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Tiwa Savage, Imafidon make BBC’s ‘100 women’ list for 2017

By Tobi Awodipe
30 September 2017   |   4:31 am
The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspirational and innovative women for 2017, and amongst the amazing women featured, Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and Anne-Marie Imafidon have made the list.

Nigeria’s Dr. Anne-Marie Osawemwemze Imafidon

The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspirational and innovative women for 2017, and amongst the amazing women featured, Nigeria’s Tiwa Savage and Anne-Marie Imafidon have made the list. Imafidon made the list for her role in supporting women to go into careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Imafidon founded and became CEO of `Stemettes’’ in 2013, a social enterprise promoting women in STEM careers, and was honoured with Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 2016. At 15, she was admitted a degree program and became the youngest graduate with a Master’s degree from Oxford University at the age of 19.

The annual series, which shines a light on issues affecting women all over the world, is this year, encouraging women to make a change. The series examines the role of women in the 21st century and has included events in London and Mexico. This year’s event, which will last for one week, will include broadcast, online reports, debates and journalism on the topic of women. Women across the world are encouraged to participate via Twitter and comment on the list, as well as the interviews and debates, which follow release of the list.

Also featuring on the list are seven other Africans, Adelle Onyango (Kenya) Anita Nderu (Kenya) Chaima Lahsini (Morroco), Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (Liberia), Marieme Jamme (Senegal), Naomi Mwaura (Kenya) and Talent Jumo (Zimbabwe)

Speaking on the list BBC says, “This year, the women on the list will be part of the 100 Women Challenge, tackling some of the biggest problems facing women around the world. Coming together in four teams, the women will share their experiences and create innovative ways to tackle, The glass ceiling – #Teamlead, Female illiteracy – #Teamread, Street harassment – #Teamgo and Sexism in sport – #Teamplay.

The list at the moment only has 60 names on it with forty to go but as time progresses, more women who have taken up the challenge in some way will be added to the list.

Reacting to this achievement, the award-winning musician, Tiwa Savage, has called on women not to allow their gender to limit their attaining utmost best in life via her instagram handle @tiwasavage.

“Don’t let being a woman hinder you, I have and still have to fight to get people to respect and appreciate my work and not limit me because I am female. So this really encourages me to keep pushing and breaking boundaries,” she said.

“It’s true when they say your brightest moments usually come after your darkest times. Keep your head up and work hard through it. The same people laughing at you will celebrate you. Do not let anything hold you back because you are a mother, wife, young, older or a female. You can never leave a footprint that will last if you are always working on tiptoes,” she said further quoting Leymar Gbowee, popular Liberian female activist.She also urged her fans to ““put God first, enjoy life, love, be a good human and do what makes you happy.”

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