How to be a Relevant African Mum in the 21st Century
This morning my husband jokingly told me I was too African because I was of the idea that certain foreign cartoons for children were against our values as Africans. Culture and traditions are indications that mark out races and makes the world beautiful but every African Mum must avail herself of the innovations and technology of the 21st Century or she would become out-moded. We should hold high our African values but also avail ourselves of modern tools for growth. How then can an African Mum be relevant in the 21st Century?
Education
It was Michelle Obama who said "when women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous". It is an Educated strong woman that will raise educated strong children. It is education that made young women like Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani Education Activist, start an effective strong movement for education in her homeland, Swat. We love to see more women like Ibukun Abiodun Awosika, a Nigerian business woman, motivational speaker and author who has influenced the Business World greatly.
It was Michelle Obama who said "when women are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous". It is an Educated strong woman that will raise educated strong children. It is education that made young women like Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani Education Activist, start an effective strong movement for education in her homeland, Swat. We love to see more women like Ibukun Abiodun Awosika, a Nigerian business woman, motivational speaker and author who has influenced the Business World greatly.
Technology and Digital Skills
I started my Tech career about two to three years ago and since then I get more work done in a short time and earn more as a mum. The maternal roles of women often impede them from engaging in different ventures but this is what technology has made easy. Now a woman can be a full time mum and still build a career. With many international and local remote jobs available online, been Tech-savvy enables a woman to be empowered and free. Learn skills like data analysis, content management, digital marketing, UI/UX, Web development and many too numerous to mention. This will propel you towards your tech goals.
I started my Tech career about two to three years ago and since then I get more work done in a short time and earn more as a mum. The maternal roles of women often impede them from engaging in different ventures but this is what technology has made easy. Now a woman can be a full time mum and still build a career. With many international and local remote jobs available online, been Tech-savvy enables a woman to be empowered and free. Learn skills like data analysis, content management, digital marketing, UI/UX, Web development and many too numerous to mention. This will propel you towards your tech goals.
Health
I recently wrote an article on Self Love. You can check it out on my blog (beccangelwrites.nircle.blog). The first trait that needs to be instilled in every African Mum is self love. Self love improves mental and emotional wellness. Many African women are raised to give their life for others (husbands, parents, kids, siblings and even neighbours) which is the base of communal living. However beautiful this trait may seem, it deters certain African Mums from catering for their health and wellness. How can an unhealthy person think of goals? It is pertinent for African women to put their health as a priority so they can be fit enough to help others. There are various pocket friendly health plans for women that can be used in the 21st Century.
I recently wrote an article on Self Love. You can check it out on my blog (beccangelwrites.nircle.blog). The first trait that needs to be instilled in every African Mum is self love. Self love improves mental and emotional wellness. Many African women are raised to give their life for others (husbands, parents, kids, siblings and even neighbours) which is the base of communal living. However beautiful this trait may seem, it deters certain African Mums from catering for their health and wellness. How can an unhealthy person think of goals? It is pertinent for African women to put their health as a priority so they can be fit enough to help others. There are various pocket friendly health plans for women that can be used in the 21st Century.
Finance
Arese Ugwu, founder of smartmoneyafrica.org, wrote a beautiful book titled, "The Smart Money Woman" where she dealt with finance issues for women. She talked about Money Fears, Dealing With Debts, Surviving Emergencies, Money Goals, Investment, Spending Plans and the Power of Networking. Finance is often one topic that is alienated from African women because it is believed that a man should be the key or sometimes, sole money contributor in the family. A 21st century African Woman must have spending plans, money goals and invest.
Arese Ugwu, founder of smartmoneyafrica.org, wrote a beautiful book titled, "The Smart Money Woman" where she dealt with finance issues for women. She talked about Money Fears, Dealing With Debts, Surviving Emergencies, Money Goals, Investment, Spending Plans and the Power of Networking. Finance is often one topic that is alienated from African women because it is believed that a man should be the key or sometimes, sole money contributor in the family. A 21st century African Woman must have spending plans, money goals and invest.
Read! Read!! Read!!!
"If you want to hide something from a negro, put it in a book." - Douglass Frederick
Literary paucity is a challenge for many African Mums. Would you blame us? The maternal roles that many African Mothers carry on their shoulders give little time for studying but this shouldn't be an excuse. There's a lot to be learnt from reading. That financial knowledge, how to be a good parent, cooking tips, name it! You will find all this in a book. I once wanted to enrol my second son for online scratch lessons but due to many challenges like internet stability, time and money, he couldn't go on with the classes. So I bought a self help book on scratch and it's shocking how he is advancing in this skill all by himself. That's the power of reading.
"If you want to hide something from a negro, put it in a book." - Douglass Frederick
Literary paucity is a challenge for many African Mums. Would you blame us? The maternal roles that many African Mothers carry on their shoulders give little time for studying but this shouldn't be an excuse. There's a lot to be learnt from reading. That financial knowledge, how to be a good parent, cooking tips, name it! You will find all this in a book. I once wanted to enrol my second son for online scratch lessons but due to many challenges like internet stability, time and money, he couldn't go on with the classes. So I bought a self help book on scratch and it's shocking how he is advancing in this skill all by himself. That's the power of reading.
Being relevant as an African Mum is not such a daunting task. All you need is the will to start and you'd be shocked at how closer you'd get to your goals.