Seunfunmi Joshua
International Women’s Day is a moment to honor the accomplishments of women globally. International Women’s Day is not just a date on the calendar; it’s a worldwide day dedicated to recognizing, celebrating, and advocating for women’s rights and equality.
From 2010 to 2015, an average of only 38% of federal employees in Nigeria were women, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Additionally, Nigeria has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the world.
Regardless of this and more that women go through on a daily basis, we have seen many outstanding women who are making a difference in diverse fields, including business, politics, arts, and activism.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, we are highlighting five (5) exceptional Nigerian women who are setting a positive example and motivating others through their hard work, perseverance, and creating a world that #InspireInclusion
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Okonjo-Iweala is one of the few Black women who have had significant roles in national and global leadership. Having served twice as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, she went on to work at the World Bank for more than 20 years. She also sat on the board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.
After a selection process that lasted 9 months, she made history by becoming the first woman and the first African to lead the World Trade Organization (WTO).
This is the first time in the 73-year history of GATT and WTO that a woman and an African have been selected as Director-General.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
She is a Nigerian author known for her award-winning novels, including “Half of a Yellow Sun” and “Americanah.” She has received numerous awards for her work and her TED Talk “We Should All Be Feminists” has sparked global conversations about gender equality.
Adichie’s books are bestsellers and she has been recognized with honorary degrees for her contributions to literature and activism. Overall, she is celebrated for her impactful writing and advocacy for gender equality.
Lois Auta
Despite contracting polio at age two, which left her permanently in a wheelchair, Lois Auta has conquered every challenge she has faced as a disabled woman in Nigeria.
She is the founder of Cedar Seed Foundation, a non-profit organization in Nigeria that advocates for the rights of people with disabilities. Auta, who has been paralyzed from the waist down since contracting polio as a child, has been a vocal advocate for disability rights, accessibility, and inclusion.
In 2019, Auta ran for a seat in Nigeria’s lower legislative house, becoming the first person living with a disability to do so. She has advocated for inclusive legislation, emphasizing the importance of infrastructure, healthcare, and transportation accessibility for people with disabilities.
Mo Abudu
Mo Abudu is a prominent Nigerian media mogul known for her groundbreaking work in African media and entertainment. She is the founder and CEO of EbonyLife Media, which has produced several successful films and TV series.
Under her leadership, EbonyLife Media has produced several critically acclaimed films and TV series, including “The Wedding Party” series, “Fifty,” and “Chief Daddy.” These productions have not only been commercial successes but have also received international recognition, helping to elevate the profile of African cinema and storytelling on the global stage.
Abudu is also a strong advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. She has received numerous awards for her achievements, including the Forbes Africa Woman of the Year award, the International Emmy Directorate Award amongst others.
She remains a trailblazer in the African media sector, inspiring others with her visionary leadership, creativity, and unwavering determination.
Amina Mohammed
She is a Nigerian diplomat and politician who has held several key positions in both the Nigerian government and the United Nations. She served as the Minister of Environment in Nigeria from 2015 to 2016 and was appointed as the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2017, becoming the highest-ranking Nigerian in the UN. Amina Mohammed is known for her advocacy on sustainable development, gender equality, and environmental issues. She has been recognized internationally for her work and has received several awards for her contributions to global development.
Final Thoughts
When we encourage others to recognize and appreciate the importance of including women, we create a better world. When women feel inspired to be included, they experience a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
