Celebrating 20 Remarkable Women Making a Difference This IWD
International Women's Day celebrates women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. This year, we're spotlighting 20 exceptional women who are making a difference across diverse fields.
From the creativity of the Arts, Culture, and sports sphere to the innovative world of Business and technology, these women are breaking barriers and inspiring others. We'll also recognise those working tirelessly for positive change in Social Impact and activism and those pushing the boundaries of knowledge in Science and education.
Get ready to be empowered by the stories of these remarkable women shaping a brighter future for all.
Michelle Alozie
Michelle Alozie is a professional footballer who plays for the National Women's Soccer League team, Houston Dash and the Nigeria women’s national team. The last women’s world cup played in 2023 showed light on the magnitude of this outstanding player as she held the strong defence line for the Super Falcons.
When Michelle is not playing football (her first love), she is saving lives as a research technician at the Texas Children’s Hospital. Her research work is aimed at discovering a permanent cure for children with leukaemia and cancer. For Michelle, having to do both careers is a blessing as she says, “I feel completely and totally blessed to be able to have them both. I’ve fallen in love with soccer, and I always wanted to have a good professional career, but I've also always had this passion for the medical field ever since I was younger, and I knew that it was something I wanted to do."
Asisat Oshoala
Popularly known as Agba baller, Asisat Oshoala is a striker for the National Women's Soccer League team, BAY FC and the Nigeria women’s national team. She is regarded as one of her generation's greatest women’s football players. Playing across top clubs in Europe, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League as the first African woman to do so, and being the African Women's Footballer of the Year for a record six times are honours that most people can only dream of.
Asisat is raising world stars from the grassroots through her football academy for girls. She has always strived to give back to the girl child in her community, and she believes “ this football academy will provide opportunities for more girls to excel through the combination of sport and education.”
Tobi Amusan
In 2022, Tobi Amusan broke the internet by setting a world record in the 100-metre hurdles with a time of 12.12 seconds. As a track and field athlete, Tobi was the first ever Nigerian world champion and world record holder in an athletics event. Tobi has a knack for breaking and setting new records, as she recently broke a 25-year record when she won the African women’s 60-metre hurdles indoors in 7.7 seconds.
Tobi is a firm believer in her abilities, and in 2016, she tweeted, “Unknown now, but I will be UNFORGETTABLE … I will Persist until I SUCCEED.” her strides in recent years put her among the elite athletes globally. Tobi's journey is not just about the Records she breaks but also about the barriers she demolishes, proving that one can overcome any obstacle with determination and perseverance.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Every other week on Twitter, a tweet is inspired by the great works of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, known as CNA by her fans. From the amazing story of Kambili in Purple Hibiscus to the love story of Ifemelu and Obinze in Americannah to the chilling tale of the Nigerian civil war told in Half of a Yellow Sun, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is one of the greatest writers from the African continent.
Not only is she an acclaimed writer, she holds multiple awards from reputable organisations, 16 honourary degrees, is a BBC 100 woman, and is the first woman in her village to be made a chief. She is one who the storytelling greats have always eulogised. Of her, Chinua Achebe said, “We do not usually associate wisdom with beginners, but here is a new writer endowed with the gift of ancient storytellers.”
As we celebrate IWD, we’d love for all women to remember, "You must never behave as if your life belongs to a man. Do you hear me?” Aunty Ifeka said. “Your life belongs to you and you alone.”_Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun
Renike Olusanya
Renike is a visual artist and illustrator who with each stroke of her brush is gradually writing her name on the canvas of the art world. Her work speaks volumes, weaving narratives that resonate with emotions and captivate the observer. Renike's artistic vision goes beyond the conventional as she fearlessly explores new techniques, styles, and themes, pushing the boundaries of her own creativity.
Renike is inspired by black women as she focuses on presenting them in soft tones while also negating the stereotype that black women have to be strong. Her core message is to “represent black women growing and existing as young people experiencing life in the world.” For Renike, art is an avenue to create a safe space for women while also recording her journey through life as a soft-life connoisseur.
Tiwa Savage
When we talk about afrobeats, Tiwa Savage will be remembered as one of the women who held this genre down and as one who has consistently risen above expectations. Her influence on the afrobeats genre goes beyond her musical prowess; she has become a symbol of empowerment and resilience for young girls in the music industry.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, she has consistently proven that talent knows no gender. She has carved a career as a reputable songwriter for some of today’s biggest and most successful musicians, made history as the first woman to win the Best African Act by the MTV European Music Awards, and continues to break barriers with her unique style. The Queen of Afrobeats, through her journey in the industry, is inspiring countless women to pursue their passion and excel in fields traditionally dominated by men.
Funke Akindele
Funke Akindele is a Nigerian filmmaker and actress pushing the boundaries of the Nollywood industry. Popularly known as Jennifa, Funke is a trailblazing force in the Nigerian entertainment industry. She is known for her versatility, talent, and groundbreaking contributions to Nollywood. Her iconic movie, "A Tribe Called Judah," not only captured the hearts of audiences but also achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nollywood film to surpass the 1 billion Naira mark in the cinemas, dethroning the global blockbuster "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever."
Beyond her success on-screen, Funke has also made a significant impact as a filmmaker, breaking new ground and pushing the boundaries of storytelling in Nollywood. Her commitment to quality production and storytelling has elevated the standards of the Nigerian film industry, earning her accolades and recognition both locally and internationally. This recognition further transcends to her holding the record for the top three highest-grossing Nollywood films — Omo Ghetto: The Saga, Battle on Buka Street, and A Tribe Called Judah.
Mo Abudu
If you've had the pleasure of experiencing the powerful narrative of the movie Òlòturé, you've undoubtedly witnessed Mo Abudu's creative brilliance. Starting her career as a recruitment consultant, Mo has risen through the ranks to become one of Africa’s best movie producers and storytellers.
As the founder and CEO of EbonyLifeTV–Africa's first and fastest-growing black entertainment and lifestyle network, Mo Abudu has become a trailblazer, shaping the landscape of African media and storytelling. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with an innate understanding of the power of storytelling, has transformed EbonyLifeTV into a cultural powerhouse that resonates with audiences globally.
Mo Abudu's mantra, "Anyone who wishes to be an entrepreneur must know that bright ideas are great; however, they are not even half of the work; execution is everything," sums up her character and serves as a guiding principle for aspiring entrepreneurs. Her journey is a testament to the importance of harbouring innovative ideas and executing them with determination and resilience.
Osas Ighodaro
Osas Ighodaro is a Nigerian American actress, producer, host, and humanitarian. Osas Ighodaro has notably impacted the entertainment industry, emerging as the highest-grossing Nollywood actress in 2018. Her consecutive wins as the Best Actress in a Drama at the 2022 and 2023 AMVCA for her roles in "Rattlesnake: The Ahanna Story" and "Man of God," respectively, showcase her talent and influence. Beyond acting, her humanitarian efforts through the Joyful Joy Foundation contribute to the ongoing battle against malaria, positively impacting public health.
Tobi Otokiti
Tobi Otokiti is a skilled and experienced female technologist. She is a product management leader with an impressive track record in the African tech industry. Throughout her career, she has contributed significantly to the success of three unicorns—Interswitch, Andela, and Flutterwave—by building various products.
One of Tobi's key achievements is her pivotal role in creating products used by over five million users. Notably, she developed a product that is utilised by all banks in Nigeria, showcasing her expertise in both B2C (business-to-consumer) and B2B (business-to-business) product development. Her entrepreneurial mindset is reflected in her approach to problem-solving professionally and through various social impact projects aimed at empowering youth.
Tobi's impact extends beyond her professional roles. Through ProductDive, a platform she founded, she has trained over 1,500 individuals, providing them with the skills needed for career advancement and job opportunities.
Ifeoma Nwobu
Ifeoma Nwobu, the Co-Founder and COO at Sendstack–a mobility tech startup based in Lagos, Nigeria- has seamlessly transitioned from a successful career as a runway model to a prominent figure in the tech industry. Before assuming her role at Sendstack, where she is now widely recognised as the face of the company, Ifeoma made a name for herself as a model gracing the runways of renowned fashion events. However, her curiosity and passion for technology led her to make a bold switch, embarking on a new and exciting chapter.
Her journey into the tech industry began as a digital marketer for Bidemi Zakariyau. In this capacity, she gained invaluable first-hand experience in public relations, honing her skills in effectively communicating with diverse audiences. This experience was a stepping stone, as it propelled her deeper into the world of technology.
Ifeoma Nwobu's journey exemplifies the power of continuous learning and adaptability. Her ability to seamlessly transition from the glamour of the fashion world to the busy world of tech, marketing and operations showcases her versatility and commitment to personal and professional growth.
Odunayo Eweniyi
Odunayo Eweniyi is a prominent and influential figure in Nigeria's business space. As the co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of PiggyVest, she has played a pivotal role in transforming the company from a simple savings platform into a diversified financial services powerhouse.
In addition to the great work she does at Piggyvest, Odunayo is keen on fostering entrepreneurship among women. She is also a co-founder and partner at FirstCheck Africa, an early-stage angel fund focused on investing in women at the early stages of launching their startups.
She has a Future Awards Africa Prize in Technology. In 2019, she earned a coveted spot on the Forbes Africa 30 Under 30 Technology list, solidifying her status as a trailblazer and a leading figure in the tech industry.
As a forward-thinking entrepreneur, Odunayo Eweniyi exemplifies resilience, vision, and a commitment to making a lasting impact. Her journey symbolizes the possibilities within the Nigerian business ecosystem and also inspires aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, to pursue their dreams and break new ground.
Peace Itimi
Peace Itimi is a digital marketing and growth professional who leverages her skills and expertise to grow people and businesses. With a passion for cultivating growth and driving results, Peace is a sought-after professional known for her innovative approaches and commitment to excellence.
Beyond her technical ability, she is dedicated to nurturing the growth of individuals and sharing her knowledge using mentorship and educational initiatives through her YouTube channel.
Chinyere Ukomadu
Chinyere Ukomadu is an IT professional and cofounder/ COO of Hersohe, a purpose-driven technology company that makes shipping from other continents easier for Nigerians.
With a keen understanding of the challenges associated with international shipping, Chinyere has steered Heroshe towards becoming a beacon of innovation in the Nigerian business landscape. As the COO of Heroshe, she exemplifies leadership that is not only visionary but also deeply rooted in the mission of making a positive difference.
Naija Brand Chick
Nelly Agbogu, known as Naija Brand Chick, is an influential figure in the Nigerian business community. Conceived with the primary objective of empowering small brand owners, Naija Brand Chick has become a go-to platform for vendors and businesses who want to leverage Instagram for business success.
Over the past four years, Nelly Agbogu has imparted her wealth of knowledge to 50,000 business owners and employees. Her educational initiatives include Masterclasses, personalized coaching sessions, engaging live videos, intensive boot camps, and other media formats.
Beyond virtual education, the Naija Brand Chick Tradefair (NBCTradefair) is a groundbreaking event that vendors and businesses look forward to as it guarantees them selling out on their products and merchandise.
Oluwatosin Olaseinde
Oluwatosin Olaseinde is a visionary entrepreneur. She is the Founder and CEO of Money Africa, a personal finance platform dedicated to empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to build financial well-being. With a passion for financial education, Tosin’s platform imparts essential skills for building and sustaining healthy financial habits and also offers valuable insights on reducing unnecessary expenses and establishing diverse income streams.
As the Founder & CEO, Oluwatosin Olaseinde exemplifies the transformative potential of merging technology and financial education. Her dedication to cultivating a financially literate society sets a new standard, redefining the conversation around personal finance in Nigeria and beyond.
Bolanle Banwo Osadolo
Bolanle Banwo Osadolo is a talented Brand Identity designer and design advocate. Passionate about helping brands convey captivating narratives through innovative designs, she excels at creating visual identities that capture the eye and resonate with audiences. As a designer, she focuses on empowering small and medium-sized enterprises by improving their brand presence through effective designs.
In addition to her design work, Bolanle is the visionary behind The Female Designer Movement, a groundbreaking initiative to empower women by providing them with essential design skills. Through this platform, she aspires to increase the representation of women in the Nigerian Technology sector by equipping them with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive.
“I’m driven with the desire to increase opportunity & access for people who wish to do meaningful work in technology & design.”-Bolanle Banwo Osadolo.
Ndidi Nwuneli
Ndidi Nwuneli is distinguished in African agriculture, entrepreneurship, social innovation, and youth development. With over 25 years of international development experience, she co-founded Sahel Consulting Agriculture & Nutrition, a firm shaping policies and implementing ecosystem solutions across Africa.
Ndidi has made a significant impact through her work. She has served on various influential boards, including the Rockefeller Foundation and the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition. As the pioneer executive director of the FATE Foundation, she supported young entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Her organisations, LEAP Africa and NIA empower young leaders and female university students.
Ndidi's commitment to changing global mindsets about Africa earned her recognition as one of Forbes' 20 Power African Women and a spot among the 100 Most Influential Africans by New African Magazine. She received the 2021 Harvard Business School Alumni Achievement Awards and is a TED Global and TED Women speaker.
Obiageli Ezekwesili
Since the past decade, Obiageli Ezekwesili has been someone we’ve come to associate with advocacy for good governance and politics. She is an economic policy expert, a humanitarian and an activist. Her expertise as an economist has earned her a seat at the high table as she was the former vice president of the World Bank’s Africa region. She has served twice as a Federal Minister of Nigeria, and her work ethic earned her the name “Madam Due Process.”
Ezekwesili is a Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) and has consistently been a beacon of light to the Nation of Nigeria and the women around her over the years. Her contributions to the country, including daring to contest a presidential election, will not be forgotten in a hurry.
Dr. Ify Aniebo
Sometime in 2019, a fine young man who we will later know to be a gubernatorial candidate said of Dr Ify, “You must be astonished by my good fortune. I wake up every day thankful I found her, blessed that I married her and humbled by her LOVE and sacrifice.” As it appears, the young man is not the only person astonished as the world of science and technology and a hive of young women are astonished by the wonder of Dr Ify Aniebo.
Dr Ify is a molecular geneticist and a senior research scientist working on a malaria-resistant drug. She is passionate about eradicating malaria, and this has led her to secure partnerships and grants she will leverage in her fight. When she is not saving lives, conducting deep research, or winning grants, she is inspiring and empowering the next generation of African females in the sciences.
Conclusion
The women we've highlighted today are just a glimpse of women's incredible power and potential. Let their stories be a call to action as we celebrate International Women's Day. Let's continue championing women's voices, supporting their endeavours, and working together to create a world where equality flourishes. Remember, every action, big or small, can contribute to a more inclusive future. Let's be inspired by these remarkable women and strive to make a difference dail.
