…Says award will motivate other women to strive for excellence
Pic : CEO, La Mode Magazine, Sandra Odige
By Omolara Akintoye
Ahead of this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) which has as its theme “Accelerate Action”, a Nigerian entrepreneur, Publisher and Advocate for Inclusivity, CEO/ Publisher La Mode Magazine, Sandra Odige is celebrating and awarding 100 Most Influential Leading Women.
Odige who is also the founder of Global Women Africa and La Mode 100 Most Influential Leading African Women said it was established to recognise, celebrate and empower African Women who are making a significant impact in various fields.
Her words “Global Women Africa (GWA) was founded as a platform to advocate for gender equality, amplify the voices of African Women and create opportunities for mentorship, leadership and entrepreneurship.
According to Odige, GWA aims to bridge the gap between women across different sectors, fostering collaboration and growth while addressing challenges unique to African Women.
“The award was created to honour outstanding women who are agent of positive change, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations” she said.
By showcasing their achievements the award, Sandra Odige stated will motivate other women to strive for excellence and positions them as role models in the society.
“Ultimately, my goal is to build a strong network of empowered women, drive social and economic transformation and create a legacy of leadership that uplifts the next generation of African leaders”.
Speaking on how to checkmate the rising trend of domestic violence globally, Odige said it requires multifaceted approach involving governments, communities and individuals.
She stated the approach to include : Strengthening Laws and Policies ; “Governments should enforce stricter laws against domestic violence, ensuring swift justice for victims and accountability for perpetrators. Shelters and support systems should be well-funded”.
Second is Raising Awareness – Public education campaigns can help change societal attitudes toward domestic violence, encouraging victims to speak up and seek help.
“Thirdly, there is need to Empower Victims of domestic violence by empowering them with necessary skills thereby Providing them with financial independence.
“Giving them legal support, and safe spaces can help them leave abusive relationship. Helplines and counseling services should be accessible” Odige said.
Community Involvement – Religious institutions, workplaces, and local leaders can play a role in identifying and supporting victims while discouraging abusive behaviors. ‘Perpetrators should be punished as this will serve as a deterrent to others”, she pointed out.
*Improving Mental Health Support* – Odige emphasize the need to ddress underlying mental health and substance abuse issues in both victims and perpetrators as this can reduce cases of domestic violence.
*Encouraging Bystander Intervention* – Society should promote the idea that stopping domestic violence is a collective responsibility. Friends, family, and neighbors should be encouraged to report abuse.
Lastly, Using Technology for Safety – Emergency apps, online counseling, and secure communication channels can help victims reach out for help discreetly.
As the CEO and Publisher of La Mode Magazine, Sandra Odige had dedicated her career to promoting fashion, diversity, and empowerment.
She founded the La Mode Magazine Disability Foundation to support persons with disabilities through skills training and job placements. Additionally, she founded the Green October Event, an annual initiative raising awareness and providing support for individuals with disabilities in Nigeria. This foundation has recorded many success stories.
Her passion for positive change has earned her recognition, including being named one of Nigeria’s 50 most influential women in 2021.
Through her leadership she has been able to expand the La Mode brand internationally.
