Dancer and creative entrepreneur Kafayat Shafau, better known as Kaffy, has asked women and girls to reject validation, focus on personal growth, and embrace their authenticity as the world marks the 2026 International Women’s Day.
The 45-year-old award-winning choreographer told women that transformation should not come at the cost of losing their identity.
“Transformation is my watchword… transform your environment, but how to do that is not to sacrifice who you are for it. I did that one time, and I had to try to find myself,” Kaffy told Channels Television on the sidelines of the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event held in Lagos.
“Use who you are to transform you so that the world around you will automatically transform. You don’t even need to perform for it. You don’t need to get approval or validation from anybody,” she said.
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The Guinness World Record holder also spoke about the realities many women face while trying to navigate life, acknowledging that even those expected to guide younger women are sometimes still figuring things out themselves.
“I feel like, where are the women that are supposed to help raise you? I will let you know that we are here. We are also figuring ourselves out,” the fitness coach said.
According to the dance critic, young girls should remain open to mentorship and guidance whenever the opportunity presents itself.
“When you see one moment, one opportunity that a woman has to pour into you, receive it,” Kaffy added.
She also emphasised the importance of forgiveness and understanding, especially towards women who may not have been able to provide the support expected of them.
“Forgive your mother. Forgive those women that are not able to show up for you because they are also trying to survive.”
Challenging young women to focus on the future rather than past hurts, she believes the next generation has the responsibility to build a better world.
Kaffy said, “It’s not about the past or the pains of the past. It’s about now. You are our future. I want you to be better than us.”
She urged women and girls to prioritise knowledge, emotional healing, and courage.
“Be informed. Empower your mind, heal your heart, and be audacious… and be authentic. No fear. Keep moving,” the choreographer stated.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually to recognise the achievements of women while also advocating for gender equality and empowerment across the world.
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