Joyce Sarpong
"I owe a debt of gratitude to two other living justices. Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg paved the way for me and so many other women in my generation. Their pioneering lives have created boundless possibilities for women in law" ~ Elena Kagan, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of US and forth female justice.
DAY 9: Who are You Acknowledging and Celebrating this Month?
The Idea: Whilst it's important to pay our respects to the women who came before us, it is also vital to acknowledge and celebrate the work women are doing right now. Today, reflect on a give thanks to those pioneering women who are inspiring and making it happen in their field for themselves and others.
For inspiration, click & read the following articles:
African Women Making It Happen in matters to do with law and justice:
Catherine Samba-Panda, President of Central African Republic
Thokozile Masipa, Judge in the Oscar Pistorius trial
Fatou Bensouda, ICC chief prosecutor
Meet 3 African Medical Heroines: Bosede Afolabi, Ola Orekunrin & Betty Gikonyo.
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
"I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, but it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes." ~ Oprah Winfrey, actress, producer, philanthropist, and former talk show host.
DAY 8: What or Who Keeps you honest and true about yourself?
The Idea: In today's society & celebrity culture, there is always the temptation to aspire and pretend to be someone that your are not. You don't have to convince people that you're important whilst secretly fearing you're not. Pretending to be what you're not is hard work! That's why you feel so tired after a job interview or when you're around people who expect you to project a certain image. Inside you is an unpretentious person. So yes, be inspired by people and grateful for your blessings, but be honest and true about who you really are. Take a few moments today to reflect and celebrate the true you.
Let us also celebrate the successes of our African business women. This year, there black female billionnaires made it onto the FORBES billionaires list: Angolan investor Isabel dos Santos, American media mogul Oprah Winfrey and Nigerian oil woman Folorunsho Alakija
For inspiration, read the following 2 Forbes articles:
An article on Nigeria's Richest Woman & Philanthropist, Folorunsho Alakija
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
“I want to dedicate this crystal award to the women of my continent. They are the backbone of Africa. I cannot be who I am without them. To all the women of the world, what you do is priceless; it is not a matter of colour, language or nationality." ~ Angelique Kidjo, Beninese two-time winning Grammy singer, songwriter & activist.
DAY 7: Who has shaped your inner compass?
The Idea: The Idea: Deep in our hearts we each carry a compass that helps guide us through our various dilemmas and decisions. That compass is not always easy to read, but it's presence within us is a wonderful gift. As we go through the adventures of living, there are certain experiences, and individuals, who help shape that inner compass. Today, take a moment to reflect and give thanks for the guiding influences in your life that have helped give you a sense of direction, and have shaped your ideas around integrity, fairness and compassion.
For inspiration, let us celebrate our amazing women and mothers.
An article about amazing Malawian mothers.
An article on Mothers & Daughters in Design - Pauline & Tamburai
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
“I want to acknowledge the struggles and successes of all those who have campaigned for dignity and equality for us." ~ Professor Oluremi Sonaiya: Only female presidential candidate in the upcoming Nigerian elections.
DAY 6: Who inspires you to be your best self?
The Idea: Role models come in many shapes and guises. As we go through life there are certain beings who cross our paths either in person or through their words or work, who have a profound influence on us. We carry a part of them with us in our consciousness and their inspiration gives us wings. They help us grow towards our highest potential, they help us discover the gifts buried deep within. Today reflect on and give gratitude for a special person in your own life who awakens the best in you.
With the upcoming Nigerian elections, let's look at influential Nigerian women that are making it happen.
An interview by Venture Africa with Professor Oluremi Sonaiya.
An article on Honorable Minister Stella Oduah-Ogiemwonyi - Minister of Aviation
An article on Joy Ogwu - Permanent Representative to the UN, New York
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
“Africa is no longer the colony of any country and must be respected and treated as such." ~ Dr. Isatou Njie Saidy, Chairperson of the African Union CommissionVice President of The Gambia.
DAY 5: Whom or what could you have more respect for?
The Idea: Africa is a diverse continent of 54 countries and over a billion people. There are at least 3,000 distinct ethnic groups and 2000 languages. With this diversity comes a full spectrum of it's people and culture. So today whilst we celebrate African women, take a few moments to reflect on the richness and diversity of our culture. Share any upcoming cultural events, recipes or music.
For inspiration, let us celebrate the amazing cuisine and food - a taste of Africa.
A feature on Ghanaian Patti Sloley, a chef at the Jean Christophe Novelli Academy.
Patti is the author of: A Plate in the Sun & A Date with Plantain. Below are some of her recipes: Lamb Jolloff Rice
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
“It’s in [the West's] advantage to know what’s happening in Africa because if they don’t come to the party eventually the party will happen without them." ~ Nkosazana Clarice Dlamini Zuma, Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
DAY 4: What In Your Life Are You Under Appreciating?
The Idea: In the course of our lives so many different people support us in different ways and contribute to our sense of joy and community. Today, think of someone whose support you have not stopped to fully acknowledge recently. Consider the ways in which this person adds color and/or comfort to your days. Perhaps it's the person behind the counter at your favorite cafe who always asks how you're doing, or perhaps it's your thoughtful neighbour, or your child's teacher. Whoever comes to mind, see if you can find a way to do something special for them today.
Today is Mauritius' Independence Day. Mauritius is one of the world’s most beautiful island nations. The turquoise waters, beautiful landscape, and amazing cultural heritage make this country unlike any other in the world. So for inspiration from Africa and from a woman that make things happen with regards to our environment, read the articles below:
A feature on Mozambique's Minister for Coordination of Environmental Action, The Hon Alcinda António de Abreu.
Features on Port Louis, capital of Mauritius and some of Africa's beautiful landscape & seacape.
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle
"“Africans…their tired. They’re tired of being the subject of everybody’s charity and care. We are grateful, but we know that we can take charge of our own destinies if we have the will to reform." ~ Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Nigerian Minister of Finance).
DAY 3: What inconvenience are you grateful for?
The Idea: The current narrative about Africa is that it’s rising and there is a significant amount of investments being carried out on the continent. However, although Africa is turning the corner, its image, or brand Africa, is still very negative. The Africa we constantly hear about is the Africa of Ebola, the Africa of HIV Aids, the Africa of Malaria, the Africa of Poverty, the Africa of Conflict & the Africa of Disasters. Whilst these things exist, there is an Africa we don't hear about very much. When we focus on these challenges, we run the risk of losing out on the gems of insight and experience that lie beneath the surface of seeming inconveniences. In the case of Africa, the Africa of opportunity where people want to take charge of their own future and destinies and where people are looking for partnerships.
Today, take time to reflect on (and perhaps write about) something in your life that on the surface may seem like a tiresome chore or an unwelcome event, but that has yielded unanticipated opportunities.
For inspiration from women that make things happen, read the articles below:
A feature on two young African women, Afua Osei & Yasmin Belo-Osagie are creating Africa's next billionaires.
A feature on 3 African women medial heroes, Bosede Afolabi, Ola Orekunrin & Betty Gikonyo who returned to Africa to defy death.
REFLECT AND SHARE
Share your reflection on our our website AfricaOracle.Com and by the end you'll have a collection of beautiful entries in one place! You can also read thoughts from other people and browse through additional resources and inspiration.
With gratitude,
Joyce Sarpong
Founder and CEO of AfricaOracle