Women Entrepreneurs Advocate for Bold Steps Toward Economic Inclusion

Women entrepreneurs and business executives in Nigeria are advocating for urgent, sustained initiatives to promote gender equality, 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 collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association and the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, underscored the necessity of implementing tangible measures to eliminate obstacles in business and leadership.

Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Wema Bank, encouraged women to actively pursue opportunities. “To take action means you must not remain stagnant. Progress requires movement, making decisive choices, and striving toward your aspirations. Excuses are not justifiable—numerous financial institutions and resources exist for women entrepreneurs. Seek them out, ask relevant questions, and take courageous steps toward your ambitions,” she asserted.

Echoing this sentiment, Olufunke Jones, Divisional Head of Corporate Banking at Providus Bank, emphasized the significance of perseverance. “To accelerate is to advance, and action necessitates effort. Each day is an opportunity to take another step toward your goals. Even in the face of rejection, continue seeking partnerships, mentorships, and strategic advice. Growth is achieved by continuously nurturing your vision,” she remarked.

Despite notable strides, event stakeholders highlighted the persistent financial hurdles women in business encounter. Jones pointed out that only 12% of global funding is allocated to women-led enterprises, primarily due to inherent gender biases. She urged women to consider alternative financing options such as peer-to-peer lending, grants, microfinance institutions, and impact investments. “Prioritizing savings over short-term indulgences is key. Women must cultivate financial discipline by deferring luxuries and directing funds toward business expansion,” she advised.

Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, encouraged women to engage in politics and policymaking. “Aspiring for political office requires grassroots involvement. Begin at your ward level, make yourself known, contribute to constituency projects, and establish connections within your political party. Women must exert twice the effort, but collaboration with men is crucial. Politics is built on mentorship, strategic planning, and resilience,” she explained. She further advocated for more inclusive political frameworks, such as adjusting meeting times to accommodate women’s participation.

Beatrice Eyong, United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, identified bureaucratic funding delays as a major impediment to women’s empowerment. “To drive substantive change, we need gender-responsive budgeting and innovative financial instruments like gender bonds,” she stated.

NNEW President Adefunke Kuyoro emphasized that the shifting economic landscape necessitates increased female participation. “The world has evolved, and women must rise to the occasion. The era where men solely provide for the household is gone. Women must shatter barriers, amplify their voices, and ensure progress is sustained,” she declared.

Chairperson for International Women’s Day 2025, Deaconess Appolonia Nwanafio, urged women to overcome self-doubt and seize opportunities. “Women possess immense potential, yet fear often hinders progress. Speak up, network, and uplift one another. Each of us has invaluable contributions to make to society,” she encouraged.

The event reinforced the pressing need for women to take deliberate action, push past constraints, and drive meaningful transformations in business, leadership, and governance.