By Esther Onyegbula
In line with the International Women’s Day, which holds every March 8, to celebrate women around the world, Vlisco has decided to dedicate the whole of March to motivate and celebrate inspiring women. This year’s theme is “Dare to Dream”, a tribute to women who have faith and courage to realise their dreams.

Speaking during a press conference held recently in Lagos, Ayotunde Odebunmi Channel Activation Executive, revealed Stephanie Okereke-Linus as the face of this year’s campaign.

“She is a shining example of a woman who dared to dream and who has become an inspiring role model to young women in Nigeria and across Africa. As a young girl, Stephanie had the ambition to one day grace the big screen and direct her own films.

Today, the award-winning Nigerian actress and director, has fully realised that dream and is now famous in West and Central Africa, as well as in the UK and US where she has done movie collaborations. These achievements came in spite of a ghastly accident that threatened to truncate her dreams but with doggedness and determination, she today, has a beautiful success story to share”.

The Vlisco Women’s Month Award, aims at honouring and celebrating outstanding achievements of West and Central African women by identifying and rewarding those who inspire others to realise their dreams. This year, Vlisco has nominated three successful and outstanding women in different fields to be honoured.

They are: Dr Olamide Orekunrin,  Mrs. Adesuwa Onyenokwe and Esther Agbarakwe. These women blaze the trail in media, development and health sectors, breaking the bounds of stereotypes and becoming inspirations for younger women. Aside from honouring and telling their stories, members of the public, get a chance to vote for the stories that inspire them most.

As part of the celebration, aspiring young designers gets a chance to win $2,500 through the Vlisco Fashion Fund that provides training in the Netherlands. Novice designers are encouraged to pitch their business plan, which explains their fashion dream, to a Vlisco jury between, 1st -23rd March, 2014.

Adaeze Alilonu, Marketing Manager, Vlisco, explained that “Vlisco believes that those who dare to dream will shape the future.   Some dreams are personal, while others can plant the seed of change for women around the world. Vlisco invites the public to share their ‘dream for the world’ for a chance to win a luxury weekend away for two”.