Being young, black, and female is the source of her power | Yours In Power #3 - Wadi Ben-Hirki

Summary

This empowering speech highlights the speaker's personal journey as a young black woman advocating for gender equality, education, and the empowerment of girls. She encourages women to embrace their strengths, face societal challenges with resilience, and collaborate to achieve success. Through her own experiences and the founding of the Key Foundation, she urges young girls to believe in their potential, fight against injustices like child marriage and illiteracy, and seize opportunities for growth. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that no one is limited by their circumstances and that unity and perseverance can lead to a better world for all girls.

Takeaways

• 😀 Your scars are a testament to your strength and resilience, not a symbol of weakness.
• 😀 Being young, black, and female does not diminish your power; it is the source of your strength.
• 😀 As a young girl in northern Nigeria, you might feel the weight of societal pressures, but education and self-belief can help you overcome them.
• 😀 Women should be seen as powerful, not hurt, and encouraged to believe in themselves.
• 😀 Collaboration is key to success – it's not about competition, but working together to uplift one another.
• 😀 Pursue every opportunity that comes your way, whether it be through scholarships, internships, or job openings, and always share those opportunities with others.
• 😀 You can create change, just like the speaker did with the Wedding Band Foundation, by advocating for gender equality and girl-child education.
• 😀 It’s important to fight against poverty, illiteracy, and child marriage, as all women deserve a fair chance in life.
• 😀 Education and empowerment are the best tools to fight injustice and inequality in society.
• 😀 Continue to push for a world where every girl knows her worth, and every woman supports one another in her journey toward success.

Q & A

What is the significance of the picture mentioned at the beginning of the transcript?

The picture represents a personal symbol of strength, showing how the speaker's scars, both literal and metaphorical, are sources of their power. It highlights that being young, black, and female does not diminish one's value but instead enhances their strength.

How does the speaker describe the experience of growing up as a young girl in northern Nigeria?

The speaker reflects on the challenges of growing up as a young, brilliant girl in northern Nigeria, where societal injustices and limitations on women often prevent them from realizing their full potential. Despite these challenges, the speaker emphasizes that these difficulties also became sources of strength and resilience.

What is the core message of the speaker regarding gender and education?

The speaker advocates for gender equality and education, emphasizing that girls and women deserve equal opportunities to succeed. They believe that education is a key tool in empowering women and helping them overcome societal barriers.

What is the significance of the 'Wedding Band Here Key Foundation' mentioned in the transcript?

The Wedding Band Here Key Foundation represents the speaker's initiative to spark change by providing opportunities for others. At just 18 years old, the speaker founded this organization to contribute to the empowerment of young girls and women.

How does the speaker emphasize the importance of opportunities?

The speaker stresses the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities, using their own experience in Thailand as an example. They highlight how applying for an opportunity, even as the only African participant, led to valuable experiences and growth.

What does the speaker mean by 'collaborate to compete'?

The phrase 'collaborate to compete' encourages individuals to work together and uplift each other, rather than focusing on competition. The speaker believes that collaboration leads to greater success and helps create a community of mutual support.

What is the speaker's stance on the traditional concept of 'wife material'?

The speaker rejects the traditional concept of 'wife material,' arguing that women should not be defined by outdated stereotypes. They believe that women should not live their lives to meet others' expectations but should focus on personal growth and empowerment.

How does the speaker describe their advocacy work in northern Nigeria?

The speaker began their advocacy work in northern Nigeria, driven by events like the Chibok girls' kidnapping. They felt a personal connection to the situation and used it as motivation to advocate for girls' education and gender equality.

What is the role of the speaker's organization in advocating for gender equality?

The speaker's organization, through campaigns like 'Deep Brother Day One,' is dedicated to promoting equity and justice. They lead young activists in demanding that presidents and ministers take action to create a more equal and just society.

What does the speaker mean by saying, 'None of us are equal until all of us are equal'?

This statement encapsulates the idea of collective empowerment and equality. The speaker emphasizes that true equality is only achieved when everyone, especially women and girls, is given the same opportunities to succeed.