SEEKING INNER VERSUS OUTER BEAUTY

I hear that there is a certain group of men from a certain region in Africa – who are at it again - denigrating women from a certain African nation (about the way the women look). Fellow sisters out there be aware and be alert! I think this particular group feels threatened by our collective action and voices. And we are not stopping! (and get me right, it's a certain group of men not all of them)

If you get a chance, any chance to empower yourself, do it. From what these men are saying and doing, it is clear that no-one is going to do it for us. None but ourselves. Without saying a lot, and moving forward here is a 10-point plan to get us going in 2014 – I have a 21-point plan in my forthcoming book;

1. If your life seems complex and you want to understand what's going on, stop and think, then break it down into phases. A solution might come out of that.
2. Seek help if you can.
3. Learn from your mistakes.
4. Learn something new – a skill, language, a certain subject - be informed. Take a step.
5. Change for the better – everyday - Make small manageable changes.
6. Use your potential – start with what you have.
7. A form of faith does help sometimes.
8. Know that culture – any culture - is dynamic (we are no longer in the stone age!)
9. Teach your child /ren - if you have any – from a tender age. Don't wait till its too late.
10. Count your blessings – do not moan all the time.

With the response I have had so far - the dialogue, more enquiries about the book 'Being A Woman In Africa,' and about my story, book purchases, donations to charity etc - I am one happy African woman! I'm glad the message of EMPOWERMENT is spreading like veld-fire, thousands from all over the world have read or are reading my book - thank you readers in the USA, UK, Germany, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Taiwan, South Africa, Kenya, India, Canada, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Australia, France, Taiwan, Zimbabwe and in new territories. Thanks to Writers' and Readers' groups who are spreading the message. Couldn't be happier!

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Through this post I am making a special appeal to African women wherever you read my posts from - women who are feeling trapped in one way or the other, please seek help as soon as possible. I'm not a counsellor but if there is anything bothering you related to domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, physical, emotional, psychological or economic abuse, child marriage etc PLEASE SEEK HELP.

Wherever you are, if you suspect that such things are happening to someone you know please help the person concerned. Speak with them or report the case.

Here are a few organizations in Zimbabwe which could be of some help;

• Your local Church Pastor - if he / she understands such issues – not that infamous one with 11 wives!!!!!!!
• New Start Centres in Zimbabwe
• Musasa Project in Harare – and other centres were you can just walk in to look for information or for a chat
• If anyone knows of any similar organizations, please drop me a line or pass on the information to the person concerned

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Please do get in touch if you need further information - on my twitter account, facebook page or via the Charityhope Trust website, or on about.me/ruth.pink. Thanks to all men (and women) who are reading and are dying to read my book. More info. is on the above sites.

I will be looking for INNER rather than OUTER beauty in 2014 and beyond. Let's count all our blessings - especially 2013 blessings! In the meantime enjoy the remaining festive season to the max.

Ruth Pink xx