Who says Farming is not for Women?

Farming is often seen as a man’s domain. However, a visit to many African communities would challenge that stereotype.

One woman is rewriting that narrative in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, South-South Nigeria. Rita Otu is leading a quiet revolution among women farmers in her community, and her incredible work deserves a spotlight.

While we often celebrate women making strides in digital business (which is amazing) today, we’re turning our attention to a woman who has decided to spark change where it’s needed most: rural communities in Southern Nigeria. Rita’s story is as inspiring as it is impactful.

When Rita received three hectares of land from her father in 2015, she set a bold goal: to empower and train women farmers in modern agricultural techniques to transform their lives and communities.

Rita didn’t stop at words, she led by example. She converted the land into a thriving cassava farm, cultivating a Vitamin A-rich variety of the crop. The income she generated became the foundation for her mission to teach other women more sustainable farming methods.

Through her work, she has trained numerous women across rural communities in Southern Nigeria, teaching them:

• Modern fertilizer application techniques
• Proper crop storage after harvest
• Effective packaging to boost sales and income

Her training doesn’t stop at cassava farming. She equips women to grow crops like sweet potatoes and plantains and even teaches them poultry farming skills.

Reflection:?

Rita’s vision goes beyond her community. She hopes to extend her impact to other Nigerian states, empowering even more women and girls to rise above subsistence farming and build sustainable livelihoods.

Her work is a powerful example of what’s possible when someone uses what they have to make a difference. Rita reminds us that change begins with action and she’s living proof of that truth.

Question for you:?

What’s one step you can take today to turn your resources into opportunities for others?        

Book of the Month

This is the part where I share lessons from our book of the month: Estée: A Success Story by Estée Lauder.

One remarkable lesson from Estée: A Success Story is the importance of persistence and personal connection in building a brand. In the book, Estée Lauder shares her belief:

"Touch a face, and you touch a heart."

Let me explain properly. Estee loved beauty and she always wanted to leave every woman she met more beautiful than she met her. Thus, never will you meet Estee and leave without a dose of her products.?Estée’s commitment to personally demonstrating her products whether through free samples or direct consultations set her apart and created a strong emotional bond with her clientele.

This philosophy highlights the lesson that creating meaningful, personal experiences with customers builds loyalty and trust.?

The takeaway is clear: Building genuine connections with people can transform a business into a beloved brand.

Yes, she’s the iconic founder of a global beauty empire which is now worth?$26.4 billion.

From free products to billions of dollars.

Ask yourself: Are you giving people a dose of your service?

Video of the Week

For this week’s video, take a moment to hear Toni Morrison share her thoughts on the power of writing. Watch as she reflects on how storytelling has shaped her journey, reading excerpts from her book God Bless the Child.

Affirmation of the Week

?Let this guide you as you step into the new week:

"My dreams alone won’t change the course of history. My actions will. I will turn my dreams into reality, creating something that outlasts and outlives me.        

?Let this affirmation put a spring in your step as you walk boldly this week.??

Empower yourself to Empower others

Have you noticed how the people around you feel more inspired when you step into your courage? Just like Rita Robert Otu did, embracing your bravery and letting your light shine encourages others to do the same.

When we lead by example, we create a ripple effect of empowerment.

Are you ready to shine your brightest in 2025?

Join my Lunch and Learn next week Tuesday to learn how to start using your resources to empower yourself and others. Don't miss it!

P.S. Don't miss this!