Esther Ijewere

Last updated

Esther Ijewere
NationalityNigerian
Alma mater Olabisi Onabanjo University
Occupations
  • Media Strategist
  • Author
  • Women's Rights Activist
Organization(s)Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, Women of Rubies Inc

Esther Ijewere is a Nigerian media and communications specialist, author, women and children's rights advocate. She also serves as a columnist for The Guardian and the CEO of Women of Rubies, an organization committed to empowering and celebrating women from diverse backgrounds [1] [2] .

Contents

Biography

Education

Ijewere is a graduate of sociology from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria. [3]

Career

Ijewere is the founder of Rubies Ink Initiative for Women and Children, an umbrella organization which covers several women and girl child-related projects including Walk Against Rape, Women of Rubies, Project Capable, Rubies Ink Media and the College Acquaintance Rape Education Workshop. [4] At the start of her career with Rubies Ink, she had to self fund all projects. [5]

Since 2011, Ijewere has been organizing the Walk Against Rape campaign, which attracted top celebrities like Kate Henshaw, Ali Baba, Toni Payne, DJ Jimmy Jatt and others. [6] She is a key member of Walk Against Rape (W.A.R), an advocacy initiative created to assist rape victims and seek justice, which has been endorsed by the Lagos State Ministry Of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation. [7] [2] This campaign led her to organize rape sensitization workshops in secondary schools across Nigeria, tagged College Acquaintance Rape Education (C.A.R.E), in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Justice and the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT). [8] [9]

In 2013, her activism against rape led her to write the book Breaking the Silence, a book that informs about rape and its scourge. [10] She runs a community for men called Men Who Inspire to celebrate the bravery in men. [11]

In 2015, Ijewere founded Women of Rubies, a platform that started as a newspaper column aimed at empowering and celebrating women. It has since evolved into a global community, spotlighting over one thousand women via the Women of Rubies website and newspaper column [12] . Women of Rubies operates both in Nigeria and Canada, amplifying the voices and achievements of women across the globe. In May 2022, Esther hosted the catalyst 2030 session on media and public policy during the Catalyzing Change Week 2022 (CCW2022), a virtual workshop aimed at driving social change through strategic media engagement. [13]

In March 2023, she published her second book, How to Make Affirmations Work for You. This book offers practical guidance on the effective use of affirmations to achieve personal and professional goals. It delves into the science behind affirmations, provides step-by-step instructions for creating personalized affirmations, and includes real-life success stories to inspire readers to harness the power of positive thinking in their daily lives. [14]

In December 2023, Ijewere kicked off the Media Visibility BootCamp, a program designed to empower individuals with the skills to enhance their media presence and amplify their impact through strategic communication. The BootCamp focuses on teaching participants how to craft compelling narratives, engage effectively with media outlets, and leverage various media platforms to increase their visibility and influence.

Publications

Get Talking with Esther

Get Talking with Esther is an online talk-show (Tweetchat) anchored by Esther aimed at helping people find their voice and communicate their thoughts through words, and promote positivity on social media [15] [16] [17] . It started with a tweet chat in 2020 but has now evolved into a live session on Facebook and Instagram, syndicated to YouTube, where Esther hosts guests from across the globe [18] .

Women of Rubies

She is the publisher of the platform Women of Rubies, which tells the inspirational stories of leading women in different sectors who are contributing their quota to nation-building and adding value to society through their work. [19] [20]

Media Visibility Bootcamp

She founded the Media Visibility Bootcamp in December 2023, aimed at empowering individuals to enhance their media presence and amplify their impact through strategic communication [21]

Charity

With her Rubies Ink Initiative for women and children, Esther reaches out to the downtrodden in society. [22] [23] [24]

Awards and nominations

Her contributions to the society has been recognized by several institutions and governmental bodies. [25] Here are some of her notable awards and nominations:

Personal life

Ijewere is a single mum of two kids. In an interview with The Sun , she advised and encouraged women facing domestic violence in their marriage to reconsider their long term stand in such relationship while speaking on separation from her former husband. [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy Johnson</span> Nigerian actress (born 1984)

Mercy Johnson Okojie is a Nigerian actress, film director and film producer. She went to a Rivers State Secondary School for her secondary education in addition to the Nigerian Navy Secondary School in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria. Right after her secondary education, she auditioned for a role in the movie titled The Maid and subsequently acted in other movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, and War in the Palace.

Chief Clarion Chukwurah is a Nigerian actress and humanitarian.

<i>Dry</i> (2014 film) 2014 Nigerian drama film

Dry is a 2014 Nigerian drama film directed by Stephanie Linus and starring Stephanie Okereke, Liz Benson, William McNamara, Darwin Shaw and Paul Sambo. On 20 July 2013, a teaser trailer for the film was released, in response to the Child marriage controversy ongoing in Nigeria at the time.

Uche Pedro is a Nigerian entrepreneur. She is the founder and CEO of BellaNaija, a media tech brand known for entertainment and lifestyle content. Under her leadership, BellaNaija's social footprint has grown through its collective brands - BellaNaija.com, BellaNaija Weddings and BellaNaija Style - to be the largest on the African continent with more than 200 million impressions each month.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YBNL Nation</span> Record label in Lagos, Nigeria

Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation, popularly known as YBNL Nation or simply YBNL, is an independent record label founded by Olamide in 2012.

Ibukunoluwa Abiodun Awosika is a Nigerian business woman, motivational speaker, and an author. She is the first female Chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria. She was appointed a member of Binance Global Advisory Board in September 2022.

Shadrach Adeboye Folarin, professionally referred to as Shaydee, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and vocalist. In 2015, Shaydee was listed on notJustOk's list of "15 Artists to Watch in 2015". He is best known for his hit single titled "Won Gbo Mi", featuring vocal appearance from Wizkid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Humblesmith</span> Nigerian musician

Ekenedirichukwu Ijemba, better known by his stage name Humblesmith, is a Nigerian afropop recording artist who achieved recognition upon the release of his hit single titled "Osinachi" in 2015 which later won a nomination spot at the 2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. He first ventured into the entertainment business as an actor, starring in a number of films including Hypertension (2010) with Sam Loco Efe. Currently signed to Show Bobo Music Limited, he made the list of "10 Artists To Watch in 2016" by notJustOk.

<i>Merchants, Dealers & Slaves</i> 2013 studio album by Brymo

Merchants, Dealers & Slaves is the third studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was made available for purchase as a digital download on October 20, 2013, and was released six days after Chocolate City filed an interim injunction against Brymo. Mikky Me Joses produced the entire record, with guitar work done by a guitarist named David. M, D & S was supported by the singles "Down" and "Eko". Physical copies of the album were not allowed to circulate as a result of the injunction. The album's physical release was issued on March 26, 2014, a few days after the injunction was lifted.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Adebola Williams</span> Nigerian media entrepreneur

Adebola Williams is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, journalist, political consultant, and motivational speaker. He is the Group CEO of RED | For Africa. He co-founded and runs Red Africa, Africa's largest portfolio of youth media brands which include Red Media Africa, Statecraft Inc., The Future Awards Africa, and YNaija.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Femi D Amele</span> Nigerian broadcaster, journalist, and writer

Amele Adefemi Olubunmi D., more popularly known as Femi D, is a Nigerian Radio and TV broadcaster, talk show host, web series producer, and political journalist. Frequent topics of discussion on his shows include national policy development, macro-economics, governance, and international affairs. In 2020, he was listed among the top 100 media personalities of the year by YNaija.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Matse Uwatse</span> Nigerian on-air personality

Matse Uwatse, popularly known by her first name Matse, is a Nigerian on-air personality and food blogger.

Tokini Peterside-Schwebig is a Nigerian entrepreneur, business woman and art collector. She is the founder of ART X Collective, a cultural management company in Lagos, Nigeria. The company's flagship fair, ART X Lagos, is the leading international art fair in West Africa.

Etinosa Idemudia is a Nigerian actress, social media influencer and filmmaker. She is best known for her role as Akugbe in the ROK original series, Blood of Enogie, for which she won the award for Best Actress in a TV Series, at the Hollywood and African Prestigious Awards. She is also known for her online comedy skits which she began producing and sharing on her instagram channel featuring various Nollywood actors including Daniel K Daniel; as well as for her break-out role as Amanda in the sitcom Chairman and her first feature film production The Washerman.

Stephanie Busari is a Nigerian journalist notable for exclusively obtaining the "proof of life" video for the missing Chibok schoolgirls in the wake of the Bring Back Our Girls advocacy which led to negotiations with Boko Haram that resulted in the release of over 100 of the kidnapped schoolgirls.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yemi Adamolekun</span> Nigerian executive director

Yemi Adamolekun is executive director of Enough is Enough. She campaigns for better governance in Nigeria and is also a senior associate in the Center for Strategic and International Studies. She participates in political discussions and was awarded a Global Citizen Prize in 2022.

Emmanuel Chinenye Ugolee, is a Nigerian media personality, producer, voice over artist and author. He was born in Jos, Plateau state.

Tenidade Aofiyebi is a Nigerian actress and businesswoman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Osasu Edobor</span> Nigerian gender and development practitioner

Osasu Edobor is a Nigerian gender advocate and founder of Think Help Restore (THR) Media and the Safe Space Initiative. She is a licensed mental health first-aider, peer educator trainer, and counselor. As a campaigner for gender inclusion, Osasu created the HERFessions app, which provides support for survivors of sexual abuse. She is a 2018 Mandela Washington Fellow alumna and a Young African Leaders Initiative member.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chinwe Egwim</span> Nigerian economist

Chinwe Egwim is a Nigerian Economist, Banker, Corporate Executive, Technocrat, and author, who serves as the Chief economist, and Head of Economic Research and Intelligence of Coronation Merchant Bank. She formerly served as the lead economist at FBNQuest Merchant Bank, and was an executive member of WIMBIZ. In 2021, she was elected as an executive member of Association of Professional Women Bankers under the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and was appointed a member of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee in 2023.

References

  1. Abimboye, Michael (23 February 2015). "Esther Ijewere's walk against rape gets govt, celebrities backing". Connect Nigeria. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  2. 1 2 Ajiki, Christiana (20 April 2020). "Everyday Heroes: Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye". Connect Nigeria. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  3. Joseph, Tinuola (13 December 2013). "'Rape victims now come out and talk' – Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye unveils Breaking the Silence". Encomium Magazine . Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  4. "CEO of Rubies Ink, Ijewere-Kalejaiye, wins 'Young Person of the Year Award'". The Eagle. News Agency of Nigeria. 11 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  5. Ogujiuba, Azuka (6 May 2017). "Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye: Many People Don't Like My Openness about Rape". This Day. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  6. Esene, Isime (3 August 2016). "Seun Onigbinde, Yasmin Belo-Osagie, Olumide Makanjuola… See the #YNaijaPowerList2016 for Advocacy". YNaija. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  7. Esene, Isime (3 August 2016). "Seun Onigbinde, Yasmin Belo-Osagie, Olumide Makanjuola… See the #YNaijaPowerList2016 for Advocacy". YNaija. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  8. Olapoju, Kolapo (13 February 2015). "Rubies Ink partners with LASG to organize C.A.R.E workshop". YNaija. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  9. Sanwo, Aderinsola (26 April 2017). "Quote of the day: "I am not scared of lifting other women up. As long as I wear the crown, no one can take my throne." Esther Ijewere". Leading Ladies Africa. Archived from the original on 13 July 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  10. Ajose, Kehinde (4 April 2015). "Speaking up against rape helps the victims get justice — Esther Ijewere Kalejaiye". Vanguard News . Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  11. Onyegbula, Esther (15 August 2019). "Being a single mom is not a death sentence — Ijewere". Vanguard. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  12. Admin. "Women of Rubies was born out of my passion for humanity — Esther Ijewere". Vanguard.
  13. "Catalysing Change Week". 9 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  14. "Esther Ijewere hosts catalyst 2030 session on media public policy/". 5 May 2022. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  15. Kolapo Olapoju (8 August 2020). "Esther Ijewere launch get talking with esther a tweet chat initiative" . Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  16. Kolapo Olapoju (12 August 2020). "Get Talking With Esther Debuts" . Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  17. Rotimi Agbana (7 August 2020). "Esther Ijewere Launches Tweet Chat Show Get Talking With Esther/" . Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  18. Onyegbula, Esther. "'Get talking with Esther' debuts". Vanguard. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  19. Rotimi Agbana (10 April 2022). "Women of rubies was born out of my passion for humanity" . Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  20. Rotimi Agbana (8 October 2016). "Women Of Rubies At 1: The journey so far" . Retrieved 19 May 2022.
  21. Admin. "Women of Rubies unveils 2nd edition of media visibility boot camp". Vanguard. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  22. "Rubies Ink Initiative supports senior citizens with christmas goodies". 23 December 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  23. "Rubies Ink Initiative feed aged for christmas/". 24 December 2021. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  24. "Rubies Ink Initiative feed aged for christmas/". 25 December 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  25. Kolapo Olapoju (13 February 2015). "Rubies Ink partners with LASG to organize C.A.R.E workshop". YNaija . Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  26. "CEO of Rubies Ink, Esther Ijewere-Kalejaiye :Wins "young person of the year award"". The Guardian News . 16 July 2016. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  27. Yusuf Adeoye (27 June 2016). "ESTHER IJEWERE-KALEJAIYE WINS WISE WOMEN AWARDS". TimelineNG. Archived from the original on 4 January 2017. Retrieved 18 July 2016.
  28. Today (26 November 2018). "Full list: Winners of 2018 ELOY Awards". Today.ng. Retrieved 13 July 2020.
  29. "MIPAD - Most Influential People of African Descent". www.mipad.org. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
  30. Idemudia, Raphael (30 August 2020). "'I don't regret walking out of my marriage' – Esther Ijewere". The Sun . Retrieved 18 April 2022.