Because of them, We can: Career Women that Inspire
Want a better society? Invest in Women! As cliché as that might sound, advancing women’s economic empowerment has tremendous advantages for any society. In support of the 2024 International Women’s Day theme: Invest in women: Accelerate progress, here are 6 inspiring women who have accelerated their careers because of investments made in them and ways in which you could invest in women.
“It’s difficult to state one person because sooo many people have contributed to my professional growth.”
Nana Skari Maidugu is the Head of Sustainability and ESG at the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority
She is responsible for developing and driving the implementation of NSIA’s sustainability/ESG strategy & climate initiatives, across the Authority, its investment portfolio and its partnerships, to ensure the attainment of economic, social and environmental benefits from its activities and investments.Nana has extensive experience in infrastructureinvestments, particularly in the Agriculture and Motorways sectors, strategy development, policy articulation and program design and management for both private and public sector entities.
Obviously My family (husband, parents, siblings) have immensely invested in/supported my growth. My current boss and previous supervisors played a very major role by motivating me, coaching me and most of all believing in me and giving me a platform to shine. I am where I am because they invested in my growth and trusted my capabilities.
Amara Okoroafor is
the Executive Chef and
CEO of
MichizFoods, Australia
A Nigerian-born Australian entrepreneur with a passion for putting her roots on a global stage by harnessing the synergy between her culinary skills and her rich Nigerian culture. In her quest to simplify, reduce cooking time, and make accessible Nigerian food, Michiz Ready Meals and Sauce line was birthed.
I have been blessed with a supportive tribe that has held my hand in different ways to see that I keep progressing in my endeavors. From my mom who is my bedrock, to my mentor who coached and mentored me on mindset, excellence, and the power of bringing value to the table at all times irrespective of the situation. To my sisters who are my biggest cheerleaders and friends who act as soundboards, giving me their shoulder to lean on, patronizers, and my trumpet blowers! Their support and love fuel my resilience in pursuit of my dreams.
Dr Chichi Nwaudoh is a Psychiatric Doctor in the Republic of Ireland.
With life’s ups and downs, having the right people in your corner goes a long way.
I have always been blessed with a vast support system, my sister who is also my best friend is a huge supporter of mine. She is not in the medical field but knows alot about medicine from listening and supporting me. She has been there every step of the way cheering me on and praying for me, especially on days i feel torn down by life.
A win for me is a win for everyone who touched my life, participating in their own beautiful way! I am forever grateful.
Ngwanma Onyemelukwe is the Founder and Creative Director of Limitless Patterns, Nigeria
An alumnus of the African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC) fashion brand born out of my love and passion for fashion. We create and produce trendy unique, bespoke, and affordable outfits for the working-class lady.
My support system was my family and friends who believed in me when I was a novice and trusted me to create outfits for their events. There would be no limitless patterns without them. And to them, I owe all.
“My support system was my family and friends who believed in me when I was a novice. There would be no Limitless Patterns without them. ”
Chimnonso Ojike is the Deputy Country Lead in Nigeria, on the Challenge Fund for Youth Employment
With a background in Computing from the prestigious University of Greenwich, Chimnonso began her career in Project management. Upon relocating to Nigeria, she commenced a career in the oil and gas industry, which spanned a decade, working within various business units from Human resources, Business development, government liaison, and then Project Management. She has switched careers to International Development to work with an organization whose goal is to support robust and innovative ideas for creating or improving decent work prospects for youth, especially young women.
My role as a career woman is just one of the many caps I wear as I am also a wife and mom to two adorable 7-year-olds. I have been able to strike a work-life balance that ensures that no aspect of my life suffers neglect.
The story of who I am today will not be complete without mentioning my parents who ensured I got an amazing education, my husband who is my number 1 cheerleader and a great example of tenacity, hard work, and grit, and my amazing friend, coach, and mentor, who taught me the need to imbibe a culture of continuous self-improvement and learning.
Laiza Kalu is a Senior Innovation Manager in the financial security sector.
Elizabeth Kalu is a social entrepreneur, tech enthusiast, and speaker. She works as a Senior Innovation Manager in the financial security sector, where she designs innovative tools and products to support wealth building opportunities for low and moderate income individuals. She is an alumnus of New York University School of Public Service, where she served in multiple leadership roles, including President of the African Graduate Students Association, Chair of the Black Students Association, and a Vice President on the Wagner Students Association Executive Board. Prior to her current roles, Elizabeth designed and implemented innovative solutions on social impact initiatives with a focus on education, digital access, youth and women empowerment in Nigeria.
My first investors were my parents who sent me to school at different levels and invested in me. Beyond them, I picked up the baton and continue to invest in my professional growth.
3 Ways you could invest in women to accelerate their economic empowerment
Resources: Empowering women through funding can help them start or grow their businesses. These funds can help them secure materials, information, technology and other necessary resources to create change and grow. Support women-owned/-led businesses. Invest in key sectors that affect women's empowerment such as education, jobs, nutrition, health, laws, and policy-making.
Mentorship: Mentor young women around you who are entering the workforce, starting a business, or starting/finishing college. You could also sign up with your school alumni association or other organizations that offer this to become a mentor.
Advocacy: Stand up for women’s rights including equal pay and opportunities, ending violence against women, genital female mutilation, etc. Join or support a campaign that is educating or advocating for the protection of their rights.