Throughout history, Nigerian women have played pivotal roles in shaping society, breaking barriers, and inspiring change — making their achievements worth celebrating, writes LAOLU AFOLABI Nigerian women are trailblazers. From fearless activists and warrior queens to leading professionals in banking, science and technology, industrialisation, politics, and the military, they have defied limitations and proven that no field is beyond their reach. They have played vital roles in shaping the nation’s history, challenging societal norms, and making groundbreaking contributions in diverse fields. Their contributions span generations, from Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s fight for women’s rights to Stella Adadevoh’s heroic act in 2014, whose extraordinary bravery helped contain Nigeria’s first case of the Ebola virus and Tolulope Arotile’s groundbreaking role in the Nigerian Air Force. In politics, Margaret Ekpo, the pioneer in women’s political activism, was the voice of women. In 1953, Ekpo was nominated by the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons to the regional House of Chiefs. In 1966, Flora Nwapa made history as the first African woman to publish a novel in English with her book. Efuru was number 26 in Heinemann’s African Writers Series, making it the first book written by a Nigerian woman. Her works paved the way for female writers across the continent. Nigerian women have, for generations, defied the odds and fought for their place in society. They have moved from eras of being unheard of to becoming key players in governance and leadership. Today, they are actively advocating for 35 per cent affirmative action to ensure greater representation in decision-making. No longer confined to the “other room,” they continue to break barriers and assert their influence across various sectors. A recent photograph released by the State House to celebrate International Women’s Day highlights this progress, showcasing several women at the helm of national affairs, actively contributing to the country’s leadership and development. The First Lady, a politician of note, Oluremi Tinubu, asked women to assert themselves in leadership roles and ensure they command dignity and respect in society. “Women, raise yourself. Don’t be in a position where men will be talking to you anyhow,” she said. For many years, women have endured gender-based violence and discrimination, cutting across social, economic, and political spheres. Women and girls are often subjected to domestic violence, sexual harassment, harmful traditional practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation, and workplace discrimination. According to reports, many cases of gender-based violence go unpunished due to societal stigma, weak legal enforcement, and cultural norms that prioritise silence over justice. These injustices not only violate human rights but also hinder women’s ability to contribute meaningfully to national development. Beyond physical violence, Nigerian women also face systemic discrimination that limits their access to education, economic opportunities, and political representation. Women are frequently underpaid, overlooked for leadership positions, and denied land or inheritance rights in many communities. Gender bias in workplaces, governance, and even healthcare further exacerbates inequalities, making it harder for women to achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency. Despite these systemic challenges, Nigerian women have consistently risen above obstacles to leave an indelible mark. Whether it is Queen Amina of Zazzau, who led military conquests in the 16th century, Dora Akunyili, who reformed Nigeria’s drug safety system, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African woman to lead the World Trade Organisation, Kemi Adetiba, a film industry powerhouse revolutionising Nollywood, or Zuriel Oduwole, an advocate for peace, they have demonstrated resilience, leadership, and innovation. Today, Nigerian women continue to thrive across diverse industries, making remarkable strides. Beyond politics and activism, they are excelling in medicine, literature, finance, digital technology, and entertainment—fields once dominated by men. They are leading financial institutions and multinational corporations, pioneering Africa’s digital transformation, commanding aircraft in military operations, and reshaping industries like Nollywood and Afrobeats. Women have recently made significant strides in academia, with increasing appointments as vice-chancellors in Nigerian universities. Prof Grace Alele-Williams broke ground in 1985 as the first female vice-chancellor at the University of Benin, followed years later by Prof Lillian Salami. Prof Bidemi Lafiaji-Okuneye became the first substantive vice-chancellor of Lagos State University of Education. Similarly, Prof Folasade Ogunsola became the first female and 13th vice-chancellor of the University of Lagos, while Prof Ibiyemi Bello became the first female and 9th substantive vice-chancellor of Lagos State University. Prof. Florence Obi made history as the first female and 11th substantive vice-chancellor of the University of Calabar, and Prof Nnenna Oti as the first female and 8th substantive vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri. Prof Adenike Oladiji became the first female vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure. In the North, Prof Fatima Ja’afar Tahir, a professor of Microbiology, was Acting VC of the Nigerian Army University, Biu, before becoming the substantive vice-chancellor of Bauchi State University in 2022. Figures like Funke Opeke, who has transformed internet connectivity in West Africa, and Mo Abudu, who is redefining African storytelling, are testaments to the power of Nigerian women in shaping the continent’s future. They are also breaking barriers in banking, entrepreneurship, telecommunications, IT, and other sectors. Notable names include the businesswoman and philanthropist, Folorunsho Alakija; a business leader and the first female chairperson of First Bank of Nigeria, Ibukun Awosika; the Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank, under whose leadership the bank has experienced significant growth, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; the Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Adaora Umeoji; the Executive Director of Dangote Industries, Halima Dangote, who oversees strategic growth in manufacturing and industrialisation in Nigeria; and the first female CEO of First City Monument Bank, Yemisi Edun. There is Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, the wife of the Minister of Budget and National Planning. A distinguished physician and an internationally recognised cancer advocate, she serves as the president-elect (2024-2026) of the Union for International Cancer Control, harnessing telemedicine and global expertise to close the cancer care gap across the continent. Also working on cancer care through telemedicine is Dr Funmi Adewara, Founder/CEO of Mobihealth International. In law, Nigerian women are shining. From the first woman to practice law in Nigeria, Folake Solanke, to the first Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar and the current CJN, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun. There are other women lawyers like Justice Mary Odili, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu (now Minister of State, Foreign Affairs), Olusola Obada, and Olayemi Anyanechi, a Chevening and Pegasus Scholar of the Inner Temple, United Kingdom, and the Commission Secretary and Legal Adviser of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission. Anyanechi is internationally recognised as one of Nigeria’s foremost lawyers in energy and natural resources as well as banking and finance. Nigerian women keep soaring high on the international scene. In sports, Nigerian women are fantastic, breaking records. Asisat Oshoala has remained Africa’s best. In the 2024 Olympic tournament, Nigeria’s D’Tigress became the first African basketball team — male or female — to reach the quarterfinals of an Olympic tournament. The achievement earned the coach, Rena Wakama, the accolade of Best Female Basketball Coach at the Olympics. Blessing Okagbare was a champion in athletics, a record-breaking sprinter and long jumper, and Tobi Amusan held the world record in the women’s 100m hurdles. Singer Temilade Openiyi, with stage name, Tems, won the 2025 Grammy Award for Best African Music Performance for her song “Love Me Jeje”. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a globally celebrated writer and feminist advocate. Her books, including Half of a Yellow Sun and We Should All Be Feminists, have challenged gender stereotypes and amplified African narratives. The 10th edition of the Forbes Women Africa Awards, held on March 5 during the Forbes Women Africa Leading Women Summit in South Africa, recognised several exceptional women, including Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Tiwa Savage, Nissi Ogulu and Hephzibah Akinwale. Okonjo-Iweala received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, while Tiwa Savage was honoured with the Media Icon Award. Nissi Ogulu won the Youth Icon Award, Hephzibah Akinwale received the Next Generation Award, and Eniola Shokunbi was recognised with the Young Achiever Award. To enable women to thrive and eliminate gender-based violence and harassment, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action was adopted in 1995 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China. The declaration aims to end gender-based violence, promote equality, foster development and peace, and ensure equal rights, opportunities, and access to resources. It serves as a global blueprint for empowering women and advancing their status in all aspects of life. Exactly 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, also a Nigerian woman, Amina Mohammed, said, “In 2025, we mark 30 years since the Beijing Declaration, 30 years of championing the rights, equality, and dignity of women and girls. Our journey is not over, we will keep moving forward. We will continue to reverse centuries of systemic discrimination. We will dismantle inequalities, prevent rollbacks and push forward relentlessly, to defend and advance gender equality and the rights of all women and girls in all of their diversity. And when the patriarchy pushes back, so will we. We’ve done it countless times before and we will continue to do it again, because the rights of women and girls, our rights, cannot be taken away.” Tinubu, govs celebrate women President Bola Tinubu, in his address to celebrate the 2025 International Women’s Day, said, “On this #InternationalWomensDay, I celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and indispensable contributions of Nigerian women. You are the bedrock of our nation, driving progress from our homes to our farms, boardrooms, and communities. Yet, 30 years after the Beijing Declaration, too many still face barriers that limit their potential. “Our administration is committed in our Renewed Hope pledge to dismantle obstacles, expand access to finance, and ensure equitable opportunities in governance, agriculture, and every sector. To our mothers, daughters, and sisters— your strength fuels Nigeria’s future. Together, we rise!” Governors also celebrate women. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on X, said, “Today, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and achievements of women across Lagos and beyond. Women are at the heart of our progress, driving innovation, leading communities, and shaping the future. Lagos is committed to empowering, uplifting, and protecting every woman. We are not just celebrating women; we are accelerating action. From expanding opportunities in governance and business to ensuring safety and inclusion, we remain dedicated to breaking barriers. A Lagos where every woman thrives is a Lagos that leads.” Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, in a post on X, said, “On this International Women’s Day, we reiterate our administration’s commitment to supporting and uplifting women in Oyo State. We will continue to #AccelerateAction to address the systemic barriers faced by women.” Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, said, “On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women in Ogun State, Nigeria, and across the world. Women are the backbone of our society—driving progress in governance, business, education, and every sphere of human endeavour. In Ogun State, we remain committed to policies that empower, uplift, and protect our women. From economic empowerment programmes to initiatives promoting gender equality and education for the girl-child, we continue to create opportunities for women to thrive.” Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has this to say, “Today, we honour the strength, resilience, and achievements of Edo women—leaders in governance, business, innovation, and community building. Edo women are not just contributors to our progress; they are at the heart of it. From the halls of government to the markets, from classrooms to boardrooms, they are shaping the present and securing the future. This government is committed to ensuring that every Edo woman has the opportunity, security, and support to thrive. We are not just celebrating women; we are advancing them. By opening doors, creating opportunities, and breaking barriers, we reaffirm our dedication to a state where every woman can rise and SHINE.” Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, said, “We celebrate the resilience and positive energy of our women as well as their remarkable contributions to the development of our dear state and country. Our administration takes pride in the excellent performance of women in different leading positions as well as the women who are out there, working hard to ensure the home front is secured and nurturing our future leaders. We appreciate you all.” Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening democracy by promoting gender equity and ensuring women’s active participation in governance and societal development. The Plateau State Government, according to a statement by the Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, said it remains dedicated to promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for women to thrive. “Today, we honour the unwavering strength, resilience, and limitless potential of the Plateau woman, a force of change, a pillar of progress, and a driving engine of our society.” In celebrating 2025 International Women’s Day, stories of Nigeria’s extraordinary women—past and present—must be reiterated for future generations, not just as tales of success but as blueprints of courage, determination, and excellence.