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International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated March 8 every year worldwide with the objective of empowering and celebrating Women and raising awareness on issues affecting them. The theme for this year’s celebration is #EachforEqual. It is a day we celebrate achievements of women in the socioeconomic, cultural and political areas where they overcome tough challenges such as inequality, gender-based abuses and discriminations. Gender Equality is paramount in any meaningful development. Positive individual conversations, actions, behaviours, and mindsets towards gender equality can impact on a greater scale and trigger the desired changes in our workplaces, societies and even at recreational and leisure places. Gender equality advocacy shall continue until a world free from gender-based abuse, discrimination and marginalisation is obtained. The realisation of an #EachforEqual calls for collective efforts from all and sundry; it is not just a ‘woman only’ responsibility but requires the full support and participation of men and boys. Violence meted against women and girls comes from of course men and boys hence the need to plough the culture of tolerance and inclusiveness in the younger generation. To celebrate IWD, it is important to cherish and recognise all women in their efforts to bring change in the areas they operate and continue to be great examples and inspirations. As Oprah Winfrey said, “turn your wounds into wisdom”, and help in creating a gender equal world where everyone will celebrate the accomplishment of women. A gender equal world can be healthier and wealthier and

Will Africa’s economies buckle coronavirus ..........12 The story of Willis Ochieng .........................................13

Stream African tv & films during lockdown ..........18

Group Editor: Frank Kamau – frank@mojatu.com Managing Editor: Pa Modou Faal Graphic Design / Photos: Robert Borbely Contributors: FMB Radio Team | Pa Modou Faal | Angela Wathoni | Ronak Gopaldas | Anna Nagy | Julia Paul | Jillian Kubala | Emily Wong | Laura McCartan | Dominic Kirui | Wilfred Okiche | Taylor Jones | Kristen Kozinski | Neena Kapur IT / Social Media: Laura McCartan Sales & Marketing / Community Engagement: Abdoulie Jah - jah@mojatu.com Kevin Price - kevin.price@mojatu.com Edwin Ubah - eddy@mojatu.com

Accounts: John Gordon - accounts@mojatu.com Admin: Penny Cooper - penny@mojatu.com News & Comments: news@mojatu.com Getting the magazine Online @ www.mojatu.com/magazines Subscription @ £24 per year including postage subs@mojatu.com Address: Mojatu 167 Alfreton Road, Nottingham, NG7 3JR T: 0115 8457 009 | 0751 6962 992 Facebook: www.facebook.com/mojatu Twitter: www.twitter.com/mojatumedia Printers: Mojatu Media

The founder and owner of the Pontes Homes & Decor is Paula Daniel Pontes a Nottingham based artist who’s passionate to make contemporary, socially conscious and handmade homeware. All of her creations are uniquely designed and made from quality materials. Her curiosity for arts started at the college where she started studying Art and Design, which later led her to do her BA (Hons) Decorative arts and her MA Textile Design Innovation at the Nottingham Trent University. During her studies at the New College Nottingham, she participated at the End of Year Exhibition to showcase her creation and unique pieces. Following to her university education, she was part of the Nottingham Trent University’s Degree show and represented her university at the New Designers London in 2018. Through art she does not only express her creativity but helps and empowers those in her community and around the world. Her Pontes collection has one-off pieces that embrace her stand to social justice, equality and human rights. Paula’s collection has a story to tell, a positive message to spread and a difference to achieve. For Paula Pontes Home & Decor is much more than just a line of art as ‘Having made a career change in my adult life, artistry has allowed me to express my culture and messages of empowerment, equality and positivity through various pieces that can add value to any home and decor. I have a curious mind and always willing to learn new thing’ Her professional website (http://pauladpontes. simplesite.com) makes it easy to surf through her work and past education and easily check all Pontes designs and their availability. On the Online Store it is possible to pick our favourite design, learn more of its’ creation and add to our cart if we decided to purchase it. Her best seller pieces are the Crochet blankets, Crochet Flores and Padroes Cushions.

only stylish but has the meaning of celebrating the working African women, who get up every day to support their families despite all the challenges. Pontes Crochet Flores cushion has a special pattern with a mixture of flower motives and spring colours. Due to its making the cushion has a floral accents to it while providing a comfortable and soft touch. Pontes Crochet Padroes cushion is a beautiful handmade product of walnut wood. The colour combination gives the autumn vibe with a pinch of systematic appearance. All of these products are perfect to uplift our rooms and create an environment full of harmony. Once we found our favourite home decor we can browse through her portfolio where pictures of her other masterpieces can be found. These works of art have been previously designed and created by Paula and had been introduced to the public at the Trent University’s Degree Show. Paula Daniel Pontes is an extraordinary Nottingham artist whose work has something to tell and by using her design in your home you will be part of that story to promote change and acceptance.

FGM has been in my heart for many years and especially when I hear the screams from my past life, deep inside my mind. Every scream I ever heard in my village is so present in me whenever I hear FGM. They become so alive such that I want to just fight for the girls and women and prevent them from the scream. Knowing the role of faith leaders in our communities, Mojatu decide to influence the influencer.

What we need is a great thing and where we can celebrate the great things that women do. I know I am inspired by my mother and with the people I work with and a lot of parents inspired me as well. We are all on a track in life that things happen. We struggle with things. It is about how we overcome them, and it is having that support network around you that can enable you to do that, but also being resilient yourself. If you need the help going through it, ask for it; do not struggle on your own.

International Women’s Day really is about celebration. Also, before it happens, we’ve still got to find inspiration. And I think there are some women that find this funny.

I would like to start with the lady who is standing next to me. Ms. Laura McCartan. She means so much to me. She came into my life and she inspired and encouraged me. Before, people used to walk all over me but after I knew her, my life changed. The person who inspires me the most is my mom because she is a no-nonsense woman. And I’m still trying to bring up my children in such a wonderful way.

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