SakinaSpeaks Podcast

Join us in a heartfelt and informative episode as we sit down with Bontle Moka, a true endometriosis warrior. Bontle shares her inspiring story of surviving and successfully living with endometriosis, a condition that once plagued her life with pain and challenges. In this episode, she opens up about her journey to treatment, resilience, and reclaiming her life from the grips of this debilitating disease.

With vulnerability, facts, and a touch of empowerment, Bontle's story sheds light on how one can overcome and thrive despite the challenges posed by endometriosis, while living a life that inspires and empowers others to do the same.

Listen to this inspirational episode with Yerins Abraham, the extraordinary Nigerian polymath breaking boundaries across a myriad of disciplines. We speak about his triumphs across diverse fields, and his passionate mission to liberate young people from outdated education systems, equally encouraging them to break free from societal labels. Discover how he envisions a future where multiplicity thrives in this compelling episode that transcends boundaries and embraces the essence of limitless potential.

Dive into the extraordinary journey of Olivier Mwimba, the dynamic Congolese track athlete who defied the odds to break the national 100m record in South Africa. In this riveting episode, we explore Olivier's relentless pursuit of success, overcoming slow starts, injuries, and stereotypes to secure a spot at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Join the conversation as we unravel the mental and physical grit behind his achievements, navigating pain, naysayers, and the impact of support throughout his journey. A tale of resilience, determination, and triumph.

Step into the world of "Invisible Disability," with Special Needs advocate, Miss Africa Elite 2022, Dr. Sylvia Mochabo. In this episode, you will get to hear the remarkable story of an unrelenting woman and her three differently-abled sons who have helped reshape her perspective on neurodiversity and individuals with special needs, pushing her to become a champion for a world that makes room for us all.

In this profound episode of SakinaSpeaks, we sit down with the tenacious Grace Amusie, a young visionary who is transforming lives in the slums of Ajegunle, Nigeria. At just 23 years old, Grace has ignited a beacon of hope with her innovative Isrina Schools, which ingeniously accepts recyclable materials in exchange for quality education.

Discover how she's not only educating children but also creating a cleaner environment and providing vocational training for adults. Grace's story is a testament to the power of passion and the impact of community-driven change. Tune in to be inspired by her relentless drive to uplift and empower through education, proving that true wealth lies in making a difference in the lives of others.

Connect with Grace Ahudiya Amuzie and Isrina Schools:

Tiktok - @isrinaschools

Instagram - @isrina_schools @grace_amuzie www.isrinaschools.org

SDG 4 Quality Education

https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/education/

African Cleanup Initiative

https://africancleanupinitiative.org/

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sakinaspeaks/message

Learn about the powerhouse that founded the Malaika Foundation, a non-profit organisation that empowers the girl child through education, recreation and training and be challenged by her passion and dedication to use your voice and any resource you have to make a positive change in somebody's life.

Keep the conversation going on social media by following us and sharing your thoughts on this episode!

@sakinaspeaks_

@noellacoursaris

@malaikadrc

An interesting conversation with the multitalented AMVCA nominated actor, rapper, writer, and entertainer from Cross River State, Efa Iwara. We speak about how he stumbled upon his gift, what a typical day in his life looks like, and most importantly what philosophy has propelled him throughout his life and career.

In this episode I speak to Akah Nnani, better known as "Man of God," from his groundbreaking Netflix feature. We speak about his entry into the film and media industry and trace his journey from corporate telemarketing to actor extraordinaire, finding out what has grounded him throughout and how he would want to be remembered by those he cherishes the most.

In this episode, we discuss a highly antagonised process within the male lived experience, coping, healing and self-discovery through therapy. I get to converse with Jeadelly Muamba, an architect, influencer, model, and socialite about his therapy experience within a world that is hostile towards men that dare to get in touch with their feelings.

*Disclaimer - Slight background noise/ interference*

She is an illustrious Lagos-based freelance journalist and filmmaker who has written for the New York Times, Deutsche-Welle, Mail & Guardian and the Christian Science Monitor, to name a few. She has also been featured on Aljazeera and won the Future Awards Africa Prize for Journalism in 2019, covering stories about the environment, human rights, migration, conflict, and gender issues, predominantly in West Africa.

She bares it all in this conversation where we get to discover her inner child, where her story began, what drives her journalism and storytelling and where the moral compass of media lies in the chaos of it all. We gain insight into the realities of life as a freelance writer, whether media is or can be unbias and most importantly the importance of individuality, applying the human element, and failure on your journey to becoming the best writer you can be.

In this episode I get to get up close and personal with two out of three of the SisterSpeaks254 trio, three young ladies who decided to give their lives to fostering an enabling and uplifting environment and society for other women to unite, love and flourish and to equally eradicate period poverty to emancipate and empower the lives of less privileged women and girls in the rural areas of Kenya.

Learn about all their great efforts, activities and how their band came to be in this phenomenal episode where we once again address the ignorance we have regarding menstrual health management, stigma and poverty.

In this profoundly moving sequel episode of SakinaSpeaks, we welcome Tunde Onakoya, the visionary behind the transformative Chess in Slums initiative. Tunde's eloquence and passion illuminate his mission to shift the narrative from poverty to potential, bringing to light the untapped brilliance in children from marginalized communities. He shares his belief in the power of small acts to spark monumental change, the importance of humanizing aid, and the potential for talent to become a transformative gift.

Tunde's story is one of returning to his roots to ignite hope and opportunity through the game of chess. He challenges us to see beyond statistics and to recognize the humanity in each individual, inspiring us to use our talents for the greater good. His commitment to creating a future that includes everyone, leaving no child behind, is a testament to his profound impact on reshaping a generation and challenging the status quo.

Join us as we delve into a conversation that transcends mere discourse and becomes a call to action—a reminder that each of us has the capacity to make a difference in the lives of others. This is not just an episode; it's a gateway to a new perspective on life, charity, and the true essence of humanity.

Connect with Tunde Onakoya:

Instagram: tunde_onakoya, @chessinslums

X: @Tunde_OD, @chessinslums

(00:00) What Tunde would like to be remembered as.

(03:48) How many people in Nigeria live in multi-dimensional poverty.

(16:08) What will Tunde gain in the end?

(16:41) What Tunde believes his legacy will be when he's gone.

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Embark on a heartwarming journey with Tunde Onakoya, a visionary transforming lives in Makoko, Nigeria's largest floating slum. In this episode, we delve into Tunde's personal odyssey from a child in Ikorodu to the founder of Chess in Slums, an initiative using chess as a tool to break the cycle of poverty and ignite the minds of children.

Discover the power of chess as an equalizer, a bridge between worlds, and a beacon of hope for those with limited opportunities. Tunde's story is not just about teaching chess but about teaching life's most crucial lessons: potential, decision-making, and consequence. Each move on the chessboard mirrors the infinite possibilities life offers, and Tunde's dedication to guiding children to see beyond their immediate environment is both inspiring and transformative.

Tune in as Sakina and Tunde explore the profound impact of chess on cognition, the life-changing potential it holds for underprivileged youth, and the lessons learned from the resilience and purity of children's spirits. This isn't just a game; it's a revolution of the mind and spirit.

Connect with Tunde Onakoya:

Instagram - @tunde_onakoya, @chessinslums

X - @Tunde_OD, @chessinslums

(00:00) Chess is the great equalizer because it brings people together.

(04:19) You grew up in a slum community in Lagos and discovered chess.

(12:27) There's a general misconception about chess that it's only for highly cerebral people.

(18:33) When you lose your queen, you lose the game.

(20:40) You speak passionately about empowering children through the power of chess...

(27:17) It is important for us to expand children's horizons.

(28:41) Tunde quit his job to focus solely on Chess in Slums projects.

(32:02) Every move you make on the chessboard has its own consequence.

(38:06) Children are like messages that we are sending to a time that we will not see.

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On this episode I speak to the Minister of Menstruation, Candice Chirwa. A young menstrual activist at the forefront of educating others on the beautiful biological process experienced by women of all ages every month, debunking myths and misconceptions, stigma and taboos surrounding periods and ultimately eradicating period poverty for all.

Step into a world where the silence is broken and the stigma is shattered. In this empowering episode of SakinaSpeaks, where we unravel the cultural veils and societal shackles that have long confined the natural phenomenon of menstruation to whispers and shadows.

She is the powerhouse that founded "Qrate", an NGO which curates content that speaks about and creates awareness for social issues such as these, and is also a celebrated author with two must-read titles under her name, most notably, "Flow" - the book about menstruation. She is an unstoppable, multifaceted woman and that is on period!

From her personal experiences to her masters dissertation, Candice advocates for the recognition of menstrual health as a fundamental human right, highlighting the socioeconomic ripple effects of neglecting menstruators' needs. We tackle the language surrounding periods, the role of men in fostering a period-positive environment, and the pressing need for holistic solutions to period poverty.

This episode is a clarion call to embrace, educate, and empower. It's time to normalize the conversation, dismantle the taboos, and ensure that no one feels like they're on the brink of death when their period arrives. So join us as we stand with Candice in the fight for menstrual equity and the quest to turn the tide on period stigma.

(03:32) Tell us about your very first menstrual experience.

(08:04) Minister of Menstruation started being a menstrual activist at age 21.

(14:40) I feel like I make people very uncomfortable when I have my periods.

(21:13) Qrate was formed to help people understand and learn about periods.

(30:25) How do we bring men into the conversation about menstruation?

(38:09) When it comes to the discourse of menstruation, what should we address?

(38:38) Using euphemisms for menstruation removes seriousness from our periods, says Candace.

(42:17) Your master's dissertation focuses on menstrual health and rights under International law...

(44:02) What responsibilities do states have to redress difficulties of menstruators around the globe?

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