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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

Mojatu Media Disclaimer The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this magazine are accurate but the publisher cannot take responsibility for errors, omissions, nor can we accept responsibility for the advertisements or editorial contributions.

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

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.

At the beginning it was not easy to gather the Faith leaders. We began by first calling every Faith leader explaining to them how women and girls were suffering within our communities and remind them their roles in the community. It was worthwhile bringing the faith leaders on board because majority of them weren’t aware of anything to do with FGM, others believed FGM did not affect their culture, neither did they know how they could combat FGM, But with much talking, sending emails, sending WhatsApp messages and text messages we were finally able to bring on board the first set of Faith leaders from different faith groups and different denominations in Christian circles.

It’s also about creating awareness to the wider community to acknowledge and embrace the importance of women and their role in communities and society. In my life has to be my mum. She’s got so much strength, kindness and compassion, and she’s always got to be expressing an equal and fair to everybody from the same to say, mom, Judy, because I feel that she’s all about quantity and justice. As a humanitarian, you know, that’s just something that we should all inspire to.

It’s about working in partnership and bringing lots of young women together to do things that they wouldn’t normally be allowed to, so they are able to do different things and that help is really positive. And it’s growing into different things. So, I just think it’s a good time to celebrate what you do.

International Women’s Day is a marvellous opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and to celebrate what we can achieve together. Sometimes we focus a little bit too much on the issues. You feel like a victim taking responsibility for ourselves. And I think international studies shows that we can work together, we can achieve, we can thrive, and we can celebrate each other’s achievements. It’s about empowering and equipping people, not just to say it all. People lean into their intentions. We need help and help yourself to turn control.

One thing that really surprised me in my work, was the ladies who are coming to my house from all different backgrounds, from all different ethnic groups. I would admire every single mom. And they always think, you know what, she can do it.

And what does each four equal really mean? I think to me, yes, it’s about recognizing that everyone has a role to play in creating a fairer, more equal society. Yes, that does include the men in our lives, but it is not a woman’s place. Let’s talk about and celebrate ourselves as women and the role that we have to play in creating a viable society.

Well, I think women’s rights should be celebrated every day. The International Women’s Day is a day to spotlight that high. A day where women can fully celebrate them. But we think that representation ecosystem in the world is male dominated.