
I started the Sheroes.ng project in 2018. Having worked as a journalist for over 10 years, I have realised that women are grossly underrepresented in every aspect of life even though they have always been actively present in shaping our world. Throughout my growing years as a teenager and young adult, the only history I ever got to hear about is on men, women are painfully absent. And those who were alive then, were never celebrated but rather portrayed to be wayward and irresponsible by the society. For example, the famous Queen Amina of zazzau is celebrated internationally much more than she is by the society she helped create. Likewise, many other prominent influential women of that time, musicians, politicians, activists and scholars. They never got the accolades and recognition they deserved for their contributions to nation building. I lacked mentors while growing up, and I saw that gap still exists in my society despite the little progress it has made. Majority of the few privilege women fortunate enough to have an education and career are more interested in the latest fashion and luxury cars than in empowering the next less privilege woman or Girl child.
Sheroes.ng is designed to do all of that. Document women. Honour women. Inspire women. Support women. Empower women.
I am the only one running every aspect of the project, content creation, management and promotion. From January 2018 till date, it has
1873 followers on Instagram.
120 on Twitter
911 followers on Facebook
And almost 10,000 views from all over the world.
We had such high ambitions and lofty dreams of reaching every woman and Girl child through their mobile phones, providing them with inspiration from the history and life stories of outstanding women of both the past and present times, information about their rights, privileges and place in society, and also encourage them towards progressive thinking through the execution of community impact projects instead of the latest fashion and luxury cars. And eventually develop into a quarterly magazine and mobile phone application reaching women all over the world.
In the midst of 2018, about 5 months after launching, we were contacted by sheroes.com, an Indian women group which proposed a partnership. But after one skype meeting with those at the frontlines of the community, I realised that what they wanted was an acquisition not a partnership because they were proposing to give me some ‘honorarium’ and asking for sole control over the project, so I did not agree.
At the moment, we have the platform but not the resources to grow it. Besides the fact that I am still studying, which means less time and attention for the project, digital marketing cost a lot of money. Our current growth rate is much slower than earlier planned. We are trying to improve on the website itself, one little step at a time. I think the greatest success we have had so far, is having successfully made our presence known, and knowing that it is appreciated.
What we need to grow, are
- A complete rebranding of the brand itself, - 3D logo designs, improved website and social media handles.
- voluntary writers
- More visibility.
We then move to the next stage of the project plan, - engaging partnering with international organisations that work in the same area of interest as sheroes.ng like the UN, UN Women and others. Pairing women up with mentors in what we call ‘adopt a sheroe’ project, creating community impact projects like community playgrounds for children in diverse communities etc.
Hi Again Hawwah,
It sounds like your initiative is gaining momentum, it's just that sometimes, most times, initiatives take time, patience, and money. I know all about this, too:-) I'm excited, though, for you that you were already recognized by a large organization, even if it didn't work out. That's a great first step, especially for an organization that isn't that old. I know you'll get there!
Good luck with your application, dear.
Dear Jill,
Thank you so much for your encouragement and support.
I must admit it can get daunting and overwhelming.
The support and encouragement of women like you and knowing the lives of many other nonprivileged women and Girls deepen on us keeps us going.
In love and sisterhood,
Hawwah
Hello Dear Hawwah,
How are you?
You're very welcome!
Yes, it definitely can, and it's so okay to admit that:-)
Glad to hear it! We've got your back:-)
XX
Hi Hawwah.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. In life we have to keep trying, despite the No's, and negative feelings that might come along with with all our positive efforts. Nigeria is a country where the place of women in leadership is not recognize, never mind we will get there.
I like your courage.
Keep thriving hard.
Much love.
Dear Chidniman,
Yes, we shall get there.
The most important thing is that we have started the journey.
Together, we shall get there.
In love and sisterhood,
Hawwah.
Thank you for sharing
Welcome Anita.
Keep trying and goodluck to you. It will happen soon...patience dear
Thank you Thelma.
Hawwah you are really working hard to achieve, so surely you will get there. we are with you completely. i understand what it means to work your way up so do not be discouraged. you have made it already with all the figures you mentioned above. Trust you are safe and your loved ones too
Thank you very much Otahelp.
We are doing well thank you.
I hope you are doing well too.
In love and sisterhood,
Hawwah
Congratulations stay focus and committed to the project and every desired help will come
Thank you Mietge
Dear Sis
Thank you for your creative work
Thank you very much Anita.
Hi Hawwah,
My dear sister, success comes after a lot hard work, disappointments and rejections.
I am very happy to know that you are on the right track and one day, your will look back and marvel at how much you have accomplished.
Keep it up. Everything will work out in the end. Please be safe.
Indeed dear Kabahenda.
Thank you so much for all the support and encouragement.
Hello Hauwa,
One beautiful thing I really appreciate about this platform is that it brings people with the same mindset together,I love what you are doing and I understand what you are going through as I went through it.I run Jaruma Magazine and I would like to collaborate with you sometime.
Hello Bara'atu,
Yes, indeed it does.
World pulse, it amazing. It is a great pleasure to meet you here, as I met other great sisters from across the world.
It will be my utmost pleasure to work with you soon.
In love and sisterhood,
Hawwah.
Love this