Author: Jamila Kyari

According to UNESCO, only one in three scientists is a woman, accounting for just 35 per cent of graduates in the industry. Why is this so and is there anything we can do about it? For my day role, I took a trip to Toronto to attend a meeting with other women working in particularly, the environmental science field. During the trip, I had the unique opportunity to think and reflect on the diverse role of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) industries. It is not very popular for women to be working in top science-related jobs. And…

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Did you know? One in four Americans find their life quite boring while about 60 percent of those surveyed say they desperately need to go on an adventure. These numbers are from a new survey by Talker Research for Storyteller Overland. I, on the other hand would like to argue that in the pursuit of joyful living, there are ways to find pleasure and thrill in the dullness of life. Boring is what works! It was not until a friend mentioned this that it hit me like a ton of bricks. Quiet simplicity and having the time for careful introspection…

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Calling all fashion enthusiasts, culture aficionados, and lovers of all things African! Dive into a fascinating world where tradition meets modernity, where vibrant colours blend with contemporary styles, and where heritage intertwines with innovation. Yes, you guessed it right; we’re talking about the rise of African fashion. And in this journey of discovery, one cannot overlook the pivotal role played by digital media platforms in shaping and showcasing the diverse tapestry of African couture. But before we delve into the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of African fashion, let’s shine a spotlight on an unsung hero in this scenario, UNESCO.…

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Let’s chat about mirrors—not the rushed morning look before sprinting out the door or that famous, check-your-teeth situation at a public restroom—I’m talking about fancy mirrors. The kind that feels like an exhale the moment you walk into a room. The kind that reflects more than you—they reflect your taste, your personality, and your intent. Because here’s the thing: fancy mirrors serve far greater purpose than just functional- they’re transformative. They are practically magical. They don’t just hang there to show you your face—they shape the mood of a room, its light, and even its proportions. One well-positioned mirror has…

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Truth be told. You can enjoy a vibrant social life even if you don’t have a big circle of friends and this is real for many, including myself. Dating as far back as I can remember and before social media came along, I have never been the kind of person to keep a huge number friends, let alone join a clique. My inner circle is very small. I thrive in one-on-one relationships and I don’t mind the occasional group setting but I’m an introvert. When I find myself in a group, I make the most of the situation and become…

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PR is public relations and it can help you get featured in print, radio and broadcast media. It is a great way to build awareness and recognition for your brand or business. If you are seeking ways to amplify your unique message but don’t know how to, this article has some essential tips to help you unlock the power of media. Image source: Unsplash.com Ask yourself if your business is ready for media attention.  First things first. Make sure you have something valuable to offer. Build a solid foundation for your business and online presence before you pull the trigger.…

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And just like that, February 2025 is almost over! Honestly, where did all the days go? Anyway, it’s probably time to do a bit of a temperature check on your goals and motivation for the year to figure out how the “new year, new you” is holding up. Even if you don’t buy into those cringe clichés, it’s still good to assess if you’re on track or off, towards achieving important strides in your career, business, family, relationship, and more. It’s time to be fully transparent and honest with yourself. What have you accomplished in the past two months (or…

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We’re halfway through a decade and the world keeps serving us surprises. So, I understand. New Year resolutions don’t always work. You set goals and then forget or get uninspired and give up half-way. Setting lofty and unrealistic resolutions that are most likely very difficult to attain can be a set-up for failure. And yet, the habit of starting the year with a focus in mind can help you experience greater clarity, deep purpose and personal fulfillment as you journey through 2025. Last year, I created a multi-year vision board and although everything on it didn’t happen, I am still…

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Established in 1846, Vlisco is a fabric manufacturing giant that became synonymous with the rise of African wax prints, including their growing popularity worldwide. Their fabrics blend African originality with Dutch design to transcend cultures and are made with treasured methods and techniques rooted in Indonesian batik. Vlisco’s history is well documented on their website and I recently went there researching to discover more about Vlisco’s origin and history, during which I found some content by Maarten Van Riel, MA that details important moments in the company’s history. Questions I was seeking to answer included, “Where did the term ‘African…

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Let’s discover what journaling really is and how to reap its maximum benefits. You may not have an innate writing streak but might be curious about reaping the benefits of writing in a journal regularly. To be precise, journaling is the act of writing one’s thoughts, feelings and experiences, or ideas in a book or a personal diary. It can be done in a structured or free manner to help you in discovering the depth of your emotions, exploring your own mind, or doing an inward reflection of your own thoughts. It has numerous advantages and I’ve been able to…

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