Restoration

How To Act On Your Faith

WORD FOR YOU

*You see, when Noah was promised rain, he had no clue when the rains were going to come but he believed God's promise and he acted on it by building a boat.

Listen, that one thing you have been praying to God for, what actions are you taking today that shows that you have faith and believe it will come to pass? God works with what you have and on the level of faith you operate on. You may read my post and think, "Inonge, are you nuts! maybe a little hahahahaha!, but what is faith without action? (James 2:26)

*God may have told you that one day you are gonna be the fastest runner in the world but if all you do is sit on the couch all day and play games, how will God work with you in order to deliver that promise? You need to act on it, start jogging and exercising with the promise of being the fastest runner in mind.

*God promised you a ministry, don't just sit there and dream of it to miraculously come into existence. Start praying about it and start speaking to the right people and making plans on how you want your ministry to be like etc.

*That business that you believe God has promised you, start working on it. Draw up a business plan and start saving up to finance it etc.

*The baby God promised you. receive it in the spirit, pray as if you are pregnant already. Speak life into the child’s life. Pick a name for the baby and start saving up for a baby shower etc.

Start taking little steps of faith and let God work out the rest. All He is waiting for is for you to start taking actions. Remember, God is NOT man that He should lie, if He said He will do it, then it shall come to pass.(Numbers 23:19)

****Hebrews 11:1****

That Awkward Moment..

So, I am dating again after a while. It is exciting and yet scary. I thought I should get back into the game and see what happens.

Anyway, I went on a date last Sunday but it was rather a very interesting date. We had agreed that we meet after Church and do something.  My "date" picked up a place for our meet-up and it was a wildlife reserve. I checked it out and it looked very nice with a variety of animals. Anyway, he got there before I did and when I was finally there, we cued up to buy the tickets. When we reached the ticket desk to buy the ticket, the guy told me he already bought his and when the nice lady by the desk handed me the ticket, I looked at the guy and he still had his hands in his jacket pocket; "are you excepting me to pay?" I asked, and he said yes. Hahahahaha! I reached in my purse to get my credit card and a thought came to mind, if he picked a place and it is our first date, then he has to pay. So, I said I had no money and he finally paid. The first 30 min were so awkward that I had to make fun of the situation by saying; "If you are gonna tell your friends about today, make sure you mention that I am from Africa." We both laughed and the rest of the was good but still intense.

LESSON
In life, you will always come across some crazy situations or caught up in awkward moments. You can either pray for the ground to swallow you up or you can make fun out of it and move on. With time, its gonna be a wonderful experience to tell your kids. Life is simple, dont complicate it.

Love
Inonge

Hear What Oprah Winfrey Had To Say About Men

I recently came across a very interesting article and I decided to publish it on African Super Woman Facebook Page. While, the response from the ladies were amazing and I have decided to publish it on the blog too. The following message is from Oprah Winfrey

"If a man wants you, nothing can keep him away. If he doesn't want you, nothing can make him stay. Stop making excuses for  man and his behaviour. Allow your intuition (or Spirit) to save you from heartache.

Stop trying to change yourself for a relationship that's not meant to be. Slower is better. Never live your life for a man before you find what makes you truly happy. If a relationship ends because the man was not treating you as you deserve, then heck no, you cant "be friends". A friend wouldn't mistreat a friend.

Don't settle. If yo feel like he is stringing you along, then he probably is. Don't stay because you think "it will get better." You will be mad at yourself a year later for staying when things are not better. The only person you can control in a relationship is you. Avoid men who have a bunch of children by a bunch of different women. He didn't marry them when he got them pregnant, why would he treat you any differently? Always have your own set of friends separate from his. Maintain boundaries in how a guy treats you. If something bothers you, speak up. Never let a man know everything.., he will use it against you later.

You can not change a man's behaviour. Change comes from within. Don't EVER make him feel he is more important than you are. Even if he has more eduction or in a better job. Do not make him into a quasi-god. He is a man, nothing more and nothing less.

Never let a man define who you are. Never borrow someones man. If he cheated with you, he will cheat on you. A man will only treat you the way you ALLOW him to treat you. All men are NOT dogs.

You should not be the one doing all the bending....,Compromise is a two way street. You need time t heal between relationships. There is nothing cute about baggage....Deal with your issues before pursuing a new relationship. You should never look for someone to COMPLETE you. A relationship consists of two WHOLE individuals. Look for someone complimentary......not supplementary.

Dating is fun.....Even if he doesn't turn out to be Mr Right. Make him miss you sometimes....When a man always know where you are, and you are always readily available to him.., he takes it for granted. Never move into his mother's house. Never- co-sign for a man. Don't fully commit to a man who doesn't give you everything that you need. Keep him in your radar but get to know others.

Scared of being alone is what makes a lot of women stay in relationships that are abusive or hurtful; Dr Phil says....You should know that; You are the best thing that could ever happen to anyone and if a man mistreats you, he will miss out on a good thing. If he was attracted to you in the 1st place, just know that he is not the only one. They are all watching you, so you have a lot of choices. Make a right one. Ladies, take care of your own hearts.

By; Oprah Winfrey

Rita Elmounayer; A Rare Gem In The Middle East

I met Rita at the 2015 Forvandling (Transformation) women conference in Copenhagen two weekends ago with a theme title; Imperfectly Perfect. It was an amazing conference with great speakers Like Jen DeWeerdt, Merete Tangstad, Mildred Osias, Karin Kuhl, Abs Niblock, Marianne Riis and Jørn Hyldgaard. And a special guest who entertained us with some music; Martin Smith. It was the best conference I have ever attended...,all because it was about us "women".., it was about embracing our imperfections to be perfect. It was about women who are perfect in their imperfections.

We had different sessions that were taking part at the same time in different rooms, and I decided to attend the one Rita Elmounayer was going to be holding. I followed her simply because she was described in the brochure as, " an inspirational and strong woman who works with Christian television in the Middle East". That alone, caught my eyes and I got interested in what this woman was going to talk about..,I mean, we are all aware with what has been going on in the Middle East for many years. Being born and later grow up in this part of the world cant be easy, I can only imagine how hard it is facing the unknown of tomorrow. But there is HOPE.

Lets meet Rita Elmounayer, a woman who was born in this part of the world.., She was born in Lebanon and she lived through the violence of the Lebanese Civil war. As a young girl, with her sister, she found refuge in television cartoons, she hoped one day to get involved in media to bring joy to children just as cartoons had done for her..,while broadcasting hope in Christ. She grew up with a fear for tomorrow..,wondering whether her dad would come back home after seeing him off to war. I would only imagine how terrifying it must have been for her, but God had a plan for her. From a young age, she decided that she wanted to give hope to the children and the people in the Middle East through media. In 1992, She began her media career as a radio host and producer with Eastern Broadcasting Associates and later joined SAT-7 in 1995.

SAT-7 is a Christian satellite television network broadcasting in Arabic, Persian and Turkish across 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa, along with about 50 countries in Europe. SAT-7 was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organisation with support from a majority of Middle Eastern Churches.

Rita Elmounayer joined SAT-7 in the very year they started, it had a single program at a time. When the channel was launched, Rita hosted and produced its first program, Ears Of Wheat, this program ran for 12 years and became one of the channel's most successful programs. In 2004, she became the programming director for all children's programs on SAT-7 and she also became the programming director for all Arabic programs. In 2007, Rita's dream of launching the first independent, Arabic Christian channel for children became a reality. And in 2008, Rita Elmounayer was named the executive director for SAT-7 Arabic and SAT-7 Kids, followed by SAT-7 Plus in 2010.

At the conference, she showed us the following video that has gone viral on the Internet and made most of us tear up at the conference. Indeed, there is HOPE in the Middle East. It all starts with one person, one dream and hope.. And leave the rest to God. Lets continue praying for peace in the Middle East and continue praying for women like Rita. We need more women like her to step up and let God use them as the vessel to bring peace and love in our world. YES! There is still HOPE!

 CONTINUE WITH THE GOOD WORK RITA. MAY GOD ALWAYS BE WITH YOU. 

Below is a picture of me and Rita Elmounayer at the 2015 Forvandling "Transformation" women conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. I must admit, its not the best picture of me., but Rita looked stunning!

With Rita Elmounayer at the past "Transformation" women Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Have You Ever Seen A 63 Years Old Woman Look This Fabulous? Be Inspired

Wendy Ida

What do you do when your whole world crumbles down on you? What do you do when all hope is gone and there seems likes a million mountains in front of you...and you just cant seem to find your way out? Other People just give up and commit the most unthinkable action as a way out.."SUICIDE". But there are people who refuse to give up, people who speak to those mountains in front of them and command them to move! These are the people who inspire and who have changed the way we look at things, they inspire us, we get encouraged and indeed they give us hope. People like Wendy Ida, a 63 years old woman who refused to bow down to the mountains of her life that she was facing and commanded them to move..and make way for her.

About a week ago, I watched "Girl Talk", the one for T.D Jakes ministry, presented by Sarah Jakes and her mother. It was a very inspiring topic they had with  some very notable guest like Meagan M. Good, Nicole A. Parker to mention but a few. It was a general discussion forum about women, their independence, relationships etc but what really got me was seeing a 63 years woman who looks 35! You would have never guessed her age. She was there to encourage women on how they can move on despite of whatever might be dragging them down. Here is Wendy Ida's story...

Wendy Ida grew up in poverty and she almost lost her life in domestic violence. Wendy, like most women today suffered domestic violence for 13 years before she found herself. It took her a while to actually gather her guts and put her foot down....and say, "Enough is Enough". Listen to her in her own words.......

"I suffered physical, emotional, mental and sexual abuse fro 13 years before I found the courage to run across the country with my two babies and only the clothes on our backs. My babies were a huge motivator in taking the risk to take the last ditch effort to escape, because I saw that their lives were vastly being affected. Before my escape, I didn't quite frankly think I was going to past the age of 43.., and I came close to that many times and I am confident that if I had stayed where I was that my saga wouldn't have ended. Once I got safe and settled, I wanted to feel better, because for 13 years, I was constantly tired and my self-esteem suffered; I needed answers and I needed help, and that was the beginning of my motivation towards the healthier side of life. It took a while because I was a fast food junkie but I was tired of being sick and tired". Wendy Ida via Black Fitness Today.

Wendy Ida; BEFORE and AFTER.

Wendy started eating healthy and excising at the age of 43 and she was about 80 pounds (about 36 kg) overweight at that time. There was no turning back for her

Wendy Ida is now the best-selling author, speaker, life reinvention strategist, fitness expert and TV host. She has written a book called "Take Back Your Life, my no nonsense approach to health, fitness and Looking Good Naked". Wendy Ida is what I would call a multi-achiever without limits. She is an 8 time award winning National Champion of top trophy awards in the NPC Body Building and Figure Championships as well as a Strive to Thrive Fitness Expert touring with Actor Boris Kodjoe and his gorgeous actress wife Nicole Ari Parker.

I guess what they say is true, "AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER". I know they say; "Black Never Cracks", but this is too good to believe. But again, I guess, you can achieve and be anything if you just make up your mind and do it.....Thumbs up to you Wendy and we hope to see many women stepping out and changing their lives too.

Watch Wendy do some real moves in this video. And yes........at 63!!

SOME EVERYDAY USE KITCHEN REMIDIES

The kitchen cupboard can provide a range of everyday use herbal remedies that we can use for a minor emergency first aid around the home. Below are five of the remedies that I have used myself and have proven to be quite effective

ONION (Allium Cepa) As a remedy

Onion (Allium Cepa)

Key Actions;

Cleansing, antibiotic, expectorant, reduces blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Key Use; 

Hot onions and pepper can be given for cold to encourage sweating and reduce temperatures. Apply raw to insect stings and warts, that does wonders.

CABBAGE (Brassica Oleracea) As a remedy

I personally don't like eating cabbage either as a cooked vegetable or as a salad. I just don't like it but it is a pretty good remedy to have in the house.

Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea)

Key Action; 

Anti-inflammatory, anti. bacteria and it also restores the liver. I bet you didn't really know about the liver-restoration. i amazed when i found out that cabbage helps with that.

Key Use;

Use for a range of problems including acne, arthritis, digestive problems, chest infections, migraines, water retention and mastitis. Bandage a crushed leaf to aching arthritic joints. Actually, in Germany, it is used in some cancer therapies.

TEA (Camellia Sinensis) As a remedy

We all know that tea works wonders for colds, tummy aches or even facials, but here is some more use of our favourite hot beverage.

Tea (Camellia Sinensis)

Key Action;

Astringent, anti-oxidant, anti-bacteria.

Key Use;

Black tea can help with diarrhoea and dysentery. Green tea is known to help reduce tooth decay and strengthen the immune system. Apply used green teabags directly to cuts and grazes to stop the bleeding or to soothe insect stings. Oolong tea is reputed to reduce cholesterol and improve digestion.

LEMONE (Citrus Limon) as a remedy

Lemone (Citrus Limon)

Key Action;

Detoxifying, anti-bacteria

Key Use;

Boosts the immune system, counters infections and can relieve rheumatic pains and neuralgia (apply externally). Dilute juice with water as a gargle for  sore throats.

GARLIC (Allium Sativum) as a remedy

Garlic (Allium Sativum)

Key Action;

Anti-microbial, bile stimulant, expectorant, immune stimulant, reduces blood cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

Key Use;

Internally - heart and circulatory tonic, catarrh, infections, digestive disorders.

Externally - acne, warts, verrucas, fungal infections.
CAUTIONS! Avoid high doses during breast-feeding and pregnancy. It can also irritate sensitive stomach.

What Do You Do For Fun? Simple And Yet A Dreadful Question.

What do you do for fun? A question that mostly come on dates, sometimes on job interviews, even when you meet strangers on a bus or train. This is a very simple question which requires very simple answers and yet its the most dreaded question to most of us, simply because we don't know how to answer it or we just don't know what it means to have "fun".

They say that, if you are asked; what do you do for fun and you don't have an answer to that, it means you do NOT have a life! I somehow agree.
So, lets define FUN shall we? I will take the Wikipedia definition which states; FUN is the enjoyment of pleasure, particularly in leisure activities. I would say, having fun means doing something you enjoy, taking pleasure in some activity, doing something that amuses you.

Life is too, that's true. We are all gonna kick the bucket sooner all later..I mean, nobody is going to live over 120 years (the bible says, man is to live upto a 120 years) ;-) . So, between now and then, enjoy life and have lots of fun.

Its not difficult to  have a good time. I have a friend in Copenhagen, who somehow inspired me to write this article. He works and at the same time he knows how to have fun, he enjoys being in a company of friends and family. Sometime last month, he was with a couple of friends in Italy and I think he will be in Germany next week with some friends having a good time. When he is not working, he spends sometime with his friends and just enjoy life. Now, to me, that's having fun.

And to many of us, having fun can mean different things. For example, if you ask me, "What do you do for fun? I would list my hobbies, i.e reading, watching movies, writing etc, that sounds boring isn't it? but that's what I enjoy doing..,but again, that depends on how they question is asked or the situation.., otherwise I would add on and say; I enjoy art exhibitions, picnics, walks, taking pictures, cooking. I also love being with my friends, a few months ago, I was back home in Zambia, and my girlfriends and I decided to go on a one day trip, it was fun... click HERE if you want to see some pictures and see where we went. And a few weeks ago, my cousin, Princess Miselo and I were in Copenhagen at Tivoli, we were like little girls again, got on most rides and screamed like kids, That was fun!!

What Having Fun Means To Men

Men are easy. Having fun to most of them means hanging out with the guys and with a couple of beers, watching their favourite sport on a big screen with their pals..and of course with some liquor. Playing some computer games or some pool table. If you ask a guy what they do for fun, that's pretty much what they are gonna tell you or close.

What Having Fun Means To Women

For the ladies, this one is not so easy...because it means different things to different women and mostly it depends on their marital status. Married women and mothers would say; spending time with my husband and my children is fun. And the single ladies would say, shopping and a girls night out is fun.

Anyway, find out what makes you happy today and start doing it and enjoying it. It doesn't matter how busy your life may seem, make time for yourself to do what you enjoy doing. If you are a career/ business man/woman or a busy mother/father, you can still create some time to yourself and enjoy your life. I like the spirit of Richard Branson, for him, you have to have fun even in your busy lives, have fun while doing business. A few months ago, I read his book "Screw It, Lets Do It"..,very inspirational.

Parents, create play dates for your kids and create room for yourselves. The more you feel happy with your life and with yourself, the more you will enjoy being with your family. Same with the single people, having fun doesn't have to cost anything.., make a barbecue at home and invite family and friends over, go out for a picnic or a movie. Find a game that suits you and invite a few friends to play or just have a tea party at home...there are lots of things you can do. I will give you some ideas in my next article.... "20 Things You  Can Do For Fun With Family And Friends".

How My 30 Days Social Media Detox Changed Me

YES! I did it! Lol! Alright, on the 23 of June, I decided to go on a 30 days Social Media Detox.

First of all, I believe there are three types of social media users; the compulsive posters, the curious checkers and the stalkers. Over the last few months, I found myself heading towards the "curious checkers" ladder, I spent about 5hours straight on facebook. And that's when I decided to break off for a bit and see if I would survive..,and I did survive lol!

I have been a blogger for over a year and half and that has been my excuse for spending too much time on social media networks. I generate some income from my blogs and for me to see a penny, I need traffic and to drive traffic to my blogs, I need the social media networks. Therefore, I am on about twelve social media networks and very active on six of them. I am on google+, instagram, pinterest, Youtube, facebook, bloglovin, twitter, Linkedin, blogup, stumbleupon just to mention a few.

I was off on all my social media networks but I had left whatsapp (its cheaper than calling than sending an sms to someone) and offcourse my emails were still on. I had also left my Facebook Page Manager App for updates on my facebook pages once in a while. The first few days were hard, I found myself grabbing my phone from time to time wanting to check what was going on with people or if I have any new likes for my posts etc.

After a 3 days, I was getting frustrated and I decided to snap out of it completely by unistalling the social media apps on my phone and start focusing on my writing. (I am writing my first book), I wrote about 5,000 words in just two days! That was great, and it felt really good. I got Richard Branson's "SCREW IT, LETS DO IT" book and I read it and finished it in 3 days, it was a great book to read in the first few days of a 30days challenge ;-) . I also read the first Ten books of the bible Genesis to 2 Samuel, that was amazing and I learnt lots of things from the bible and I got some understanding of God, humanity and the children of Israel.

After a week, I got used to the idea of being invisible to the cyber world and life continued. I became occupied with important things in my life e.g my relationship with God, writing my book and it was also the time that my permit came out. I became extremely busy with my preparations for relocating to Denmark (where I am now living....moved here almost two weeks ago). In the 3rd week of my 30 days, I travelled to Chozi in the North of Zambia to visit my family.

The 30 days went by pretty fast. And looking back in those 30 days, I had done so much and I accomplished a little more than I would if I had my phone in my hands 80% of the day. In those 30 days, I became focused on what was really important in my life. And trust me, I realised that I didn't miss much in the time I was away and I am planning to do it again ;-) .

...The social media networks were created to make our lives easier and communication with friends and family much easy and fun. They are also good for business. But I feel like sometimes, we forget whats real and whats not. I would give an example of the famous facebook, all the time you log in....you see posts of happy people having a fabulous time.., I know one friend on facebook who updates her status maybe ten times a day...! from what she eats for breakfast, what her daughter did after breakfast, were she will go later etc.. its like she is living her life online. and there are thousands of people who are living like that. I also know someone who showcase her life on facebook as a fabulous diva or what Kimora Lee Simmons would call "Life In The Fab Lane" but yet she is so miserable in real life. I know it feels really good to get some LIKES for something that you have just posted, it gives you some kind of thrill....its true, come on, lets not pretend that we don't like it when people LIKE, COMMENT or SHARE our posts. This is were the compulsive posters come in..,for the thrill of it. And before you know it, you become addicted. Don't get confused with reality and what you see on these social media networks, especially you teens ;-) .

Honestly, I learnt so much about myself in those 30 days and I did lots of things. I will be taking it once again soon. You should try it, it will change you. ;-) . It will be hard at first but you will get through it.

Meet Chileshe Katongo; A Zambian Health And Fitness "Guru". A Look Into Her World As She Shares Tips On Fitness And Wellbeing

Today on African Super Woman, we have Chileshe Katongo, who is a fitness and health "guru", I like to call her. Today, she shares a few tips on health and fitness. Also a look into her world. I believe being a super woman also means being healthy and in good shape.

ASW: Welcome on African Super Woman, its an honour to finally have you.

Chileshe: Thank you for having me here.

ASW: I see you have a number of post followers on the famous social media network, facebook. And I am pretty sure people have been wondering who you are. Tell us about yourself, who is Chileshe?

Chileshe: Chileshe Katongo is a Zambian currently residing in Thailand. A Social Worker by profession, a business-lady and a beautician.

ASW: We have been friends for seven years now and ever since I have known you, your life has been in the gym. I have tried to follow your footsteps over the years but it hasn't been an easy one for me :-) . How important is exercising and fitness to you?

Chilesh Katongo

Chileshe: Yes African Super Woman, that is correct! The gym has become part of my daily routine and working out is a lifestyle to me. Exercising and fitness is important to my life and I love to take care of myself. The other thing about exercising is that it has truly helped sculpt my body, I am more energetic than ever. The feeling after working out is just amazing, so refreshing.

ASW: You would agree with me that growing up in Africa, women...and men believed that being big or a +size was believed to be a sign of wealth. 

Chileshe: I agree with you and actually there are some people who believe in this myth but which is not the case . Despite saying that, it doesn't matter whatever size and shape someone is in. What matters is health, if someone is a +size and in good health, well and good, same applies to the skinny and slender.

ASW: As modern African women in Africa, exercising is slowly becoming a part of our daily lives. Growing up, we didn't see so many African women work-out, go to the gym as much as they have been doing in the past decade. Women have become so "obsessed" for lack of a better term, with trying to lose some extra pounds. I have seen the length women are willing to go just to lose weight. Sadly, there have been a number of deaths caused by starvation by choice in the name of losing weight. Why do you think women are so much in desperation to lose weight and are willing to go to the extreme?

Meet Africa's Own Female Football Soldier; Doreen Nabwire Omondi

Though hardly recognised in Africa, Doreen Nabwire Omondi is one of the few celebrated female football star in Europe from Africa. I was intrigued by her story and I asked her if I could share it with you my readers.

THE RISE OF A STAR

Doreen Nabwire Omondi was born in March 1987, in Ngomongo hamlet of Mathare slums in Kenya. At the age of ten, she started playing soccer and even participated in the international tournaments at Valley Bridge Primary School in Huruma were she was a pupil. Her interest in soccer earned a chance at Maina Wangigi Girls High in Eastleigh. At age fifteen, she was called to the national women team and her first game at the national level was played for Mathare Yout. Sports Association (MYSA). Doreen represented MYSA in Europe's biggest youth tournament "Norway Cup". She emerged the best in that tournament and that was the beginning of her career.

In 2006, Doreen represented Kenya in the first ever street football world cup which was held in Berlin, Germany in which Kenya emerged champions. It was in this tournament that linked her to International clubs. In 2009, the Germany club, Werder Bremen hired her and a year later she moved to FC Zwolle, a division one side in the Dutch Women League. While playing in Holland, Doreen attended classes in UEFA C coaching license.

She returned to Kenya in 2012 and joined Matuu Women FC as both coach and player. During this season, her experience helped the women's team emerge winner at the league. She also coached the National Youth and Spots Association. The club she was coaching (Matuu) collapsed due to financial constraints. After that, she went back to Germany in 2013 and joined another club, FC Koln and that is where she is to date.

Embracing Your Natural Look; Going Afro

Myself

Sometime last year, I shared a post with you about natural short hair. I had just cut my hair at a time. I went natural for a well but I went back to my extensions and weaves lol! I have always had weaves, extensions, braids and wigs on.. almost my entire adulthood. I wouldn't leave the house with my natural hair, it was like a taboo :-D . I would undo my hair today but I wont leave the house till I have a new hair-do. That went on for a very long time without realising I was damaging my follicles. I also used a lot of creams (hair relaxer creams), that made it worse.

Precious (my cousin)

I think natural Afro hair is Hot, Sexy and Classy. Lots of us "women of colour" like to hide our beauty in all these artificial hair extensions. Some of us don't even remember the last time we walked out of the door with just our natural hair. I have a cousin who is also a very good friend of mine, (Precious) she has had kinky Afro hair for as long as I have known her! She looks really beautiful. When we go out, people would be staring at her hair, others would want to touch it. Its beautiful and she is beautiful too.

Then we have celebrities like Lupita Nyongo, Lira; the South African singer, we have Solange.., to mention but a few who have embraced the natural short hair. I like Lupita's short hair. It looks easy to maintain. I am thinking of keeping mine to that length. Or maybe twist it a bit like Solange's ;-) (thinking...). Lets see how it goes, I might just keep it short and dye it red lol! The options are numinous.

last week I decided to cut my hair once again and let it breath for a while. (the picture above). Honestly speaking, I like this natural short hair look. I think am gonna keep it for a lifetime! I had posted this picture on my facebook timeline, I should say that the response from my friends is quite encouraging. As I am writing this post, I have 116 Likes on it and probably the most liked of my pictures since I joined facebook lol!

DURING MY TIME OF HAIR EXTENSIONS AND BRAIDS

A Look At The Fabulous Fatima's Wardrobe; She Is One of Lusaka's Fashion Icon

I met Fatima about three years ago. She was my "shoes client". I had just returned from the United Kingdom with lots of fabulous, classy shoes to re-sell. I remember at that time, I was selling the shoes at $100 each and a friend of mine introduced me to Fatima who got about five pairs at once! I was a happy seller ;-) . Since then, I have been her secret follower of her fashion.

She has a great sense of fashion and her collection is so unique. She doesn't put a price on looking good, that's what I like about her. Even her house represent her sense of style, she is a real classy lady. Hollywood must be missing a fashion icon ;-) .

LETS TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BEAUTY'S CLOSET.

Zambia's Chuma Chilando Wins The African Queen/DK 2015

Chuma Chilando

Last weekend, Denmark held a beauty contest; The African Queen/Dk aimed at bringing young African women together from different backgrounds representing their country of origin. They all came together as one to interact and share cultures.

The African Queen/DK is a great way to ensure that our roots are not forgotten even as we are living in the diaspora. This event was also done in good faith, for the profits were taken to orphans in Africa.

Chuma Chilando

The 2015 African Queen/DK crown went to one of our own; the beautiful Chuma Chilando from Zambia. ASW is proud of you Chuma, so is Zambia. May you continue representing our country and don't put that flag down. Proud of you and God bless you. Know that this is just the beginning, more great things are coming your way.

Chuma Chilando

The contestants of The African Queen/DK 2015

Chuma Chilando being crowned

Chuma Chilando

PROUDLY ZAMBIAN!

MAN OF THE MONTH: Mutende Musonda; A man with an Innovation that may help women in rural areas.

African women have been known to be the strongest both spiritually and physically over the years. Evidently, this truth has been seen in the way African women live in rural areas. They face hardships fearlessly and they don't complain because to them, its the lifestyle, that's the way they live. Its amazing how a woman would be pounding some cassava with a baby on her back. Or carrying firewood on her head, baby on her back and a container of water in one hand.

Mr Mutende Musonda

Well, we have one Zambian man who has seen how hard these women work and he has decided to come up with a brilliant idea that would make it easy for women to process cassava. ASW had an online interview with Mr Mutende Musonda, who is currently in the Netherlands for studies.

ASW: Mr Mutende Musonda, glad to have you on African Super Woman. Its indeed an honor to have a chat with you. Tell me about yourself briefly.

Mutende: Thank you. I am a Zambian and I am currently studying my MBA at Maastricht School of Management in the Netherlands, specialising in Corporate Strategy and Economic Police. Back home, I studied Agricultural Engineering (BEng) at the University of Zambia. Over the years, I have had a couple of professional training conducted by Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA). These include; The Extension Management Training Course, "Monitoring and Evaluation" at the Farmers Training Institute (FTI), Northern Zambia and this was done by JICA's Rural Extension Services Capacity Advancement Program (RESCAP). I also did "Introduction and Evaluation" under the same program conducted by JICA. Trained and successfully completed the Monitoring Founding Training Course (including basic operations of GIS software for digitalised mapping) by RESCAP at FTI Northern Zambia. Trained in Participatory Village Development in Isolated Areas (PaViDIA) by JICA.

Mr Musonda with the Mayor of Maastricht City

I have done several other trainings conducted by JICA, the Zambian government under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Barcleys Bank, Cheetah Conservation Fund in Namibia, People's Act Fund, Children's Aids Funds (CAF) to mention but a few.

I am working for the government of Zambia at the moment under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives as District Agricultural Coordinator (DACO). I have also worked with Barcleys Bank Zambia (Plc), Children's AIDS Fund USA. I have worked with many other institutions and organisations, the list is long.

Enrolled at Ife University at age 14 and designed her first building at age 23: Meet Nigeria's leading architect

There are some professionals that have been said to be for men. But women disagree with that and they are. coming out and joining these professionals known to be for "men". I recently came across a story of Olajumoke Adenowo, a very successful Nigerian architect. She is a true African Super Woman.

Olajumoke Adenowo

Olajumoke Adenowo is one of Africa's leading female architects. She enrolled into Ife University at the age of 14 and at the age of 19, she had her first degree. At age 23, she designed her first building; the Federal Ministry of Lands in Abuja, Nigeria. At age 25 she opened up her own company called AD Consulting. While she was still in school, she won several awards for her academic work which included best student in design in the BSc.

Its been 21 years since Adenowo went solo and opened her own company and her success over the years can only be a reflection of a dreamer's passion for her work. She has won several awards as an architect. Apart from these achievements, she hosts her own radio show mentoring women and this has seen her receive several recommendations from the likes of the United Nations Information Centre over the years.

Early this year she was on CNN and this is what she said about her organisation called "Awesome Treasures Foundation" which she founded in 1999, which helps mentor women and young girls. She said; "We believe the greatest need of Africa is leadership, vision. Strong people who are ready to give their all to say, 'this is the way', and Awesome Treasures is here to address that need, to raise transformation leaders."

"The passion comes from my clients. I feed off their energy.., I would do anything for my clients to make sure that their buildings come out the way they do." Adenowo

It is women like her who inspired me to create this blog. Well done Adenowo. Looking forward to seeing your dream come true; designing a building that would define Nigeria's identity.

He Defiled Our Bed, Left Me With Two Children And A Broken Rib. This Is Ruth's Story and Her Advice To Women.

Well, they say that everybody has a story. That's true and other stories leave you with a pinch in your spirit, like Ruth's story. I have heard so many stories of abuse in relationships and how many women tend to choose to have a blind eye in the situation. A few would speak up and the hope of making a difference in the society.

Ruth's story can not probably be compared to yours (in case you, who is reading this is going through something worse), but to Ruth, it was the worst situation that she had to face. Well, African Super Women met up with her and she agreed to share her story, with the hope of helping or encouraging another woman going through what she went through. And she also offered some advice to all women.

MY STORY; RUTH

I was born in Lusaka, Zambia in 1980. I always lived in Lusaka with my family till in 2001 when I got married and moved to Mazabuka (a town in Southern Zambia). After a year in marriage, I gave birth to my daughter who is now 13 years old and she is in her eighth grade. In Mazabuka, we were a very happy family, my husband was an elder at church and all was well. He got a job as a taxi driver right there in Mazabuka and that's when I started seeing changes in his behaviour. I wouldn't understand why the change just after getting the job, but I later discovered that he was having an affair.

He changed and he was not the man I had married, the father to my daughter. He had become a monster! He would come bitter and upset all the time and his emotions would get hold of him and he would beat me for no appropriate reasons. I had no saw in my own home, because he would use anything I say against me. Sometimes, his girlfriend would call me just to insult me and tell me to leave. I stayed in my marriage with the hope of him changing. And when my daughter was 7 years old, I conceived again and I gave birth to another daughter. I thought that maybe my husband will change after having my second born, but he became worse. The beatings became worse to an extent of breaking one of my ribs. The abuse continued and nobody was there to help me. As traditionally taught, that we are not to leave our matrimonial home till our husband packs the bags for us and chases us himself, we are to stay in the house. And I followed that till I couldn't stay any longer, I packed my bags, got my kids and I left. (we had come back to Lusaka and he got a job as a bus driver at a time).

"Keeping The Faith" Dinner And Fashion Show

Chola Lungu Mutoni with Faith (owner of the saloon)

On the 30th of April, we had a fundraising. dinner and fashion show for Faith whose saloon was burnt down by her sister in-law. The event was organised by one of the most beautiful woman with a heart of gold in Zambia, Chola Lungu Mutoni, owner of Bella Dona Finishing Classes, Zambia. I was amazed by the story of Faith and I wanted to be part of it. Where women are coming together for a good cause, African Super Woman has to be present :-) .

Faith has been Chola's hairdresser for years and when Faith's saloon got burnt by her sister in-law, she thought of contacting Chola to tell her of the incident. The only way to help her was to rebuild her saloon. Hence the "Keep The Faith" Event organised by Chola Lungu Mutoni herself.

Chola and Musama

"We often underestimate how much we bond with our hairdressers and barbers. We hear their stories, we share our stories, give advice and crack jokes. We have discussions with them for years and we connect". Chola Lungu Mukoni.

The reason for burning Faith's saloon by her sister in-law who was also her employee is not known. But the unfortunate part is that in the process of burning the saloon, Faith's sister in-law burnt herself and a few days later, she died from the burns.

Lynn

We had several Zambian Super Women who helped in making the event a success. we had Musama Chamunda owner of Twa Pandula restaurant in Lusaka who hosted the event and catered for the guests. Lynn Bright owner of Lynn's House of Fashion who showcased her Vintage Collection. We had Chola Lungu Mutoni herself who also showcased her African Print designs. We had Penjani, the gospel artist who performed and shared a WORD, we had Paddy Mukando as the MC, Prince Siame as our photographer. For models, we had myself (Inonge), Kate, Lisa Netsai Marlins who was also the makeup artist. And three more beautiful girls.

The Models wearing Lynn's office collection

We had notable people in the audience who came to support Faith. We had Norena Mutoya Chiteba (founder of KUPES Young Women's Network), Petita Mwanza (Model), Nina Sibonile Hamakowa, Christine. We also had Faith herself who gave a very touching speech, and gave thanks to everyone who was present.

It was a fun night, we had karaoke, fashion show, some shopping, Penjani sang, nice foods. And the night was a success.

In The Name of Fashion; Beyonce Knowels Goes "See-Me-Through" At The Met Gala 2015

Beyonce Knowels wearing a Peekaboo gown at the 2015 Met Gala

 Beyonce knowels, really? Is this the best you can do? Where is your dignity as a lady? Alright people, am not judging but what is this woman wearing? Judge for yourselves.

Beyonce Knowels at the Met Gala

A Chat With Zambia's Most Profound Woman; Norena Mutoya Chiteba, Founder of KUPES Young Womens Network.

Zambia is in need of role models, women who will mentor our girls, women who will create an impact in behavioural change in our communities. Women who will make them realise how worthy they are. I feel, we have lost it a bit in the way our girls are being brought up. We see the chaos in the news, on the Internet everyday in the lives of our young women. We thank God that not all hope is lost. We have women like Norena Mutoya Chiteba, a Zambian woman, with a real heart for our young women, a woman who is so passionate about girls and the women. Norena is a rare gem. She decided to step up and make a difference in our society by founding a network called "KUPES YOUNG WOMENS NETWORK".

African Super Woman met up with her for a chat about the Network. And I should say that, Norena is one of a kind. One of the women I admire in Africa. Lets meet her, know her and learn. about the Network.

ASW: I am so honoured to seat here and talk to you. Thank you so much for creating time to meet me. So, Who is Norena Mutoya Chiteba?

Norena: I am a wife and a mother of four, three biological kids and my nephew. A founder of KUPES Young Womens Network. I am the President of the Zambia's Squash Association, first female ever (with a smile on her face), I seat on a Council for Harvest Institute of Missionaries Bible Collage and I also seat on the gender committee of the Zambia National Sports Council Board.

ASW: Wow! You are one of a kind, Norena. When did you start the KUPES Young Womens Network?

Norena: I started the Network back in 2009, I was working for Finance Bank at a time as the assistant director for marketing and business development. I am so passionate about girls and women and I really wanted to do something for them. I started off with twenty women in Kabanana compound, doing some workshops with them. But being in the Corporate world at that time, I had loads of work on my hands and I decided to take a break from the Network. I stopped working for Finance bank and I joined Standard Chartered Bank as head of corporate affairs and that was my last assignment in the corporate world and that was in 2011.

Early 2012, a friend of mine and I bought a franchise called Bella Dona Finishing classes were we taught women how to behave and our focus was in schools. It was going very well but I still had my network at the back of my head. Then in 2013-2014, I decided to formalise my Network. And that was the reborn of KUPES Young Womens Network.

ASW: Tell me more about the network, what is it all about?

Norena: KUPES Young Womens Network is a network that looks at empowering, motivating and inspiring young women from all walks of life. I say from all walks of life because at the beginning, my focus was on the under-privileged communities, but then I realised that even the privileged ones don't have  people speaking for them. They would have everything but they have no mentorship, no guidance and no information.

ASW: What is your vision for the young women?

Norena: I envision a society where young women have a clear understanding of their self-worthy and capabilities, they have a clear understanding of their purpose, because if you understand who you are, nothing can touch you. If you understand who you are, frankly speaking, you wont be swerved left, right and centre. We need to get it right with our young women in our society. I believe if we can create an impact on you, you should be able to create an impact on your family and your community.

ASW: I like that Norena, that's a very powerful vision and I believe we can make it and we will get there. Change starts from within and its one person at a time.

What about the KUPES Chat, what is it about?

Norena: The KUPES Chat is one of the activities we do at the Network. The idea of the KUPES Chat came about sometime in 2014 when I had attended the CNBC Africa event at the Southern Sun hotel here in Lusaka. At the event, they were interviewing Dr Kankasa, Brenda Muntemba, Monica Musonda to mention but a few. We were about a hundred women in attendance and I released that we were all above the age of 35 years. And I thought to myself that the people who should be listening to this are the young ones, because they are the ones who can make an impact in our society. And that's how I decided to start the KUPES Chat.

The first KUPES Chat we featured Yuyo Nachali Kambikambi, she is the head of corporate communications and government affairs at Airtel Zambia. She came and spoke to the young women and it was lovely. And in March this year, we had another Chat were we were able to seat fifty young women at the Hotel Intercontinental and it was fully paid for by the Hotel. In April again, we were able to seat  seventy young women at Intercontinental Hotel and we were privileged to have Miyanda Mayimbo, the founder of PROSOFT. She came and spoke to the girls and it was awesome. We are actually looking at a longer term partnership with Intercontinental Hotel. And the Vision for the KUPES Chat is to go nationwide.