IWD: Kaffy Urges Women To Embrace Authenticity, Stop Seeking Validation
Kaffy Urges Women to Embrace Authenticity and Self-Growth on International Women’s Day
Updated March 5, 2026
Nigerian dancer and creative entrepreneur Kafayat Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, has encouraged women and girls to stop seeking external validation and instead focus on personal development and authenticity as the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026.
The 45-year-old award-winning choreographer said personal transformation should never come at the expense of losing one’s identity.
Speaking with Channels Television during the Wema Bank International Women’s Day event in Lagos, Kaffy reflected on her own journey and the importance of staying true to oneself.
“Transformation is my watchword,” she said. “Transform your environment, but don’t sacrifice who you are for it. I did that once and had to rediscover myself.”
According to her, true change begins within, and individuals do not need approval from others to grow or make an impact.
“Use who you are to transform yourself so that the world around you will automatically change. You don’t need to perform for anyone or seek validation,” she added.
The Guinness World Record holder also acknowledged the challenges many women face while navigating life, noting that even those expected to mentor younger women are often still learning and evolving themselves.
“I sometimes wonder where the women who are supposed to guide you are,” she said. “But the truth is, we are here, and we are still figuring ourselves out too.”
Kaffy encouraged young women to remain open to mentorship whenever opportunities arise.
“When a woman gets the chance to pour knowledge into you, receive it,” she advised.
She also stressed the importance of forgiveness and empathy toward women who may not have been able to provide the support others expected from them.
“Forgive your mother and forgive the women who could not show up for you because they are also trying to survive,” she said.
Urging young women to focus on the future rather than past disappointments, Kaffy said the next generation carries the responsibility of building a better world.
“It’s not about the pains of the past. It’s about now. You are our future, and I want you to be better than us,” she noted.
She concluded by encouraging women to pursue knowledge, emotional healing, and boldness.
“Be informed. Empower your mind, heal your heart, be audacious, and stay authentic. Don’t be afraid—just keep moving,” she said.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually to honour women’s achievements and advocate for gender equality worldwide. This year’s theme by the United Nations, “Give to Gain; When We Give, We Gain,” highlights the value of mentorship, support, and opportunities that help women and girls succeed