Given the tensions that exist within and around African feminism, I was pleasantly surprised to find (and get to know) three amazing organizations that have found a way to strike a balance between engaging all kinds of women from where they are and empowering women who already identify as feminists to “spread the good word.” Like them on Facebook :)
A Black lesbian organic herbalist and entrepreneur, who specializes in women’s wellness, just started a social venture mass manufacturing her signature organic elixir, HONEY & GOLD, described as a “pleasure and beauty tonic.” Pleasure and beauty tonic? Please sign me up immediately.
I recently visited the Ibhabhathane Community Centre, the only pre-school available in Rieebeck East, a small farm village with a population of about 700 people. Needless to say, providing good quality education (much less early childhood development) is a challenge. But a small group of dedicated women are making a difference.
“It takes a village to raise a child” comes to mind when I reflect on my visit. Inspired by a woman’s wish to build homes for children orphaned by their mothers dying of HIV/AIDS (and who most likely would end up HIV+ themselves), I expected a hospice when I arrived. Instead, I was met with a joyful, vibrant network of community stakeholders — caregivers, social workers, doctors, and a mother who had given up her child but was working at the center to maintain contact while also getting work experience. This is what good advocacy looks like; love.
About Me

Meet Spectra: Queer Nigerian Afrofeminist Writer and Media Activist. Social Entrepreneur Nurturing Principled Diaspora and Women's Philanthropy in Media and Tech. Self-Care and Self-Love Evangelist. Idealist Warrior Woman. Big Dreamer. Big Thinker. Big Doer, Too.
Testimonials
I love not only your thoughts, but also how you express them… Your love-centered, hopeful, positive and proactive voice is incredibly refreshing and exactly what I’ve been looking for recently in the feminist blogosphere.
SaraSpectra has allowed myself, and many I know, access safer spaces to have much needed, challenging and powerful conversations that would otherwise not occur in our communities.
ShakiraThe Network/La Red… a flexible and effective communicator with youth across various social, class and cultural strata.
AyariGirl Scouts Program CoordinatorSpectra is a talented speaker and facilitator and is especially adept at working with groups of students in ways that both challenge and support individual viewpoints.
http://Eva, Harvard Women's Center… a force to be reckoned with–in a very positive way. Spectra has the “gift” of envisioning the greatness we can achieve and uniting the folks who will make that happen. I adore her.
TimFenway Health… [an] articulate weaving of personal experience and analysis.
BeckyBy sharing your story, you allow people like me to relate, to experience, to learn and to share with others as well. thank you, thank you, thank you.
JTThank you so much for sharing your story and for being an inspiration to so many people.
WayoftheLizWe love it when Spectra Speaks!
The Theater OffensiveI can always count on Spectra to challenge an audience, to nudge us in new directions and connect us with new ideas.
Andrew ElderThe History ProjectTop Posts & Pages
Upcoming Events
- No events. Self-care break.
Africa News and Innovation
Afrofeminist Aesthetics
Social Media + Tech for Good

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