Omotola, Waje, Yemi Alade Join One Campaign to fight Poverty

Omotola, Waje and Victoria Kimani marching for gender equality

 An outstanding line-up of top women musicians from across Africa including Waje, Omotola and Yemi Alade have joined forces with ONE to create a brand new song titled Strong Girl, a rally cry to empower girls and women everywhere.

Nine artists from seven African countries came together in South Africa earlier this month to write and record the track. They were joined by Nollywood superstar actress and activist Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, who stars in the Strong Girl video. The women are calling for action because poverty is sexist, and we won’t end it unless world leaders act now to help girls and women reach their full potential. The track and video was released on May 13, 2015 along with a global day of action amplifying the songs message and recruiting thousands worldwide to the fight for justice.

This year, new global goals to end poverty will be set by world leaders. To be truly transformative, the goals must focus on the countries and the people that are worst off, and that includes girls and women. Evidence shows that investing in girls and women helps their families, communities and whole economies too.

Talented Nigerian singer, Waje has said the campaign means a lot to her. "This is one of the most profound things I have done in my life. I am doing this for the African woman so she doesn’t have to die in childbirth. I am doing this so that girls in rural Africa can complete primary school education. I am doing this because it is the right and smart thing to do. Empowering girls and women

is an idea whose time has come".

Also speaking as regards the campaign, top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade said “I am fortunate to be a young woman living her dreams and a trailblazer of my generation but I also recognize that many women and girls are not so fortunate. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by the injustice of poverty and inequality. But when we invest in women and girls, we increase and accelerate the chances of overcoming extreme poverty".

On International Women’s Day, ONE published a policy report that revealed the scale of the gender gap in the world’s poorest countries, and how unlocking the potential of girls and women could transform lives. ONE’s call to action is already backed by more 36 of the world’s most powerful women, including Beyoncé, Meryl Streep, Lady Gaga, Angelique Kidjo and other leading women from the worlds of business, arts, politics and activism. They have written an open letter to Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel and African Union Commission Chair Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who both host crucial summits in the coming months that should set us on a path to agreeing Global Goals that put women’s empowerment at their heart.