Rise Together,
Thrive Unapologetically

My name is Hawa Zainab — a certified holistic life coach and founder of the Emancipated Woman Africa platform.Growing up, especially during my teenage years, I carried a deep yearning for freedom and independence. I witnessed firsthand how women in my community were disenfranchised — their voices silenced, their choices dictated, and their decision-making power externalized. It stirred something within me. I longed for a different path, one where I could reclaim the right to make my own life decisions, to be seen and heard, and to live on my own terms. That dream of autonomy wasn't just about personal liberation — it was a quiet rebellion, a desire to break generational cycles and lead a life defined by choice, not circumstance.

For a decade, I worked in the humanitarian sector, climbing the career ladder, earning degrees, and collecting accolades. Yet, despite the progress and recognition, I felt an emptiness I couldn't ignore. I had dedicated my life to serving others, alleviating suffering, and uplifting communities — work that inspired me but left me wondering if I was truly serving the world at my highest capacity. In moments of confusion, self-doubt, anxiety, and even depression, I was forced to look inward. Through stillness, mindfulness, and self-reflection, I discovered that everything I was searching for externally was already within me. Solitude became my greatest teacher, revealing my ikigai — my passion and purpose — and igniting my mission to create a platform where women can reclaim their freedom, worth, and voice with proper guidance and support.