FAME Foundation on March 20, 2021, organized a yoga event themed, Yoga for Equality, in commemoration of International Women’s Day at Jabi Lake Park, Abuja.

Ms. Anna Mambula, Programme Manager, FAME Foundation, welcomed the participants on behalf of the management and staff of FAME Foundation and emphasized the need to choose to challenge and call out violation of women’s rights, gender stereotypes, and inequality in society.

Afterward, a fun-filled dance aerobics session was conducted by a fitness coach.

The outdoor event comprised of two interactive sessions, with the first tackling the topic My Stereotype experience. The yoga participants shared their experiences and challenges on gender stereotypes and also discussed ways to overcome these societal issues, and afterward took a stand to together challenge all the issues discussed, by saying the #Choose2Challenge Pledge.

The second session was a discussion on the topic, womanhood; a setback on good leadership. The speakers shared on women’s challenges in leadership, their personal experiences, and how to navigate the world where men are mostly taken seriously for leadership positions.

Ms. Mariam Ikunaiye, Entrepreneur, Politician and SA to the FCT Minister of State on Counter-Terrorism emphasized women supporting each other in the political and leadership sector and the need to stick together to achieve the equal representation of both genders in all sectors of society.

Ms. Mary Ikoku, the Lead Consultant of Access Media Limited, shared her experiences on gender stereotypes and the way society tags, successful women, by slut-shaming them. She further discussed the need to stay strong in the face of controversies, challenges, and rise above stereotypes.

Have people around you who will support and encourage you, especially when passing through challenges.

Ms. Omolola Oladimeji, Broadcast Journalist, Public Speaker,Founder, Women in Media Development Initiative,WIMDI, advised women not to view gender as a limiting factor in their careers. She shared the various challenges women face in their careers, such as trying to balance family life and career, pregnancy and motherhood, e.t.c.

“Rise above your challenges, take time to study and understand the career world and work towards letting it work in your favor”, she said.

Finally, Ms. Sneha Boss, Head of Planning and Strategies at Atlantis Contractors, recited a poem on staying resilient in the face of challenges leaving the participants inspired and motivated to keep challenging gender stereotypes and pushing for gender equality in their society.

Before the event came to an end, the participants were guided through simple yoga positions by the yoga coach.

Ms. Aderonke Bello, Executive Director of FAME Foundation while giving the closing remarks, encouraged women to put to work all they learned and not relax towards fighting for equality.

‘We, women, are a force to reckon with, so let’s continue the fight against gender inequality, be a support system for women around us and continue to challenge stereotypes in society, she said.