B Side, Culture
IWD ‘24: Meet the Nigerian Women Inspiring Inclusion Across Sports, Tech, Entertainment, Health
Women have served as architects, engineers, and builders of inclusion, being the linchpin that binds communities together while strategizing, organizing, and mobilizing for change.
- Melony Akpoghene
- ●8th March 2024
International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global celebration held annually on March 8th to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political accomplishments of women. This year’s theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” buttresses the significance of creating an environment where women from diverse backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered. Inclusion entails acknowledging and appreciating the varied experiences of women, ensuring that each woman has a voice and a place at the table.
Women have been instrumental in fostering inclusion, actively contributing to its construction over the years. They have served as the “ real architects”, engineers, and builders of inclusion, being the linchpin that binds communities together while strategizing, organizing, and mobilizing for change. Despite facing substantial challenges, such as patriarchal violence and microaggressions, women persist in their pursuit of inclusion, driven by resilience and a vision of a more equitable world. Here are some women who are creating a space for women across media, sports, music, film, tech and health.
Ada Nduka Oyom (She Code Africa)
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Nigeria’s tech scene is thriving, thanks in part to women like Ada Nduka Oyom. Ada, a software developer and the Founder of She Code Africa, noticed the lack of women in tech and decided to change that. Through She Code Africa, women across Africa are offered a range of opportunities, including training, mentorship, and networking, bridging the gender gap in the tech sector. Her initiative has not only inspired countless women to pursue tech careers but has also fostered a supportive community where they can thrive professionally.
Exciting news! 🥳🥳🥳
We are super excited to announce that @FedEx is joining forces with She Code Africa to empower the next generation of women leaders in tech. Our goal is to empower 100,000 young girls and women in tech by 2030, and the She Code Africa Academy Program is… pic.twitter.com/Np2K6ukvp9
— She Code Africa (@SheCodeAfrica) February 26, 2024
With the goal of empowering up to 100,000 girls and women in tech, FedEx has partnered with She Code Africa Academy program. The offer is available for girls or women within the age of 18 – 45, and it is a 12 weeks boot camp. Applications are currently open. Apply here.
Asisat Oshoala (Asisat Oshoala Academy)
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Asisat Oshoala, acclaimed Nigerian footballer, founded the Asisat Oshoala Academy (AOA) in collaboration with the Asisat Oshoala Foundation, Women Win of Germany, and Nike Inc. of the USA. This initiative aims to extend her mission of offering sports and educational opportunities to young girls.
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The AOA is tailored to provide football training and life skills development for marginalized schoolgirls not only in Nigeria but also across the African continent, emphasizing accessibility and empowerment through sports and education.
Blessing Ewona (Dencity)
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Ewona founded Dencity, an all-female skate group in Nigeria, to give women who love skateboarding a supportive community. In a sport usually dominated by men, Dencity is a safe space where female skaters can feel welcome and empowered.
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Through Dencity, Blessing creates a place where women can make friends, gain confidence, and show that skateboarding isn’t just for men. Besides skating, Ewona also works as a DJ, model and photographer.
Zulumoke Oyibo (Inkblot Women In Film)
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As co-founder of Inkblot Productions, Zulumoke Oyibo saw the challenges women faced in Nollywood and decided to do something about it. So, she created Inkblot Women In Film (IWIF), a space for women to connect, share experiences, and feel supported. IWIF tackles issues like unfair treatment and limited opportunities, aiming to make Nollywood a safe and welcoming place for everyone. Oyibo believes a stronger film industry comes from everyone working together, and IWIF is her way to empower women, raise the bar for everyone, and build a more united and thriving industry.
Phebean Adedamola Oluwagbemi (Audio Girl Africa)
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Phebean Adedamola Oluwagbemi teamed up with Bada Aramide in 2018 to launch Audio Girl Africa, creating a space where young African girls can find guidance and connections in the music industry. Through a mix of online and in-person training, workshops, and mentorship programs, the organization has empowered over 500 women in the last five years.
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Under Phebean’s guidance, Audio Girl Africa has organized impactful events like workshops, boot camps, and the Creative Accelerator Programme (CAP ’19), offering practical skills and building a supportive community for women pursuing careers in the music industry.
Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi (Stand to End Rape)
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Oluwaseun Ayodeji Osowobi founded STER with a bold mission: to create a world free from sexual and gender-based violence, where survivors are empowered, and perpetrators are held accountable. STER’s goal is to spark innovative programs, policies, and public engagement efforts that bring about real change in the lives of women and girls in Nigeria.
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With a focus on both support for survivors and preventive measures, STER is working to build a safer and more equitable future.
Ayomide Dokunmu (Femme Africa)
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Ayomide Dokunmu founded Femme Africa to break the mold of traditional media and provide a platform where young women see themselves reflected and their voices amplified. Femme Mag, the digital publication, creates a space for honest conversations that often get sidelined in mainstream publications.
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From tackling societal pressures to celebrating diverse achievements, Femme Mag centers the experiences of young Nigerian women. More than just a digital publication, it’s a community – a place where inclusion is a lived reality. Dokunmu and her team empower a new generation of women to tell their own stories, unapologetically and on their own terms.
Yasmin Belo-Osagie (She Leads Africa)
We celebrate the inspiring and beautiful Yasmin Belo-Osagie today on Woman Crush Wednesday powered by Ellevate.
Yasmin is the Co-Founder of African woman-led enterprise, She Leads Africa (SLA); @SheLeadsAfrica pic.twitter.com/rkwVIzSI2Z
— Ecobank Nigeria (@ecobank_nigeria) June 29, 2022
As the co-founder of She Leads Africa, a non-profit organization, Yasmin Belo-Osagie is dedicated to empowering young African women to reach their full potential.
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Through a varied array of programs, events, and online resources, She Leads Africa prioritizes professional development and entrepreneurship among young African women, providing practical support and networking opportunities to facilitate their success in both career and business endeavors throughout the continent.
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