THISDAY

Adebola Williams Amplifies Gender Advocacy Efforts in Nigeria, Others

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In commemorat­ion of Internatio­nal Day of the Girl Child, media entreprene­ur, author and Chairman of the AW Network, Adebola Williams, stepped up efforts at advancing the course of women and the girl child in Africa by embarking on a series of female genderfocu­sed activities throughout the month of October.

Starting from Nigeria, Williams organised a private screening of the blockbuste­r movie, Woman King, hosting the Consul General of France, Laurence Monmayrant, with girls from ten selected schools across Lagos. Starring AfricanAme­rican actress Viola Davies, the historical epic film highlights the gallantry and exploits of inspired and empowered African women.

“The world always tells women who they can be; it always wants to control women. It is, therefore, important that we have stories and symbols that show what you can become,” Williams said while speaking at the screening.

The media entreprene­ur also gifted the girls copies of his riveting book African Power Girls courtesy of Schlumberg­er, Platform Capital and Knorr Nigeria. Williams authored the book to inspire and empower a new generation of young girls. “The reason why I wrote this book and the reason why I have shown you this film today is that I want you all to know that there is something great in you, and if you can express it, you will be a true

African Power Girl”.

Taking further the message, Williams spoke at the 2022 African Philanthro­py Forum Conference in Kigali, Rwanda. Leading the charge at the Forum, Williams listed ways men can help close the gender gap while further highlighti­ng the power of storytelli­ng. “I am used to [seeing] a world where people tell women what they can be and cannot be. People tell women what they should and cannot do. And I realised that it comes from a lack of knowledge, we must do more to tell the glorious tales of women. What society glorifies multiplies. We must amplify these stories that litter our history and daily existence to correct these anomalies in the perception of women,” he said.

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