On The Ripple Effect of Making A Change - Sisterly HQ Alums
Since Sisterly HQ kicked off in 2021, tens of amazing women have worked with us as volunteers. To the work of Sisterly HQ, they have brought commitment, energy, and passion for impactful storytelling, women’s empowerment, equal opportunities, and the success of Nigerian women.
Many of these phenomenal Sisterly HQ alumni have gone on to start their own initiatives, passion projects and purpose-driven communities. These incredible women have created non-profits, recorded podcasts, written blogs, built communities, and so much more that have impacted the lives of hundreds of Nigerians and people across the world. And, this is that story.
Chiamaka Dike’s According to Chi Podcast is discussing trending Nigerian topics from her perspective. Through Evergreen MHI, Toluwanimi Ademola-Sunday is shaping mental health development through education, networks, policy and technology. Chizulu Uwolloh’s Kurerie is providing a platform for young changemakers to tell their stories, and Abisola Adeniji’s The Our Community is helping young people gain finance, career and personal development skills to become their best selves.
Sisterly HQ alums continue to show time, and time again, that small actions ripple and Nigerian women are absolutely phenomenal in the work of making change, doing good, and creating a world we want for not only Nigerian women but also for everyone else.
Ibukunoluwa Okusanya
Ibukunoluwa was a writer for the Opportunities and Resources column at Sisterly HQ
Femalia
Ibukunoluwa’s blog, Femalia is a digital publication highlighting Nigerian women's stories and experiences. The publication is sharing these stories to provide a platform for women to share their experiences and help others facing similar challenges. Femalia is a safe and supportive space where women can share their stories and find strength and inspiration in the experiences of others. One of the primary goals of Femalia is to share stories that are often seen as taboos in Nigerian society. These stories involve topics such as sexual health, domestic violence, mental health, or other sensitive issues often not openly discussed.
Why Femalia?
It started from a terrible period cramp. While writhing in pain, I thought about other women who might be experiencing period cramps every month. Still, because we've been taught that periods are shameful, they might not feel comfortable opening up about the pain or even the experiences. I realized that the only people I felt comfortable sharing my pain with were my close female friends, whom I consider my sisters. So, I thought, how about I create a platform for women to share their stories and experiences anonymously or openly (if they wish)?
Femalia means female genitalia or anything pertaining to females or femaleness. I thought it was the most befitting name because some women still don't feel comfortable talking about sex, sexual health, or their genitals. So let's dismantle the shame!
Working with Sisterly HQ
Volunteering with Sisterly HQ provided me with the insight to know that they are a lot of opportunities for women globally that Nigerian or African women might not be aware of. Sadly, we've been intentionally or unintentionally confined to small information and resources which won't help us smash big goals.
Building Femalia
My favourite part of building Femalia is reaching out to women and medical experts, discussing with them and learning something new especially where I am not very familiar with the subject matter. I am also looking for new ways to innovate and increase the visibility of Femalia’s work. So, I am open to ideas and suggestions.
Are you a Nigerian woman with experiences to share, especially if you’ve been previously ashamed of them? Femalia is that safe space to share your story. To share your story, you can visit Femalia’s website here and follow Femalia on social media at @_femalia on Instagram and @femalia_club on Twitter.
Mary-Esther Anele
Mary-Esther was a writer for the Opportunities and Resources column at Sisterly HQ
InclusivelyRemote
Mary-Esther’s InclusivelyRemote is a remote resource community dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in remote work for all job seekers everywhere. She believes everyone deserves equal opportunities to thrive, regardless of background, identity, or location. InclusivelyRemote’s mission is to empower jobseekers to find meaningful remote work opportunities, support remote startups and create a more inclusive remote workforce.
Why InclusivelyRemote?
I created InclusivelyRemote so no one has to be like the old me, uncertain, confused about remote opportunities inclusive to Africans and non-techies. I wanted InclusivelyRemote to be that safe room and support system for job seekers around the world passionate about remote work. From telling career motivational stories through our newsletter to curating the best inclusive remote opportunities and creating career and remote work content on social media platforms, I hope to help a thousand jobseekers fulfil their dream remote careers.
Working with Sisterly HQ
The day Titilope, Sisterly HQ’s founder mentioned starting Sisterly HQ, I was so excited because I understood the impact it would have on so many women, especially in Africa. When she spoke about the resources section, a weekly column to provide women with inclusive and amazing career opportunities, I knew I had to be a part of it. It was an interesting and fulfilling experience researching and curating opportunities for women and I loved the journey!
Building InclusivelyRemote
Gosh, the testimonies are my favourite part of building InclusivelyRemote! The reviews and how finally there’s a platform for all remote jobseekers, especially Africans. Now, no one has to look far and wide anymore. We are here and close to them.
Are you looking for your dream remote role? Join the InclusivelyRemote community on Slack here. Also, check out Mary-Esther’s recently published remote work guide, The Remote Salary Handbook, to help job seekers understand the landscape of remote work and how to negotiate their worth. It is currently at 50% off here. And, follow InclusivelyRemote’s social media platforms and newsletter (@inclusivelyremote) for more information and knowledge on building a remote career.
If you are a remote startup looking to hire amazing talents, please reach out via contact@inclusivelyremote.com.
Treasure Okure
Treasure was a writer for the Culture column at Sisterly HQ
20 Something
Treasure’s 20 Something is a newsletter-blog where she shares her experiences as a 20-something-year-old navigating life and offers meaningful advice to other people in their twenties doing the same. Every week, she publishes an article on a specific issue with the hope of having young people connect with them, realize that they are not alone, and feel inspired to keep building the life of their dreams.
Why 20 Something
I started 20 Something in July 2022 because I wanted to reach 20-something-year-olds. Before the blog, I would get asked questions on my Instagram by people seeking guidance, and I really enjoyed helping in any way I thought I could, but I felt I could help on a much larger scale so a newsletter was a great avenue. With the newsletter, the articles are always there to go back to, even when I am not. I think there's a sense of comfort in that. I also started it as a way to challenge myself to write consistently, and so far so good.
Working with Sisterly HQ
Seeing what Sisterly HQ has been able to achieve so far, and how Titilope was able to build it from scratch, made me realize that I could take advantage of the resources available on the internet, to build something of mine as well. Sisterly HQ made me see the possible. I thought it took so much courage to create such an initiative and pour so much effort and love into it.
Building 20 Something
I love the fact that you can never run out of issues to base articles on. There is always something new to explore and talk about. When you're in your twenties, life is both beautiful and strange, and being able to articulate these feelings and experiences is a blessing. I also think the feedback from people who read the newsletter has been so amazing. Every week, I get emails and comments from people telling me that the newsletter impacted them in some useful way. Getting to know that my newsletter touches real people and their lives is such a wonderful thing.
Subscribe to 20 Something here. Follow Treasure on LinkedIn and Instagram.
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