Stephanie Linus Daily

Category: Features

  • Stephanie Linus Anchors the African UN Ambassador’s Ball at the AU 20th Anniversary in Washington DC

    Last week, I was honored to anchor the African UN Ambassador’s ball, organized by H.E. Ambassador Hilda-Suka Mafudze, Permanent Representative of the African Union to the United States to commensurate with the 20th Anniversary of the African Union which was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the organization of African unity. The AU is guided by its own vision of an integrated, Prosperous and Peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

    The event recognized distinguished individuals who share the same love and commitment to OUR AFRICA, OUR FUTURE. The occasion was graced with dignitaries, including H.E. Amina Mohammed, Deputy Secretary General to the United Nations; Dr Hippolyte Fofack, Afreximbank’s Chief Economist; and other ambassadors representing the 55 member countries of the Africa Union. It also featured the Awards presentation to distinguished individuals who have shown exemplary Leadership and impact.

    The honourees are Dr Mae Jamison who was presented with the Mickey Leland’s Award, Rev. Jesse Jackson who received the Nelson Mandela Award, Hon. James Clyburn who received the Kofi Annan Award, and Mr Dikembe Mutombo who received the Global Citizen’s award.

  • Stephanie Linus Moderates the African First Ladies Summit on the heels of the U.S.-Africa Leadership Summit 2022

    Actress and UNFPA Ambassador Stephanie Linus hosted world leaders to a high-profile panel discussion at the launch of the Women United Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to giving female leaders across nations a global voice. The event which took place at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African Art , Washington DC was part of the White House’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit 2022 and was graced by dignitaries including President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic, H.E. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, H.E. Denise Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Ana Lourenço of Angola, H.E. Débora Carvalho of Cape Verde, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow of The Gambia, Congolese singer Fally Ipupa, Hollywood Actress/Comédien Tiffany Haddish., Daphna Ziman, President of Women United Foundation and Deborah Elizabeth, Founder and Executive Director of  Women United Foundation.

    The mission of Women United Foundation is to provide an international platform for all women to go beyond the boundaries of their nations to collectively project a united message; gain international exposure in a multi-dimensional light in order to own and voice their narrative; change the dynamic of how women leaders across nations engage in politics; and reshape the conversation surrounding issues that impact women’s lives.

    Stephanie Linus with H.E. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, H.E. Denise Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo, H.E. Ana Lourenço of Angola, H.E. Débora Carvalho of Cape Verde, H.E. Fatoumatta Bah Barrow of The Gambia, and Deborah Elizabeth, Founder Women United Foundation.
    Stephanie Linus, Daphna Zima, Hollywood Actress/Comedien Tiffany Haddish
    Stephanie  Linus with H.E. Fatima Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, H.E. Denise Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo.
    Stephanie Linus and First Lady of Gambia
    Stephanie Linus and First Lady of Sierra Leone
    Stephanie Linus and Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield
    President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.
    President Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic
    Stephanie Linus and Hubby, Linus Idahosa 

  • You Have The Strength To Overcome

    Life has a funny way of testing us. We are constantly presented with obstacles that we must somehow find the strength to overcome. Maybe you’ve come up against some unforeseen difficulties or you are stuck in an unfair circumstance, I hope these words encourage you today. 

    Sometimes, the challenges of life make you doubt your own value. Negative voices remind you of your shortcomings, fears and regrets. However, no matter what has happened or what will happen, remember that you will never lose your worth. We all encounter times when we need strength we can’t muster on our own, despite our hard work and best efforts. But remember, the strength to hold fast to God’s word and continue in faith adds grit to our ability to persevere through disappointments or challenging times. 

    The question is not, will you overcome? It is, when will you overcome? Life will always bring challenges. But God will always give YOU strength to face them.

    Be encouraged Amazonians and Warlords! YOU WILL OVERCOME!

  • Stephanie Linus’ Extended Hands Foundation With Support From Ford Foundation Takes SGBV Awareness To Local Schools & Communities

    Raising more awareness  in our communities  is critical to the elimination of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). The Extended Hands Foundation with support from Ford Foundation  has recently taken its activism to local schools and communities in Lagos state.

    The community outreach took place in Agbado Oke-Odo LCDA and Shogunle LCDA of Lagos State while the school outreach took place at Greensprings Schools, Lagos  in March and many more to come. Following the events in the schools and communities, advocates were appointed and trained to follow up as watchguards within their communities. They will be responsible for spreading awareness and ensuring people get help when they need it.

    To effectively educate the target audience, the foundation developed awareness-raising materials, including a series of short films and brochures on SGBV. participants were addressed by experts from the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency  (DSVA) from the Lagos State Ministry of Justice with the emergency number to call for HELP- 08000333333.

    Actress, director, and UNFPA Ambassador Stephanie Linus, who is also the founder of Extended Hands Foundation was present at these events. She noted that awareness raising is key to spreading a clear message of zero tolerance of all forms of violence within our communities.  “With a rise of domestic violence cases around us, there is urgent need for engaging local communities to address the root causes of SGBV to bring effective behavior and social norms change. We also need to sensitize the younger population, to educate them and tell them consequences of violence. People need to know what to do if they or someone they know are caught in this unfortunate situation.”

    The Extended Hands Foundation is committed to providing accessible information about what gender-based violence is, its different forms, possible remedies, and existing support measures. Our goal is to initiate relevant discussions about the root causes of sexual and gender based-violence and ensure people know how to prevent it.

    Watch the video of the schools and community awareness tour here:

  • How To Crush Your Goals In The New Year

    The beginning of a new year is a time to pause for reflection, to celebrate the high points and make peace with the low points of the past 12 months.

    At the same time, we also need to be realistic about the goals we’re setting. We need to be honest with ourselves about both our resources and abilities.

    Don’t set yourself up for failure this year by vowing to make huge changes that will be hard to keep.

    Often, what we don’t realize is that the problem isn’t that we aren’t capable of sticking to our resolutions. The problem is that we need to do a better job making new year goals that are actionable and achievable.

    The trick in how to make new year resolution is to make it something concrete so you know exactly what change you’re planning to make.

    If you’re successful with the first change you can go ahead and make another change after a month or so. Focus on one goal at a time. Achieving even one small goal can boost your belief in yourself. For larger goals, consider breaking them apart into manageable chunks to work on one at a time.

    Let this year be the one you finally follow through.

  • Step Boldly Into The New Year

    The start of a New Year holds a special magic. It’s an opportunity to pause and reflect on the year gone, and to dream of better things for the year ahead.

    When preparing to ring in the New Year, it’s only natural to think about all the personal goals you’d like to set for yourself over the next 12 months. As you reflect on 2021 and set new goals, it will be necessary to move forward with gusto, hope, and renewed confidence.

    Every day is a chance to begin again. Don’t focus on the failures of yesterday, start today with positive thoughts and expectations. Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start.

    Step boldly into the new year, to a new moment in time. Make it count. Don’t be afraid. Make it yours and grace will follow. It always does.

  • Merry Christmas!!!

    Merry Christmas to you Amazonians and Warlords!!!

    My sincere wish for you this season is that your holiday will be filled with joy and laughter.

    I hope that this presents an opportunity for you to appreciate all the little wins and experiences you’ve had so far. Make sure you have fun with your loved ones.

    May this festive season sparkle and shine, may all of your wishes and dreams come true, and may you feel this happiness all year round.

    Love you guys 💗 🎄🎁

  • My Interview With Arise News on Human Trafficking

    I recently had the privilege to discuss the important topic of human trafficking during a recent interview with Arise News.

    My message still remains that this menace requires urgent attention from everyone in the society. Human trafficking is not a ‘government’ issue. It is one that we all must join hands to tackle. It is about time that we speed up a stronger, more coordinated response to the scourge of human trafficking.

    Watch the interview here:

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CXvflHFgbq-/

  • So You Wan Travel Abroad?

    To contribute to the efforts against human trafficking of women and girls, I recently created a compelling Public Service Announcement (PSA) on human trafficking titled “You Wan Travel Abroad?”.

    As an advocate against human trafficking, I partnered with the @unwomenng (UN Women), under the project on Preventing Forced Migration and Trafficking in Women and Girls in Nigeria, funded by the Italian Government, to produce a PSA that spotlights the dangers of human trafficking of women and girls for sex and forced labor. Using a unique theatric style, I walk through different scenes where actors are portraying the steps used to lure victims and the consequences of their actions.

    Please watch this video and share. Someone really needs to see it. Enjoy
    👇🏾

  • Eyes On The Goal

    “Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.” Philippians 3:13-14 (MSG)

    As the new year starts to approach us, we need to think about what we want to achieve. Now I’m not talking about having a new year’s resolution (literally no one sticks to those) but I’m talking about setting goals.

    I’m goal oriented. Professionally I am happiest when I have a number to hit, a timeline to make, or a task to complete. I’ve learned over time that focusing on your goals in life often requires a tunnel vision.

    So as we move on in the last month of 2021, let’s intensify our efforts towards achieving our goals.

    Here’s one important tip to keeping your eyes on the goal: Identify Your Priorities!

    You must have a very clear sense of your priorities, daily. This is due to the fact that an unplanned day will inevitably lead to distraction take over. Specific, discrete decisions about every moment will help eliminate interference. This ability to succinctly prioritize and strategize every move and minute will lead to a highly productive work environment.

    I hope the rest of your year remains productive and successful!