Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem is the host of the UpYou! Women’s Conference with the theme, ‘Building Bridges from Within’, which aims to address the pervasive sense of unfulfillment among women as a result of unfulfilled aspirations and dreams. The interview with Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem, the visionary CEO of Rosemary’s Furnishings and the driving force behind the UpYou! movement serves as a gateway to understanding the conference’s multifaceted aims: from acknowledging the hurdles faced by women to the imperative of fostering connections within the female community. We would observe how Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem envisions the conference to chart a transformative path towards self-empowerment.
Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem elucidates the essence of the UpYou! Women’s Conference: “So, it’s an ‘UpYou!’ women’s conference. It’s an offshoot of the radio programme. As you know, we have a radio programme called ‘UpYou! with Ezinne:’ where in the last two years I have spoken to diverse women on various topics.” The conference, an extension of the thought-provoking radio programme, demonstrates the dedication to expanding the discourse on women’s experiences.
The conversation uncovers the inner workings of the conference and the broader significance it holds for women. From discussing the aspirations of the conference to exploring the intricacies of women’s challenges, the interview becomes a repository of insights into the UpYou! Women’s Conference’s pivotal role in reshaping the narrative of women’s lives.
Scheduled to take place on the 26th of August at the esteemed Victoria Hall within EbonyLife Place, the UpYou! Women’s Conference emerges as a beacon of empowerment and transformation for women. This event not only marks a significant date but also signifies a momentous gathering that promises to catalyse positive change in the lives of attendees.
Before now, the radio programme ‘UpYou! with Ezinne,’ had served as a platform that had provided a voice to diverse women over the past two years. As Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem expounds, “You know, and as a result of those conversations that we’ve been having, it became obvious that there are gaps.” It is these gaps—those unmet dreams, unfulfilled aspirations—that the conference aims to mend and illuminate.
Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem, the visionary behind the movement, eloquently articulates the essence of the conference: “We’re now shining the light on the inside of us so that we can actually fix ourselves.” With a profound understanding that a broken woman cannot contribute wholesomely to her surroundings, the conference strives to guide women on a journey of self-restoration.
The core purpose of the UpYou! Women’s Conference is to confront the underlying fractures within women’s lives. Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem passionately describes the crux of the matter, saying, “Honestly, as a broken woman, you can’t do if you don’t. If you’re not whole, you can’t be wholesome.” It is this recognition of the interplay between internal harmony and external contributions that set the tone for the conference’s agenda.
Intriguingly, the conference draws inspiration from the concept of bridging gaps, metaphorically depicted in the bridges connecting different areas of Lagos. As Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem astutely notes, “The time to wake up and say I’m in my silo and I’m comfortable, it’s gone. It’s not competition, it’s collaboration. It is sisterhood.” The conference’s vision is encapsulated in these bridges—bridges that not only connect individuals but also span the distance between unmet expectations and fulfilled dreams.
As the August meeting approaches, its evolution from a mere event to a powerful catalyst for inner transformation becomes evident. Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem reflects on this transition, stating, “It’s a conference with a difference. It’s more like a conversation.” This departure from the conventional conference model underscores the conference’s unique intent: to foster an internal dialogue that guides women towards a path of healing and empowerment.
Central to the conference’s ethos is the recognition of the paramount significance of self-healing and personal development. Kufre-Ekanem affirms, “If you’re broken, you can’t give your best.” The emphasis on self-restoration resonates deeply, highlighting the intrinsic connection between a woman’s personal well-being and her ability to contribute positively to her environment. By encouraging attendees to embark on a journey of introspection and growth, the conference acts as a guiding force towards achieving a state of inner wholeness.
The conference unearths a profound correlation between brokenness and the unmet expectations and dreams that linger within women’s hearts. Kufre-Ekanem succinctly encapsulates this: “We carry a lot of baggage, dreams that are unmet, unfulfilled.” This baggage, often unnoticed, affects women’s perceptions of themselves and their potential. By addressing these unmet dreams, the conference serves as a platform for women to acknowledge their aspirations and chart a course towards their realisation.
Unmet dreams and expectations, when left unaddressed, can significantly impact mental health. Kufre-Ekanem expounds, “When people say women are crazy, it’s because they don’t know what she’s carrying inside.” The weight of these unfulfilled dreams can manifest as emotional distress, anxiety, or even depression. The conference’s mission is to shed light on this inner turmoil and to provide women with the tools and insights needed to cope with and overcome these challenges.
The analogy of building bridges is not just a metaphor; it’s a profound representation of the journey to personal transformation. Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem passionately explains, “The truth is, if you want to move from point A to point B, you build a bridge.” This analogy beautifully encapsulates the essence of the UpYou! Women’s Conference, a dynamic event focused on empowering women to construct bridges between their past experiences and their envisioned futures.
At its core, this conference advocates for collaboration and sisterhood over competition. Ezinne emphasises this shift, stating, “So, from wherever you feel your life paused or the bend came, a bend is not a full stop. It’s just a pause.” This pause invites introspection, reflection, and the mending of the gaps that may have impeded progress. By addressing unfulfilled expectations and dreams, women can navigate these bends and emerge stronger, aligned with their true aspirations.
A central theme of the conference is women’s internal journeys of self-discovery and growth. As Ezinne asserts, “Because honestly, as a broken woman, you can’t do if you don’t. If you’re not whole, you can’t be wholesome. You can’t do wholesome things.” This event aims to guide women through a process of self-restoration, reminding them that personal fulfilment is foundational for impacting the world around them.
The UpYou! Women’s Conference challenges conventional narratives and societal norms, advocating for women to reclaim their stories. Ezinne envisions a world where women uplift one another, changing the narrative of competition into one of collaboration. She states, “The time to be last; the time to be insular. It’s gone. The time to wake up and say I’m in my silo and I’m comfortable, it’s gone. It’s not competition, it’s collaboration. It is sisterhood.”
In recognition of the rising prevalence of mental health issues stemming from unmet expectations, the conference takes a comprehensive approach. A dedicated team of psychologists, wellness coaches, emotional coaches, and mental health experts will be present to provide support. This initiative underscores the commitment to addressing various facets of women’s lives, fostering holistic growth and resilience.
The emergence of the ‘woke’ generation, a term encapsulating their heightened awareness and critical examination of societal norms introduces a fascinating dynamic. This wave of societal change seems to stand juxtaposed with the fundamental tenets of the conference. In the words of Ezinne, the visionary behind the conference, “This whole thing you described is because there are gaps. So, we’re going to first start listening to them.” This recognition signifies not a dissonance but an opportunity – an opportunity to fathom the depths of individualism and scepticism inherent in the ‘woke’ generation.
Individualism, a hallmark of the modern generation, speaks to a quest for personal identity and autonomy. It’s a sentiment captured succinctly by Ezinne’s reflection, “They’re quite individualistic. If you do not succeed, you begin to lose.” This acknowledgement isn’t a negation of the conference’s values but an invitation to forge a symbiotic connection. The conference’s mission to “build bridges from yourself to other women to other people” is an endeavour to bridge the chasm between personal aspirations and collective endeavours.
Scepticism, a trait often associated with the ‘woke’ generation, arises from a world teeming with information, complexity, and a measure of disillusionment. In light of this, fostering genuine dialogue is crucial. As Ezinne aptly points out, “We need to listen and teach what it means to be a woman.” By establishing a platform for open conversation, we foster an environment wherein concerns are aired, interrogated, and truly understood. This alignment is precisely what the conference stands for – a place where genuine concerns are not only acknowledged but also woven into the fabric of empowerment.
Ezinne beautifully envisions, “We hope to bridge the divide and lead them towards a path of collective growth and empowerment.”
The UpYou! Women’s Conference encapsulates a profound aim: to deliver lasting takeaways that transcend the event itself. Ezinne elucidates, “I expect that women will move. There will be a shift from, I want to win at all costs, I will do anything for anything to a win-win situation.” This transformation reflects the desire to replace individualistic tendencies with a collaborative ethos.
The conference seeks to ignite a spark of change that extends far beyond its duration. As Ezinne articulates, “It’s time we started talking about it. It’s time we started having those conversations because it is because you want to be. Well, I have realised in the last couple of years that your greatest success is your health.” This reveals a profound shift in perspective, emphasizing the significance of mental and emotional well-being, and laying the groundwork for sustained conversations about holistic self-improvement.
Ezinne envisions this conference as a catalyst for a series of transformative events. “It is just going to go on and on and on and on,” she asserts. This indicates a commitment to continuity, paving the way for future conferences and discussions that will empower and uplift women. The conference serves as a crucial starting point in an ongoing journey towards building bridges, fostering unity, and equipping women with the tools they need to overcome challenges and pursue their aspirations collectively.
The UpYou! Women’s Conference not only provides immediate insights but also sets the stage for a broader movement towards collaboration, healing, and empowerment among women of all generations. The event stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring individuals to break down barriers and pave the way for a brighter, more united future.
- Ezinne Kufre-Ekanem spoke to Nkanu Egbe
