In this stirring TEDx talk, Her Excellency Hafsat Kolere Buni, First Lady of Yobe State, Nigeria shares the deeply personal journey behind her decision to reclaim her freedom, and why education is the key to giving girls that same right. It’s a call to empower the girl child with the tools, voice, and freedom to choose her own path. With raw honesty and quiet strength, she unpacks the emotional and societal toll of choosing autonomy in a world that often punishes women for saying no. It is a story of courage, choice, and the transformative power of education. Her Excellency Hajiya Hafsat Kollere-Buni is a compassionate humanitarian, gender advocate, and the First Lady of Yobe State, Nigeria. With a solid academic foundation in Political Science, she brings a rare combination of intellect and empathy to her mission of creating inclusive opportunities for women, youth, and underserved populations across Northern Nigeria, especially North-East. She is the visionary Founder of the Ma’aruf Foundation, a platform through which she leads impactful programs in education, women and youth empowerment, health, digital empowerment, and community development. Her recent initiatives include digital literacy and artificial intelligence training for women in Damaturu, the EDULIFT Project that supports secondary school students preparing for WAEC and NECO exams, street children rehabilitation campaigns, and targeted empowerment programs for victims of flood disasters. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

The heritage of the city of Aden and its folk songs are celebrated through modern melodies and beautiful tunes.“Dagg Al-Qa’a” is an old traditional song from Aden, long associated with weddings and joyful occasions. It is presented by the 4Aden band in a modern style with a fun and lively rearrangement that encourages dancing and celebration. 4Aden is a unique musical band led by maestro Firas Abubakr Salem Ibrahim. The band blends tradition with modernity, combining Eastern melodies with Western rhythms and influences from Yemeni and Arab heritage, infused with pop and rock elements. Known for their energetic live performances and use of advanced sound and lighting techniques, 4Aden aims to be a fresh and creative voice that reimagines Aden’s cultural legacy in a contemporary style. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Have you ever felt like you were doing fine, even great, until you opened your phone? One second, you’re proud of the progress you’ve made, and the next, you’re seeing kids your age play like pros, win awards you’ve only dreamed of, or get into schools you never thought were possible. Hello! I'm Marcus and I am going into 11th grade attending St George's School. I have many different hobbies, such as volleyball, filmmaking, badminton, travel, hiking, and music. Some of my favourite artists currently are Drake, J.Cole, and Daniel Caesar. I am a big risk taker, and enjoy trying new and different activities. This is my first TedX speech and I am both excited and a little anxious at the same time. I try to bring a strong sense of curiosity to everything I do, and also hope to just have fun. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

When the four musical instruments — piano, flute, violin, and guitar — come together, they create a beautiful folk masterpiece from the golden era of the city of Aden.The traditional song "Qalbah Sa’al Qalbi" is performed with a modern arrangement that blends various instruments, evoking a unique feeling and a melody full of nostalgia. The Quartet Band This group of four talented musicians delivered a live performance that embodied harmony and creativity. Blending Eastern and Western instruments, they presented musical pieces that enriched the event with a refined artistic touch, showcasing the spirit of collaboration and musical diversity. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Can putting on a character help you reveal your truest self? Heather Witherden—mother of three, comedian, and burlesque emcee—shares her powerful journey from suburban mom to stage persona Your Mom Kathy. Through comedy and glitter, Heather sheds the expectations placed on women, mothers, and aging bodies, reclaiming confidence, voice, and joy in unexpected places.From a keyboard in her basement to the spotlight of a burlesque stage, Heather uses storytelling, satire, and sensuality to challenge societal norms, celebrate identity, and create radical self-acceptance. This talk is a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt unseen—and a call to let yourself be fully seen, sparkle and all. Heather Witherden, a mother and burlesque performer, has discovered the power of self-expression through this bold art form. Her talk will explores how burlesque inspires personal revelations and empowerment. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx

Anna Sergi ci accompagna in un racconto personale e potente. Il suo speech narra la storia di Betta e delle ambiguità di crescere in un contesto familiare segnato dalla ’ndrangheta, sfidando stereotipi e invitandoci a guardare il bene e il male oltre le categorie assolute. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx – www.tedxreggiocalabria.org Criminologa di fama internazionale, è docente e direttrice del Centro di Criminologia presso l’Università dell’Essex (Regno Unito). I suoi studi sulle mafie italiane, e in particolare sulla ’ndrangheta, sono pubblicati dalle più importanti riviste e case editrici. Combina ricerca accademica e testimonianza personale, raccontando con coraggio le ambiguità di un contesto in cui bene e male si intrecciano. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx