Pearlwoman magazine Dec- Jan 2018 by MBW

£5.00

DEC ISSUE 2017

Christmas Issue

Woman in Control

The Royal Collection by Studio D’Maxs

#MINDYOURMIND DIVAS OF COLOUR MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE

I PLEDGE TO MYSELF To mind my mind at all times. To not be strong but, seek help before reaching my breaking point. To take a break and move away from anything that threatens my mind, body and soul. It is perfectly right and for my own good to think myself first, knowing if, I'm not fixed I can't fix anyone else. To speak up and speak out of my feelings so that people around me will understand what I'm going through. To protect my space from any negative associations of people, substance or activity. I know that I will need my mind as well as body intact for me to achieve any success.

I WILL BE A WOMAN WHO MINDS HER MIND.

EDITOR's L ET TER

Take Control of

Your Life.

usband. Weight lost. Kids. Career. What to wear. Your face. Once a woman hits a certain age, these words begin to find their way into her life at every turn. You find youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bombarded from every angle with these words whether you want to or not. These words find their way into your daily conversations from friends, colleagues, even acquaintances. But now, this has got to change for you as women learn to overcome these common societal expectations and learn to thrive and take charge of your own life focusing on what matters most to you. It is time for you to begin to â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;untimeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; yourself from the societal timers by practising simple daily mindset shifts that will help you see the world in dramatically different, and more empowering and positive ways. And when you begin to see the world and your life differently, you also will begin to behave differently. Realising a whole world of possibilities where a woman has a lot to offer and achieve at her own time defined and planned out by herself for her ultimate life purpose other than that societal box filled with time bombs waiting to explode. Unfortunately we still have to discuss these issues in 2017, surprisingly never shocking though. If somehow we have had to be dealing with slavery creeping back into our

narratives in this era, then one begins to wonder if at all we have achieved any civilisation In this issue however, we want to channel back your mind to better things to focus on to bring about these behavior changes that will pave the way for more happiness, success and fulfillment. You can dictate how your life pans out. Now take it back and take charge. Be the woman in control . Stay with us,

Faustina Anyanwu Editor

Fauntee

Book Now to Attend Divas of Colour Mental Health Awareness Conference

very year leading up to the Divas of Colour International Women’s Festival, we choose a particular cause and charity to raise awareness on and with. This year, our focus is on Mental Health and we have chosen The Julian Campbell Foundation. The statistics on this issue is rift and there is an urgent need to educate people on the issues of mental health for the entire family. This conference is a full on of quality topics that will open your eyes to understanding the various forms of mental illness, how to care for your own mind, personal stories and accounts and of cause opportunity for you to have your questions answered by the experts. Date: Thursday, 25th January 2018 Time: 3.00pm – 6.00pm – (We must vacate the room at 6.00pm on the dot. So do make sure to be there early so that we an deal with all the topics).

Topics to be Covered: This free conference at the Houses of Parliament, House of Lords will look at the following : •

•

Venue: The House of Lords, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square, London, SW1A 0PW. (Entrance through the Peers entrance.) Hosted by Baroness Rosalind Howells of St Davids and Faustina Anyanwu

•

Identifying early signs of mental illness in family, colleagues and how to find appropriate professional help early. Effect of abuse and exploitation on the mental health and development of a child – Understanding the importance of medications and adhering to prescriptions. Stress versus Control?: Tell tale signs of wellbeing challenges and supporting family members, friends and colleagues Does menopause affect mental health? Result of symptoms and management research carried out among women of Colour. – Maternal mental health (Postpartum depression) and safety of the Newborn – Culture, lifestyle and mental health in the 21st century. Post success or project syndrome – stress and depression as related to career and success.

For more information and to RSVP, visit www.divasofcolour.com Follow : @DivasofColour on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Share : #MindYourMind #DivasofColour

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Photo Credits:PHOTOGRAPHER – Ingo Dostey

MODELS Tamara Lewis , Elise Dumouchelle, DéJà Thai,

HAIR STYLIST : Charlene Brown MUA. Millicent Bonsu

Designer- STUDIO D’MAXSI

COV STO

VER ORY

The

Royal

Collection by Studio Dmaxsi

MULTI-AWARD WINNING USA DESIGNER BRAND CONTINUES TO CREATE STRIKING DESIGNS TO ADORN THE PEARLWOMAN. WE ARE ABSOLUTELY BLOWN AWAY BY THIS PARTICULAR COLLECTION AND WE’RE IN EVEN IN ORE AWE BY THE NAME OF THE COLLECTION AND WE COULDN’T HELP BUT FIND OUT THE INSPIRATION BEHIND IT. “The name of this collection came about when there was so many things happening personally that I felt like I won’t be able to design or do what I love anymore. I had the opportunity to have some alone time and one thing was consistent – how being a woman is important. I observed my mom’s strength and how she handles every obstacle or adversity that comes her way. It dawned on me how special women are, our strength and the ability to endure all kinds of situations and still take care of home, kids work. It’s AMAZING. We are all ROYALS and that’s how the collection was inspired. I think as women, we need to be more aware of our strength, endurance and how important we are. We need to take time out to celebrate us. This collection is a shout out to all women out there who take on all these challenges. Im very grateful to God for giving me the strength, and my Family and friends for being there.” Afua Sam (Founder and Head Creative designer at Studio Dmaxsi).

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THE MAZE A SELF RE-DISCOVERY GUIDE BY IJEOMA

The Maze: Young, defiled, broken, mocked, confused. Author details her ordeal with abuse and coming out of the maze. The Maze: A self Re-discovery guide: Author uses her own story to guide young people on a self-discovery journey in the book due out on 18th December 2017. For the author, they were wasted years going through the maze of exploitation and abuse before the very eyes of those who were meant to protect her. But, ignorance and tradition has little or nothing for a girl child betrayed again and again, as she falls into the maze with no way out. Based on true story, the Nigerian born author of the book, The Maze: A re-discovery guide, details her ordeal as a young woman who would be given to a would be older man for marriage by her parents. A tradition that still holds many young women to ransom in places. Ijeoma Amazin’ tells a tale of her journey of abuse, rejection, defilement, lost and wasted years. A journey which left her scarred for years and would rob her of her life purposes. Now an accomplished social care professional, a singer and saved by the Lord, she no longer feels shame, living above victimhood, she bravely has written this classic guide aimed at helping young people and parents of young girls on how to protect their lives and be successful in all areas of their lives. She said, “God chooses the ‘unqualified’ to His own glory.

His blessings are usually found in unexpected places - You. The question is, are you prepared to be used?

As you walk through your journey to self-rediscovery, I want you to see this book as, a spirit led manual to guide you out of the maze of life. A daily guide to help you discover the God in AMAZIN you. Your talent, your power, strength and your life purpose.” Amazin’ Ijeoma Paul-Nweze is a music Minister, singer, song writer, actress and a dancer. She is also a young people’s Coach, mentor, housing professional, customer service representative and a Christian Counsellor. Graduating from The University of Greenwich with outstanding performance in Housing Studies and obtaining her Master’s degree in Nouthetic Christian Counselling Graduate from the Minnesota School of Graduate, London Campus, she is also a qualified CMI (Chattered Management Institute) Coach & Mentor. She is the founder & Visioner of Amazin’Dizcoveriez mentorship and Angel’s Cry youth project (platforms for discovering, coaching and mentoring young people). The Maze has been described by Pearlwoman Magazine as, “An awesome guide through life’s dark tunnels, an eye opener for everyone.” Ijeoma has used her personal journey to encourage the readers, to understand that whatever life throws at you, whatever frustrations, lost years, disappointments and trials, you are going through, you will find your way out of the maze. The darkness won’t be long before you see the light again. As you continue to put one foot forward with the guide in this book, you will finally manifest your GREATNESS! The Maze published by Faunteewrites UK, will be available in paperback and ebook on all major online stores globally from 18th December. For review copies, author interviews and any media requirements, please contactFaustina Anyanwu: pr@fauntee.com , or books@fauntee.com

For author signed copies you can now be pre-order via the publisher website - www.fauntee.com The book will be available on all major bookstores, Amazon, Waterstones, Book Depository and others.

Book Details: Book Title - Subtitle - Author - Publisher - Language - Release date: Size: Pages:

Format: ISBN: RRP:

The Maze A Re-Discovery Guide. Amazin’ Ijeoma. Faunteewrites Limited English 18th December, 2017. 198 x 130 mm 110 Ebook and Paperback. 9780993041716. £8.50

HEALTHY LIVING FOR THE

ACHIEVING WOMAN C

I will be focussing on beneficial health check-ups for the achieving woman in this edition. There are many medical screenings that are available to today’s woman which can help to prevent disease or detect early symptoms of diseases. Some of them are:

Every woman can do self-examination of the breast at any age. This is strongly recommended as breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. Every woman needs to get familiar with what the usual shape and feel of their breast is. Self-examination is easy, you can do it in the comfort of your own home under the shower or while applying body lotion or getting dressed. Anything unusual should be reported to your GP as soon as possible. Please do not ignore any sign. It may be nothing or may be something.

The NHS Health Check

This is a national risk assessment, awareness and management programme for those aged 40-74 years living in England who do not have an existing vascular condition, and who are not currently being treated for certain risk factors. This check is highly recommended if you are a ‘Fabulous 40’. The purpose is to prevent heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. This check is offered every five years and can be accessed from your GP or pharmacist free of charge. As a community pharmacist, I have been able to make life-changing interventions which led to patients making changes in their lifestyles to avoid cardiovascular disease. I have also referred some to GPs where appropriate. The smiles on the people’s faces the next time they visited my pharmacy were priceless as they might not have visited their doctors otherwise. 2.

The Cervical Screening Test

This is a method of detecting abnormal cells on the entrance to the womb from the vagina (the cervix). It was known earlier as Pap smear test. Early detection and removal of these abnormal cells can prevent cancer. In the UK, the frequency of invitation for this test is dependent on the age of the woman: 25 to 49 – every three years 50 to 64 – every five years 65plus – Only those who have not been screened since attaining the age of 50 or those with a recent abnormal test result. The first time I was invited for my cervical screening I was a bit reluctant and chose not to attend. However, now that I am more enlightened, especially with the publicity around the death of the reality television personality Jade Goody, I have never missed my screening schedule. The next time you are invited for your screening, please show up. Find time out of your busy schedule to attend to your ‘own self’ as detecting and removing abnormal cervical cells can prevent cervical cancer.

Breast Examination

- Olutayo Arikawe

elebrating our bodies as women has never been more important than now. It is the one thing that we need to pay attention to in order to keep the fire burning. A healthy body is a healthy mind. We live in a fast-paced world where everything seems more important than our health. We have time to take every other person for checkup except ourselves. We need to carve out time for ‘Me, Myself and I’ too.

According to NHS choices, about one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK. Breast cancer can be treated with a high recovery rate if it is detected early. Every woman in the UK between the ages of 50 and 70 years will be automatically invited for screening by their GP. Early detection will also reduce the need for mastectomy and chemotherapy.

Eye Screening

I recently discovered I was short sighted. I had always noticed that the words on the projector at church always looked blurred, but I assumed it was like that for everyone because the technical department probably got the fonts wrong. The fact that I could see anything near me, no matter how small, made me to assume that I had perfect eyesight and that the problem was with the projector; until a friend jokingly put his glasses on my eyes when I was complaining that the technical department needed to increase the fonts of the projector for everyone in church to see. I suddenly discovered at that moment that I could see clearly with my friend’s glasses. That made me to book appointment with the optician who gave me the prognosis that I was short sighted and prescribed my glasses which has given me a better view of the world. Eye tests are free for people with diabetes or if you are over 40 and have a close relative with a history of glaucoma. The importance of eye tests cannot also be overemphasized if you are diabetic. Apart from taking the above tests, it is very important that the achieving woman eats healthy. You should eat the right food at the right time. When busy, it is so easy to eat on the go and at night. Always remember that you come first — above every achievement. It is also important to embrace active living. Being active can help you to live a healthier, productive life. Regular exercise can help to reduce stress and improve health. In addition, the achieving woman needs to be proactive about her health. It is important to find time to relax, go on holidays, socialise and make new friends. As Apostle Paul says in 3 John 1:2, “Beloved, I pray that in all respects you may prosper and be in good health, just as your soul prospers.”

EVERY WOMAN CAN DO SELFEXAMINATION OF THE BREAST AT ANY AGE. THIS IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AS BREAST CANCER IS THE MOST COMMON CANCER IN THE UK.

Leah Charles-King

CLIENTS WANT TO AUTHENTICALLY CONNECT WITH THE PEOPLE BEHIND A BUSINESS. WHILE PAYING CELEBRITIES TO ENDORSE YOUR BRAND CAN BE EFFECTIVE, ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALSO VERY EXPENSIVE.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING TO PRESENT REGARDLESS OF YOUR NICHE

ARE YOU CAMERA READY? 19

screen the focus is directly on them rather than a wandering eye watching a presenter on-stage. The level of scrutiny focused on people in videos is much higher, and as a result, presenting on video can be quite nerve-wracking.

It is becoming increasingly important in personal branding, as seen by the increase in video interviews and video presentations.

More than ever before there are many reasons why being able to present effectively on video is just as important as being able to speak confidently in public.

ith technology making leaps and bounds every day, video has become crucial in the business world. Video has evolved beyond being just a platform for entertainment, such as the Vine apps and YouTube.

For entrepreneurs, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an opportunity to widen the platform on which your business is visible. With billions of people visiting video-based websites like YouTube every day, it is crucial that you learn how to present on camera. Every day, more and more professionals are using multi-media tools to promote and showcase their businesses and services. It gives them access to a huge audience: everyone with access to the internet. However, speaking on camera is not the same as public speaking in person. There is more focus on the presenter in a video than in person. For example, when watching a presenter on-

Clients want to authentically connect with the people behind a business. While paying celebrities to endorse your brand can be effective, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also very expensive. There is an increasing demand for authenticity on social platforms. Customers want to hear from the people who actually believe in the brand enough to work hard for it.

1. Video has become another platform on which to present your business. To make a positive impression on your viewers, you need to have a confident camera presence. As we stated previously, the camera will highlight every nervous tick that you have. In order to avoid distracting your audience with a lack lustre or OTT delivery, you need to ensure that you appear calm, composed, and poised on camera. 2. With modern day being the era of technology, the best way to promote your business and draw in new clients is to reach as many people as possible. With billions of views on YouTube every day, it has become evident that video is one of the ways to amplify your presence. Having a video on a businessâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home pages gives viewers the chance to virtually meet the faces behind the brand. This can help build trust, especially if watching someone who genuinely passionate about their brand.

Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re setting up a new business, trying to improve the customer base for your established business, or simply looking to improve your communication skills at work, video is the next big platform to do so. However, the camera is sometimes less forgiving than a live audience. This is why having a strong oncamera presence is different from being a good public speaker: the platforms are completely different. Having established how crucial it is that you learn how to present on camera, the next big question is: Are you camera ready? Until next time, keep shining in the spotlight!

Leah Charles-King

This article was written by multi award-winning TV and radio Presenter and Producer,

Leah Charles-King (credits include: ITV, The Beat London 103.6fm, BET, OHTV)

Leah is also the Founder and Principle Coach at The Red Carpet Academy which helps to refine your on-camera presence for your business, product or service.

PEARL WOMEN of the year

Pat McGrath MBE is one of most influential British make-up artists. For more than two decades, Pat McGrath has been coming up with concepts, launching and developing luxury cosmetic brands, countless runway shows, breakthrough advertising campaigns and editorial spreads.

PAT MCGRATH HAS BEEN COMING UP WITH CONCEPTS, LAUNCHING AND DEVELOPING LUXURY COSMETIC BRANDS, COUNTLESS RUNWAY SHOWS 22

Her ascent to the pinnacle of fashion began in the 1990s with an introduction to legendary lens man Steven Meisel by supermodel Amber Valleta. Fast friends and symbiotic collaborators, theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created every cover and lead editorial story for every issue of Vogue Italia, indisputably iconic images for leading global publications and countless brand-defining campaigns.

www.fauntee.com

@Faunteewrites 23

RiverIsland

oasis-Jacquard Bandeau Dress

The Trafficking & Exploitation

of African Children in the UK:

Our Experiences at AFRUCA. 26

Debbie Ariyo

Very

few people living in the UK in the year 2000 can fail to be aware of the story of Victoria Climbie. This was a young Ivorian girl who

was trafficked from her country to the UK to claim benefits and was subsequently abused and killed by her trafficker. This story resonated with me so much that I resolved to do something about this issue. In 2001, I established AFRUCA to help address the problem of child abuse and trafficking in the UK African community.

THE IMMIGRATION STATUS OF YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE FEAR OF BEING ARRESTED AND DEPORTED TO COUNTRIES THEY LEFT A WHILE BACK OR HAVE LITTLE CONNECTION WITH SOMETIMES LEAD TO A FORM OF SECONDARY ABUSE AT THE HANDS OF UNSCRUPULOUS LEGAL PRACTITIONERS 27

he trafficking of people from different parts of Africa into the UK is a very topical subject in the UK today. However, it is not a new phenomenon by any chance – as shown by Victoria’s story above. Since AFRUCA was established in 2001, at least 400 victims have used our services one way or another – via direct practical and therapeutic support, advice for practitioners working with victims, the provision of written and oral evidence in court, work with children of victims, family tracing, financial support and so on. The extent of these various cases, the degree, longevity and magnitude of abuse and exploitation involved and the terrible impact on victims sometimes lead to us concluding that human trafficking is indeed a form of modern slavery. AFRUCA has supported young people trafficked for different forms of exploitation and abuse. Most of our young people are of Nigerian origin. Perhaps the highest numbers are victims of domestic slavery. These young people have been brought into the UK either by close relatives or others, their parents having been deceived into letting them come for a “better life”. However, there is no better life for these young people who go through horrific levels of exploitation and abuse of all sorts – physical, sexual, emotional and neglect. The average age of trafficking for domestic slavery we have seen is 12 years old. The average time spent in trafficking conditions is 5 years. We have

many young people who, having been brought here at a young age and not allowed to go to school are unable to speak or write in English. Young people are used as “house-helps” – to cook, clean, look after children. In many cases that we know, young people are also used as a way of generating income by the “auntie”, by looking after other people’s children or hair braiding for a fee which goes to the auntie. Needless to say that young people are not paid for their work and long time in exploitation. They therefore serve as a money saving mechanism – unpaid, tax-free house help with extra income to boot. In this situation, countless lives have been destroyed. Many of our young people have experienced untold trauma. Most if not all suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder brought about by many years of severe abuse and exploitation. Another set of victims of trafficking we work with are young people trafficked for sexual exploitation. For many, the same recruitment methodology as above applies to them. However additionally, many of these young people were made to undergo juju-rites, or swear oaths of allegiance to their traffickers. This is to protect the trafficker against any form of dissent or betrayal. The psychological impact of such rites on young people is such that the juju serves as a form of invisible chain with no need for

physical restraint. The young people, on rescue, have this strong conviction that something terrible would happen to them if they talked to the authorities, hence hampering successful investigation. When young people leave their exploitative state – for example on being rescued by the police or AFRUCA or any other agency, another issue comes up for them. This is in relation to their identity and immigration status in the UK. AFRUCA has long campaigned that victims of trafficking should not be seen as illegal immigrants in the UK. This is because many if not most of them were not complicit in being here. They were brought to this country as children, using false identities, their parents having been deceived that they would have a “better life”. They have experienced anything but a better life and should be seen first and foremost as victims and not as illegal immigrants. The immigration status of young people and the fear of being arrested and deported to countries they left a while back or have little connection with sometimes lead to a form of secondary abuse at the hands of unscrupulous legal practitioners who charge them exorbitant fees to submit shoddy immigration applications to the Home Office. Those who think all those coming to the UK are economic migrants need to understand that victims of trafficking are exactly that – people who have been abused and exploited and

who need help and support to get their lives back on track not reproach or condemnation. The onus is also on governments of African countries to act and help stem the tide of victims coming to Europe through tackling the drivers such as poverty and putting in place the right framework to address human trafficking in their countries.

Debbie Ariyo OBE is CEO of AFRUCA a UK charity promoting the rights and welfare of African Children. www.afruca.org

#MINDYOURMIND DIVAS OF COLOUR MENTAL HEALTH PLEDGE

I WILL BE A WOMAN WHO MINDS HER MIND.