Women entrepreneurs and business leaders have called for urgent and sustained action to promote the rights, empowerment, and economic inclusion of women and girls in Nigeria.
Speaking at an International Women’s Day event themed ‘Accelerate Action’, the NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women, in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, emphasised the need for bold steps to address gender inequities in business and leadership.
Speaking, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Wema Bank, Dr Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, highlighted the importance of proactive steps toward gender equity.
“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,” Olorunshola stated.
Similarly, the Divisional Head of Corporate Banking at Providus Bank, Mrs Olufunke Jones, said, “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.”
Stakeholders at the event highlighted the financial challenges women face in business.
According to Jones, only 12 per cent of available global funding goes to women-led businesses, largely due to unconscious gender biases.
She stressed the need for women to explore alternative funding sources, including peer-to-peer lending, grants, microfinance banks, and savings.
“Women need to prioritise savings over immediate gratification. Develop a habit of deferring luxury and saving towards business growth. Impact funding and development-focused investment are key to supporting women entrepreneurs,” Jones added.
On her part, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, said, “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.”
Ogunyemi further advocated more inclusive political structures, including scheduling meetings at reasonable hours to accommodate female participants.
The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, noted that while government budget allocations for women’s empowerment exist, fund release remains a major challenge.
“Gender-responsive budgeting and innovative financial solutions, such as gender bonds, are needed to drive real change,” she stated.
Also, the NNEW president, Mrs Adefunke Kuyoro, said, “The world and economy have 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.”
The chairperson for IWD 2025, Deaconess Appolonia Nwanafio, said, “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.”
