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Op-Ed

International Women’s Day 2022: The BAO 30 Inspiring Women On Breaking The Bias

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In celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022, Business Africa Online (BAO) hosts 30 Inspiring Women #BreakingTheBias. These 30 Inspiring Women were selected across different industries to speak on this year’s IWD 2022 theme #BreakingTheBias. And also to share how they are Standing Out and Standing Up. Excerpt. 

 

Deloitte Africa CEO-Elect Ruwayda Redfearn

“International Women’s Day is a timely reminder of the progress made over the past few decades around the advancement of women and improving gender parity. The day is also an opportunity to remind each other of the work that still needs to be done to realise the global goal of gender equality.” Read More.

Ngozi Oyewole MD/CEO NOXIE Limited

“As an entrepreneur I am always happy to tell my story and the barriers I face every time, and how I overcome them. Like they say “Your story is your strength and be shameless about the hustle “. Office furniture manufacturing is expected to be a male dominated industry but I thrive very well and pounding the ground even harder than the men…” Read More 

Dr. Anino Emuwa, Managing Director, Avandis Consulting & Founder Africa Women CEOs.

“Gender-balanced leadership is essential for inclusive economic development, societal advancement and the sustainability of our planet. Whilst women and men make great leaders, women face systemic barriers – from unconscious bias to cultural constraints and negative perceptions. We need to #BreakThatBias for the well-being of mankind. Happy International Women’s Day!”

Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes, Founding Partner at Aruwa Capital Management

“International Women’s Day is a day to acknowledge, honour and celebrate women around the world across every level of society, for the contributions they make each day to society. Women as mothers, wives, CEOs, entrepreneurs, investors, board members and everything in between. This year’s theme of #BreakingTheBias is a perfect way to remind society of the unconscious biases that still exist in society and the uphill struggle women have to face everyday to have a voice and to be heard. At Aruwa Capital we are very excited to be breaking this bias by having more women as capital allocators and empowering the next generation of female entrepreneurs by encouraging women to create their own tables rather than asking for a seat.”

Serah Katusya Managing Director, GroupM East and Central Africa & SSA Coordination Lead

“I AM WOMAN BY EMMY MELI”.

This song is a reminder to what we are as women, what I am as a woman, and despite all the beat down we get we keep rising, we keep winning, and with every stone thrown, we build up. Read More 

Mariam Kamel, Angel Investor

“With female entrepreneurship on the rise globally, it is no surprise that Africa boasts one of the highest regional proportions of female entrepreneurs, where 1 in 4 women run their own business. We can visibly see evidence of this in our daily lives.” Read More 

Dr Tebogo Mashifana, Head of Department: Chemical Engineering Technology, University of Johannesburg

“We grow up in societies where we are made to believe that a girl child cannot do some of the things. We get into the classrooms where different systems exist to say a girl child cannot do certain subjects. In the workplace, there are still positions that women cannot occupy. May we be the generation whose decisions are not biased because of gender. May we never discriminate against HER because she is a woman. May we be the generation that champion and create environments that break the bias toward women. Let us #BreakTheBias, it is everyone’s responsibility.”

Fatima Alimohamed, CEO of African Brand Warrior

“We are in 2022 and still asking for a world that is free of bias, discrimination and stereotypes. Clearly, there is some resistance for this not to have already happened. We know that half the sky is held up by women. So why can’t we live in an inclusive world by elevating women’s visibility instead of having us predominantly hidden?’ We all need to take action to #BreakTheBias and question society and demand more from them. We must break the bias and increase access to equity, safety, justice and recognition for every woman. We must not only celebrate every aspect of the social, economic and political achievements of women, every single day. But we must campaign for equality and openly call out gender bias. We must #BreakTheBias NOW.”

Joy Harrison-Abiola, Practice Administrator, Dentons ACAS-LAW

I was 16 and just gained admission into the University. My brother who was a year older was already in University. I could not wait to join him but a shadow was cast over my dreams. My father could not afford our fees. The advice when he went to borrow money from a good friend was, “let your daughter stay back. She will only get married anyway.” Well my Dad did not take the advice. Dad trudged on stoically and with his sacrifice and that of my dear Mother, my brother and I graduated. Dr. Henry Udueni- after a 3rd degree in the UK, sadly passed. I went on to my 2nd degree, started a 3rd and I’m here. I have the piviledge of seeing the joy and gratitude in my Dad’s eyes that he did not hold me back. To build inclusive environments, safe spaces for all to thrive, to break barriers and provide equal opportunity for growth, takes vision and true commitment. It takes my Dad. #BreakingTheBias

Dr. Christine Izuakor, Cyber Culture Hacker & Founder/CEO, Cyber Pop-up

“I’m excited about the #BreakingTheBias campaign because I believe that the first step to breaking bias is consciousness. A lot of bias is unconscious and you cannot break a habit you don’t even know exists. This campaign is a great start to shining a light on various elements of bias impacting women across domains.  It’s only then that we can do something to change it. Happy International Women’s Day!”.

Temi Marcella Awogboro, Investor, Founder and Board Director

“Regardless of gender, International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022 is a beautiful moment to reflect on and celebrate the strides made in women empowerment globally. However, gender biases and stereotypes remain deeply ingrained in our families, homes, societies and organizations, influencing the way we see and treat our girls and women”. Read More

Vumile Msweli, Founder of Hesed Consulting

In celebrating International Women’s Day and reflecting on #BreakingTheBias as a career coach it is natural that I consider the workplace. I think of biases like female bosses are terrible or that women have glass ceilings and at times even glass cliffs. Read More

Oyetola Oduyemi. Senior Director, Public Affairs for Africa, The END Fund.

This International Women’s Day commemoration is another wonderful opportunity to celebrate women the world over. In the last one year, Read More

Onyeka K. Akpaida, Relationship Manager Africa at Women’s World Banking & CIO, Rendra Foundation

Feeling like an Elephant trapped in the body of an Ant, having great potential without the architecture, strategy or replication structure to actualize it; I spent my formative years seeing women give up Read More

Vuyolwethu Dubese, MEAL and Innovation Consultant, Angel Investor

“I operate at the intersection of democratising capital to African female founders. Designing the impact of that capital and ensuring that women (and small businesses) are funnelled to the top through strategic partnerships. This year’s International Women’s Day theme #BreakingTheBias is a way to highlight the opportunities available to enable women to break the bias. And to connect them to enablers of these ecosystems who have (and continue to) trail brazed. Network(ing) is one of the currencies you can give women to trade equitably. It is a long road ahead to ultimately break the bias that’s been tapestried onto women’s capabilities. But days like IWD and publications like Business Africa Online (BAO), continue to mark the necessary evil of the work that is being and has to be done”.

Dr. Adama Kalokoh, Founder of Impact Sierra Leone

#BreakingTheBias – This theme resonates with me so deeply because we all deserve a seat at the table. It does not stop there, we also deserve the right for our voices to be respectfully heard in and out of the boardroom. Read More

Izin Akioya: Multidisciplinary, Marketing Expert and Author

I could easily swap my book title Mum, Find Love Again for #BreakTheBias. The inherent messages are so in sync that I feel opportune to have launched my book this year. Ageism, sexism, inequalities, racism, abuse, are all steeped in biases. Biases remain the leading root cause of non-inclusion, and therefore sit at the heart of a sustainable gender equity strategy. Progress in gender equity, progress in attaining women’s rights over the coming decades will be contingent on how much progress is made. In dismantling unconscious biases and nuances that drive unequal behaviors and societies.

Affirmative action and increased access to education will provide more women with economic security and opportunity. Yet, these women will continue to contend with traditions, lifestyles and faith systems that entrench biases. As we #BreakTheBias, we redefine culture and shape a new meaning of life and living. I am excited to be alive in these times. I am more excited for a future where #BreakTheBias will no longer be necessary.

Saibatu Mansaray, Former White Senior Executive and US Army Major Rtd)

As an African and Muslim woman who moved to the United States at 20 years of age and immediately joined the United States Army. I understand the bias I carried with me into a foreign land and the military. Everyday, questioning myself given my background. Read More

Chinedu Rita Rosa, Wine Export Consultant & CEO/Founder, Vines By Rosa

International Women’s day is a day to reflect and take account of our progress as Women. Celebrating Women from every work of life and culture. With a special emphasis on #BreakingTheBias, that as women, we face everyday. Enjoying our femininity and embracing our power, knowing that every obstacle that stands in our way can be overcome. Standing up Tall, Proud and as Equals in our own rights with no Bias and barriers to keep us from our goals.

Morenike George Taylor, Group MD, Flux Group

“We live in an imperfect world and the sooner we understand that the better. We can start working on how to improve and one area that we need to focus is to remove the bias against women. Women have traditionally been viewed as the weaker sex. We have more men as Presidents, Vice Presidents, CEOs of companies and Members of Parliament than women. This needs to change. Women have the power, potential and prowess to excel in any role. More women should be considered for roles in top leadership. It’s time to break the bias.”

Lisa Hurley,  Editor-At-Large of Linked Inclusion™

This year’s theme is “Break The Bias.” It’s goal is to help us “imagine a gender-equal world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination. A world that’s diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.” So, Read More

Abimbola Adebakin, CEO Advantage Health Africa

I look forward to a world that is truly diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Women are so powerful when we choose to step into the fullness of our strengths and capabilities. And we have got to create a more enabling environment for women to do just that. We must empower and encourage more women to show up, speak up and show forth. 

Women must also begin to take the plunge and show up where it matters. We need more women to take their place everywhere, with skills as their superpower. The world is more beautiful when we all show up and work together. The outcome is indeed unfathomable when we all, no matter race, gender or social class, can show up in our truest, empowered form.

We must realise that different persons have different circumstances and require different resources and opportunities to BECOME. We must choose to fix the playing field and #breakthebias. We all have a role to play in creating the bias-free world we desire, from schools, to workplaces, to politics, to entrepreneurship. I choose to EMPOWER women. I choose to #BreakTheBias. Do you?

Margaret Adekunle, Founder & CEO, CLC

I am a woman who is fearless and unbelievably strong. There are so many forces that work against Black female entrepreneurs. Access to capital and support is the biggest piece. Society can make things extremely difficult for Black female professional/business owners in different ways such as being labelled “unpromotable” because of who you are not which has nothing to do with your skills or maliciously cancelling a business contract which is well planned out. Against all odds, Black women are strong, smart and have the ability to wither the storm and come out stronger and more successful. 

Advice to Black women

  • Never cry or worry about the past. Just focus on what you want to achieve
  • Always remember that those that really want you to win, will always find a way to help you win without excuses.
  • Keep in mind that you’re built differently.

#BreakTheBias 

Hermine Mbondo

As the founder of B4brand, a storytelling-driven marketing agency based in Toronto, Canada, breaking unconscious bias in marketing and advertising is a commitment to create truly diverse and inclusive content from an authentic voice that resonates with the audience. This goes far beyond simply using diverse imagery and brands must challenge existing stereotypes and biases to do better in order to build genuine connections with their audience. – 

Perpetual Kendi, Founder ADDLESTON PR & Laute Luxury Wines

Imagine a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Where we collectively #BreakTheBias.There are key terms used. Conscious and unconscious bias. The term “unconscious bias” describes our tendency to classify others through characteristics that are not valid. We can break the bias in our communities, workplaces, schools, colleges and universities. As we celebrate women this year, breaking bias is limited to our mental attention and we can all #breakconsious and unconscious bias towards our women.

Paulette Watson, MD/Founder, Academy Achievers

This year’s International Women’s day theme: #BreakingTheBias is really important for me as a black women and also the #BeMe digital inclusion program of raising one million females aspiration in Science Technology engineering math related careers. Read More 

Sally Kimangu, CEO Destination Imagination Africa

Individually, I think we’re all responsible for the way we think and the way we behave – all day,  every day. As women, it’s high time to let go of the stereotypical and societal beliefs that we  have clung onto which is limiting our impact in society and the world at large. Change is the only thing that remains to be constant, with reference to this year’s theme as we  commemorate International Women’s Day – 2022, I believe we can break bias in our  communities, workplaces, schools, universities and all works of life. We just need to make  conscious efforts in order for us to move ahead and level the playing field. 

Onyinye Udokporo, CEO of Enrich Learning

This year’s international women’s day theme, #BreakingTheBias is a significant one. Why? Because for as long as I can remember, there has always been one, or in some cases, several bias against women. Read More

Victoria Trochoux, Serial Entrepreneur & Keynote Speaker

We are a human force that nurtures and uplifts the world. Let us not wait to be hailed for our grace, courage and determination. As Talleyrand aptly said, “Where so many men have failed, a woman can succeed. Therefore, let’s break the prejudices and stereotypes, let’s be masters of our destiny because there’s a bigger dream for us #BreakTheBias

Natalie Nkembuh, Founder of Evolve Media Holdings Limited

Women can move mountains when they work together to support each other, co-create and give everyone the opportunity to take a step further towards attaining set goals. Unfortunately, this is often overlooked. An inclusive society where women feel at home just like men in key roles and decision-making positions, at the level of access to institutions and finance will go a long way to ensure this.

The BAO Inspirining Women #BreakingTheBias is proudly supported by Aruwa Capital Management, The Flux Group and Vines By Rosa. All female-led companies making a huge impact.

Op-Ed

People are not a pillar: It’s time to invest in potentialising people

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By Savina Harrilall, Chief People Officer at Mukuru (Image: Supplied)

The Harvard Business Review describes the secret of corporate success as ‘human magic’. A culture that creates a space within which people thrive and where their ambitions, passions and commitment translate into productivity, results and shared growth. It is also an essential investment into the business at a time when people are feeling invisible and stressed amidst a storm of geopolitical and economic instability. The International Monetary Fund report released halfway through 2024 found that while global growth looks relatively stable on the surface, there are undercurrents affecting overall positivity and momentum. 

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The world is, as the report describes, in a sticky spot. And people do not work in isolation of these undercurrents. Gallup found that 20% of the world’s employees are lonely, engagement is stagnating and overall well-being is on a decline. The cost of this disengaged, deflated workforce, says the company, is in the region of $8.9 trillion and approximately 9% of the global gross domestic product (GDP). Employees are also feeling replaceable. 

The American Psychological Association (APA) shows that the mercurial economic, social and political environments are influencing employee decision-making and needs. Employees are increasingly seeking stability, well-being, and meaning in their work. Unfortunately, the lingering effects of the pandemic continue to destabilize organisational foundations. As a result, both companies and employees are grappling to regain their equilibrium.

Defining employee potentialising

People are not a pillar within the business, they are its foundation. If they are committed, engaged and supported, then they deliver that elusive magic and bring their energy that can ignite a company’s culture. And ticking all of these boxes comes down to leadership. The environment follows the leader – people will want to give more, be more and create more if they feel that they are working within a company that values their potential, and recognises their worth.

Potentialising employees means measuring the success of a business against the success of its people. Your business can invest in all of the right baseline tools such as leadership enablement, benchmarking, and referencing against people practices, but if you’re not actually putting people at the centre of these conversations, you’re not prioritising their potential. People don’t want to hear about benchmarks and metrics and standards – they’re important, sure, but people want to hear about the people-things. They want to know what your business is doing to enable their success. This takes people-centricity a level up. 

At Mukuru, we have spent time building our foundations so we can embrace the concept of potentialising the employee. We have the compliance, the certifications and the standards – for example, we did not publicise being BB-BEE compliant for the first time in 20 years, not because it is not newsworthy, but rather because we understand and see this as a step towards unlocking opportunities for our people. It is how we ensure we continue to create employment opportunities and expand the skillsets of employees and potential employees, thereby supporting the growth of our current and future talent. 

Redefining people within growth

Mukuru is driving commercial outcomes by prioritising our interactions with people, both inside and outside the organisation. Every person within the company is skilled and a leader of their own roles, and masters of their destinies. Recognising their individuality and embracing diversity, enables the cultivation of spaces where our people can thrive. This, in turn, enhances our interactions with customers. Happy employees lead to satisfied clients, and happy customers make for a successful business.

Creating a psychologically safe space for employees ensures that people feel they truly belong. As a recent Harvard Business Review study into the value of human-centred leadership found, employee fulfilment rests on the foundations of leadership, recognising the individual, and meeting unique needs. Levelling up on servant leadership is heart leadership. Heart leadership champions empathy and elevates humanity and authenticity, where leaders relate to employees by investing, empowering and caring for them. This is the secret sauce to potentialising.

The myth of a 9-to-5 model to drive employee productivity must be shattered once and for all, and in its place, we need flexible work environments that align employee and organisational needs – building spaces that allow people to thrive. Nobody needs to be perfect. None of us are perfect. Nobody needs to fit a specific mold. We need to smash the mold and elevate uniqueness. The primary goal, particularly at Mukuru, is to inspire people to fully embrace their authentic selves in their roles while fostering a culture of mutual respect and civility. 

When the organisation prioritises and shows up for its people, the people become motivated to invest in themselves and wholly show up for the organisation. And this synergy is when it truly discovers the value of potentialising its employees.  

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Health

Dr. Jesupelumi Adenihun: Adopting a lifestyle of sustainable health practices with food

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Dr. Jesupelumi O. Adenihun (Image: Supplied)

You have likely heard the saying, “You are what you eat,” and it couldn’t be truer. What we consume plays a far greater role in our health than many of us realize. Over time, our eating habits can either support our body’s natural healing processes, leading to improved health and vitality, or contribute to nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, and even chronic diseases.

What this means is, our eating habits over time sets off a series of chain reactions in our bodies that impact our overall well-being. The good news, however, is that by consistently making the right food choices, we can put ourselves on the path to a state of good health and well-being. While this might sound daunting at first, it is often the small, consistent actions that yield the best results. Let’s take a look at 10 simple but effective habits you can begin to cultivate for better health and adopt as lifestyle practices:

  1. Substitute soda with water: No beverage is more refreshing or beneficial than plain water. It hydrates, cleanses, and confers numerous health benefits. 
  2. Snack on nuts and seeds: When you are craving a snack, go for nuts or seeds, unless you have an allergy. They are nutrient-dense and can also be satisfying.
  3. Opt for grilled or baked over fried: Choosing grilled or baked foods helps reduce unhealthy fat intake without compromising on flavor. This also helps reduce the risk of developing high cholesterol levels which is a cardiovascular risk.
  4. Enjoy homemade smoothies over sugary drinks: When time permits, make homemade smoothies making use of reliable recipes. If you are short on time, consider vendors who provide fresh, nutrient-packed options.
  5. Practice mindful eating: Mindful eating means being fully present during meals, savoring each bite, and listening to your body’s signals. Eating mindfully is a game changer for a lot of people.
  6. Be well-informed about what you consume: Whether it’s food or drinks, it is essential that you stay conscious of what’s in your food and drinks. Many packaged products contain hidden sugars that the body doesn’t exactly need. Always take a moment to check the ingredients.
  7. Add more vegetables to your plate: Think beyond the usual veggies—some varieties exist which also depends on your geographical location. Be open and willing to explore new options and add color to your meals.
  8. Prioritize lean proteins: Not all proteins are created equal. Make lean protein choices and consider plant-based options to support your overall health.
  9. Use natural spices over salt-laden seasonings: High salt intake is known to be a contributor to heart-related conditions like hypertension. Opt for natural herbs and spices to add flavor without carrying on health risks.
  10. Stay physically active: Find an activity you enjoy and can commit to, whether you are at home or on the go. Consistency is key. Also seek the counsel of a coach if you need to.

Remember, true wealth lies in your health. Let each meal choice you make be a step toward a healthier, more vibrant life. Eat to wealth, health is wealth. 

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Written By: Dr. Jesupelumi O. Adenihun (Nutrition Coach, Preventive health care specialist).

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Legal Business

Morenike George-Taylor: The fundamental term to include when raising investment

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Morenike George Taylor, Founder Reni Legal Consulting | County Support Consulting (Image: Supplied)

I remember a pivotal moment in my career that taught me a profound lesson about the importance of securing sufficient funding for a project. It all started when my team and I were working on an ambitious venture, a hotel to be located in Lekki, a high brow area in Nigeria. After months of planning, I found an investor who was excited about the potential. He assured me that he would provide the necessary funds to bring our vision to life.

Initially, the investor invested a portion of the money, which gave my team and I a glimmer of hope. With that commitment, I felt a surge of confidence. We began allocating resources, hiring a team, and setting timelines. Everything seemed aligned for success. 

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However, as we progressed, the promises began to wane. The investor started delaying further payments, citing various reasons that ranged from market fluctuations to unforeseen personal issues. Each time I reached out for updates, I was met with assurances that the funds would come through soon. Then, midway through the project, the investor informed me that he could no longer fund the project. 

This sudden withdrawal created a domino effect. We had already committed to other businesses that were relying on our funding to get started. As the primary business was still in development, those secondary businesses began to pressure me for repayments. They had their own obligations, and without the promised funds, they found themselves in a precarious position. It was an overwhelming situation, and I watched helplessly as relationships soured and trust evaporated.

The main business, which had so much promise, struggled to survive. Without the necessary capital, we couldn’t complete our operations or deliver our product to market. As the financial strain mounted, it became clear that our venture was on the brink of collapse. Ultimately, the business we had worked so hard to build didn’t make it.

This experience was a harsh but invaluable lesson. It underscored the critical importance of raising sufficient funding before embarking on any ambitious project and how this needs to be taken into consideration in any contract documentation you sign. If I had tied all our contracts and obligations to the complete funds being raised, we could have safeguarded our operations against such unforeseen circumstances.

This experience taught me that in business, clarity and preparation are paramount. Without sufficient funding, dreams can quickly turn into nightmares, and projects that hold so much promise can fade away before they even have a chance to succeed

In the world of business, securing adequate funding is crucial for success. Particularly, if you require $1,000,000 for example to execute your vision, it is essential to raise that exact amount and tie all your contracts to this figure, especially concerning repayment terms. This approach ensures that your business can commence operations without financial strain.

When you set out to raise capital, clearly defining your financial needs is the first step. If you determine that your project requires $1,000,000, raising exactly that amount helps avoid unnecessary complications. Insufficient funding can lead to a cascade of operational issues, including delays, inability to meet contractual obligations, and ultimately, project failure. By securing the full amount, you create a solid foundation for your business operations.

Tying your contracts to the $1,000,000 funding goal is a strategic move. This means that all agreements—whether with investors, lenders, or partners—should explicitly state that the commencement of business activities, as well as repayment obligations, are contingent on successfully raising this amount. If the funding goal is not achieved, the repayment terms should reflect that the business cannot commence. This protects you and your stakeholders from the risks associated with undercapitalization.

By ensuring that all agreements explicitly stated that the project’s commencement and the repayment terms hinged on successfully raising that target amount, we would have mitigated the risks of undercapitalization.  It became clear to me that having a well-structured funding strategy is not just a financial necessity; it’s essential for operational stability and long-term success.

Now, I always emphasize to entrepreneurs the importance of securing the full amount required before diving into a project. A well-capitalized venture is not just better positioned to navigate challenges; it can seize opportunities and grow sustainably.

 

About the author:

Morenike is an award winning business strategist and the founder of Reni Legal Consulting and County Support Consulting. She operates as a business consultant across various sectors, leveraging her extensive expertise to provide strategic insights and tailored solutions. With a keen understanding of the complexities of different industries, she helps organizations navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

As a qualified lawyer, Morenike combines her legal knowledge with a strong foundation in data management, agile methodologies, and risk management. She is a certified Data Management Professional, a Disciplined Agile Scrum Master, and a Risk Management Professional. This diverse skill set allows her to approach each consulting engagement with a comprehensive perspective, driving operational efficiency and fostering organizational success.

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