As we celebrate International Women’s Month, GAIA AFRICA is amplifying voices that champion gender equality and women’s advancement. The theme for International Women’s Day 2025, Accelerate Action, calls for swift and decisive steps to break barriers and foster inclusion. To explore what can be done to fast-track progress toward full gender parity, we spoke with some of our distinguished members. Here’s what they had to say:
- Olatowun Candide-Johnson, CEO, GAIA AFRICA
“Until women are given equal opportunities, we will never reach parity. Women must have the same chances as men—for board seats, business deals, and leadership positions in government, political parties, and corporate settings. If we are not given these opportunities, change will not happen. But when we do get them, we will soar.”
2. Dr. Amy Shumbusho, CEO, Smile 360 Dental Specialists
“Sponsorship. Beyond mentorship, we as female leaders must actively sponsor other women. We have influence, access to finance, and networks. Let’s use these resources to propel women forward, ensuring they accelerate their growth and take their rightful place in leadership.”
3. Adedoyin Odunfa, MD/CEO, Digital Jewels Africa
“Educating the girl child is critical. With over 70 million girls out of school in Nigeria alone, ensuring their education is paramount. Education reduces poverty, empowers economically, enhances political awareness, and improves overall well-being.”
4. Adebola Adeyeloja, Managing Director, AAA Medi-Calibrations Ltd
“Mentorship is key. We need guidance from those who have gone before us, those who are navigating the path now, and those who are coming behind us.”
5. Franca Ciambella, Founder & Mediator, Raffles Mediation Chambers Ltd.
“Opportunities across genders. In male-dominated fields like tech, women need to be given the space to thrive. If we want parity, we must ensure women are actively encouraged and supported in these professions.”
6. Dr. Promise Ovia Kenneth-Odum, Founder/CEO, Rukkies House Group
“Economic empowerment. When women have access to funding, they can break systemic barriers. Financial independence is a game changer for gender equality.”
7. Angela Emuwa, Chairman, PUNCH Nigeria
“Enforcement of policies for equal pay. Equal pay for equal work will empower women to fully participate in economic society and close the gender gap.”
8. Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara
“To achieve true gender parity, we must engage our sons—educating them on the importance of equality from home. Male advocates should use their voices to champion this cause and influence young men to support gender parity.”
9. Dr. Odiri Oginni, Managing Director, United Capital Asset Management
“Collaboration. Women cannot do this alone. We must partner with men, organizations, and platforms that hold resources and influence. By working together, we can accelerate progress.”
10. Bisi Adeyemi, Managing Director/CEO, DCSL Corporate Services
“Commitment from leadership is essential. We have laws and policies in place, but real traction will only come when leaders at political and corporate levels commit to implementing change.”
11. Olufunke Olumide, Managing Partner/Co-Founder, The Legacy Haus Ltd
“Mentorship, sponsorship, and collaboration. Mentorship provides guidance, sponsorship opens doors, and collaboration fosters stronger business environments. Women must support each other through these three pillars.”
12. Dr. Folake Kofo-Idowu, CEO, Iyewo
“Authenticity, collaboration, and partnerships. These are essential for women to navigate barriers, push boundaries, and achieve success.”
The journey to gender parity requires action from every sector—corporate, political, and social. As these insights from GAIA AFRICA members show, the key lies in education, mentorship, economic empowerment, sponsorship, collaboration, and policy enforcement.
Together, let’s #AccelerateAction for gender equity. The time to act is now.
