Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem is the epitome of a multi-faceted woman. She can conveniently be introduced as a woman’s empowerment advocate, an author, a radio presenter and an entrepreneur, among other accolades.
An alumna of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Lagos Business School and Strathmore Business School, Kenya, she has won accolades at home and abroad, including owner of the Most Creative Business 2007, Paul Harris Fellow award and one of the 100 Most Influential Women in Africa.
She is, however, known for her women’s empowerment initiatives such as Up You With Ezinne show and Up You Women Conference.
In this interview, the famous producer of Hymnodia, an innovative TV show about hymns, draws from her experience as she discusses the dynamics of women’s empowerment in Nigeria.
The challenge with having an interview with you is where to start because you are multifaceted. A better way is to ask you to tell us how many parts you have as a professional and a businessperson.
I understand that my diverse interests and pursuits can make it challenging to know where to start, but a closer look reveals a common thread: I am a creative person. As a professional and businessperson, I embody several roles. I am an entrepreneur, having founded Rosemary’s – The Soft Furnishing Company, which has garnered significant accolades. I’m also an On-Air Personality, author, creative writer, and motivational speaker, channelling my passion for women’s empowerment and resilience through the UpyouwithEzinne Show, the Upyouwomen Conference, and my books and speaking engagements.
Additionally, my production of Hymnodia showcases my creative side in media and cultural storytelling. Each of these facets contributes to my holistic approach to business and professional growth, allowing me to impact various fields meaningfully. At the core of all these roles, I remain committed to my values of family, community, and continuous learning.
First, we are going to talk about you as an advocate for women’s empowerment. What was your motivation for choosing this line of service to society?
My profound passion for the 21st-century woman has driven me to invest my time and resources in creating a transformative platform called ‘UPYOU.’ Our mission revolves around helping you not only discover or rediscover yourself but also uncover your purpose, facilitating your evolution into the best possible version of YOU. The ‘UPYOU’ experience involves engaging with women and delving into their gifts, experiences, and values. We then curate and showcase these elements to the world, aligning them with best practices. This process serves as a continuous cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning as we navigate the journey together.
In essence, ‘UPYOU’ is a holistic approach to personal and collective empowerment, rooted in the belief that every woman has the potential to be the best version of herself. It’s a journey of self-discovery, purpose, and growth.
Your upcoming Up You Women Conference, what is it about? What are the objectives and who are the target audience?
The upcoming Up You Women Conference is a transformative event designed to empower women between the ages of 23 and 65. This year’s theme, “Through the Fire: Triumphing in Adversity,” reflects the conference’s focus on building women up from the inside out. Scheduled for August 31, 2024, at the prestigious Victoria Hall, Ebony Life Place Victoria Island, Lagos. The conference will be a hybrid event, combining both in-person and virtual experiences.
The essence of the Up You Women Conference is about creating lasting change and fostering a community where every woman can thrive and become the best version of themselves. Through this annual event, we aim to build a tradition of continuous growth, learning, and empowerment, ensuring that each woman leaves feeling more connected, informed, and inspired to pursue her journey of self-discovery and achievement.
What are some memorable moments since you began advocating women’s empowerment?
Since embarking on the journey of women’s empowerment, several memorable moments stand out. I have written and published books such as “Up You,” “When Adversity Strikes, F.I.G.H.T.,” and “Recalibration Blueprint: Stepping into Your Best Life.” These works have provided a platform to share insights, inspire resilience, and offer practical guidance to women navigating their journeys of empowerment.
One of the most unforgettable milestones was convening and hosting the first Up You Women Conference. The success and positive feedback from attendees underscored the significance of creating a space for women to reconnect with their authentic selves and initiate a process of healing from within.
Then, of course, creating the ‘UPYOU’ platform was a pivotal moment. The recognition received for my efforts in women’s empowerment and for being named one of the 100 most influential women in Africa, has been incredibly humbling. Another rewarding experience has been building the UpYou community of women. Through workshops, meetups, and online platforms, this community has become a haven for women to share their journeys, challenges, and triumphs, strengthening each other along the way.
Many actors and active stakeholders are working in the women’s empowerment space now in Nigeria. How would you evaluate the progress made in that regard and the challenges that are still existing?
There has been a substantial increase in awareness and advocacy for women’s rights and empowerment. Various campaigns, both at the grassroots and national levels, have brought crucial issues like gender-based violence, education, and economic empowerment to the forefront.
Similarly, several legislative advancements have been made to protect and promote women’s rights. The implementation of laws against domestic violence and the establishment of gender equality policies are positive steps toward creating a safer and more equitable environment for women.
In the same being, numerous initiatives have been launched to support women’s economic empowerment. These include microfinance programs, entrepreneurship training, and access to markets. These efforts have enabled many women to start and grow their businesses, contributing to economic growth.
Also, there has been a concerted effort to improve access to education for girls and women. Scholarships, mentorship programs, and educational campaigns have helped increase female enrollment in schools and higher education institutions.
Initiatives aimed at improving women’s health, particularly maternal health, have shown positive outcomes. Increased access to reproductive health services and education has contributed to better health outcomes for women and their families.
But there are still many challenges. These include deep-rooted cultural and societal norms that continue to pose significant barriers to women’s empowerment, economic disparities, gender-based violence, and poor women’s representation in political and decision-making positions.
The progress made in women’s empowerment in Nigeria is commendable. However, to achieve true gender equality, it is crucial to address the remaining challenges.
How do you think women’s lives can be improved in Nigerian society?
Improving women’s lives in Nigerian society requires a multifaceted approach that addresses various aspects of social, economic, educational, and political life. Given this, it is important to ensure that girls have access to quality education from primary through tertiary levels. This includes tackling issues such as school fees, transportation, and safety. Providing scholarships and mentorship programs will encourage more girls to pursue higher education and careers in fields traditionally dominated by men. Progress can also be recorded through vocational training and skill development programmes tailored to local economic needs, thereby empowering women with the skills needed to succeed in various trades and professions. Other initiatives that will help include expanding access to microfinance services and financial literacy programs to enable women to start and grow their businesses as well as providing support for women entrepreneurs through grants, training, and access to markets. Society should also promote policies that encourage the hiring and promotion of women in various sectors, ensuring equal pay for equal work.
Other ways to improve women’s lives include improving access to reproductive health services; expanding and enforcing the laws that protect women’s rights; and implementing policies to increase women’s representation in political and decision-making positions, such as gender quotas, among others.
For young girls looking unto you as a mentor, how would you advise them to ensure they become self-sufficient and have a future in which they reach their full potential?
To ensure they become self-sufficient and reach their full potential, young girls should always strive for excellence in their studies. Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to numerous opportunities. They should commit to continuous learning beyond formal education. Read widely, take online courses, and seek knowledge in areas of interest.
They should also focus on developing essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. Gain proficiency in technical skills relevant to your career aspirations. This could include digital literacy, coding, or other specialized skills.
Identify and connect with role models and mentors who can provide guidance, support, and inspiration.
They should understand that challenges and setbacks are part of the journey. Therefore, they should stay resilient and view obstacles as learning opportunities.
They must aim for financial independence by planning their finances wisely and seeking opportunities to grow their income. In this regard, they must learn the basics of personal finance, including budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt.
Let’s talk about you as an entrepreneur. Of course, you have been to business school. But there are some business lessons that you only learn on the job. What are some of the best business lessons you have learned as an entrepreneur?
While business school provides a solid foundation in business theory and principles, some of the most valuable lessons are learned through real-world experience as an entrepreneur.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve learned countless valuable lessons through hands-on experience that complement the knowledge gained from business school. I have learned some lessons on the job.
Firstly, the entrepreneurial journey is filled with ups and downs. Learning to navigate challenges with resilience and determination is crucial for long-term success.
Secondly, markets, technologies, and consumer preferences are constantly evolving. Being adaptable and willing to pivot your business model or strategy when needed is essential for staying relevant and competitive.
Thirdly, the business landscape is constantly changing, and staying ahead requires a commitment to lifelong learning and continuous improvement. Investing in personal and professional development is essential for staying competitive.
As a woman of many parts, you have your hand in many things at the same time. How are you able to cope with the multi-functional roles without one hindering the order?
I use time management techniques such as setting goals, creating schedules, and using productivity tools to maximize my time. I block out specific periods for each role or task, ensuring that I allocate sufficient time to meet my commitments.
I also prioritise tasks based on urgency and importance, focusing on high-impact activities that align with my goals. I also delegate tasks that can be handled by others, freeing up time for tasks that require my specific expertise and attention.
Importantly, I set boundaries between my personal and professional life to prevent one role from encroaching on another. I communicate my boundaries clearly to all my publics (colleagues, clients, and family members) to manage expectations and avoid overcommitment.
With the benefit of hindsight, what are some of the mistakes women make that impede their academic, career and creative growth, development and progress?
Reflecting on past experiences and observations, here are some common mistakes women may make that can impede their progress:
I would say the big one is underestimating their abilities and doubting their worth. This can hold women back from pursuing ambitious goals or taking on leadership roles.
There is also the fear of making mistakes or failing, which can prevent women from taking risks and seizing opportunities for growth and advancement.
And of course, the choice of who they marry can impede women’s growth and development in life.
Taking on too many responsibilities or saying yes to everything can lead to burnout and exhaustion, impacting the academic performance, career progression, and creative output of women.
Not negotiating for salary raises, promotions, or resources can result in missed opportunities for advancement and financial growth of women. Just as well, neglecting personal development, such as acquiring new skills or pursuing further education, can hinder their academic and career advancement.
Any activity that women should look forward to this year?
Our highly anticipated UpYou Women Conference will take place this August. Early bird ticket sales are ongoing for the conference which is themed “Through the Fire: Triumphing in Adversity.”
This year’s conference promises to be a transformative experience for women aged 23 to 65, offering a dynamic space for personal growth, healing, and empowerment.
