My Journey of Faith

In 2007 I resigned from a job I held for 10 years. My resignation was borne out of unbearable marginalization, suppression and oppression. I didn’t have alternative source of income. I had an urge to start a disability organization, which I believe will provide a platform needed to assist individuals overcome challenges. I started the process, ploughed all my savings into the rigorous registration process but no success. I became frustrated.

By October 2008, I lost all courage and self- confidence. I was depressed. I questioned the essence of my life – a life of poverty, loneliness and joblessness. I was bottled up with emotions and trauma. I had too many questions based on personal experiences which I needed to voice out but had no space. I was voiceless. I had access to neither computer nor internet. I was a shadow of my real self.

December 2008, I was employed Director of Programmes and Projects by Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Nigeria. One day I read about a web-based organization where women interact and get solutions for issues that bother them. I quickly joined in 2009.

Joining the Pulsewire was a launching point for my professional and personal life. I used my own voice to boost my confidence. Expressed my experiences through posts to my journal, I received comments which re-awakened my commitment to the cause I stood for, the cause of justice and equal treatment for the marginalized. From around the world, motivations and inspirations poured in! I was poised to speak out the more.

In 2010, World Pulse interviewed me for a position of Community Board member. I was not selected but was closely connected to this community which brings women a global voice. Encouragements received from Worldpulse team reactivated my life. I was connected to Cynda Collins Arsenault, a pulse wire member who volunteered assistance that enabled my training at the Women’s Human Rights Institute. Now, I am knowledgeable on women’s human rights issues across the world and on the use of UN CEDAW to fight against violence on women. I confidently teach human rights to women in my organization.

I registered the Divine Foundation for Disabled Persons, a charity organization which provided a platform to accomplish my dream of providing empowerment programs to persons with disabilities on the basis of equality, justice and respect. Come October 1 2011, Busayo Obisakin a 2009 VOF Correspondence will join Divine Foundation to impart training on Life Skills to 10 women living with disabilities.

I desire to be well-equipped and be a strong voice of change. I see myself a woman with a leadership responsibility. I work to transform lives of persons, especially women with disabilities. I am on a journey of faith inspired by World pulse to fulfilling a vision of contributing my treasure, talent and time using web 2.0 to speak out for change needed to free global women from oppression, suppression and discrimination. I see the VOF training providing me with the desired empowerment.

Celine.