NGOs - SDGs
Crtve DEVELOPMENT launches WE!ARE to promote climate change awareness in Africa
Crtve DEVELOPMENT CEO, Dr. Okito Wedi (Photo: Supplied).
In addition to making profits, it has become a necessity for businesses and organisations to embrace a consistent, policy-driven culture of giving back to the community where they do business. The reason is that a policy-driven socially responsible endeavour is a sustainable and socially responsible endeavour. Businesses that have this corporate mindset are the ones that eventually provide solutions that truly meet the needs of the community they serve, even when they are profit-driven.
As a platform that showcases African businesses, innovations, and entrepreneurs, Business Africa Online (BAO) is excited to witness yet another novel and beneficial platform where businesses, NGOs, funders, and organisations are standing side by side with talents and creatives in the arts and entertainment to ensure they find expression and use those expressions to deliver the needed solution to pressing issues that affect communities in Africa, and in this case, climate change.
The Crtve Development (CD) WE!ARE climate justice campaign is an initiative that is long overdue because the solutions that have been proposed for climate change have mainly taken into account people living in places like Europe, the United Kingdom, Canada, the USA, Australia and New Zealand, and we need local solutions to local climate change problems.
Dr. Okito Wedi, Founder and CEO of Crtve DEVELOPMENT, stated: “Through the WE!ARE campaign, we want to harness the power of art and creativity to change the narrative on climate change and development in Africa and bridge the gap between communities who will most be affected and policymakers who will determine our climate future.”
CD, together with other trusted partners, has rolled out the WE!ARE campaign to socialise the disproportionate effects of climate change on vulnerable communities on the African continent. Using creativity, the campaign will discover and amplify young people’s unique experiences and demands to surmount the challenges of climate change through climate justice.
Climate justice emphasizes the fact that Africa contributes the least to global warming, yet Africans are the most affected by climate change. As a result, those with the least capacity to cope and adapt to the impacts of climate change face the biggest threat. Climate justice aims to redress this inequality by fairly sharing the problem of climate change as well as the responsibility of dealing with it equitably, with all countries around the world. As a result, the launch of the WE!ARE campaign allows for a conversation about structure, system, and policy to take centre stage between African creatives and the corporate world about how they approach the challenge of climate change.
Collaboration between African creatives and the business community is no longer born from just mere excitement or the need to latch on to trends, but a deliberate and long-term agenda of every business and organization in Africa. This is a major win that BAO is excited about and we celebrate CD for leading the ingenious path that will benefit all because climate change affects everyone in the ecosystem.
In the coming days, weeks, and months, BAO looks forward to more businesses, organizations, and funders partnering with CD on this project to amplify the great work that is being done. It is a fact that one of the most effective ways of driving sustainable change through creativity is for the corporate world to provide the frameworks, systems, policies, assets, and seed funding needed to sustain the process.
Another big win for the WE!ARE movement is that it will help to improve the proper valuation in corporate policies for the growing social and economic value of creativity and innovation in Africa. Creatives will truly be regarded as using their talents to campaign for real solutions to challenges in Africa, and not just for leisurely endeavours.
From our vantage point, we wholeheartedly celebrate the immense work and achievements of Crtve Development (CD) and its strategic partners, including the Climate Emergency Collaboration Group, Danish Government, Ford Foundation and the World Resources Institute (WRI) on this worthy cause they have embarked on. We hope that as a result of this work, the subject of climate change will no longer be treated as secondary or alien, but as an issue that all hands must be on deck to address with the collaboration of the corporate world, NGOs, funders, and the creative communities in Africa.
Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group (Source: APO Group)
As we observe International Women’s Month with the theme of ‘Inspire Inclusion,’ it is essential to contemplate the importance of diversity within organizations and its crucial role in shaping a more equitable and inclusive society. This year’s theme calls on us to inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, not just for the benefit of women but for the advancement of the African continent.
Women across Africa face unique challenges, from cultural barriers to limited access to resources and opportunities. However, despite these difficulties, they continue to defy the odds, breaking barriers, and making significant contributions to their communities and economies. As we recognise such achievements, it’s crucial to underline the importance of promoting the role of women in driving more diverse, competitive, and future-looking workspaces.
“At APO Group, we’re proud of our extremely diverse team of professionals from all over the world. The diversity we see in age, gender, locations, backgrounds, and experience all combines to forge a formidable team that brings the best of APO Group to our clients. In an industry that has achieved, in recent years, a good gender balance, we strive to lead by example, leveraging our platform to advocate for broader gender equality and diversity initiatives, aiming to inspire other organizations to follow suit.” said Laila Bastati, Chief Commercial Officer, APO Group.
“For us, such diversity reflects a leadership that values and promotes the unique perspectives and contributions of women, at all levels of the organisation. It also clearly demonstrates that we’re an organisation that values inclusivity and equality, and that the different voices and ideas of our team reflect a unique understanding of the African markets in which we operate. The result of being firm proponents of an environment in which all contributions are valued, and where collaboration is part of our culture, is that innovation and creativity come naturally.” Laila Bastati Added.
The importance of embracing diversity
Embracing diversity, especially gender diversity, is essential for any organization aiming to create a balanced, fair, and dynamic working environment.There’s no doubt that for any type of organisation, embracing diverse perspectives and expertise, highlighting achievements and success stories, and advocating for equal opportunities and recognition, are all aspects that contribute to a more equitable and inclusive environment where everyone has the chance to succeed based on merit and talent.
Successful companies intentionally cultivate diverse leadership at all levels. While this may initially appear coincidental, the process of building diverse teams is a deliberate and strategic endeavour that underscores a commitment to creating spaces where women’s leadership and insights drive innovation and strategic decision-making.
What makes a diverse team?
Firstly, promoting diversity in leadership is crucial. Actively recruiting, developing, and promoting the right female candidates into leadership positions ensures women’s perspectives are represented at the decision-making table. Secondly, reviewing and revising policies to ensure they are gender-neutral and promote equal opportunities for all employees is essential. Thirdly, providing equal access to training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities, with a particular focus on supporting women, is key.
Additionally, creating a supportive work environment and nurturing a culture of inclusion where all employees feel valued, respected, and supported is paramount. Regularly monitoring and evaluating diversity metrics to track progress and identify areas for improvement is also important. Finally, embracing a culture of work meritocracy where individuals are recognised and rewarded based on their skills, contributions, and performance, rather than on gender, race, or other characteristics, completes the foundation of a diverse team.
In the context of this special period of the year, I urge organizations across Africa to recognize and harness the unique strengths women bring to the table, not only to promote gender equity, but to ensure these organizations will continue to have a place in the workspace of tomorrow.
Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan, Group Chief Executive Officer, McEnies Global Communications has joined other women of note to commemorate the annual International Women’s Day (IWD) marked every calendar year of March 8 across the globe.
The owner of the upwardly wholly company with vast expertise and competency in integrated marketing communications services called on women folk to break the bias against them and find their path even as she advised them to push for merit driven results in every areas of their endeavors.
Omolara, a woman with records of excellence in providing top-notch solutions to big and medium firms across all sectors and industry shared her perspectives in commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day which came with the theme, ‘Inspire inclusion’.
In a statement credited to her on Friday and made available to newsmen, Dr Omolaraeni said:
“Every year on 8 March, International Women’s Day is celebrated to commemorate and honour women’s accomplishments, raise awareness about gender disparities and discrimination, as well as promote global support for women, as a woman I am truly proud to be part of this auspicious day.
“It is however impressive to know that 2024 International Women’s Day comes in line with the global movement for women’s rights, equality, justice, poverty, sexual harassment, violence and discrimination against women and I must commend stakeholders for the well thought out theme for the year which is, ‘Inspire inclusion.’
“It is my prayer and hope that this will be made actionable through the introduction of right legal frameworks, polices and robust legislation from the states and National Assemblies so that women will have their place of pride in the scheme of things.
“There are records to show that women have suffered many gender-related challenges therefore more efforts need to be put in place to break the jinx of gender inequality, intergenerational cycle of poverty, particularly for disadvantaged women and girl children etc. Women must also come together in one voice and change the narrative so that the society can be better for it and the time is now. Omolara said.
Speaking further the marketing communication consultant stated, “I jointly celebrate every strong woman out there including myself! You are stronger than you ever imagine, never renege to ‘Inspire inclusion’ in every sphere of life, don’t give room for limitations, we are great and we shall fulfill our purpose and destiny, we are above discrimination and limitations.
“Let’s “Inspire Inclusion” by fostering understanding and appreciation for women’s inclusion. Together, we can create a world where women feel a deep sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
“Let’s inspire others to recognize and value the importance of inclusion for women, as this paves the way for a brighter future for all. Embrace the spirit of unity and empowerment, and let’s work collectively to build a more inclusive world for women.
“Let’s aspire to inspire, crave inclusion, and be included.
“Happy International Women’s Day!” The statement concluded.
Nkuzi Stem Initiative
In a world driven by technological advancements, ensuring inclusivity and diverse perspectives within STEM fields is no longer optional, it’s essential. Recognizing this critical need, the Grundfos Foundation and Rector Cares Foundation joined forces to launch the groundbreaking “Nkuzi Stem” initiative, meaning “Learn” in Igbo.
More than just a program, Nkuzi Stem serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring young minds, particularly girls aged 15-20 from diverse backgrounds. This innovative education initiative aims to bridge the gap in tech diversity, paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future. Through Nkuzi Stem, students embark on a fascinating journey into the world of STEM, equipped with the support, mentorship, and resources they need to thrive.
A core objective of Nkuzi Stem is to dismantle the notion that gender limits potential in technology and computer science. Through workshops, seminars, and hands-on experiences, the initiative empowers young talents, regardless of gender, to excel in the STEM field. By providing coding boot camps, scholarships, and networking opportunities, Nkuzi Stem is poised to revolutionise STEM education in Nigeria.
Last year’s launch at the Federal Government Girls College, Lejja Enugu, marked the beginning of a transformative journey for the students. As pioneers of Nkuzi Stem, they gain access to a wealth of programs and resources designed to nurture their passion for STEM.
At the recent International Day of Women and Girls in Science event, Onyedikachi Erete, founder of Rector Cares Foundation, passionately emphasised the importance of diversity in technology. “Diversity isn’t just about fairness, it’s about unlocking the full potential of the tech industry. Nkuzi Stem recognises this, nurturing a generation of innovators who will bring fresh perspectives and drive progress for all,” he stated. “Seeing beyond limitations, Nkuzi Stem dismantles the walls of exclusion in tech. Our goal is to empower diverse talents and cultivate a tech landscape that truly reflects the richness of our communities.”
Nkuzi Stem aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5, aiming for gender equality. The initiative serves as a model for similar programs worldwide, fostering a global movement for girls in STEM.
Nkuzi Stem transcends simply offering opportunities; it reshapes the future of the tech industry by fostering diversity and inclusion. By unlocking the potential of a new generation of female innovators, the initiative promises to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the world of technology, ultimately benefiting society at large.
As we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, let us applaud initiatives like Nkuzi Stem that are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future in STEM. Together, let us continue to support and empower girls and women in their journey towards excellence in science and technology.
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