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NGOs - SDGs

Sahara Group: Inverting Narratives Through Sustainable Development

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Lagos, Nigeria – As a multinational organization, Sahara Group’s partnership with the UN on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an affirmative response to a universal call to action. It is a mandate to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace, self-determination and prosperity.

The SDGs are globally acknowledged as a robust road map for social development. Our foundation exists to ensure that our business activities are underpinned by sustainable development actions both now and in the future. Sahara Foundation works consistently with Sahara Group to ensure that the SDGs are intrinsic to and influence the strategy for every one of our businesses.

SDGs are good for commercial operations and sustainability is important to the process design, strategy, succession planning and viability of any organization.

Incorporating the SDGs into our businesses gives us the capacity to thrive as a sustainability driven going concern today, whilst also laying the foundations by which the engines of our success are fully functioning in the future.

University of Juba ICT Center
University of Juba ICT Center rehabilitated by Sahara Foundation

Our work as a steward for sustainability with Vision of Hope in Lusaka, Zambia and Pugu Secondary School in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania are just two examples of how we partner to provide capacity building opportunities to some of the most vulnerable and marginalized groups in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Goals 3 (Good Health and Well Being) and 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) are central to our work with Vision of Hope. By providing access to health care and sanitation and building an industrial size kitchen which allows for large scale cooking in sanitary conditions we are able to create an environment in which the young denizens and the adults who look after them are well fed and well nurtured.

We also partner assiduously to achieve goal 4 (Quality Education) by providing the means and a space for a formal education.

Vision of Hope has become a safe space and a social sanctuary for girls from as young as ten months to eighteen years. It enables young mothers go to school or take up an apprenticeship in arts and craft whilst their infants and toddlers are looked after during those important educational or vocational hours.

Over the years, it has become apparent that the underscoring of a successful partnership is the ability to identify gaps in social development, align with capable collaborators and deftly combining resources to fill those gaps in a manner that is timely and via sustainable means and methods.

At Pugu Secondary the foundation has been able to shift the narrative positively by working in concert with the local community on gender equality and quality education. This partnership has bridged the gender equality gap by giving female students access to restroom facilities that enable them have uninterrupted time in school thus furthering their education and improving their life chances.

Library at Pugu Secondary School, Tanzania upgraded by Sahara Foundation
Library at Pugu Secondary School, Tanzania upgraded by Sahara Foundation

Also Read Take a Girl Child to Work Day campaign kicks off

Prior to installation of new toilet facilities a lot of young girls were unable to attend classes during their menstrual cycles because there were no conveniences designed to accommodate them. This lowered the attendance rates of female students whilst their male counterparts continually enjoyed the social advantages of a steady education.

The conveniences provided have significantly narrowed the gap by improving female classroom attendance across the year and leveling the playing field for these bright young girls as they grow into adolescence.

Our work as a partner on social development is effective largely because of the opportunity to work with a rich network of international multilateral agencies. As a member of the board of both local and global PSAGs (Private Sector Advisory Groups) and a strategic partnership with the office of the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations we are able to work with NGOs, governments and the private sector to design solutions for some of the most urgent challenges to global sustainable development.

Executive Director, Sahara Group Temitope Shonubi signing the Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP to Promote Sustainable Energy and SDGs in Africa.
Executive Director, Sahara Group Temitope Shonubi signing the Memorandum of Understanding with UNDP to Promote Sustainable Energy and SDGs in Africa.

Additionally, as a steering committee member of the Partnering Against Corruption Initiative (PACI) of the World Economic Forum we are working to design corruption out of the societies and countries in which it is impeding economic growth and the creation of generational wealth. Our work with PACI has allowed us to address goals 8(Decent Work and Economic Growth) and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) across various borders and business interests.

The inexorable spread of globalization has also increased awareness about the importance of preserving the planet and being accountable for our individual and collective actions as global citizens.

More will be demanded of businesses by regulators, host communities, governments and employees. Businesses which espouse corporate citizenship and predicate decisions based on a social purpose will rightly be rewarded with patronage from socially conscious consumers.

Sahara is gratified to utilize its agency and partner with a cross section of multiple stakeholders (Goal 17: Partnerships to achieve the goal) in identifying gaps, bridging them and inverting negative narratives on the state of global sustainable development now and in future.

 

Credit: Sahara Group

NGOs - SDGs

Laila Bastati on the importance of diversity in shaping Africa’s future

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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.

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“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.

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NGOs - SDGs

IWD 2024: Dr. Omolaraeni Olaosebikan Calls For More Gender Inclusion

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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’.

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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.

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Corporate Citizenship

Nkuzi Stem Shines a Light on International Day of Women and Girls in Science

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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.

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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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