people living with HIV to medicate and protect those around them. For the production of this documentary, the Gabonese director Imunga Ivanga supervises her. In 2011, she directed the documentary "Not Guilty!" which examines the practice of spoliation of widows by (Gabon) their late husband's families in Gabon. She is currently preparing a auline Mvele Nambane is new documentary, "The White an actress, screenwriter Nganga", which focuses on and director of documenHugues Obiang Poitevin, a taries Burkina Bé and GaboFrenchman who has been nese. Born in Côte d'Ivoire in practicing initiation tourism in 1969, Pauline Mvélé spent her Gabon for forty years around childhood, adolescence and the Bwiti cult. This project won studies in Burkina Faso. She the first prize in the FESPACO studied at Joseph Ki-Zerbo Uni"Pitch Marathon" in 2017. versity in Ouagadougou where Pauline Mvélé took part she obtained a master's degree in the creation of "Rédoac" in Information and Communica(Central African Documentation Sciences with a Journalism ry Network), of which she is option. She met her husband vice-president. This organizathere, with whom she moved tion created within the frameto Gabon. She first worked as work of the traveling festival a journalist, writing in particular "Vision Documentaire" aims to for the magazine Amina. promote documentary creCommitted to the fight ation and to create solidarity against HIV / AIDS through her between documentary movieassociation Hope for Children, makers. and after writing an article in Since 2015, she has been Amina on HIV-positive womartistic coordinator, then Genen, she made in 2009 her first eral Delegate of the "Escales documentary movie on five Documentaires" festival in women living with HIV in Gabon, Libreville. "Hold on tight!", produced and

Pauline Mvele

Genevieve Nnaji (Nigeria)

igerian star and director Geneviève Nnaji has already shown that she is a hero of the 7th African art. This 42-year-old woman has been an actress in more than 80 movies over the past two decades including "Keeping Faith", "Two Together", "Rising Sun", and "Blood Sisters" to name a few works. Her first appearances coincided with the exponential growth in Africa of Nollywood, the Nigerian movie industry. 29

CINEMA

Truly talented, she has had several performance awards including the African Movie Academy Award (AMAA) for Best Actress in 2005. In 2004, this very popular actress released her first music album entitled "No More" (EKB Records, Ghana). In June 2012, she became Ambassador of the Range Rover Evoque. In 2018, she directed "LIONHEART", her first feature movie (1st Nigerian movie by Netflix) where she played the leading role, alongside Nkem Owoh and Pete Edochie. Even if she has disappeared for some time from the screens, Généviève Nnanji remains significant in African cinema.

Juliet Ibrahim (Ghana)

uliet Ibrahim is an actress, movie producer and singer of Lebanese, Ghanaian and Liberian origin. Named as the "most beautiful woman in West Africa" according to "A-listers" magazine, she won the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Ghana Movie Awards 2010 for her role in "4 Play". Born to a Lebanese father and a Ghanaian - Liberian 30

mother, she is the first child and has two sisters, including actress Sonia Ibrahim, and a brother. Juliet and her siblings spent most of their childhood in Lebanon and the Ivory Coast because of the civil wars. She completed primary school in Lebanon, and then went to Ivory Coast for her high school where she lived with her parents. She attended the Ghana Language Institute, where she studied English, French and Spanish. She also studied Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Ibrahim made her acting debut in the 2005 movie "Crime to Christ" starring Majid Michel. Her first Nollywood movie was "Yankee Boys" and since then has appeared in over 50 movies. In 2014, she produced her first movie "Number One Fan", where she played the role of an actress harassed by a fan. Her second movie "Shattered Romance" which featured Nigerian and Ghanaian actors launched with a big bang in Accra, Ghana on December 5, 2014. Her new TV series; “Every Woman Has A Story,” where she made her directorial debut, airs on Terrestrial Tv and her new reality TV show, "The Perfect Assistant", TPA will be unveiled soon. She has also appeared in "Twimovies", Yoruba-language movies and in "Ladan Aure", a Hausa-language movie.

CINEMA

get to know her thanks to her role of main actress in the movie of the director and Chadian sociologist, Aché Ahmat Moustapha, whose title is "Between 4 walls", under the pseudonym of "Haoua". Besides cinema, Maria (Canada) Wanou is also drawn to beauty contests. This is why she parariam Abdelaziz Hunticipated in the 2011 pageant wanou is one of the "Miss Commercial Technical Chadian actresses who stands out from the others High School" which she won the crown and then the 2013 by her ability to interpret the Miss Chad pageant, where roles attributed to her in the she represented the region various movies. Now in her of Wadi-Fira. This daring and twenties, she began first to present sketches still in kinder- ambitious youngster is invited everywhere during movie festigarten. Currently, she is one of vals, notably at FESPACO (The the actresses who is the pride Panafrican Film and Television of Chad in the field of cinema. Festival of Ouagadougou) in In 2008, at the age of 14, 2019 and the Yarha Festival in she participated for the first Cameroon in 2020. time in a casting and thus obBetween production diftained the role of main actress in Toidi Nana's movie on fistula, ficulties and other worries, this young Chadian with a entitled "Never again", shot in remarkable smile, dreams of early 2009. This movie opened presenting Chadian cinema the next door for her, solicited in 2012 by the Chadian director, in light of the movie industry in Hollywood. She currently Prospère Nedjilem Doumngar, holds a Professional License for her feature movie "Daddy's in audiovisual production at girl", where she played alongthe National Higher Institute side great Ivorian actors such of Sciences and Techniques as Gohou Michel and Bohiri of Abéché (INSTA), a diploma Michel. It is finally in 2014 that obtained in 2020. the Chadian public will really

Mariam Abdelaziz Hunwanou

SUCESS STORIES

Success stories:

AFRICAN WOMEN 4 women in the diaspora who blew up in 2021 Through Henri Kitsa

THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL, INTELLIGENT AND ENTERPRISING. ALTHOUGH IT IS NECESSARY FOR MANY OF THEM TO WORK TOGETHER TO IMPOSE THEMSELVES IN OUR PATRIARCHAL SOCIETIES, EVEN WITH THE SAME SKILLSET, THEIR SITUATION CONTINUES TO IMPROVE. RANKED BY MARKETING AND RATING AGENCY AVANCE MEDIA IN THE TOP 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL AFRICAN WOMEN. HERE ARE 4 AFRICAN WOMEN FROM THE DIASPORA WHO BLEW UP IN 2021!

Edith Yah Brou Young Ivorian blogger and activist, Edith Yah Brou, Co-founder of the online women's magazine Ayana and the Akendewa organization, specializing in information technologies and services, she is one of the most influential digital activists in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond.

Angela Kyerematen Jimoh Ghanaian Angela Kyerematen-Jimoh is responsible for IBM's operations in Africa. This specialist in marketing is the first woman to hold this position, which requires the launch of large-scale transactions on the continent.

Amina Jane Mohammed

Aya Nakamura

Amina Jane Mohammed is the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations. Previously, she was Minister of the Environment from 2015 to 2016 in her country Nigeria. This UN woman has distinguished herself on matters of good governance and the fight against corruption.

The Franco-Malian pop singer Aya Nakamura, whose music videos achieve record streams online, starting with her hit song Djadja. This clip has largely passed the amount of 800 million views on YouTube; the clip “Copines”, more than 357 million views and Pookie not far behind. A few weeks ago, Aya Nakamura became the very first French-speaking artist to win an Apple Music Award. A real phenomenon !!!

PORTRAIT

Botswana:

Unity Dow "guardian angel" judge for women's rights By Henri Kitsa

judge in the courtroom, but when outside, Unity Dow is in the field of activism. It should be said that the Botswanan born on April 23, 1959 has made the defense of women's rights her main concern. As the first female High Court judge in Botswana, Unity Dow has fought both nationally and internationally for the advancement of human rights in her country. In 1992, she obtained a first resounding victory! Unity Dow challenges the constitutionality of the law that obliges her to apply each year for a residence permit for her two children because the father of the latter, although living in country for ten years, is a foreigner (American in fact). After three years, Unity Dow wins its case, and due to the

HER PROFESSIONAL CAREER AND ALL OF HER FIGHTS COMMENDS RESPECT! BATSWANA UNITY DOW IS THE FIRST FEMALE JUDGE OF THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE IN HER COUNTRY. A STATUS THAT SHE HAS CHOSEN TO PUT AT THE SERVICE OF THE MOST DISADVANTAGED PARTS OF THE POPULATION, BUT ABOVE ALL FOR THE DEFENSE OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS. result of this judgment, nineteen other African countries abandoned this type of discrimination, one of her first actions that definitely propelled her into the limelight. Dow is also well-known for a ruling as a High Court judge in the Kgalagadi court. Dow and another judge ruled that the San people, considered one of the world's oldest cultures, had the right to return to their ancestral lands after being resettled by the government of Botswana. Her probity and struggles greatly opened the way for her to a more prestigious position with more manoeuvrability. She is currently the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Botswana. Remember that Unity Dow was educated in her country of birth

and later abroad. She studied law at the University of Botswana, Swaziland and the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. She is also a brilliant writer. In parallel to her work as a magistrate, she has published several novels, one of which was published in French by the Actes Sud editions in 2006: "Les Cris de l'Innocente"(Cries of the Innocent). She has written five books often dealing with issues relating to the struggle between traditional and Western values, but also the poverty of her country and recently the problem of AIDS in Africa. On July 14, 2010, Dow was awarded the Legion of Honor from French President Nicolas Sarkozy for her fight for human rights. Congratulations to this Mama Benz! 33

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Entrepreneurship:

Laureen KOUASSI launches Birimian, an investment company servicing luxury made in Africa By Florine Akassi

R ACCORDING TO ADVANCE MEDIA - SPECIALIZED IN THE RANKING OF THE MOST FAMOUS PERSONALITIES IN AFRICA LAUREEN KOUASSI-OLSSON IS ONE OF THE 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THIS CONTINENT.

ecognized as a woman of finance, it is with great confidence that she embarks on entrepreneurship. Laureen Kouassi-Olsson launched this year like a rocket, her company which she named Birimian. A promotion and investment platform for the benefit of brands in the fashion and luxury sector from Africa. “As a student at EM Lyon, I naturally got interested in the finance professions. In 2006, I joined Lehman Brother's after a summer internship, even before graduating. This is how my career in high finance began in London. », explains the entrepreneur having just realized one of the biggest dreams of her professional life. From the summit of her 38 years, the young Ivorian has invested a few million euros with a dozen other investors with whom she has partnered for a result which has satisfied her so far. It should be made clear that she is the majority shareholder of Birimian with 60% of the shares. She therefore assumes the boss costume! Hence her growth of influence in the business sphere in Côte d'Ivoire. The choice of the name of her company is not trivial! Birimian is the name of the first deposit in West Africa where rough diamonds were discovered. “I wanted to draw the parallel between the creative industries and the extractive industries, considering that African creators are precious stones in the rough, which must be polished and sublimated to bring them to life on an international scale. Contrary to the rising current of identity claims which can sometimes lead to confusion on the awareness of African creativity, we defend our culture by relying on partnerships with strategic actors based on terms favorable to all parties” she says. Birimian is based on a community of brands with high potential, a community of African investors or Africanophiles. Today it is a company with great potential, driven by a Mama Benz from the continent. Congratulations!

Entrepreneurial:

Introducing the WOMAN who has the LARGEST AFRICAN RESTAURANT in FRANCE By Myriam Keptou IN JUST A FEW YEARS, BRIGITTE HOUSSOU HAS BECOME A PROMINENT FIGURE WITHIN THE WORLD OF CULINARY ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE AFRICAN DIASPORA. HER AFRICAN RESTAURANT IS ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR AND PRESTIGIOUS IN FRANCE. A SUCCESS ACHIEVED BY TAKING THE RISK AND PUTTING IN THE WORK…

eninese Brigitte Houssou is a busy woman! When she is not directly supervising an order before it is sent out of the kitchen of her restaurant Villa Massaï, she is on the phone with a client, partner, or supplier. A very hectic life for a tenacious woman who, against all odds, wants to make a name for herself within France’s restaurant industry. It should be noted that since September 2017, this young entrepreneur

took the risk of leaving the workforce to start her own business with her brothers as partners. After an in-depth study of the market, she decided to specialize in the African restaurant industry. A real niche with regards to the strong community of African immigrants in France. She really went for it!

cocktails and even improvised birthdays. “A good friend of mine first recommended it to me. I felt like I was back in my home country, Cameroon, when I went there for dinner. I go back for every occasion with other friends and even white people who appreciate African cuisine, ” says Cameroonian Franck Ngalani.

Brigitte offers diverse à la carte menus. Thus, La Villa Maasaï offers the possibility of tasting traditional African dishes such as: N'dolé prawns, Mafé, Yassa, Tiep Bou Dienn, DG chicken, okra sauce, peanut sauce, etc... a kind of crossroads of several African culinary cultures. This strategy that has quickly gained traction, especially thanks to returning customers, is rather encouraging to see. The Villa Maasai has quickly become a good place for romantic dates, professional

Located a stone's throw away from the famous Boulevard Haussmann and the Place de l'Opéra, the Villa Maasaï, which has 300 seats, also owes its success to the modernization of its business model. In addition to the traditional in-person dining, like any other restaurant, she has also ventured into the e-commerce side. Customers can order directly from the restaurant's website and be served on time. This online venture has increased the number of customers as well as increased the restaurant's turnover. Another charming quality of this restaurant is its festive spirit as expressed through its decor and layout. Villa Maasai has a stage to host live artists, a lounge bar, an intimate space for events on the first floor (capacity of 45 people) and a sublime cocktail bar with African scents. Every weekend a DJ performs and everyone can enjoy their time. The notoriety and prestige of the restaurant makes it the largest African restaurant in France. Congratulations Brigitte Houssou! 35

BUSINESS

Business: When 2 African actresses don businesswomen suits! By Véronique Ndiaye

THIS IS ONE OF THE IMPORTANT RULES OF FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE. TO BECOME RICH, YOU HAVE TO DIVERSIFY YOUR INCOME. IN ANY CASE, THIS IS THE SUBTLE APPROACH CHOSEN BY TWO BRILLIANT YOUNG MOVIE ACTRESSES IN AFRICA. IN ADDITION TO BEING THE STARS OF THE SMALL SCREEN, THEY ARE NOW REAL "BUSINESS WOMEN". HERE ARE TWO MAMA BENZES FROM CINEMA TO BUSINESS...

EMY DANY BASSONG

She presented herself to the public as a comedy actress but her fans have discovered that she also has entrepreneurial abilities. Last April, African Food opened its doors in Bonamoussadi, an upscale district of the economic capital, Douala. It is a realization of Emilienne Danielle Ngo Bassong. The restaurant immediately becomes “The place to be” for all Doualais and visitors. “We are a local business and we make local food. We offer menus from various regions of Cameroon every day. ” Says the actress now a businesswoman. It should be said that it offers a completely new concept of catering. A chic, refined place where you can get together with your family to eat peacefully. These are specialties from the ten regions of Cameroon

that are served at African Food. This magnificent initiative by the actress of the famous African series "Madame - Monsieur" not only highlights the culinary wealth of Cameroon but also contributes to the development of the economy. In October 2021 when she was preparing to receive an award for her remarkable interpretations in the movie theatre, the diva also embarked on the social scene. She is setting up a foundation that will help single mothers. This beautiful idea was born from her personal experience as a single mother; "Together we will give hope to single mothers", a grain of hope that the young woman sends to all the fragile women of the continent. Emilienne Danielle Ngo Bassong still has plenty of surprises in store for us in 2022.

MAGAZINE

MARCELLE KEUETCHE

t is a number of a fair-skinned woman who is at the origin of the video streaming mobile application called POOPS, an application that allows you to watch Cameroonian series and movies. Concretely it is an app for videos on demand! The new businesswoman has a very specific idea about her project. “Because the best love I have comes from you, I decided to create a meeting place just for us, a house where you will have the privilege of being served before others: #POOPS, like this little name affectionate that you gave me. Poops is an application that allows you to watch your best movies and series as well as all my exclusive content. It allows you to enjoy the best of Cinema on your mobile,” she explained to the press during the official launch. Intuitive and fast, the ergonomics of the POOPS application: developed to make its use as

pleasant as possible. The application also aims to revolutionize cinematography in Cameroon. The actress of the famous web-series "Pakgne" especially wants to make her app the Cameroonian Netflix. Good luck in business! Remember that Marcelle Keuetche began the movie profession in 2015 when she played roles in several series and movies. But it was in 2017 that she really revealed herself to the general public when she played the role of "Poupy" in the "Pakgne" web series alongside Muriel Blanche. The year 2021 has allowed Marcelle Keuetche to establish her notoriety and to show other facets of her to her fans. She launches into entrepreneurship but does not stray from her passion, the cinema. Just like that, she inaugurates on March 30, her cinematographic production house MC Prod in Douala.

BUSINESS

2 exceptional MAMA BENZES with atypical routes! By Henri Kitsa AS USUAL, MAMA BENZ, YOUR HEARTWARMING MAGAZINE HIGHLIGHTS A CATEGORY OF UNIQUE BLACK WOMEN AT THE START OF THE YEAR 2022. THESE WOMEN WHO HAVE CHOSEN TO DISREGARD THE SYSTEM IN THE NAME OF LOVE FOR THEIR PROFESSION, TO CONTINUE DREAMING. THESE WOMEN WHO PERFORMS UNAPOLOGETIC AND WITH BRAVERY THE TRADES OFTEN QUALIFIED AS "MEN'S TRADES". HERE ARE 2 EXCEPTIONAL AFRICAN WOMEN WITH ATYPICAL BACKGROUNDS.

Refilwe Ledwaba,

A WOMAN IN THE AIR

he story of Refilwe Ledwaba is one of the most unusual. She was South Africa's first black helicopter pilot. This profession, the young woman did not choose as it seemingly imposed itself on her. It should be said that in the beginning, her dream was to become a doctor. She studied biochemistry at the University of Cape Town. To finance her studies and repay her student loan, she got a job as a flight attendant. That's when she found herself

interviewed for a job in an industry she knew nothing about. She took the job of cabin attendant even though she had never been near an airplane before the age of 17. “I was supposed to go to medical school, but I couldn't [for lack of money] and started working as a flight attendant,” she confessed. It was during her training as a cabin crew member that she realized that she was interested in flying airplanes. Her white colleagues then encouraged her to become a pilot. One of them, a pilot himself, offers to train her for free if she covers the cost of fuel.

In 2005, the young South African was lucky enough to learn to fly helicopters at a government school outside Durban. Months later, she became the first black female helicopter pilot to join the ranks of the South African police. Ledwaba grew up in Lenyenye in Limpopo, a province in northeastern South Africa, in a single parent family with six siblings. Her mother, a teacher, raised her seven children on her own. Barely in her forties, she teaches young people how to fly airplanes. She also runs the Girls Fly Program in Africa (GFPA), a foundation that aims to

BUSINESS

introduce primary and secondary school students to science, technology, engineering and math. Her foundation enables others to address the challenges she faced upon entering the aviation industry, breaking down cultural and social barriers in aviation at the grassroots level. Having lived through the apartheid, Ledwaba was far from imagining that she could become a pilot. In 2010, Ledwaba launched the Girls Fly in Africa (GFPA) program to introduce girls in primary and secondary school to science and technology at a young age. Now an instructor, she trains hundreds of young women in aerospace and aviation. She operates in four African countries. Her foundation has already organized space camps in South Africa, Botswana and Cameroon.

Rose Angéline Nga, THE FIRST WOMAN COLONEL OF THE CAMEROONIAN ARMY

he name of Rose Angéline Nga now appears in the history of the Cameroonian army. She is the first female colo-

nel of this army and her appointment dates from January 1, 2001. This medical colonel, born in 1956, is recognized as being not only the first female director of military health, but she is also the first female chief of the Cameroon first military health region. A pediatrician by training, Doctor Rose Angéline Nga is specialized in emergency and infant and neonatal resuscitation. She obtained her baccalaureate diploma in 1978 at the Sainte-Thérèse de Mva'a College in Okola, in the Lékié region. She continued her university studies at the University Center for Science and Health (CUSS) in Yaoundé, now Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMSB), from which she graduated with a doctorate in medicine. On January 17, 1985, she was admitted for training as an officer at the EMIA (the Inter-Army Military School) in Yaoundé and was among the first three of the promotion entitled Martin-Paul Samba. She and Elisabeth Henriette Mindzié are the two women selected that year. After several years spent in the administration at the Ministry of Defense as a researcher, she continued her studies at the University of Bordeaux for specialization. In 1994, she became a pediatrician specializing in emergency and infant and neonatal resuscitation. The year 1997 smiled upon her as she became the head of the pediatric service at the Yaoundé military hospital and was promoted to lieutenant-colonel. On January 1, 2001, she was appointed colonel by presidential decree and later in October of the same year, chief medical officer of the Garoua military hospital and head of the third military health region. Her commitment and devotion to her work will push her even further. She took control of the first military health region in Yaoundé in 2009.. 39

INTEGRATION

Integration:

Cameroonian,

AMINA GERBA becomes a Senator in

CANADA By Marine Mabenga

HER CAREER PATH IS THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESSFUL INTEGRATION AS ADVOCATED BY CANADIAN INSTITUTIONS. AMINA GERBA HAS A GOOD STANDING IN THE SENATE OF CANADA. A POLITICAL STATUS OBTAINED AT THE END OF AN IMPRESSIVE CAREER

he is now called Madame Senator! Amina Gerba has come a long way since arriving in Canada. Her appointment in 2021 as Independent Senator in the Upper House of the Canadian Parliament is

at the suggestion of Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister. Born in Cameroon in 1961, she immigrated to Quebec in 1986 where she obtained her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration and an MBA. in Marketing, from the School of Management Sciences of the University of Quebec in Montreal. With a degree in hand, Gerba initially worked for several Canadian companies from 1993 to 1995, focusing on market development in Africa. In 1995, she invested her time into becoming an entrepreneur focusing particularly on the promotion of Canada-Quebec-Africa relations. She created her own consulting firm, Afrique Expansion Inc., to build bridges between Canada and Africa and promote business opportunities. She has since created and managed other companies, including Flash Beauté Inc. and Laboratoires Kariliss Inc., and the non-profit organization Forum Afrique whose mission is to promote business relationships and partnerships between Canadian and

African countries. The company offers the design and implementation of communication and public relations campaigns, market analysis and feasibility studies in Africa, the identification of business partners, the organization of exploratory missions in Africa, and the preparation of market development plans and fundraising. Gerba was also a member of the College of Founders of AFRICA 2005, the platform which initiated the first edition of the Africa Forum in 2003. This is an international conference aimed at promoting investments and partnerships for the development of Africa. The five editions of the Africa7 Forum (2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and

MAGAZINE

2011) have attracted more than 500 participants with keynote speakers such as Ibrahim Gambari, Special Adviser for Africa at the United Nations, Alpha Oumar Konaré, former President of Mali and former President of the African Union Commission, Babacar Ndiaye, former President of the African Development Bank, Jean-Louis Ekra, President of the African Export-Import Bank as well as representatives of the Bank world and several other multilateral and bilateral institutions. It was during the 2007 forum that the concept of the “Discovery Day of an African Country” was launched. A dynamic entrepreneur, she has served on several boards of directors,

including that of the Armand-Frappier-INRS University Foundation, the Afro-entrepreneurs fund set up by the Government of Quebec, Femmessor Quebec, the Canadian Council for Africa, and the African Business RoundTable (ABR), the most important association of business people in Africa. She was also the first President for the Board of Directors of Entreprendre ICI, an organization created in 2018 by the Government of Quebec, which aims to increase the number of entrepreneurs with ethnocultural diversity. Her success is such that she was named Knight of the National Order of Quebec in June 2014, the most prestigious recognition of the Quebec

State. Listed in 2008 as one of the 25 women of influence in Quebec by the Journal Les Affaires, Amina Gerba is also the winner of several distinctions, including the 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Award from the Network of African Entrepreneurs and Professionals (REPAF), of the Month Blacks in History in 2011, Recognition Award from UQAM 2012 and twice finalist for the Prix Femmes d'Affaires du Québec (2011 and 2014). Amina Gerba is married and has four children: Ali, Aïcha, Habi, Kiari and grandmother of three.

DOSSIER

Wrap up: 20 WOMEN FROM THE AFRICAN DIASPORA WHO MADE A MARK IN 2021 By: Serge Nkepseu & Danielle Sando DESPITE SETBACKS MARKED ONCE AGAIN BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THE PAST YEAR STILL MANAGED TO HOLD SOME NICE SURPRISES. SEVERAL BLACK WOMEN STOOD OUT. FROM MASSOGBÈ TOURÉ DIABATÉ TO ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO, MAMA BENZ HAS GATHERED THE MOST PROMINENT ONES. YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS, WORLD-RENOWNED ARTISTS, BARONESS OF HIGH INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMACY, HERE ARE THE 20 WOMEN FROM THE AFRICAN DIASPORA WHO MADE A MARK IN 2021.

NGOZI OKONJO-IWEALA (Nigeria) She is probably the most influential African in the world right now! Nigerian-American economist, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is the seventh person to be in charge of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She is also the first woman, and the first African figure, to hold this position since the creation of the WTO 26 years ago. Her election to be the leader of this prestigious international institution in 2021 was above all marked by determination against the electoral campaign of former President of the United States, Donald Trump. She is part of the women from the African Diaspora who marked 2021.

VERA SONGWE (Cameroon) Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Vera Songwe is the first woman to hold this prestigious post (she also has the rank of Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations). An economist who studied at the best American universities, this Cameroonian born in Nairobi has spent her entire career at the World Bank, in the shadow of her mentor, the Nigerian Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. First stationed in Washington, she then moved to Dakar on behalf of the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This is where António Guterres came to recruit her, a few months after his own appointment to the UN General Secretariat. In 2021, she once again left her mark on the United Nations' economic policy for Africa.

FATMA SAMOURA (Senegal) She is the woman who leads the administration of the richest international association in the world. It must be said that FIFA's turnover amounted to more than 5.6 billion dollars during the 20152018 financial year. According to the American magazine, Ms. Samoura is in fact number 2 in world football, behind the president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. Fatma Samoura is a former senior official of the United Nations system. Another African woman in football is the Burundian, Lydia Nsekéré, member of the executive committee of FIFA. In 2021, Fatma was at the heart of the organization of the next World Cup to be held in 2022 in Qatar. She was also a major figure in the management of conflicts within certain Football Federations in Africa who are members of FIFA.

AYA NAKAMURA (Mali) She is the most listened to French-speaking artist of 2021 according to the famous Forbes magazine. Ana Nakamura, who was born in Bamako before later settling in France, was a sensation in 2021. After having accumulated billions of views and plays, having made Rihanna, Neymar and Madonna dance, having charmed the New York Times and Forbes, and having headlined at the Coachella festival alongside Frank Ocean, Thom Yorke and Lana Del Rey, she returned with a third album, Aya, released at the end of 2020. Another thunderclap: in four days, it was downloaded by 12 million listeners on Spotify. She represented France at the 2021 BET Awards, a ceremony held in Los Angeles to reward African-Americans and other minorities in the world of entertainment.

DOSSIER

ularly for gender equality, for twenty years. She is responsible for issues related to adolescent girls, family planning, maternal health and harmful practices such as female genital mutilation. Her department implements various programs to improve the lives of women and girls.

and government agencies were ordered to pay $12 million in compensation. American environmentalist, Erin Brockovich, describes this single Kenyan mother as her "heroine".

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ANGELIQUE KIDJO (Benin) An international music icon, Angélique Kidjo is classified on this list as a big shot. Singer Alicia Keys wrote her biography for Time Magazine. The latter, who collaborated with the Beninese in her latest album “Mother Nature”, testified to her humanity, generosity and kindness towards the new generation. “Her ability to blend cultures, to create a soulful sound that is out of this world, makes working with her and listening to her so special. She electrifies people,” says Alicia Keys. Through her music, Angélique Kidjo has demonstrated her commitment to her fight for the rights of African women. Her long list of successes includes winning three Grammy Awards and performing at the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in 2011, the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, and the in the opening of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

LOUISE MUSHIKIWABO (Rwanda) Ms. Mushikiwabo, known on the continent for her charisma, has served as Rwanda's foreign minister, government spokesperson and information minister. During an international conference on the education of girls and the training of women in the French-speaking world, in 2019 in Ndjamena in Chad, she urged the members of the OIF to redouble their efforts so that girls have the same level of education as boys. "A country cannot move forward leaving behind 50% of its population, and this is the case for several of our French-speaking states," she said.

NAFISSATOU JOCELYNE DIOP (Senegal) Head of the Gender and Human Rights Department at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Ms. Diop has been an activist for human rights, partic-

PHYLLIS OMIDO (Kenya) A graduate in business management, Kenyan environmental activist, Phyllis Omido, is famous for winning a settlement of $12 million to a community poisoned by lead pollution from a factory on the outskirts of the coastal city of Mombasa. In 2009, when the activity of her employer, Kenya Metal Refineries, was endangering the surrounding populations, Phyllis Omido, who had opened up about it to the management, was ordered to stay silent on the matter. But the activist had refused to be silent and instead fought to save the community from the activity of this factory, which recycled car batteries to extract lead. Harassed, beaten, arrested and detained, Phyllis Omido did not give up the fight until winning her case for the 3,000 people living in Owino Uhuru. The company was shut down in 2014

JAMILA GORDON (Somalia) A prominent leader in the world of artificial intelligence (AI), Jamila Gordon is the founder of Lumachain, a globally unique platform that uses AI to connect broken links in global food supply chains. Born in a Somali village, as a teenager she sought refuge in Kenya to escape the civil war in her country. She then moved to Australia and developed a passion for technology. Prior to launching Lumachain, Ms. Gordon held a global leadership role at IBM and was chief information officer of Qantas Group. She was Microsoft's Global Winner at the 2018 International Women's Entrepreneurship Challenge and was named Innovator of the Year 2021 in Australia and New Zealand at the Women in AI Awards.

MAGAZINE DOSSIER

AMINA JANE MOHAMMED (Nigeria) She is the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations. Previously, she served as Minister of Environment from 2015 to 2016 in her country Nigeria. This UN has distinguished herself particularly on issues surrounding good governance and the fight against corruption. She was notably Ban Ki-moon's special advisor for development planning. She has been Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations since January 2017. She succeeds Jan Eliasson in this position. She goes on behalf of the UN to the foreground of the Haitian earthquake in August 2021.

CHIMAMANDA NGOZI ADICHIE (Nigeria) Acclaimed Nigerian author and feminist icon, whose work has been translated into over thirty languages. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie moved to the United States at the age of 19 to

study communication and political science. Her debut novel, Purple Hibiscus (2003), won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize, and in 2013 her novel Americanah was named one of the New York Times Top Ten Books. Adichie's landmark 2012 TEDTalk, "We Should All Be Feminists", started a global conversation on feminism and was published as a book in 2014. She recently wrote Notes on Grief in 2021, a very personal tribute to his father after his sudden death.

TATJANA SCHOENMAKER (South Africa) If South Africa was talked about during the Tokyo Olympics, it owes a lot to the young swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker (24 years old). She first won silver in the 100-meter breaststroke, then gold in the 200-meter breaststroke. Performances that had a big impact in her country and which earned her a personal congratulations from Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic. The low-key South African athlete has also been nominated for the title of African Sports Personality of the Year 2021 by the BBC.

IMAN (Somalia) Somali-born model, Iman, has been a fixture on fashion shows and on magazine covers for years. She is also resolutely philanthropic. First global ambassador for the humanitarian organization and the fight against poverty CARE, she has also worked with the NGOs Children's Defense Fund and Save the Children. In 2021 she was once again one of the models who had the greatest impact on fashion in the world.

86,000 "bee-loved" trees to combat deforestation. Leikeki is a founding member of Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch (CAMGEW), which seeks solutions for the country's environmental problems from a gendered perspective. As a climate activist, her work focuses on the empowerment of women and their inclusion in the management of natural resources. She believes that forests - like the 20,000-hectare Kilum-Ijim Forest Region - can be conserved through community efforts.

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SEVIDZEM ERNESTINE LEIKEKI (Cameroon) Using beekeeping as a bushfire strategy, the organization founded by Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki has trained more than 2,000 beekeepers in honey production, quality control and beeswax extraction, and has planted more than

EDITH BROU (Ivory Coast) Over time, a generation of female entrepreneurs has emerged, in this case young ones, who break the codes and succeed in sectors traditionally dedicated to men such as architecture, civil engineering, new information and communication, aviation, geology or science. The career of the famous Ivorian “geekette” Édith Brou is an example of this. The latter knew how to take the digital wave and bring it her personal touch in a universe that is nevertheless very masculine.

MAGATTE WADE (Senegal) She is one of the successful entrepreneurs who have marked 2021. As a true businesswoman, she has been able to promote natural African products in the food and cosmetics industry, mainly on the American market. At the head of two companies at only 45 years old, Magatte Wade is one of the Africans who contributes to the development of the continent. Its luxury skincare brand, Tiossan, a product made in Senegal, is flooding international markets. In 2021, it has greatly contributed to African know-how. She multiplies the conferences on the continent and invites young people, and especially women, to follow her path. For her, entrepreneurship will allow Africa to resolve some of its challenges.

ANITA ANTWIWAA (Ghana) Anita Antwiwaa is one of Ghana's most respected

engineers! Graduated with a doctorate in electronics and communications engineering. She is the operations manager for the All Nations University Space Systems Technology Laboratory (SSTL), which successfully launched the historic GhanaSat-1, developed by young Ghanaian engineers at the university in 2017 to take photographs of the Earth and monitor the coastal areas of Ghana. One of her current projects is to teach space technology to young people using CanSat in order to inspire them to choose a career in this field, as well as to teach young women in the field of technical and vocational studies, entrepreneurship. Her ambition is also to create an electronic institution that will train young women in the field of designing and assembling electronic circuits.

MASSOGBÈ TOURÉ DIABATÉ (Ivory Coast) He is a recognized figure in the production of cashew nuts in the Côte d'Ivoire. A seasoned business leader at the head of SITA SA, she has established herself in the world of industry and taken up the challenges of industrialization and the economic emancipation of women. Initially only active in the production of cashew nuts, Massogbé Touré Di-

MAGAZINE DOSSIER

abaté then invested in the processing of cashew nuts, which it mainly exports to the United States. His group now employs around 800 people, mostly women, and has subsidiaries in rice processing, hotels, transport and credit.

SARA MENKER (Ethiopia) Ethiopian economist Menker is a graduate of the London School of Economics and Columbia University where she obtained a master's degree in business administration. During her career, she served as Group Vice President of Commodities at Morgan Stanley. She left her job on Wall Street to serve community causes, especially in the field of agriculture. She presents a software that makes agricultural, weather and climate data easy to understand by combining the data with satellite images. Ms. Menker has also used her platform to study the impact of natural disasters, including droughts, on the food supply. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it is thus able to predict food price trends.

AWA NDIAYE-SECK (Senegal) Resident Representative of the UN Women in the DRC and Special Representative of the Executive Director of UN Women for the creation of the national chapters of the Network of African Women Leaders. NdiayeSeck has over 30 years of experience in the fields of conflict prevention and electoral processes. She holds several distinctions including those of Knight of the National Order of the Lion and Officer of the National Order of Merit of Senegal. She is one of the few women on the continent who dare!

SOCIAL

Social:

DOROTHY RHAU

FIGHTS FOR THE SUCCESS OF AFRO-DESCENDANT WOMEN IN CANADA By Vincent Fotso SHE IS WHAT CAN EASILY BE DESCRIBED AS A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION FOR CANADA’S BLACK COMMUNITY. DOROTHY RHAU IS FIRST OF ALL A SKILLFUL ENTREPRENEUR, BUT SHE IS ABOVE ALL THE FOUNDER OF ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENTS IN CANADA WHOSE GOAL IS TO PROMOTE BLACK WOMEN. A WORTHY CAUSE…

he path and trajectory of entrepreneur Dorothy Rhau demands respect! This young woman initially stood out by making herself known as the first black, French-speaking comedian in Quebec and Canada. In this area in which she excels marvelously, Dorothy worked on her second solo show in collaboration with Encore Spectacle, an integrated entertainment group based in Montreal. She also performed at the pre-shows for the famous Mario Jean. However, against all odds she decided to switch careers and devote her time to important social justice issues. Dorothy is committed to fighting for the emancipation and success of Afro-descendant women. In December 2016, she assembled a team and created the Salon International de la Femme Noire (SIFN), a new social entrepreneurship project. Their first event in 2018 was a success! Since then the event has become an annual tradition. Dorothy explains her vision: “The Salon International de la Femme Noire (SIFN) is the result of a negative experience transformed into a positive, inspiring, ambitious, unifying, necessary and inclu-

SOCIAL

sive project. Two weeks after my mother passed away, I was invited to appear on a show to talk about the funeral home industry. Since I had no foundation left, I went to a drugstore where more than 50% of the residents of the neighborhood are black. When I arrived, poor service and only one cosmetic brand available for dark skin.” But, it must be said that it was the other women of the black community who encouraged her to materialize her idea. “After sharing my frustrations on social media, I received a flood of comments from black women who had gone through the same experience. This is where the idea of an International Black Women's Event came from, with exhibitors offering products and services adapted to this clientele, but also conferences and interactive workshops. To compensate for the under-representation

or even desensitization of black women in all areas of Quebec and Canadian society. SIFN's mission is to highlight black women who shine in the shadows. » Born in Montreal and of Haitian origin, Dorothy Rhau is the founding President of the non-profit organization Audace Au Féminin, since 2018. One of the biggest battles she is fighting right now is funding for black women entrepreneurs. “It is still difficult to have credibility with banking institutions. Some criteria for obtaining loans, grants or bursaries are too restrictive. In the case of a single mother who is trying to make ends meet, if it is her personal income that should allow her to set up her business, it is impossible to meet the criteria. We are only just beginning to become aware of the realities that women entrepreneurs face and we still have a lot to do.”

Thus, through the events organized by Audace au Féminin, Dorothy wants to raise awareness among authorities and stakeholders about funding and the importance of the introduction and integration of women from diverse backgrounds in Quebec and Canada. On the other hand, the young entrepreneur is rather satisfied with the progress made: “When I see women breaking through, smashing glass ceilings, occupying important positions, having access, I am delighted. And when I see people who are not from the communities join our voices, I tell myself that it's great, it's motivating. This is work that is not only done inside black communities, but also outside of them. This is where I measure our impact. It deeply touches me.“ Even if there is still a lot to do, Dorothy Rhau manages to bring about change. Congratulations! 47

PEOPLE

People:

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEMALE CELEBRITIES WHO FOUND OUT THEY HAVE AFRICAN ORIGINS By Alain Fandja THE TRANSATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE, WHICH SAW NEARLY 12.5 MILLION AFRICANS SHIPPED TO THE NEW WORLD, STRIPPED MOST ENSLAVED AFRICANS OF THEIR IDENTITY AND WITHIN 400 YEARS ERASED THEIR HISTORY. BUT THANKS TO ADVANCES IN SCIENCE, MANY BLACK CELEBRITIES NOW KNOW WHICH PARTS OF AFRICA THEIR ANCESTORS CAME FROM. SO HERE ARE 3 INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FEMALE CELEBRITIES WHO FOUND OUT THEY HAVE AFRICAN ORIGINS.

Oprah Winfrey

It was in 2005 that Oprah, through a DNA test, discovered that she descended from Kpelle (Liberia), Bamileke (Cameroon) and Zambia. The first African American woman to become a billionaire does indeed have African origins.

Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Lynn Williams is an American actress, singer, producer and model, born March 18, 1963 in New York, Bronx. A few years ago, she discovered that her ancestors came from Cameroon and Ghana.

Imany

Born on April 5, 1979 in the town of Martigues in France, the singer Imany, whose legal name is Nadia Mladjao, is from the Comoros. During an interview with JDD, the French singer provided more information on her true origins, “I come from the Comoros, even if I was born in Martigues. My mother told me her story. Her own mother, married at 9, had six children before her. They all died of various diseases. My mother was the only one to survive. Even though she has never known her siblings, they do exist. They are ghosts and a story to bear”.

Note that many black celebrities struggle with being considered American, French, etc…, according to Dwayne Wong, an author specializing in the history of the African diaspora and centuries of African discrimination and being treated as "second-class citizens," and the struggle for acceptance and recognition that continues to this day in the form of movements like "Black Lives Matter," has taught African-Americans, for example, that they are not entirely American. Thus, for some, acquiring citizenship of an African country or finding one's roots in a specific ethnic group in Africa can provide an important sense of belonging. 48

MAGAZINE

Women in the Media:

DENISE EPOTE, AN EXCEPTIONAL BROADCASTING CAREER IN FRANCE By Vincent Fotso THE CAMEROONIAN, DENISE EPOTE, HAS RECEIVED A TRIPLE PROMOTION WITHIN TV5MONDE, A FRENCH BROADCASTING COMPANY PROMINENT IN GLOBAL MEDIA GEOSTRATEGY. THE ACCOLADE OF AN EXCEPTIONAL CAREER.

t's now official! Since January 10, Denise Epote has been appointed Marketing Director of TV5Monde, and CEO of TV5Monde USA and TV5Monde Latin America. A triple promotion after almost 15 years spent working with their African channel. This important promotion will take effect on February 1, 2022. It must be said that this promotion, unanimously supported by TV5Monde as much as on social media in Afri-

ca, is the result of hard work, over the course of many years, in each position she has held since joining the channel. Denise Epote started as a journalist before climbing step by step to the top management. A ruthless world when you are black and African. Her career with TV5Monde is an example, she is more dedicated to promoting Africa. In 1999, Denise hosted the weekly program “And if you told me the whole truth”. In this broadcasting sequence, Denise, accompanied by a guest, discussed the most current topics in Africa. In 2009, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the show, her surprise guest was the President of Mali, Amadou Toumani Touré. At that time, the show had already surpassed their goal of 200 guests. Since its launch, she has hosted many personalities, including Andry Rajoelina, Omar Bongo Ondimba, James Alix Michel, General Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, Aminata Dramane Traoré, etc... The journalist also hosts on TV5 Monde, Afrique presse; a program in which the floor is given to journalists from the newspaper Liberation, passionate

about the history of Africa where they discuss current events on the Black continent. This woman does not only host television shows. On Sundays, she comes to share her views of the African news of the past week through the weekly column ‘Denise Epoté's week on Radio France internationale’. It was thanks to this huge opportunity that she was able to direct TV5 Afrique before being appointed to the top management of TV5Monde. Before joining the TV5 Monde group, the 68-year-old Cameroonian, presided as a news reporter on Cameroonian National Television (CTV, which later became CRTV) in the mid-1980s and early 1990s. Throughout her expansive career, she has won several distinctions. In 2001 in Abuja, Denise received the award for best television journalist at the Panafrican Broadcasting Heritage and Achievement Awards11. In May 2013, she was a recipient of the Legion of Honor, which is the highest French order of merit, both military and civil. A distinction that comes 7 years after having been honored with the title of Knight of the French National Order of Merit. She is also an Officer of Arts and Letters of Burkina Faso, Knight of the Order of National Merit of Senegal, and Knight of National Merit of Cameroon. At the beginning of 2014, she ranked amongst the hundred most influential personalities on the continent in the New African and Forbes Africa categories. Denise Epote’s new promotion comes at a time when the Principality of Monaco is entering the capital of TV5Monde alongside Canada, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, France, Quebec, and Switzerland. At the same time, TV5 is becoming a simplified joint-stock company, which cannot call for public fundraising. Yves Bigot, previously CEO of TV5Monde, is now CEO of the channel. Well done Denise! As a reminder, in July 2017, Denise Epoté who was at the time director of TV5Monde Afrique, had organized in Yaoundé, her celebration of 25 years living in Cameroon, during the film festival " Ecrans noirs ". 49

INSPIRATIONAL

Inspirational:

ASHA, SINGLE MOTHER AND TAXI DRIVER By Jeanne Engamba

HER UNIQUE STORY CAN INSPIRE MANY WOMEN IN AFRICA. AGAINST ALL ODDS, ASHA, A SOMALIAN, SET OUT TO BECOME A TAXI DRIVER. A PROFESSION GENERALLY DOMINATED BY MEN…

sha Mohammed is a taxi driver in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. A country that the United Nations (UN) ranks among the most difficult for women, in terms of laws and political climate. Her choice was mainly guided by her living conditions, but also by the desire to break stereotypes.

Indeed, being a taxi driver is one of the most dangerous professions in Somalia. This is because of the resurgence of terrorist attacks in vehicles. At any time, a terrorist passenger can set off an explosive! For that reason it is a profession only recommended to men in the country. Asha Mohamed does not see it that way, she has to take care of her family, and her children. It must be said that the young woman of 19 years is already divorced and a mother of two children. Since then, she has traversed the Somali capital every day in her white taxi, defying convention in this very conservative country that is also considered one of the most dangerous in the world. She explains, “When I was little, I was passionate about cars. I wanted to one day become a pilot; I never thought of becoming a taxi

driver. But when the Rikaab taxi company was founded last year, I decided to join them, mainly because there were no female drivers at the time. I saw an opportunity”. In fact, her commitment and determination encouraged other women in the country to join the profession. "The number of female taxi drivers was very low for safety reasons, but since we started the business, we have been recruiting more women," says Ilham Abdullahi Ali, manager for the Rikaab company. Some customers are also beginning to prefer women drivers over men. “In recent months, I have frequently used this taxi company, and although it is generally a man's job, I tend to prefer female drivers now. They are always punctual and drive much more carefully,” admits Sadiq Dahir Mohamed, a student in Mogadishu.

In terms of the pay, the young Somali earns a relatively good living compared to the country's GDP. Asha earns up to $40 a day, which allows her to take care of her family and reduce the hardships of an unemployed single mother. Among other things, she especially hopes to help change people's minds about the role of women in their country. A Muslim country that is still struggling to integrate women into their decision-making or to give them a real place in society.

DISCOVERY

Discovery:

EDNA AMAGBEGNON, MECHANICAL GENIUS AND WELDING EXPERT By Myriam Keptou SHE IS PART OF THE BENINESE YOUTH WHO DARE TO TAKE RISKS! EDNA ZIMONSE, WHO CHOSE MECHANICS AS HER PROFESSION, IS ALREADY THE HEAD OF HER OWN COMPANY. A GENIUS WHO BRILLIANTLY NAVIGATES HER WAY IN A FIELD THAT WAS ONCE DOMINATED BY MEN.

lar machines. I loved it and would stay with them during the holidays to see how they worked, and my passion for it only grew”. To achieve this, she focused hard on her studies. Edna obtained a Bac C and later went on to complete her Bac D. Then, she enrolled in the engineering program at the PSAC (Polytechnic School of Abomey Calavi). She spent 5 years there and completed her degree in mechanical engineering, with a specialization in production. She chose to dedicate her time to what is generally considered to be a man’s profession, despite her father’s warnings and those close to her. A stereotype that does not scare her. “I had the unconditional support of my mother. My dad didn't agree. He said it was a man's job. For him, I was not going to succeed. But over time, he finally agreed. At first it was not easy. He wanted me to study medicine. He did not understand what it was to become a mechanic. It was very difficult at the beginning. But I stood up to him and convinced him that I was going to succeed. I was determined”. Finally, her determination allowed her to impose herself in an environment where respect is essential, “Given that I am in a job dominated by men, it is essen-

tial that I demand respect. Often people ask me, ‘Do your workers respect you? How's it going?’ I often answer: ‘Yes, why does that surprise you?’ Naturally people respect me, I don't need to beg for their respect. This is not a war. You just have to respect yourself, that's all. It's not that difficult. When you perform well yourself, master your work and respect yourself as a leader, others will almost automatically respect you”. Her company CENUS-Bénin specializes in manufacturing metals, such as metal frames, security grilles, and ramps for stairs. The client can also request a 3D design. The company also invests in the manufacturing of agricultural machinery and offers support to young entrepreneurs who wish to promote “Made in Bénin”. A solid business model that allows it to expand its market share. Her ultimate dream is to build a big factory. “We already have a product that we are promoting. These are the ‘229 wheelbarrows’. Our first objective is therefore to promote it so that it is known and adopted not only in Bénin, but also in the sub-regions. They are very resistant wheelbarrows, which solve many problems on construction sites. So that's our short-term goal”.

o those with strong ambition, age is just a number. At 24, Edna Zimonse has already managed to make her presence known in the business world. She runs CENUSBénin, the company she created after completing her studies. The company is a machining and carpentry center located in Abomey-Calavi. She has been dreaming of starting a company since she was a child. Edna explains, “From a very young age, when I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I talked about having a large agricultural machine manufacturing plant. It fascinated me in a very natural way. Also, I had the chance to grow up in an area where near our residence, there were tractor mechanics who would repair Caterpil51

BEAUTY

liator. In fact, even if exfoliators can get rid of dead skin, used too often, it has the potential of irritating your skin and stimulating an excess secretion of sebum. Thus making your skin dehydrated and oily. USE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS SPECIFIC TO YOUR SKIN NEEDS Use products, moisturizers, make-up removers, serums, etc... that match your skin type and condition, whether it be: Dry, Combination, Dehydrated, Mature or Sensitive. In addition, be sure to use products that are gentle on your skin and that will not disturb its natural pH, which is between about 5.5 and 6.5. This especially applies to makeup removers. FIGHT THE DARK SPOTS Black skin is prone to hyperpigmentation, which tends to appear after a healed wound or pimple. To avoid this happening and prevent existing spots from getting darker, protect your skin from the sun by using a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), especially if you are undergoing antibiotic or contraceptive treatment.

Beauty:

5 SIMPLE TIPS FOR TAKING CARE OF YOUR BLACK SKIN By Myriam Keptou BLACK OR EBONY SKIN IS THICK AND TONED. ITS HIGH MELANIN CONTENT SLOWS DOWN SKIN AGING AND ACTS AS A NATURAL PROTECTANT AGAINST THE SUN'S ULTRAVIOLET RAYS. HOWEVER, FOR IT TO REMAIN BEAUTIFUL AND RADIANT, IT MUST BE TAKEN CARE OF. HERE ARE SOME BEAUTY TIPS TO IMPROVE AND MAINTAIN YOUR SKIN. 52

HYDRATION IS YOUR BEST FRIEND! THE SUN CAN BE HARMFUL TO Keeping your skin hydrated is es- BLACK SKIN sential when you have black skin. Just because black and mixed skin Dark skin needs UVB to maintain a types “tolerate” the sun a little bethealthy glow. For this reason, dark ter doesn’t mean they don’t need skin is prone to getting dry in more protection from the sun! Always temperate climates where light is carry organic sunscreen in your bag less present. So, make sure to use during the summer weather, otherwise hydrating and nourishing moisturizers. “hello damage”! Moreover, it will add Choose vegetable oil based products, hydration to your skin 😉. With prowhich are rich in fats, such as shea tected and hydrated skin, your face butter or moringa oil. They will help will have a healthy glow! to retain your skin’s moisture. Additionally, take advantage of glycerin. GOOD TO KNOW: HOW TO DETERYou will repair your skin’s barrier while MINE YOUR SKIN TYPE? protecting your skin from dehydration. Figuring out your skin type is not easy, Hydrated and nourished black skin is since the same person can have oily beautiful skin that will age beautifully! and sensitive skin, or even dry skin prone to acne. Additionally, hormonal EXCESS EXFOLIATION IS BAD FOR changes, climate, diet, etc… can BLACK SKIN have an impact on your skin type. Even though it is thick, black skin is Still it is important to know your skin fragile. Therefore you should limit the type, even if it means re-assessing it number of times you exfoliate your from time to time, in order to have a skin to once or even twice a month, beauty routine that holds up and is and make sure to use a gentle exfo- effective on your black skin.

HEALTH

Health:

SPORT, A POWERFUL WEAPON AGAINST OLD AGE! By Alexandre Fasseu IT IS A SOMEWHAT INDISPUTABLE FACT THAT NO WOMAN REALLY WANTS TO AGE QUICKLY! FOR THOSE WHO MAY NOT KNOW, THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO FIGHT OLD AGE. SOME CHOOSE TO EAT ORGANIC, OR SIMPLY ADOPT A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE. OTHERS JUST ACTIVATE THE SPORT MODE! THE POWERFUL TIME MACHINE.

f you really want to age slower than others, start playing sport without further delay! You should know that

physical activities and sports have a beneficial effect on the body at many levels. They are, therefore, a major advantage for not only slowing down old age, but above all, for maintaining an aging body as much as possible. By practicing a sporting activity regularly, that is to say at least 30 minutes a day, we allow our muscles to stimulate. They become stronger, more toned, and bulkier, because sporting activity eliminates fat, exercises muscles, and strengthens them. Being engaged in sports, thus, prevents muscles from aging prematurely as the years go by. This allows your body to retain the radiance of all its natural beauty. The body is lighter, more vibrant and full of energy. If we look at professional football players, for example, we realize that they hardly age at all. They are always in great shape, with a well-built body! Moreover, it is no coincidence that some continue to play at a high level at 36 or 40. It

is because their bodies have been conditioned to stay fit as long as possible. And even when they retire, physically, they look just as great as before. Sports medicine research shows that a person practicing at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week, at any age, is about 25% in better shape (muscular work, breathing, circulation) than a person who practices less than 50 minutes. At any age, a person, actively involved in sports, is always a winner in one’s fight against age. Sports, in general, stimulates the brain, improves coordination, promotes balance and therefore, helps to fight against memory disorders and cardiovascular diseases. It's always complicated to resume playing sports when you've stopped or when you didn't do it before. However, it is quite possible! Just resume gradually and the results will not take long to show. Good luck in this new endeavour!

HEALTH

Health:

5 AMAZING BENEFITS OF SPORTS THAT YOU MAY NOT KNOW? By Alain Faye ARE YOU TOO LAZY WHEN IT COMES TO DAILY EXERCISE? YOU SHOULDN’T BE! BECAUSE YOU ARE MISSING OUT ON PHYSICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL, AND EVEN PSYCHOLOGICAL HAPPINESS THAT YOU CANNOT EVEN IMAGINE. TO GIVE YOU A LITTLE IDEA, HERE ARE 5 SURPRISING BENEFITS THAT SPORTS PROVIDE… 54

1. SPORTS IMPROVE INTELLECTUAL PERFORMANCE

Surprising isn't it? Yes, regular exercise can allow you to effectively improve your intelligence! Sporting activities such as endurance sports improve the transportation of oxygen throughout the body and the brain, which has the effect of optimizing brain activity. 2. SPORTS PROMOTE SLEEP

Indeed, physical activity allows you to relax and relieve stress. Especially since a good kind of exhaustion is a guarantee for deep and restorative sleep! So now you know what to do... 3. SPORTS TEACHES EDUCATIONAL VALUES

As surprising as it may seem to some, practicing a sport teaches values. Friendship, courage, sincerity, honor, modesty, respect,

self-control and politeness are generally required for any type of sport. It offers some of the most important lessons, especially to children. 4. SPORTS FACILITATES THE RELIEVE OF STRESS

Thanks to endorphins, chemicals released by our brain, exercise is calming. In addition, it allows you to clear your mind and forget any daily troubles... 5. SPORTS PROMOTE GOOD DIGESTION

If you are very often constipated and you have tried all possible remedies without success, start exercising! Exercise promotes digestion and thus offers an effective remedy against constipation. If you were still looking for reasons to exercise, well there you go...

SPORTS

Sports:

A black woman refereeing at

THE 2022 ACN FOOTBALL GAME By Henry Kitsa THE CONFEDERATION OF AFRICAN FOOTBALL HAS ENTRUSTED THE CENTRAL REFEREEING OF THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS MATCH TO A WOMAN. SALIMA RHADIA MUKANSANGA BRILLIANTLY BROKE THE GLASS CEILING! A FIRST FOR THE CONTINENT…

wandan referee, Salima Rhadia Mukansanga, made world football history on Tuesday, January 18, 2022. She became the first woman to referee a match in the final round of the African Cup of Nations (ACN) . It was during the last event in Cameroon. The 33-year-old talent was in charge of the match between Zimbabwe and Guinea, counting for the third day of Group B at the Ahmadou Ahidjo stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon. She was notably assisted by three men. A quartet selected by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) which, like several other international organizations, is part of a group that promotes women. It must be said that at the beginning, she dreamed of making basketball her profession. But that was without knowing the difficulties she was going to encounter while practicing the sport. This is why Salima Mukansanga reoriented herself towards refereeing, an art she discovered during her last year of high school. From then on, fueled by passion, Salima obtained her first certificate in refereeing one year after the end of her secondary studies. It wasn't easy at all! She officiated, for the first time, in the second division matches for men and women in Rwanda. This did not prevent her from pursuing a degree in nursing and midwifery, at the same time. In 2012, she was officially recognized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). First outing: a selection match as an assistant.

From then on, she kept rising in position. With hard work and rigor, she was given the opportunity to work at international matches, in 2014. CAF entrusted her with refereeing the match between Zambia and Tanzania, as part of the qualifications for the African Women's Championship. First attempt was a success! Salima Mukansanga refs a match perfectly. The young woman progressed her career by participating in the 2015 African Games in Brazzaville (Congo), where she refereed the opening match and the semi-final. The same year, she participated in

the Cecafa Women's Cup of Nations (Uganda). And in 2016, she was one of 47 referees involved in the Women's African Cup of Nations. She was notably responsible for refereeing the final. A position that places her in a very closed circle of the most competent female referees at CAF and football worldwide. The rest of her story is written in the golden book of refereeing African football. In 2018, she was chosen as the only African at the Under-17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay, then selected for the Women's World Cup (2019) in France. She is definitely going down in history by officiating as a central referee during ACN 2022 in Cameroon. Eddy Maillet, CAF's refereeing director agrees by saying, "The match officials were selected based on their experience, their skills and their current form. Only the best will officiate at this extraordinary event”. No wonder some football watchers compare her to legendary Italian referee Pierluigi Collina. Congratulations to this Mama Benz!

MAGAZINE

the number of unforeseen responsibilities. Show self-discipline by abiding by your new schedule. 3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THOSE PEACEFUL MOMENTS AT HOME IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR MOST DEMANDING ASSIGNMENTS OR TO PREPARE FOR EXAMS In your situation, it is important to take advantage of any opportunities that come your way! Seize those peaceful moments at home to get some work done or to revise your notes. Because these moments will inevitably be rare due to your children or your partner being around, it is wise to make the most of them…

Personal Development:

5 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR MARRIAGE WORK WHILE PURSUING YOUR STUDIES

4. DEVELOP A GOOD RELATIONSHIP WITH YOUR TEACHERS AND CLASSMATES In an academic institution, the main people to support your growth and success are your teachers and classmates. In the event that you are not able to focus on your studies, for example, they can help see you pass your course, let you know of upcoming exams, or keep you updated on any other tasks. Your comportment and willingness will make your teachers more inclined to help you out…

By Alain Ndiaye ARE YOU MARRIED AND WANT TO CONTINUE YOUR STUDIES? DO NOT BE AFRAID, IT IS POSSIBLE! IT IS TRUE THAT YOU WOULD HAVE MORE RESPONSIBILITIES TO MANAGE BOTH ON THE FAMILY LEVEL AND ON THE ACADEMIC LEVEL. HOWEVER, GOOD ORGANIZATION AND DISCIPLINE CAN MAKE IT EASIER FOR YOU TO MANAGE YOUR SITUATION. HERE ARE 5 TIPS FOR YOU THAT WILL MAKE YOU WANT TO GO FOR IT 1. GET YOUR PARTNER INVOLVED IN YOUR PLAN! This is your very first hurdle to overcome! If your partner is supportive, they will not only motivate you, but also be there to help lighten the burden of your familial responsibilities from time to time. Their attention, availability, and desire to see you succeed can be an important asset… 56

2. STAY ORGANIZED AND BE DISCIPLINED! Reflect on what your various familiale and academic responsibilities are and make sure to write them down. Make a consistent schedule with your spouse, emphasizing what both your priorities are. This is important because your situation is already quite involved and it is best to limit

5. HAVE A MIND OF STEEL! Remember, there are times when things will get really complicated. Between the inevitable strains on your relationship and your studies, you might often consider giving up. But don't do it! Tell yourself that it is only temporary, the sooner you finish, the sooner you will be free! Always keep your goal in sight, never sacrifice your marriage or your studies. Just know how to find a happy medium in order to reach your goals...

MAGAZINE

Personal Development:

WOMEN, PURSUING YOUR STUDIES WHILE WORKING IS POSSIBLE! By Willy Wanyou AS WITH MANY PEOPLE AROUND THE WORLD, DO YOU NEED TO WORK WHILE STUDYING? THIS TRICKY QUESTION IS OF GROWING INTEREST AMONGST THE YOUNG AFRICAN WOMEN WHO FIND THEMSELVES IN THIS SITUATION. SOME NEED TO WORK TO FINANCE THEIR STUDIES, WHILE OTHERS STUDY IN ORDER TO FIND WORK. IF THE SWORD OF DAMOCLES STILL LINGERS IN THE MINDS OF THOSE WHO WANT TO TAKE THIS DOUBLE PATH, IT IS NEVERTHELESS POSSIBLE TO GET THERE WITH A GOOD ORGANIZATION.

ucceeding in your studies always requires concentration and strong self-discipline! But, it should not scare us to the point of rejecting job offers. Many students work full-time or part-time while pursuing their university studies. For some, working is essential in order to afford living and studying simultaneously. For others, it's more about earning their diploma in order to climb the corporate ladder. The majority of students thus become, for an evening, a weekend or more, a babysitter, a salesman or a cashier, a restaurant waiter, a teacher for private lessons or a facilitator in leisure or vacation centers. The main thing is to always be organized… In general, it is preferable to find a job related to your studies. Some university courses or programs run by the Grandes Ecoles offer paid positions. Night shifts at the hospital for medical students or work placements for engineering school students, for example. This allows you to also gain experience… But not everyone can have access to jobs related to their studies. In this case it is important to know how to find balance with both and not end up slacking in your studies in favor of money. You just need to know how to or-

ganize yourself in order to find that balance. First, it is important to let relevant people in your school know that you have a job and what your schedule looks like. It is also important to always take classes even if you cannot attend them in person. Above all, find the time to revise during your rare off-peak hours, even if you have to force yourself to. It is also important to let your relatives and friends know about your studies. Show them what it's like to be a student with a job and they'll be understanding. They will probably even try to help make your life easier. They will at least know when you are busy and when you have time for them. Create an online calendar and share the link with those who need to know where you are and when you're free. You can either use Google Calendar or a similar tool. All in all, studying while working builds a more independent and mature character. The smartest ones develop their interpersonal skills more so from work experience rather than in school. This allows you to be more apt when you are under pressure, like with exams, or when attending work meetings. Good luck!

HEALTH

Health:

Yes, you can be a woman who stutters but still speaks well in public! By Willy Wanyou IN THE ART OF PUBLIC SPEAKING, STUTTERERS ARE USUALLY THE MOST FRUSTRATED AND REFRACTORY TO THIS PRACTICE FOR FEAR OF ENDING UP IN RIDICULE. YET IT IS ENOUGH FOR THESE PEOPLE TO BECOME AWARE OF THEIR SPEECH DISRUPTION , UNDERSTAND IT AND ADAPT IT IN A WAY TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES WITH PEACE OF MIND . PRESENTING IT IN SUCH AN EASY MANNER MAY SEEM UTOPIAN, BUT IN REALITY, IT IS POSSIBLE!

here is no shame in being a woman who stutters! As frustrating as this speech disruption may be, it is self-overcoming with a little willpower and method. Stutterers can therefore speak well in public. First, you just have to break down the barrier of fear and frustration. Once you get the hang of it , no one will murder you if you miss a few words then and again. It is by trying that we can finally succeed . First of all, it should be clarified that being a stutterer does not mean that you are less intelligent and has nothing to do with your personal mistakes or the way you were brought up. This speech impediment also does not indicate that you are a very nervous

or anxiety-prone person. You are simply prone to stuttering when you find yourself in a situation that would make anyone anxious. Stuttering does not indicate what kind of person you are. It's normal for you to feel ashamed but realizing that this feeling doesn't make sense, may help you feel it less often and with less intensity. If you think about your speech disruption all the time, you will never be able to do well. So be brave, trust yourself, and have the confidence to speak well! It is imperative to become aware of your weaknesses because it is clear that you will not approach your speeches in the same way as a person who articulates words with ease.

As soon as you realize this, the second thing to do is learn to control the frequency or rate of your words. If you have to speak slowly to avoid stuttering, please do so. Take the time to articulate your words, don't just utter any word that comes to mind. Recognize each word and make sure you pronounce it correctly without rushing. It is important to master and synchronize the rhythm of your lips with the brain which sends the information. Take your time. Most people start off well, then get lost in the flow of their speech because they think more about what the audience would think of them if they didn't deliver. When you express yourself , the main thing you must worry about is that the audience needs to understand the message. So, to achieve this result if you have to speak slowly, there is no shame. Just be patient and the results will make you smile.

COACHING

Coaching:

LADY SONIA MAKES A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT THROUGHOUT SOCIAL MEDIA

Thus, to achieve her goal, she had the brilliant idea of using social media to develop her business. She offered personalized digital coaching sessions to anonymous people as well By Oswaldo Minka as to public figures. “People spend a lot of time on social media. They comSHE HAS IMMENSELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE POPULARIZATION municate with their friends. People AND REVOLUTION OF THE COACHING PROFESSION IN FRENCHfollow me from Mexico, Guatemala SPEAKING AFRICA. THANKS TO THE MAGIC OF SOCIAL MEDIA , and Russia. Social media has made LADY SONIA IS NOW A TRUE QUEEN OF COACHING SERVING it possible to popularize coaching and MILLIONS OF FANS. A SPARKLING BUSINESS... has allowed those who do not have the means to have an easy access to it,” she explains. Every day, the one who calls her followers the “tituboss”, provides life and motivation advice on her social accounts. Lady Sonia also responds to the concerns of Internet users in the comments to guide them on the issues generally related to the life of a couple. She provides a tailor-made service for her followers. Beyond this significant consulting activity on social media , there is a well-structured system that defines her business model. More specifically , her influence and her notoriety allow her to organize paid motivational workshops for women in several African countries. For example, she made a major tour in Cameroon. In the tour she not only met with the media, but also delivered two high-profile conferences in Douala and Yaoundé. At each of the conferences, you had to pay 50,000 CFA francs, around 100 Dollars, to get a seat! Every time, the room was almost full. At the end, Lady Sonia was crowded and received numerous selfie requests as a token of gratitude - the realization, er name has practically be- owes her strong personality to her symbolically of her recognition as a life experiences characterised by come a trademark on social coach and mentor. suffering. She was despised, abused, networks in French-speaking Graduated with a master's degree in traumatized and a prisoner of her Africa. The Congolese Lady Sonia is bitterness before rising through her commercial engineering, Lady Sonia, a personal development coach and a real star in her chosen field. For faith in God (Jesus Christ). She herself whose real name is Sonia Mabiala, many women, she is a mentor. For becomes her very first patient and de- also obtained a techno certification cides to turn her failures into victories. complementing her master's degree. others, she is a source of inspiration She initially set on a mission: to She is also a specialist in corporate for her unusual story. help African women, often crushed by communication. Married to Ludovic The young woman who is followed Mabiala, she is the mother of six by more than two million followers on doctrines and traditions, to become free and fulfilled through coaching children. She resides with her family Facebook embraced the coaching in Switzerland. sessions. profession after a fierce struggle. She

COOKING

Cooking:

SPICES THAT LAY THE FOUNDATION FOR AFRICAN CUISINE!

dried, crushed or powdered pepper. As their flavor develops during the cooking process, it should be added to dishes in small batches, and preferably at the end of cooking. The chili can be added to taste, which generally makes it possible to satisfy all palates while bringing flavor to small everyday dishes.

In fact, the consumption of garlic reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

By Gérôme Bell AFRICAN CUISINE IS AS RICH AS IT IS VARIED. WHETHER IT IS NORTH, CENTRAL, SOUTH EAST OR WEST AFRICA, WE CAN DELIGHT OUR GUESTS WITH FLAVORFUL AND INNOVATIVE DISHES TO SPICE UP EVERYDAY LIFE. SO, IF YOU ARE A FAN OF THIS VERY RICH AND TASTY CUISINE, YOU WILL BE THRILLED TO DISCOVER THE SPICES THAT GIVE AFRICAN CUISINE ITS UNIQUE FLAVOR.

Ginger Pepper

Whether white or black, pepper is widely used in African cuisine. Like other spices, it adds flavor to dishes and enriches their taste. It also has very good medicinal properties.

It is one of the most widely used spices in West Africa. It can be used in both fish and meat sauces. It is becoming more and more popular and is now essential in many dishes. It is well appreciated for its health benefits but also for its subtle spicy flavor that takes you on a culinary journey when eating your favorite dishes. Ginger can be used fresh or powdered. It has many health benefits, including better digestion, fighting fatigue, and fighting infections. It also has aphrodisiac properties.

Garlic Chili (green, red, yellow, etc.)

Belonging to the same family as the sweet pepper, the pepper is renowned for its very characteristic spicy taste. An essential ingredient in African cuisine for centuries, you can enhance an infinite number of dishes by adding a hint of fresh, 60

Garlic is one of the most common ingredients in African cuisine. Nothing compares to its powerful flavor and ability to enhance the taste of a dish. White, red or purple, to any food lover’s delight, it is grown all over the world. Also having medicinal properties, studies have shown that people who consumed 2 to 5 g of garlic every day had lower blood cholesterol and triglycerides than others.

Thyme

A herb that is very easy to grow, thyme is as good on the plate as it is for the body. It is known to add flavor to meat stuffings or marinades. Widely used in Mediterranean and African cuisine, it works well in many recipes. We prefer to use it dry so that it can last all year round.

COOKING

Cooking:

WHY IS THE WHITE PENJA PEPPER THE BEST IN THE WORLD? By Gérôme Bell CONSIDERED BY ENTHUSIASTS AS ONE OF THE BEST PEPPERS IN THE WORLD, ESPECIALLY THE WHITE VERSION, THE WHITE PENJA PEPPER IS PRODUCED IN AN ARTISANAL MANNER AND IS THE FIRST AFRICAN PRODUCT TO HAVE OBTAINED AN I.G.P. (PROTECTED GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION) CERTIFICATION IN 2013.

hy do we say it is the best? Let’s give you some factors … Its unique trait is owed it to its very fertile natural volcanic soil. It is described on various websites of online grocery stores that the white Penja pepper is a pepper with a powerful taste. Trust me, that is an understatement. In fact, when it gets mixed in Cameroonian dishes , you'd think that the cook has dropped the pepper jar in it! The geographical area of the Penja Pepper is located on the hilly areas of the south of Mount Koupé, between the Littoral region and the South-West region of Cameroon. It is made up of the territories of the municipalities of Manjo, Loum, Njombé/Penja, Mbanga, Mombo and Tombel, located between 100 and 500 meters above sea level and on basaltic subsoil, a specific microclimate of Penja, characterized by high humidity. It is this specificity that the IGP recognizes (in addition to quality and know-how). The drying process is unique… The white Penja pepper is

picked by hand when the peppercorns have taken on an orange color and are at optimum ripeness. The peppercorn is then completely formed, which results in containing all its aroma. Once picked, the peppercorns are soaked in jute clothe bags, immersed in water for 7 to 10 days to detach the pericarp from the kernel. The process of retting begins which is an ancestral method where the pepper is trampled every day by the men and women of the plantation to remove the skin. The pepper is then taken out of the bags and exposed to the sun for about a week on flat ground to dry and whiten the grains. Finally, the peppercorns are sorted manually using a sieve to keep only the ones that meet the criteria of the desired size. Its earthy and powerful flavor! True pepper lovers, particularly, appreciate the white Penja pepper

for its unique trait , its earthy and powerful flavor, and its characteristic acidity. As a result, many people consider it the best pepper on the planet! The white Penja pepper has an aromatic, fine, elegant and powerful taste. Although it has a sweet aroma, it has a nice taste that lingers in the mouth, having both woody and musky notes. Penja white pepper is less pungent and milder than black pepper, as the pulp is removed and then dried in the sun. Its therapeutic virtues White Penja pepper can help cleanse the digestive system, regulate satiety, and speed up the elimination of calories. It also has stimulating and antiseptic properties. Note that white Penja pepper remains a pepper unique in the world of peppers. Love it or hate it, this pepper will not leave you indifferent! 61

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