In a world where conversations about gender equality dominate headlines, social media feeds, and corporate pledges, true action remains the missing link. Many institutions and individuals talk the talk—acknowledging the disparities, celebrating the achievement of women, and marking International Women’s Day with grand statements. But only a few walk the walk—those who go beyond rhetoric and commit to tangible, lasting change.
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day, Accelerate Action, is a call to break free from performative activism and push for results. It’s about solutions, not just awareness. It’s about shifting policies, shattering stereotypes, and ensuring that equality is not just an aspiration but a lived reality for millions of women and girls.
The women we spotlight today are more than just advocates; they are doers. From STEM and media to politics, health, and economic empowerment, they have dedicated their lives to dismantling barriers and accelerating gender equality. Their work is proof that change doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when people commit to action.
These women are not waiting for permission. They are pushing boundaries, creating opportunities, and rewriting the rules. Their stories remind us that change is not something to be wished for; it is something to be fought for.
Women Driving Change
1. Dr. Angela Tabiri – Breaking Barriers in STEM and Quantum Science
In a world where women remain underrepresented in STEM fields, Dr. Angela Tabiri is leading a quiet revolution. A Ghanaian mathematician specializing in quantum algebra, she is shaping the future of Africa’s scientific landscape by mentoring and inspiring young women to embrace mathematics. As the Academic Manager for the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme (GMSP) at AIMS-Ghana, she is ensuring that the next generation of female scientists are not just participants but leaders in groundbreaking research.
Beyond her work in education, Dr. Tabiri uses her platform to challenge societal perceptions that discourage girls from pursuing careers in mathematics and technology. Her initiative, FemAfricMaths, highlights female African mathematicians, fostering representation and breaking the myth that STEM is a male-dominated space.
Through mentorship, advocacy, and pioneering research, she is accelerating action by opening doors for young African women in STEM—proving that talent, not gender, should define one’s place in science.
2. Titi Oyinsan – Using Media to Amplify Gender Equality
A media powerhouse and advocate for girls’ education, Titi Oyinsan understands the power of storytelling in driving change. As a broadcaster, she has used her voice to spotlight gender disparities and mobilize resources for girls often denied access to education.
Through her platform, I Am Nigeria, she has worked to change narratives about what Nigerian girls can achieve. She launched Project One Million Pads, an initiative addressing period poverty, ensuring that young girls do not miss school due to a lack of menstrual hygiene products. Her efforts have directly impacted thousands of students across Nigeria.
Oyinsan’s work extends beyond raising awareness—she mobilizes action. By bridging the gap between policymakers, corporate sponsors, and grassroots organizations, she ensures that gender equality is not just discussed but actively pursued. Her media influence and on-ground initiatives make her a formidable force in accelerating action for girls’ empowerment.
3. Aisha Ahmed – Driving Financial Inclusion for Women
Economic empowerment is the foundation of gender equality, and Aisha Ahmed is ensuring that women have a seat at the financial table. As a banking executive and policy strategist, she has been instrumental in driving financial inclusion for women across Africa. Through her work in gender-responsive economic policies, she advocates for access to credit, investment opportunities, and financial literacy programs tailored specifically for women entrepreneurs.
Ahmed has spearheaded initiatives that integrate women into the formal banking sector, recognizing that financial independence is a catalyst for broader social change. Under her leadership, programs designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) led by women have flourished, helping bridge the gender gap in wealth creation.
Her work is not just about policy—it’s about ensuring real change for women who have long been left out of economic conversations. Through financial empowerment, she is accelerating action toward economic equality.
4. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang – Political Powerhouse for Women in Leadership
Politics remains a battleground for women, but Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang is reshaping the landscape. As Ghana’s first female vice-presidential candidate for a major party, she has broken significant barriers, proving that women belong in the highest corridors of power.
A distinguished academic and former Minister of Education, Opoku Agyemang has spent her career advocating for policies that empower women and girls, particularly in education and governance. She has championed reforms aimed at increasing female participation in politics and pushed for gender-balanced leadership in decision-making spaces.
Her influence extends beyond policymaking—she is a mentor to aspiring female leaders, ensuring the next generation is equipped to take on roles of influence. In a world where women’s leadership is still questioned, she accelerates action by proving that capable, visionary women are essential to driving national and global progress.
5. Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo – Reshaping African Diplomacy with Gender-Focused Policies
Diplomacy and governance have long been male-dominated fields, but Nandi Ndaitwah Netumbo is leading the charge for gender equality in African leadership. As Namibia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, she has used her platform to champion policies that prioritize women’s inclusion in governance, peacebuilding, and international affairs.
Netumbo has played a key role in advancing Namibia’s gender equity agenda, ensuring that women are represented at the highest levels of decision-making. Her diplomatic efforts extend beyond Namibia, advocating for African women’s leadership in global spaces. She has also been a vocal proponent of policies that protect women from gender-based violence and discrimination, pushing for regional and international collaboration on these pressing issues.
With her poised leadership as the president-elect, she continues to break barriers and accelerate action toward a future where women are integral to political and diplomatic progress across Africa.
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6. Dr. Olori Boye Ajayi – Empowering Women Entrepreneurs Through Trade
Trade and entrepreneurship are powerful drivers of economic transformation, and Dr. Olori Boye Ajayi is ensuring that African women don’t get left behind. As a trade expert and advocate for women in business, she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers that prevent female entrepreneurs from scaling their businesses globally.
Dr. Boye Ajayi provides women with access to markets, investment opportunities, and training to navigate international trade through her work with the Trade with Africa Business Summit and her various entrepreneurial initiatives. She understands that real empowerment goes beyond small-scale ventures—women must be positioned as global economic players.
Her initiatives help women-led businesses tap into international supply chains and secure funding, proving that gender-inclusive trade policies can accelerate economic growth. By advocating for systemic change and practical solutions, she is propelling women entrepreneurs toward success on the global stage.
7. Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu – Transforming Women’s Health with Cancer Advocacy and Policy Reform
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu is not just a physician but a relentless advocate ensuring that women’s health, particularly cancer care, is a priority in Africa’s healthcare system. As the First Lady of Kebbi State and a leading figure in Nigeria’s medical community, she has spearheaded policies and initiatives to improve cancer awareness, early detection, and treatment.
Her foundation, the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, has impacted thousands of women by providing free screenings, funding treatment, and pushing for policy reforms that make healthcare more accessible. She has worked tirelessly to integrate gender-sensitive policies into Nigeria’s healthcare sector, ensuring that women, especially those in rural areas, have access to life-saving medical services.
By advocating for national cancer control strategies and leading efforts to include Nigeria in global healthcare frameworks, Dr. Bagudu is accelerating action toward a future where no woman dies needlessly from preventable diseases.
8. Jaha Dukureh – A Fearless Force Against FGM and Child Marriage
Jaha Dukureh’s activism is more than just advocacy—it is a movement that has saved countless young girls from female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. A survivor herself, she turned her painful experience into action, founding Safe Hands for Girls, an organization that has been instrumental in banning FGM in The Gambia.
Her work has influenced policy at both national and international levels, earning her a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. As a UN Women Regional Ambassador, she continues to lead initiatives that ensure laws against FGM and child marriage are enforced, rather than just existing on paper.
Dukureh’s activism has inspired global conversations, challenging cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence. Her efforts have not only changed laws but also mindsets, proving that true change comes from sustained action. She accelerates the fight for a future where girls and women are free from harmful practices through education, advocacy, and grassroots mobilization.
9. Meaza Ashenafi – Restructuring Ethiopia’s Justice System for Gender Equality
Meaza Ashenafi is a legal trailblazer whose work has reshaped Ethiopia’s judicial system to be more inclusive and equitable. As Ethiopia’s first female Chief Justice, she has led groundbreaking reforms to protect women’s rights in a historically male-dominated legal system.
A lifelong advocate for gender equality, she co-founded the Ethiopian Women Lawyers Association (EWLA), which has provided legal aid to thousands of women facing injustice. Her legal battle to defend a 14-year-old girl who was abducted for marriage became a landmark case that influenced Ethiopia’s laws on child marriage and gender-based violence.
Under her leadership, Ethiopia’s judiciary is becoming more accessible to women, with legal frameworks that prioritize gender justice. Meaza Ashenafi’s tireless work proves that legal reform is not just about policy but also about protecting lives and accelerating the fight for equal rights.
10. Anita Erskine – Using Media to Challenge Stereotypes and Reshape Narratives
Anita Erskine is a powerhouse in African media. She uses her voice to dismantle gender stereotypes and amplify the stories of women breaking barriers. As a broadcaster, filmmaker, and advocate, she has dedicated her career to telling stories that challenge societal norms and inspire action.
Through her media company, Erskine Global, she has developed programs that highlight female changemakers, giving them a platform to share their journeys and motivate others. She is also a key figure in UNESCO’s initiatives for girls’ education, using her influence to advocate for policies that keep young girls in school.
Beyond the screen, Erskine actively mentors young women, helping them find confidence in their voices and ambitions. Her work accelerates gender equality by ensuring that women’s stories are heard, valued, and used as tools for transformation. She is changing mindsets by changing narratives—one story at a time.
11. Oby Ezekwesili – A Force for Governance and Girls’ Education
A bold voice in governance and gender advocacy, Oby Ezekwesili is a driving force behind policies that uplift women. As a former Nigerian Minister of Education and co-founder of Transparency International, she has consistently fought corruption and pushed for inclusive governance. She co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, ensuring that the world never forgets the over 200 kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls. Her commitment to girls’ education is unmatched, advocating for policy reforms that prioritize access and quality. Through her Fix Politics initiative, she mentors the next generation of female leaders, urging women to take up space in political and economic spheres. Ezekwesili does not just speak on change—she embodies it, proving that governance and gender equality must go hand in hand.
12. Amina Mohammed – Championing Women’s Global Impact
As the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations, Amina Mohammed is shaping the global agenda on gender equality, climate action, and sustainable development. A former Nigerian Minister of Environment, she played a key role in developing Nigeria’s climate change policies and pushing for women’s inclusion in governance. At the UN, she has been instrumental in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that women and girls remain at the center of economic, social, and environmental policies. Amina is a relentless advocate for equal representation, calling for more women in leadership, education, and economic decision-making. She does not just advocate for policies; she ensures they lead to action, demonstrating that when women are empowered, societies thrive.
13. Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin – Bridging the Gender Gap in Tech
A CNN Hero and founder of Pearls Africa Youth Foundation, Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin is ensuring that girls, especially those from underserved communities, are not left behind in the digital revolution. Through her Girls Coding Initiative, she equips young Nigerian girls with coding, software development, and entrepreneurial skills, breaking barriers in the male-dominated tech industry. Many of her students, once vulnerable to poverty and early marriage, have gone on to secure scholarships and careers in STEM. Abisoye believes that technology is a powerful tool for gender equity, and she is accelerating access to opportunities for African girls. Her work is a testament to the fact that when women are equipped with digital skills, they can rewrite the narrative of economic empowerment.
14. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru – Fighting Gender-Based Violence
Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru is on the frontlines of the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Nigeria. As the founder of Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), she has built a nationwide movement tackling rape, sexual violence, and abuse against women. WARIF provides medical care, counseling, legal aid, and advocacy programs, ensuring survivors get the support they need to rebuild their lives. She has launched education programs for young boys and men, recognizing that true change starts with breaking harmful gender norms. Through partnerships with governments and international organizations, Kemi is influencing policies that protect women and punish perpetrators. Her work accelerates action beyond awareness—it is about tangible impact, safety, and justice for NigeriaRen women.
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15. Blessing Abeng – Empowering Women in Tech and Business
Blessing Abeng is closing the digital divide by ensuring that African women gain access to skills that power the future. As the co-founder of Ingressive for Good, she has helped thousands of young women break into tech, business, and design through scholarships, training, and mentorship. Recognizing the financial barriers that often limit women’s access to technology, she has facilitated funding and partnerships that provide free resources for underprivileged girls. Beyond tech, Blessing is a brand strategist and a passionate advocate for women entrepreneurs, teaching them how to leverage digital platforms to build sustainable businesses. Her mission is clear: women should not just consume technology—they should create, innovate, and lead in it.
16. Damilola Odufuwa – Advocacy for Feminist Finance and Justice
A co-founder of the Feminist Coalition, Damilola Odufuwa is championing financial empowerment, social justice, and women’s rights in Nigeria. She was instrumental in the End SARS protests, advocating for the protection of Nigerian women from police brutality and gender-based violence. With a background in media and blockchain technology, she is pioneering financial inclusion for women through alternative finance models like cryptocurrency. Damilola believes that economic empowerment is the key to gender equality, and she is building structures that allow women to gain financial independence, access funding, and build generational wealth. Through activism and innovation, she is accelerating action towards a more just and inclusive Nigeria.
Action is the Only Way Forward
What unites these people is not just their commitment to gender equality but their relentless pursuit of real, measurable change. They are not waiting for permission or applause—they are building, reforming, and challenging systems that have long held women back. From transforming education and healthcare to reshaping politics, business, and justice, they embody what it means to accelerate action.
But the work is far from over. The fight for gender equality requires more women to step up, more allies to lend their voices, and more action beyond conversations. They have proven that change happens when bold decisions are made, when barriers are broken, and when action replaces rhetoric.
As we celebrate their impact, we must ask ourselves: How do we contribute to accelerating action? Whether in our workplaces, communities, or policies, the time for change is now. Because in the fight for equality, action is the only way forward.