Meet The Motherland Moguls Shattering Glass Ceilings at Filmhouse cinemas

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform”.

Although each woman has the power inside her to be able to achieve all these things, they can also be dependent on her environment.

Filmhouse cinemas creates the environment to allow women to easily create, be able to nurture and to transform into the best we can be, and not see our gender as an impediment…but rather as an advantage.

At Filmhouse cinemas, women are equally positioned for opportunities, growth, all-round progress and each of them plays crucial parts in driving the success of the business. Therefore, celebrating women goes beyond just a day earmarked to celebrate women.

However, International Women’s Day is the day to crown all our women who are visionaries, dogged, ambitious and would not settle for less.

With phenomenal women maintaining the helms of leadership at various levels of the business, to working countless times with female movie executives, it is impossible to overlook how impactful the women are in spearheading groundbreaking movie marketing campaigns, to co-producing box office hits, human resource management and guest services to match international standards, the Filmhouse woman is able to manage personal life and work is able to “Balance for Better”.

In celebration of International Women’s day, the ladies of Filmhouse share their experiences and advice for women looking to dive into the movie marketing industry.


 Lolu Desalu – Head of Marketing

“I serve a team of 17 people within 6 spheres of the marketing department of Filmhouse Cinemas. The design, sales, digital marketing, brand marketing, media marketing, and events management teams.

The most interesting part of my work is…

Working closely in partnership with some of the biggest and best companies in the world and brainstorming with my amazing team members.

If you’ve seen marketing teams in films/sitcoms during their brainstorm sessions, that is just a tip of an iceberg in comparison to ours. It’s seriously one of the best parts of my week.

Ladun Awobokun – Co-Head, Theatrical Distribution

“We’re shifting a mindset, and that, no matter how you think about it, is revolutionary. However, that is our superpower – the fact that we as women, can actually work ten times harder, twenty times smarter, and multi-task through it all, in sky-high heels.

It doesn’t matter what industry you want to work in or how many caps you want to wear. You can do it all”.

How I promote the brand with my role…

One of the key focus areas in my role is empowerment and mentorship. The Filmhouse Group is known for its people.

Without people, there is no brand. In addition, critical to my role is managing and growing our existing relationship with industry stakeholders; in particular, our licensors Warner Bros & Fox.

The opportunity of partnering with these parties on such a broad scale provides much value exposure to the brand, and in turn, strengthens our offering and ensures a service that is based on trust, reliability, and excellence.

Mimi Bartels – Head of Accounts, Nollywood & Independent Films

“My job is really not about the glam. Do I meet amazing celebrities? Yes. Do I go to premieres? Double Yes! But the amount of work that goes behind the business of film is NOT glamorous at all”.

One interesting fact about me, and my job role…

Most people see me and don’t know I handle a One Billion Naira generating account or handled 70-90% of Nollywood’s most successful films of 2016-2018 and such films like – Wedding Party 1/2, Chief Daddy, Merry Men, King of Boys. 

All these films were under my account and my job was to make sure we hit those targets”.

This job has taught me to be humble, to be diplomatic, to be fierce, to be honest, and most importantly to be me. I have the best and most supportive line managers and the best team.

Ozioma Sammie-Okposo – HR Manager

“We cannot talk about strategy at Filmhouse without delving into our values which are – Trust, Passion, Ownership, and Innovation.

These are the guiding principle that has helped my department in shaping the Filmhouse limited and pushing the brand”.

How my work impacts society at large…

My work does have a rippling effect because we help create jobs and reduce unemployment in the society as we have sites in Lagos, Akure, Dugbe, Samonda, Benin, Port-Harcourt and Kano.

Also, our team across the site helps with guests and giving guests good services. We are also driven by the need to continue discovering new and innovative ways of creating inspiring experiences, delivering world-class service and bringing the magic of cinema to life.

Tolu Senbore  – Branch Manager at Filmhouse Cinemas, Lekki

“I don’t think the reason I need to work harder in the industry is based on my gender. It’s not even a criteria for me. I only want to work harder because there is relevance that my person and role as a business manager requires and must communicate and it is one of the ways I appraise myself”.

My one advice to females who hope to start a career in the cinema industry

Behind the lights, cameras, glitz, and glam lies HARD WORK! Be open to all the opportunities and do not be afraid to ask for help.

Tomilola Bukola Ayeni – Legal Officer

“There is pressure coming from all sides to be the best you can be, both at home and in the corporate world, this is why women should celebrate themselves and society should also celebrate them as well.

“Pop that champagne girl, you deserve it”.

The most interesting part of my work…

Every day I am faced with a new set of challenges I think I cannot overcome. But when members of my team push me to act on those things, and I eventually overcome them it gives me an abundant sense of accomplishment which is so fantastic.

The free tickets to shows and movies do not hurt either LOL.

Osho Vivian Olajumoke – Branch Manager

“Build up yourself in every way to prepare for achieving great things and while at this try not to think about being a woman too much but rather try to be the best person you can be and being the best at your job”.

Key strategies my role plays in pushing the Filmhouse brand…

I’m into core operations in one of our biggest sites, and basically the first line of contact with the customers.

The key strategies include upholding our company’s values, delivery high standard of customer service, creating “Filmhouse memorable experiences” In the minds of our customers thereby garnering customer loyalty and influencing repeated visits.

Itohan Izugbokwe – Sales Lead and Accounts Manager 

“Some journeys are incredible. You start out in one place, believing you have a complete sense of where you’re headed, then you end up in another place”.

How my background prepared me for my current role…

It’s been 9 years of acceleration and sharp bends. From starting out in customer service in a mid-size establishment in New York to coming back to Nigeria and starting off in Oil & Gas, to ICT, to Digital Media.

And now, to Filmhouse Cinemas. While paths change, the vehicle that has stayed with me in all this time is client relationship skills. Nothing as propelled me throughout my career than the obsessive need to fulfill one purpose. Always providing value.

Odezi Onyeke – Business Manager Filmhouse, Surulere

“One of the most interesting parts of this job is meeting new people daily, it is both exciting and challenging and the movies too. I have now become the encyclopedia of movies to families and friends. Need an update about movies? I’m your girl”.

On how to become successful in this line of work…

The only way you can be successful in this line of work is through dedication and passion. I’m very passionate about what I do and this drives me to want to succeed more.

Also having a very supportive and understanding partner who is tuned with your goals plays a huge role in your success.

Stephanie Dan-Okafor – Guest Services & Branch Manager 

“If I could say anything to my younger self, I would tell her to stop tracking the A’s. She should focus on finding ways to improve herself so as to gain a competitive advantage”.

On how my career at Filmhouse began…

I began my career at Filmhouse cinemas as a Guest Services Executive. Over time, I was promoted to the Guest Services Manager position for Filmhouse cinemas Lekki.

Starting off at Filmhouse cinemas, I had the best support system; in all my years of experience, I’d never seen people genuinely go out of their way to make sure you succeed.

Senior management regularly called to ensure I was transitioning into my new role properly, I was asked whether I was satisfied with my job so many times that I almost panicked thinking I was giving the wrong answers.

I am now the Branch Manager at the newly opened Filmhouse cinemas Oniru-Twin Waters, in addition to my role as the Guest Services Manager for Filmhouse Cinemas Lekki.


 How are you growing and glowing this month? We want to share your story! Click here to share.

Google Hangout with 4 women in tech (Mar 21)

Looking for career opportunities in the tech industry? Sign up for a Google Hangout with 4 women in tech on March 21st Click To Tweet

Want to start a career in the tech industry but not sure where you’ll fit in? Already a woman in tech but want to connect with other women in tech and ask some of your pressing questions?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you need to join this Google Hangout. You’ll get a chance to hear how these 4 amazing Nigerian Women In Tech have built their careers and also ask any questions you have.

We are partnering with Google Women Techmakers to bring you a Google Hangout discussion on Wednesday, March. 21st, with 4 women in tech, who have been in the game for a while.

BellaRose Okojie heads a content development team providing tech news and reviews in a never before seen manner. Damilola Teidi directs incubator programs by bringing new technology solutions to market. Judith Okonkwo is a technology evangelist, business psychologist and organization development consultant with experience working in Africa, Asia, and Europe.   Yetunde Sanni is a software developer leveraging technology to tackle challenges in Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

Topics that we’ll cover:

  • Getting started in the tech industry.
  • Why become a woman in tech.
  • Career opportunities for women in the tech space.
  • Incorporating technology into your business.
  • Discussing the root causes of the misconception that ‘Tech is Boring’.

 Google Hangout details:

  • Date: Wednesday, March 21st, 2018
  • Time: 1pm Lagos
  • Location: Register below to get the exclusive link to join this Google Hangout.

Watch the Google Hangout video here: 

About our women in tech:

BellaRose Iyere-Okojie is a seasoned broadcaster and cheeriest of the pack. She is the morning show host on City 105.1fm, having started her broadcasting career as an associate producer with Africa Independent Television (AIT).

Bella is currently a partner at Greenstreet Media Networks, owners of TechCity where she heads the content development team providing tech news and reviews in a never before seen manner. She also trains presenters and voice over artists who want to hinge on the TechCity platform.

Bella Rose is Mass Communication graduate of the Redeemer’s University.

 

Damilola Teidi started her career journey as a software developer, and is currently the Director of Incubation at Co-creation Hub and has seven years experience working in the technology space in Nigeria. She is passionate about using technology to solve problems.

Prior to re-joining CcHUB as Director of incubation, she worked as Chief Executive Officer of GoMyWay Africa, the carpooling platform for intracity and interstate trips, where she led the growth of the start-up to 12,000 members up by 150% from 4000 members in 2016.

Damilola holds a First class Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology from Eastern Mediterranean University, Northern Cyprus and a distinction in Strategy and Innovation management (MSc) from the University of Southampton, United Kingdom.

Judith Okonkwo was born in London but grew up in Austria, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Indonesia, and Japan. In 2016 she set up Imisi 3D in Lagos, a creation lab building the extended reality ecosystem (augmented and virtual reality) in Nigeria.

She sits on the board of the European Organisation Design Forum, is a guest lecturer at the Lagos Business School and the University of Westminster; and is the creator of the Oriki Coaching ModelTM.

Judith is also the co-founder of We Will Lead Africa a movement curating and sharing everyday African leadership stories and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

 

Yetunde Oluwatoyin Sanni is currently a software developer with Andela, where she builds software solutions for Andela partners across the globe by the day and actively a machine learning expert to be at night.

She loves to see herself as a tech junkie who’s passionate about leveraging technology to tackle challenges in Nigeria and the rest of Africa. 

Yetunde is also a founding partner at TechInPink, an initiative dedicated to mentoring and supporting young women in tech. There, she writes about technology, organizes events and basic programming training targeted at young women in the universities.


 

Meet the women taking their place as CEO’s in Kenya

A lot has been said about women entrepreneurs in Kenya.

Women have distinguished themselves and we have trailblazers like Tabitha Karanja of Keroche Industries, Flora Mutahi of Melvin’s Tea, Gina Din Kariuki of Gina Din Communications, Judith Owingar of AkiraChix, Lorna Rutto of Eco posts, Ruth Mwanzia of Koola Waters, Shikha Vincent of Shikazuri and Michelle Ntalami of Marini Naturals to name a few.

Entrepreneurship is mainly about business skills, determination, resilience, networking, and social impact. Women are working their way into this area and are slowly but surely making headway.

A lot of focus and support has been given to women entrepreneurs through grants, training, access to finance and favorable government policies like Access to Government Procurement (AGPO) to name a few. More women are encouraged to participate in this sector.

Women in the corporate world have an uphill task to get their place and break all the glass ceilings. Sheryl Sandberg – COO of Facebook, in her book LEAN IN, gives insights into what the life of a woman in corporate America is and how to maneuver it.

According to Fortune.com, there were 27 women at the helm of Fortune 500 companies as at January 2018. How about corporate Kenya?

I admire women in the corporate world because apart from the normal barriers they encounter and overcome, boys club mentality, patriarchy, high technical skills, experience, glass ceiling mentality (Gender stereotyping), sexual harassment, inflexible working conditions and integrity.

The corporate world is harsh and cutthroat. The impact is mostly measured in terms of PROFITS and PROFITS. Only recently have corporates embraced a wider scale to measure the impact of CEO’s to include social impact, teamwork, employee innovation and customer retention to name a few.

This shift gives women a chance to shine as their natural skills of collaboration and teamwork are an asset.

Entrepreneurship is forgiving on the requirements of higher education and experience. A person with a basic education can quickly become a business mogul. However, in the corporate world, experience and education have a lot of weight.

The current trend to consider leadership, softer skills and strategic leadership has made it more accessible for women.

Due to gender roles and social pressure, many women in the past were not in a position to access higher education and therefore did not get promotions to enable them to rise up.

Currently, women are taking up chances to improve their education hence giving them more edge to compete in the corporate world. Experience is a matter of time; men had an advantage of this. In the last 20 years, women have proved that given a fair chance they too climb the corporate ladder right up to the top.

Why do we need women in CEO positions?

 

People in the corporate world manage a large amount of money and direct how it is used. Gender diversity has also been proven over the years to increase profits and performance of corporations.

Therefore, further inclusion of women has been proved to attract talent in the boardrooms where innovative solutions are created. Invariably more women-friendly products and policies emerge from companies that are managed by women. After all, women are 50% of the consumers of products and services.

The simple fundamental reason why women should be in the corporate world is that it’s fair and inclusive to do so.

In Kenya, we have many distinguished ladies at the helm of corporates and organizations. This has increased recently, but to date, only 2 women lead corporations listed on the Nairobi Stock Exchange i.e. Maria Msiska of BOC  (until 2016) and Nasim Devji of DTB Bank. We can do better.

Here are examples of Women CEO’s in Kenya:

  • Jennifer Riria is a pioneer of women in CEO position and has been holding this and similar positions in the microfinance and banking industry for 20 years. She is the CEO of Kenya Women Holdings that has a subsidiary Kenya Women microfinance Bank which is a leading bank for women entrepreneurs. She is a Ph.D. holder and has a Degree and Master degree as well.

 

  • Stella Njunge: CEO of Sanlam Life, part of Sanlam Kenya Group. She has over 15 years’ experience in the insurance industry,  a CPA(K), CPS(K), and holds a degree and masters. Stella also has over 16 years’ experience in Insurance.

 

  • Catherine Karimi: CEO of APA Life part of Apollo Group a leading insurer in Kenya. She has 18 years’ experience in Insurance industry, a degree, postgraduate certificate in Actuarial Studies, and is a member of Chartered Insurers (UK).

 

  • Rita Kavashe: is the CEO of General Motors East Africa, Kenya with 35 years’ experience working at GM. She has a degree and postgraduate certificates and rose through the ranks.

 

  • Phyllis Wakiaga: is the CEO of Kenya Association of Manufacturers. She has a law degree, Higher Diploma in Law and Human Resource Management, Master Degrees in International Trade and Investment Law and Business Administration.

There are many more female CEO’s in Kenya. The common items in their profiles are EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE.  This is a true testament that education is an equalizer.

Given equal opportunity and based on merit, women can excel and are excelling in the corporate world. Girls need to be encouraged to plan their career path early to help them reach the top CEO positions to bridge the current gap.

I look forward to more women taking up the CEO roles and reducing the barriers to getting there.


Got an article you’d like to share with us? Share your story with us here.

Ivy Barley: With coding, I can create a powerful software that can transform Africa and the world

Ivy Barley is a social entrepreneur and currently shaping a world where more African women will be daring enough to lead in in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields.

She is the co-founder of Developers in Vogue, an organization that trains females in the latest technologies and connects them to real-time projects and jobs. In 2017, she was named as one the 50 Most Influential Young Ghanaians.

Ivy is also a Global Shaper of the World Economic Forum and holds a Master’s Degree in Mathematical Statistics.


Tell us about yourself

Growing up, I always had a strong aptitude for Mathematics and Technology, and that has pretty much shaped my career path. I recently completed my MPhil. in Mathematical Statistics.

I believe that I have the potential to make a significant impact in Africa, and this is enough motivation for my work at Developers in Vogue. Aside from being a selfie freak, I enjoy hanging out with my best friend (my phone).

How did Dev in Vogue start?

About a year ago, I was working at an all-girls pre-university where my role included assisting the girls with Mathematics, Statistics, and Physics. I also taught the girls programming.

Before working in this school, I’d been hearing people say that women don’t like coding. However, I realized the contrary!

The girls were very enthusiastic about coding, they also had so many great ideas! My stay in the school was cut short but all the while after that, what never left me were the memories of the girls!

It dawned on me to start a sustainable initiative that will create the ideal environment for females to code, connect and collaborate.

What has been your biggest hurdle so far?

We pretty much didn’t have a lot of challenges getting our business off the ground. We’re glad we had support from interested stakeholders. A hurdle though is trying to create a community.

One of our unique value propositions is that we don’t only match our ladies to jobs, but also creating a community of women who support each other. It definitely requires a lot of time and effort to create such a sisterhood.

Coding and generally technology has so much untapped potential in Africa - Ivy Barley @devinvogue Click To Tweet

Has there ever been a time when you thought of giving up? What kept you going?

I think I have thoughts of giving up very often and I find that normal. I have however learned not to let my feelings dictate. If there is something that has to be done, I definitely need to do it and do it now!

My life is governed by one mantra: Pay Now; Play Later. That is, I would rather sacrifice now so that I can have a better future. Most importantly, I start my day with the word of God and listen to a lot of inspirational podcasts especially from Joel Osteen and Terri Savelle Foy.

 

What is your favorite thing about coding?

I particularly like that with my laptop and internet, I can create powerful software that can transform Africa and the world at large. Coding teaches you critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are very important skills for this era.

I won’t deny that it doesn’t get difficult. When coding, you’d realize the power of a ‘simple’ semi-colon because omitting that can sometimes cause you hours of no sleep.

 

Which season is the toughest for your job? How do you overcome this?

For now, it has been keeping the community engaged. Though it has been fun doing this, it definitely needs more time investment.

I’d like to call myself the cheerleader of the team, inspiring the ladies to dream big and work hard to make them happen.

What however serves as motivation in spite of the challenges are the stories of the impact we are making in the lives of these women.

 

What, in your opinion, is the future of coding especially for girls in Africa?

Coding and generally technology has so much untapped potential in Africa. For females, the future is even brighter. Day in and day out there are so many opportunities that come up to promote women in technology.

Relevant stakeholders are beginning to realize the gender gap in the tech ecosystem and are putting measures in place to bring more women into the room.

 

What advice would you give to any girl in Africa considering coding?

Keep at it, my girl! You need to work hard in order to stay relevant. You need to keep improving your skills.

Though it may get difficult at some points, think about the big picture. Also, make time to network with people in the industry to learn best practices that can make you world-class.

If coding is truly your passion, then you definitely need a lot of diligence and determination. In case you need some support with this, I’ll be glad to offer a helping hand!

Any advice for African women entrepreneurs?

I think one advice I’d always give to people is hard work. Also, have your visions and goals in writing and review them every single day.

As women, there are so many activities that are likely to take our attention from growing our businesses. This is the more reason why we need to stay focused. Let’s do this for Africa!


If you’d like to share your story with She Leads Africa, let us know more about you and your story here.

Union Bank celebrates its rich heritage of women in banking at International Women’s Day 2017

Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s longest standing and innovative banks, celebrated International Women’s Day 2017 themed Be Bold for Change, with an event held at the bank’s Head Office in Marina, Lagos.

Union Bank IWD CelebrationThe event featured a panel discussion which was moderated by Dr. Anino Emuwa, with participants such as Ifeoma Fafunwa, Chief Creative Director, iOpenEye Ltd., Achenyo Adachaba, Head, MitiMeth, Tayo Oviosu, Founder, Paga, Temie Giwa-Tubosun, Founder, Life Bank and Adenrele Sonariwo, Director, Rele Gallery.

Union Bank celebrates its 100th year anniversary this year and this was for them a celebration of all the women who have contributed to its rich heritage in banking in Nigeria, and all the women building the legacy for the next 100.

Other guests were Emeka Emuwa, CEO, Union Bank, Simi Nwogugu, Executive Director, Junior Achievement Nigeria, Oyinkan Adewale, Chief Financial Officer, Union Bank, Bikiye Graham Douglas, Spoken Word Artist, Lola Cardoso, Head, Group Corporate Strategy, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, Head, Corporate Affairs and Corporate Communication, Omotola Oyebanjo, Head Communications and Media, Union Bank among others.

Union Bank IWD CelebrationThe event was also held to commemorate the first-year anniversary of the Women Empowerment Hub (WEHUB) an initiative created by Union Bank to motivate, connect and provide support to its women. The initiative was born out of specific internal needs identified which include mentoring and networking opportunities.

Union Bank IWD CelebrationUnion Bank IWD CelebrationUnion Bank IWD Celebration

Union Bank IWD CelebrationUnion Bank IWD Celebration


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Motherland Mogul playlist: Women’s History Month Edition

Stella Mwangi- Identify Yourself

Shout out to all the ladies in the house!!! It’s Women’s History Month and it’s that wonderful time of year when we get to recognize all of the incredible women who’ve made an impact on the world, our countries and our communities. It’s that time of the year to strategize on how to improve the conditions for women across the globe.

No Women’s History Month would be complete without a playlist of fist raising, hip shaking anthems to inspire and motivate us to keep working for equality and opportunities for women everywhere.

Here are some of our favorite songs that you should keep on repeat this month.

Lira – Rise Again

Beyoncè – Grown Woman

Stella Mwangi – Identify Yourself

Queen Latifah – UNITY

BLU3 – Strong Woman

Destiny’s Child – Independent Women

ONE Campaign – Strong Girl

Brenda Fassie – Good Black Woman

Whitney Houston & Chaka Khan – I’m Every Woman

Alicia Keys – Girl On Fire

Becca – African Woman

Aretha Franklin – Respect

What are some of your favorite inspiring and motivating songs by women? Let us know and we’ll add them to the list.

9 non-cliché ways to celebrate International Women’s Day

International Womens Day

International Women’s Day is upon us! On March 8th, women all over the world will be celebrated as part of International Women’s Day. Every year, this day comes and goes, and sometimes we don’t even notice it. Or for those of us that do, we spend it doing the same thing – girl’s night! Spa day!

Now, there’s nothing wrong with any of these things, but for you, this year is a little different. Why, you say? Well, because this year, you have us at SLA to show you a new way of doing things to mix things up.

Below are 9 ways you can celebrate International Women’s Day this year in the least cheesy, least expensive, most fun way possible.

Spend time with your mum

Mothers are great, and honestly, they won’t always be there. This International Women’s Day, make the most of the time you have with the wonderful woman who bore you. Take her to her favourite restaurant, watch a movie with her, cook with her – however it is you usually bond.

You’ll be surprised by how much she’ll appreciate your spending time with her, and more importantly, how much you’ll learn from being with her. Parents have feelings just like us, and doing this would definitely create a greater bond between you two.

Celebrate with women you admire

If you have a mentor (which you all should have, but more on that later), this is the time to reach out to her. Mentor-mentee relationships should not be one sided with you always taking from your mentor. You should consciously seek ways to add value to the life of your mentor as well. On that day, treat your mentor to lunch or a coffee date.

If there’s someone else you admire who you haven’t yet built the mentor-mentee relationship, then this is a great opportunity to do so! Not only would the person be flattered by your thoughtfulness, you will also get the added bonus of a great conversation with someone you look up to.

Give back to other women

Get involved at an NGO or social enterprise that is all about empowering women and girls. Alternatively, you could even volunteer at your local community centre or help out at church.

The point is to find ways to reach out to women in your community who are in need of help or rehabilitation, and there are many opportunities to do just that.

Accomplish a personal goal

Remember that thing? That important-but-oh-so-scary thing that you’ve been procrastinating on? Yup, you know exactly what I’m talking about, it just came to your mind now. Yeh, so get.it.done.

There is no better way to celebrate than accomplishing a seemingly daunting task. The more difficult it seems, the better. Let your triumph be your gift to yourself this International Women’s Day.

Invest in your career

This year, Accenture is hosting an event to discuss issues centered on women in the workplace. If you’re in New York, Dublin or Sydney you can attend any of the sessions. Also, the event will also be broadcast online, so regardless of where you’re located, you should check it out.

For those of you interested in consulting, this is a great opportunity to connect with Accenture consultants and recruiters, even if you’re not able to physically attend the event.

Visit a local women’s day event near you

Between networking mixers, concerts and art exhibitions, there is a Women’s Day Event in literally every city. So much so that the UN has made our lives easier and compiled a list of all these events here.

The theme this year is #PledgeForParity, and so a lot of the events will raise awareness to the pay difference seen between men and women. There will of course be other issues involving inequality that will be addressed as well, but this would be a great time to learn some more about the problem and what we have to do to reverse it.

Support other women

There are many wonderful women doing powerful things, and we can all find ways to support their enterprises! This Women’s Day, visit that gallery run by that woman whose art you admire, splurge on that outfit by that designer you adore, download that innovative, game-changing app!

If you need inspiration, feel free to draw from one of the many entrepreneurs we’ve spotlighted here at SLA. Fortunately, there is an surge in talent and this trend is something we all want to see continue.

Learn about impactful women

I know, I know. I promised you a fun list, and here I am bringing homework. Since when was learning ever fun? But hang on there, it really depends on how you do it. Get a group of friends and make it a fun, interactive activity. (Games night anyone?) Play a game of trivia and discover who among you knows the most about famous women civil rights activists.

Here, I’ll even give you a few key starting points: Maya Angelou, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Gloria Steinman, Nina Simone, Chimamanda Adichie. Winner gets bragging rights, and a bag of treats!

Spend it alone – Treat yourself by doing absolutely nothing

If you want to stay at home, basking in the presence of your awesomeness that is totally fine with me. Just make sure you commit and go all out while you’re at it.

If it’s going to be you and a book, don’t just stop there. Grab that book and curl up with a hot cup of tea, hot chocolate, biscuits – whatever your favourite comfort food is. If your thing is Netflix, you’re in luck, House of Cards will be back by then, so you have a long day of political drama ahead of you. But even better, you can watch a movie that passes the Bechdel Film Test.

This year, do things a little differently. Celebrate the powerful women in your life and yourself for being just that – powerful.