[bctt tweet=”YMF seeks to support & empower less privileged mothers and children in African societies” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
After working for a while in both the private and public sector, Vivian Sonny-Nsirim decided to follow her passion in supporting and inspiring young girls and women.
She founded Young Moms Forum, an online parenting social support networking group for mothers and soon to be mothers. With over 26,000 members the group is aimed at sharing topics, ideas, issues, and challenges surrounding parenting, motherhood, business, relationships, and so on.
As a wife and mother of three boys herself, Vivian is a coach and an award-winning inspirational/motivational speaker.
How long has Young Moms Forum been in existence and what made you start such forum?
Young Moms Forum (YMF) was founded in January 2016 out of my passion to inspire, motivate and educate mothers and soon-to-be mothers on parenting, motherhood, relationships, business, career and other matters of mutual interest.
It is a platform whereby women from all works of life come together to share ideas on issues and challenges facing them; provide advice, personal experience and suggestions on how to manage such challenges. The Young Moms Support Foundation (an offshoot of YMF) seeks to support and empower less privileged mothers and children in the society, especially in Africa.
How do you manage the forum to ensure unity among members and that the purpose of the forum is maintained?
YMF has rules and regulations guiding the members. Any member that goes against the ground rules will be sanctioned. Depending on the severity of the indiscretion, they may be blocked from the group. This means that they will no longer have access to the group’s discussions and articles.
With an MBA, one would expect you to grab the next high paid job in the industry. Why choose to be a motivational speaker?
I have already done those “high paying” jobs both in Nigeria and the United Kingdom (including stints in the oil and gas industry and appointment in the public sector) but none has given me as much satisfaction as I derive from bringing succor to young mothers and mothers-to-be.
Therefore, the driver for my opting to do what I am doing now is the passion in inspiring and motivating young mothers rather than pecuniary benefits.
[bctt tweet=”Vivian Sonny-Nsirim has worked high paying jobs but opted for inspiring young mothers” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
You have stayed in both UK and Nigeria, how would you compare the way women support each other in the different societies?
Women all over the world are the same and experience similar challenges. However, the difference lies in the level of education and literacy obtainable in each clime.
The level of literacy among women in the UK is alleged to be higher than that of Nigeria reducing such bottlenecks as superstition, myths, unwholesome traditional practices, discrimination and the rest. This makes it easier for women to trust and support one another easier than they do in Nigeria.
What are some of the mantras you live by?
I believe that,
- if you try and fail, try again,
- if you want to change the world, empower a girl-child and,
- with God all things are possible.
[bctt tweet=”Vivian Sonny-Nsirim: If you want to change the world, empower a girl-child ” username=”SheLeadsAfrica”]
What is your take on being a stay-at-home mum versus a working mum? Which do you think is the better option?
It depends on each woman’s peculiar circumstances and agreement with her partner. The underpinning focus should be on her family’s harmony.
In your opinion, what are the four major keys to a long lasting marriage?
My four keys to a long lasting marraige will be; effective communication, faithfulness, respect and forgiveness.
Tell us two things on your bucket list.
We want to build Young Moms Academy in at least 5 African countries where we can empower young mothers through skills acquisition.
Secondly, we plan to embark on an enlightenment program to refresh young moms’ knowledge on how to run their homes better. We intend to accomplish these, especially the former, between the next two to five years.
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