Women entrepreneurs and business leaders in Nigeria are calling for urgent and sustained efforts to advance gender equity, economic inclusion, and empowerment for women and girls. Speaking at an International Women’s Day event themed Accelerate Action, members of the NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), in partnership with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, emphasized the need for concrete steps to dismantle barriers in business and leadership.
Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Wema Bank, urged women to be proactive in seizing opportunities. “Taking action means you cannot sit in one place. You have to move, take that step, and work toward your vision. Excuses are not valid—there are many financial institutions and resources available for women entrepreneurs. Approach them, ask questions, and take bold steps to achieve your goals,” she said.
Similarly, Olufunke Jones, Divisional Head of Corporate Banking at Providus Bank, highlighted the importance of resilience. “Acceleration means moving forward, and action means doing something. Every day presents an opportunity to take a step toward your destination. Even when faced with rejection, don’t stop seeking networks, collaborations, and advice. Growth happens when you nurture the seed of your dreams,” she said.
Despite progress, stakeholders at the event stressed that women in business still face financial challenges. Jones noted that only 12% of global funding goes to women-led businesses, largely due to unconscious gender biases. She encouraged women to explore alternative funding sources such as peer-to-peer lending, grants, microfinance banks, and impact investments. “Women need to prioritize savings over immediate gratification. Develop a habit of deferring luxury and saving towards business growth,” she advised.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, urged women to engage in politics and decision-making. “If you want an elected position, start from your ward. Be visible, participate in constituency projects, and build networks within your party. Women must work twice as hard, but collaboration with men is essential. Politics is about mentorship, strategy, and resilience,” she stated. She also called for more inclusive political structures, including better meeting schedules to accommodate women’s participation.
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Beatrice Eyong, identified government funding delays as a major setback to women’s empowerment. “Gender-responsive budgeting and innovative financial solutions, such as gender bonds, are needed to drive real change,” she said.
NNEW President Adefunke Kuyoro stressed that the evolving economy demands greater participation from women. “The world has changed; women must step up. It is no longer just men bringing bread to the table. Women must break barriers, make their voices heard, and ensure progress is not reversed,” she said.
Chairperson for International Women’s Day 2025, Deaconess Appolonia Nwanafio, encouraged women to overcome self-doubt. “Women have immense potential, but fear holds many back. Speak up, network, and support each other. There is so much within us to contribute to society,” she said.
The event reinforced the urgent need for women to take decisive action, challenge limitations, and create lasting change in business, leadership, and governance.
