Tag: stephanie linus

  • 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 
  • Talk To Steph: Who Should I Marry?

    Hello Stephanie,

    I’m in a very difficult situation now and I hope your readers can help me out.

    I am 28 years-old and I have a boyfriend I have been dating for three years. We met in the University and started dating the year we graduated. The thing is he has been finding it very difficult getting a good job to help him settle down and start a family, but I’ve been very supportive and hoping things will get better for him. He also has some younger siblings that he’s taking care of. However, I recently met an older man who has lived abroad for many years and is ready to marry me. He has way more money than my boyfriend. He has met my parents and although they like my boyfriend, they are getting impatient with him and suggesting I should go for this older man.

    I’m so confused right now. Most of my friends are married or have kids already and I don’t want to get older before I settle down. Should I wait for my boyfriend to get more financially stable and marry me or leave him for this older man who is ready to get married now? – Sharon

    Hello, dearies! What do you advise Sharon to do?

  • My New Year Wish For You!

    May 2022 bring to you and all your loves ones blessings and answers to all your prayers. I pray that you experience new happiness, new goals, new achievements, and a lot of new inspirations on your life. On the road to success, the rule is always to look ahead. May you reach your destination and may your journey be wonderful.

    Let your dreams take flight in the new year!

    New adventures are around the corner. Have a Happy New Year Amazonians and Warlords 🎊

  • What is the biggest lesson you learned this year?

    Each year brings its own set of blessings, challenges, and lessons to learn and 2021 was certainly no exception. As we head into 2022, I can’t help but reflect on what I’ve accomplished, what I’ve overcome, and the lessons I want to carry with me into the New Year.

    This time of year is always busy, but if you give yourself permission to slow down a little it can also be a valuable season of self-reflection. I’m thankful for the important lessons learned through the struggles of this year!

    This year might have been hard, but there’s a reason for it and a purpose. Through every hardship, battle, and trial we’re faced with while on this earth, there is a purpose behind it and a lesson to be learned.

    As we optimistically look ahead into 2022, what are the top lessons you’ve learned in 2021?

  • 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence

    In commemoration of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, I’m using this opportunity to once again speak out against this depressing scourge. According to data from the World Health Organization, 1 in 3 women (around 736 million) are subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner or sexual violence from a non-partner.

    If you look at three random young girls, there is a possibility that one of them might have experienced some form of sexual violence or will do before her mid-twenties. It is a heart-breaking thought but one that must be considered as violence against women has become a major public health crisis.

    To lend our voice to this campaign, please check out our Extended Hands Foundation Instagram page for updates and resources in addressing sexual and gender-based violence.

    The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day. It was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991 and continues to be coordinated each year by the Center for Women’s Global Leadership. It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

    And while we’re still on this topic, let’s recap the “Hey Woman” monologue which creatively addresses the various distressing thoughts that cripple a woman’s mind in the face of abuse and oppression. It is an anthem of encouragement and unity among women and men.

  • Building Back Together for Peace and Prosperity

    United Nations Day, on 24 October, marks the anniversary of the day in 1945 when the UN Charter entered into force. UN Day, celebrated every year, offers the opportunity to amplify our common agenda and reaffirm the purposes and principles of the UN Charter that have guided us for the past 76 years. Usually held in the General Assembly Hall of the Organization, at Headquarters in New York, a concert is held to mark UN Day.

    As the UNFPA Regional Ambassador for Maternal Health in West and Central Africa, I’m proud to celebrate with the United Nations on this special day. The world is gradually recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic, and the 2021 Concert represents a call to strengthen international cooperation in the interest of both nations and peoples, for a more peaceful and prosperous future for all.

  • Our Actions Are Our Future

    Today is World Food Day 2021, another great opportunity to remind ourselves that our actions are our future and the future is in our hands!

    The way we produce, consume and, sadly, waste food exacts a heavy toll on our planet, putting unnecessary pressure on natural resources, the environment and climate.

    But, thankfully, solutions exist.

    We need to influence what is produced by increasing our demand for sustainably produced nutritious foods, and at the same time be more sustainable in our daily actions, first and foremost by reducing food loss and waste. We also have the responsibility to spread the word, building awareness about the importance of a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

    #WorldFoodDay #WorldFoodDay2021

  • Life Is Full Of Surprises | Photos From My Surprise Birthday Party

    Planning is useful, but the most interesting times in life come from moments that catch you by surprise. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists ad turns.

    I’ve come to understand and accept that life is full of surprises; some good, some not so good. You never know what could happen the next day or who you are going to meet that will change your life forever. But one thing remains sure: staying positive and handing over your affairs to God will make a world of difference.

    It is amazing where God will take you when you are willing to follow. So I encourage you today to embrace surprises.

    And talking about surprises, my favorite person in the world planned one for me recently to celebrate my birthday and I’m still basking in the euphoria of that memorable occasion! Big thank you to my hubby for such a beautiful and thoughtful surprise party that I didn’t even know I needed, and to my amazing family and friends who showered me with so much love on my special day.

    Check out some pictures from my recent surprise birthday party:

  • Describe Gender Based Violence In One Word

    Violence against women and girls is an unacceptable violation of basic human rights. It is so widespread that ending it must be a global public health priority.

    As a woman and someone blessed to have a platform, I made it my life’s goal to advocate for causes such as this. But the truth is, we all play a key role in standing up against violence, as men and women, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters. No one can tackle it alone. All must reach for shared dignity, mutual respect and a renewed commitment to end violence against women and girls.

    The statistics say that worldwide, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime. But it seems like it’s so much more than that! In today’s world, it seems like 2 out of every 3 women have experienced GBV! It knows no social, economic or national boundaries.

    So, as we continue to seek solutions to this scourge, let’s have a discussion about it.

    Have you directly or indirectly experienced GBV? Do you know anyone that has experienced it? How would you describe Gender Based Violence in one word?