Spotlighting Remarkable Women and Girls

When Zeal Isn’t Enough: Choosing Purpose Over Passivity

By Zamie Ayo

A woman named Judith chose not to pursue any form of work or skill acquisition because, from her perspective, doing so would distract her from serving God. She was deeply committed to church activities; you would always see her in church and at various religious events. Now, let me be clear: I’m not saying going to church is wrong. But while she was consistently involved in spiritual matters, she had nothing else going on for her. She had no job, no business, and unfortunately, no family of her own. She had neither a husband nor children.

As time went on, she began to age, and things got even harder. She often went around asking people for help; money for food, essentials, anything to get by. It got to a point where her family had to hold a meeting about her situation. Out of concern, they decided to raise some money to help her start a small business. But she refused the offer. She said they shouldn’t bother, that she wasn’t interested in doing any business.

And that was it. She grew older, and eventually, she passed away leaving behind no legacy, no impact, nothing to show for her life. It was truly sad.

I’m sharing this not to criticize, but to encourage you: Life is full of opportunities. You need a skill. You need to develop yourself. You need to show up for yourself because at the end of the day, no one is coming to your rescue. Be intentional. Build something. Leave a legacy.

Here are few opportunities you could check out;

  1. Organization: ATKV X Global Changemakers

Location: South Africa | Application Deadline: 25-4-2025 (South Africa Applicant)

Application Ends: 25-4-2025(Int’l Applicant)

Brief

Application for the ATKV x Global Changemakers Global Youth Summit 2025 are now open. The Global Youth Summit 2025 is a fully funded, life-changing opportunity for young Changemakers worldwide! This year, ATKV and Global Changemakers are bringing together passionate youth leaders in Cape Town, South Africa, from 20-24 October, 2025 for an immersive experience in leadership, innovation and collaboration.

The summit isn’t just an event, it’s a dynamic space where ideas, cultures, and visions for a better world come together. If you’re aged 21-28 and making a difference in your community, this is your change to take part in an unforgettable week of skills training, networking, and capacity building. Alongside some of the most inspiring young leader from around the world, you’ll gain the tools and connections to amplify your impact.

As a Global Youth Summit 2025 participant, you’ll join a thriving international network of over 1,200 changemakers and gain access to exclusive grant funding opportunities to turn your ideas into action.

Eligibility

  • Open to English speaking Changemakers.
  • Aged 21-28 and living anywhere in the world.
  • All applicant residing outside of South Africa must apply as international applicants between April 1 and April 25, 2025.
  • Applicants living in South Africa will have a separate application period from May 1 to May 25, 2025.

Applications

Don’t miss your chance to join the fully funded Global Youth Summit 2025! The simple three-step application process is your ticket to an unforgettable experience-connecting with fellow changemakers, gaining new skills, and turning ideas into action.

Registration: https://opportuintydesk.org

2. Organization: UNESCO

Location: Across the Globe | Offer Type: Grant

Application Deadline: 12-5-2025

Brief

The UNESCO Prize for Girl’s and Women’s Education honors outstanding and innovative contributions made by individual, institution and organization to advance girls and women’s education. It is the first UNESCO prize of this nature and is unique in showcasing successful projects of girls and women and in turn, the quality of their lives.

Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, the Prize is conferred annually to two laureates and consist of an award of US $50,000 each to help further their work in the area of girls and women education. The Director-General of UNESCO awarded the prize for the first time in 2016.

Explanatory Note And Selection Criteria

  • Individuals, institutions or organizations advancing girls and women education are eligible for nomination. Nominations must focus on an established project or programme of the candidate, which has been running for at least two years, and meets the selection criteria.
  • Self-nominations are not accepted. If you, your institution or organization meet the selection criteria, please contact you country’s National Commission to UNESCO or a relevant NGO in Official Partnership with UNESCO.

Apply: https://www.GWEPrize@unesco.org

3. ORGANIZER: Banking on Women Health Conference (BWHC)

Brief

Women’s Health in Nigeria tales center stage at the upcoming Banking on women’s Health Conference (BWHC), this event will feature the launch of the State of Women’s Health in Nigeria Report and the presentation of the innovation Award.

Discussion will explore a range of critical health topics including PCOS, endometriosis, menopause, mental health, maternal health and more.

Participation is FREE. For registration details visit :www.bankonwomenhealth.com

Share:

Trending

RW MAGAZINE Issue 36 – FEB 2026

February arrives wrapped in expectation. Red roses, grand gestures, and a narrow definition of love that often leaves women carrying far more than they receive.

Issue 035 – January 2026

Our spotlight on Emma Grede reminds us that the most powerful empires are not built alone. Through intentional partnerships, shared vision, and a deep commitment to lifting other women as she climbs, Emma embodies what collaboration looks like when it is rooted in purpose rather than performance

ISSUE 034

As we arrive at the final pages of 2025, this
Christmas edition feels both tender and collective. It
is a pause between what has been and what is
quietly becoming. A season of warmth, reflection,
and honest stock taking, wrapped in the familiar
comfort of family, memory, and hope.
This issue is about finishing well. Not with noise or
perfection, but with intention. Across these pages,
we explore purpose, resilience, womanhood,
healing, and the quiet power of choosing peace in a
world that constantly demands performance.
Being the cover star of this final issue is not about
visibility, but responsibility. It is about holding space
for reflection and renewal, and reminding ourselves
that growth often arrives softly. In wisdom earned,
boundaries honoured, and rest finally embraced.
As the year closes, I hope this edition meets you
gently. Whether you are celebrating milestones,
sitting with loss, or rebuilding in silence, remember
this, finishing strong is not about how the year
looked, but how you choose to step forward.
Here is to light, intention, and the courage to begin
again. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a
great New Year

Your guide to IVF and egg freezing in Korea

Empowering your family planning journey with curated fertility treatments at lower costs. Get our guide for Korea’s leading clinics, pricing and service breakdown.

Recommended News

Issue 035 – January 2026

Our spotlight on Emma Grede reminds us that the most powerful empires are not built alone. Through intentional partnerships, shared vision, and a deep commitment to lifting other women as she climbs, Emma embodies what collaboration looks like when it is rooted in purpose rather than performance

ISSUE 034

As we arrive at the final pages of 2025, this
Christmas edition feels both tender and collective. It
is a pause between what has been and what is
quietly becoming. A season of warmth, reflection,
and honest stock taking, wrapped in the familiar
comfort of family, memory, and hope.
This issue is about finishing well. Not with noise or
perfection, but with intention. Across these pages,
we explore purpose, resilience, womanhood,
healing, and the quiet power of choosing peace in a
world that constantly demands performance.
Being the cover star of this final issue is not about
visibility, but responsibility. It is about holding space
for reflection and renewal, and reminding ourselves
that growth often arrives softly. In wisdom earned,
boundaries honoured, and rest finally embraced.
As the year closes, I hope this edition meets you
gently. Whether you are celebrating milestones,
sitting with loss, or rebuilding in silence, remember
this, finishing strong is not about how the year
looked, but how you choose to step forward.
Here is to light, intention, and the courage to begin
again. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a
great New Year