IWD: Kaffy shares emotional advice for women

Nigerian choreographer and dance icon Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, has urged women and girls to embrace their authentic selves and focus on personal growth as the world marks International Women’s Day.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television at the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event, the award-winning choreographer advised women to stop seeking external validation and instead channel their energy into self-development.

Kaffy, a former Guinness World Record holder, said true transformation should not come at the cost of losing one’s identity.

“Transformation is my watchword. Transform your environment, but you must not sacrifice who you are in the process. I did that at one time and had to find myself again,” she said.

According to her, women should focus on using their unique strengths to influence positive change around them without trying to impress others.

“Use who you are to transform yourself so that the world around you will automatically transform. You don’t need to perform for it, and you don’t need approval or validation from anybody,” she added.

The 45-year-old fitness coach also acknowledged the difficulties many women face while growing up, including the absence of guidance from those expected to mentor them.

“I feel like many young women ask, ‘Where are the women that are supposed to help raise you?’ I want them to know that we are here, but we are also figuring ourselves out,” she said.

Kaffy encouraged young girls to remain open to mentorship and healing while learning to forgive those who may have failed them in the past.

“When you get an opportunity for a woman to pour knowledge into you, receive it. Forgive your mother and other women who were unable to show up for you because they were also trying to survive,” she said.

She further urged the younger generation to focus on building a better future rather than dwelling on past pain.

“It’s not about the past or the pains of the past. It’s about now. You are our future, and I want you to be better than us,” Kaffy added.

The choreographer also advised women to prioritise knowledge, emotional healing and courage in their personal journeys.

“Be informed. Empower your mind, heal your heart, and be audacious. Be authentic. Have no fear and keep moving,” she said.

International Women’s Day is observed annually around the world to celebrate women’s achievements and promote gender equality and empowerment.