Existing boldly, living with vaginismus in Nigeria, a software engineering scholarship, and negotiating your salary
5 minutes read
Hey sis,
I am so excited to soft-launch what we’ve been planning at Sisterly HQ with you! On July 8, 2023, Sisterly HQ, in collaboration with Olaoluwa Alokan is having a sisterly session on embracing global opportunities. Our speaker is a young leader who has been recognized in many global and national spaces including the United Nations. We will be unveiling our speaker, opening up registration and ramping up publicity in a few days. So, make sure to follow Sisterly HQ on Instagram and LinkedIn if you haven’t.
A snapshot of this week’s letter
Convincing your Nigerian parents to embrace your dreams.
This is what living with vaginismus as a Nigerian woman looks like.
A fully-funded software engineering scholarship.
15 opportunities closing on June 30!
Stories
Sikemi Bakare - On The Path of Boldness
In this story about embracing unchartered territory, our Munirah Yaqoub speaks with Sikemi Bakare, a law grad turned graphic designer about transitioning career paths despite the odds. She shares convincing her Nigerian parents to embrace her dreams and dealing with the undervaluing that comes with being a graphic designer in Nigeria.
I couldn't return to my parents to say, "Oh, I don't want to do Law, but I also don't know what I want to do" because that would be unacceptable. I needed something solid.
From Our Archives
Living with Vaginismus: My Story - Ifeoluwa*
In this story, Ifeoluwa* shares her battle with vaginismus, a condition characterized by the involuntary tensing of the vagina. This is a courageous story of unwavering strength, curiosity, and unlearning shame towards healing and empowerment.
Tell Us About Your Female Friendships
Inspired by Vivian Nwajiaku, this is a celebration of the beautiful female friendships that many Nigerian women experience, share and enjoy. Think of it as a love letter to your best girls. Share your friendship story here or follow the link: bit.ly/sisluv
Submissions close on June 30, 2023.
Opportunities
What’s New
Orange Knowledge Scholarship Programme - Scholarship programs for professionals to attend subscription courses or tailor-made training programs at The Hague Academy for Local Governance in the Netherlands.
ALX Software Engineering Programme (Fully Funded) - Join Africa’s leading Software Engineering programme and develop tech skills fit for a global career.
From Rejection to Congratulations: Landing Your Next Global Opportunity - Gain invaluable insights into creating highly effective global networks, and positioning yourself as the perfect candidate for fully funded scholarships, fellowships, and grants.
Young Graduate Program, Total Energies - This is for young graduates who have recently finished NYSC to discover working life through a genuine hands-on professional experience while benefiting from international exposure. 6 months in Lagos, and 12 months in Paris or another HQ in Africa.
Young Professionals Programme (YPP) - The Commonwealth Secretariat - The YPP creates multiple opportunities for talented and qualified young people from across the Commonwealth. The location is London, UK and the salary is £29,070 per annum.
Livelihood Impact Fund - The Fund is currently seeking applications for data-driven, early-stage, African-led organizations that strive to meaningfully and durably improve the earning potential of people living in poverty.
Closing Soon!
Tomorrow, June 25: DigiGirls Digital Skills Training, Landing Your Next Global Opportunity Webinar
June 26: Heirs Life Essay Championship 2023 - N2M Prize, Associate Coordinator – Department of International Refugee Law and Migration Law, International Institute of Humanitarian Law (Remote)
June 27: Masterclass Scholarship - Ingressive For Good
June 28: UNESCO 2023 International Literacy Prizes, Digital Content & Community Coordinator, Reconsidered (Remote), Economist - Youth Employment and Skills (YES), African Centre for Economic Transformation (Remote)
June 30: Call for Video Submissions - PLURAL+ Youth Video Festival, Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize 2024, Global Good Fund Fellowship + $10K Grant, OPPO Inspiration Challenge 2023, International Monetary Fund 2023 Youth Fellowship, AERC-World Bank Visiting Scholars Program 2024, Youth for Sustainable Energy Fellowship, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Award - Cartier Women's Initiative (CWI), Civic Changemakers Fellowship, Entrepreneurship Program for Students - Carrington Fellows, Providus Bank SME Program, CCMP COP28 Reporting Fellowship Program, Communications and Partnerships Coordinator - Global Girl Project (Remote), YALI RLC West Africa Emerging Leaders Program (Online), Zolve Global Scholarship
Hot tip: Join our LinkedIn Group here for more opportunities. The best part? We often share opportunities straight from the source and in many cases, 1 - 96 hours after the opportunity just opened. As per, as e dey hot!
Resource Recc
Getting a job is one thing but negotiating your salary is another. Work Smart and Stay Smart is a Free Salary Negotiation Course to learn how to successfully advocate for yourself and help close the pay gap for women everywhere.
Take the free online course here.
To-Do List
Watch: In this TikTok video, we share a scholarship in Canada for Nigerians that covers tuition, boarding, books and incidental fees. Watch here.
FindHer - Click here to get a customized opportunity for your career goals! No strings attached.
Celebration Corner - Did something big happen this week? Click here to let the Sisterly HQ community know so we can celebrate with you.
Don’t Miss An Email - Move all Sisterly HQ’s emails to the Primary folder of your mailbox (from Promotions) or save our email address to your phone to avoid missing out on our stories and opportunities.
Connect - Follow us on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
Sis, can you kindly share this newsletter with your girls? It’s packed with the best stories and opportunities for Nigerian women. You’re the best, seriously. Three sisterly gbosas for you!
Sis, how did you find today’s newsletter?
💁🏾♀️ It’s a vibe! OR 🤦🏾♀️ Not my vibe!
See you next week!