"If you're reading this, it means we pushed through all the obstacles that delayed this piece from being published last week."
For International Women's Day 2025, we chose to celebrate the voices of women by gathering their perspectives through a set of thought-provoking questions. The responses we received were truly inspiring, and we can’t wait for you to read them all below. As we honor this day, we remain hopeful and committed to continuous progress and meaningful change in the lives of women everywhere.
"Here's to strong women: May we know them, may we be them, may we raise them."
What Does IWD Mean to You?
B.
To me, it’s a day to celebrate women, and all fight to be treated fairly, equally, justly.
Riioluwa
IWD is a day where women are spotlighted on. A day to appreciate women of all ages. A day where every woman should sit down, and just love up on her own existence, think of her part in the world we are in and how much she has contributed to making it better.
Tee
It means acknowledging the importance of women and the barriers that we have to break for women of present and future generations.
Evelyn
It is a day that has been set apart to celebrate every women on earth regardless of their background.
Ajoke
It means celebrating women all over the world, and appreciating the value of every woman.
Lolu
A day set aside to celebrate women of all ethnicity, age, race and background. It is of significance because we need days such as this to elucidate on the intricacies of being a woman, and other things that come with it which we don’t say often.
Do you have a circle of female friends? If yes, how has the experience been?
Bibi
It has been wonderful, and gladly one of the best things in my life.
Evelyn
It has been beautiful especially with our different stories that seems to inspire us and help us to draw more strength even in times of weaknesses.
Lolu
A safe place, a wondrous experience. A ground for learning and relearning. Someplace that’s free from judgement, where I can just be me.
Tee
It’s been wholesome. I’m glad that I met the most amazing set of humans who inspire me, believe in my potential, see me, even when I don’t want to be seen. They care for me. Strengthen me. I love them. With my whole.
Ajoke
It has been amazing, but also challenging.
Riioluwa
I didn’t start off my life with female friends. I was mostly in the midst of boys and I just sort of ‘disliked’ the female friendships because I always found a fault in female company. “Oh! they keep malice”, “oh, they don’t want you to shine”, that was me before I met people who actually outdid themselves willingly, out of genuine love. It has actually been good, just because it’s the good set of people.
B.
My female friends are truly special. They make me understand that genuine female friendships is all you need sometimes. The honesty, show of support, kindness makes my heart warm.
“The question isn't who's going to let me; it's who is going to stop me.” – Ayn Rand.
Who is a woman that has inspired you, and why?
Tee
My mom. The way she pushes through life is stunning. She juggles being a teacher, and a mother of six with so much energy that it looks effortless. I adore her so much. She inspires me to do and become anything I want to be.
Sisipelebe
My mom - she has shown me what resilience looks like and never giving up. She’s a strong woman and very hardworking.
AY.
My mom; she’s an achiever.
B.
Okonjo Iwela - coming from my field of study and going on to achieve such height of greatness just reassures me of the possibilities and heights I can get to irrespective of my gender.
Evelyn
My mother. She is the first woman I know. She has done a lot to keep us going especially when I tried to commit suicide. My mum has never for once told me I am a failure even when others did. She believed in me even when I just can’t see it.
Ajoke
Ibukun Awosika - She’s a woman I deeply admire for her vision and strength. She has been a constant source of inspiration; financially, spiritually, and mentally. Her teachings and books have reminded me that I am limitless.
Lolu
My mom. She embodies strength so much. She is very self reliant and graceful, shows me many things a woman has capacity for. She enriches my mind and through her, I see anything is possible.
Riioluwa
So many women have inspired me, but the closest one is my mother. I never even think or dream of not reaching my utmost potential, I wouldn’t even dare because I’m hovered by a mother who dared to break free. I remember her saying that her children will never grow the way she did or live the life she lived growing. This woman is the best picture of possibility for me. She’s a blessed woman, doing great things and going places. There’s a lot to say but my mother did stop at nothing, so who am I to say I can’t?
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a woman navigating life?
Oluwaferanmi
Work on yourself and be a person of value.
Julliet
I have to bring out the best in myself, learn more about myself and grow.
Riioluwa
To find myself first! My God, this particular thing has changed the course of my life. Back then, I thought my identity had to be tied to someone or a situation before it could make sense but it never felt like it. Until I got to know me and see from the clearest lens. Now I can define my boundaries, I know where I’m going to, I know what I deserve and what I’ll never settle for. I realized I’m the biggest determinant of what happens in my life and I’m never going to leave it to chance.
Bibi
I’ve learned that there’s absolutely no way one won’t face obstacles, it’s left to me to overcome it, stay true to myself and embrace growth along the way.
Tee
As a woman, it won’t come to you easy. There will be doubt and strife along the way. People will ridicule you but should that you? Hell no. Prove them wrong but remember that it isn’t about the people. It is about you. Who you affirm yourself to be. So yes, do it for you.
B.
Put in the work, make the most of your relationships, always be the one to add value.
Sisipelebe
You have to stand against all odds especially in a male dominated field, if not you’d be overlooked.
What’s a book, movie or podcast that every woman should check out?
B.
Movie - “Equity”
Ajoke
Movie - “Smart Money Woman”
Bibi
The Six Triple Eight
Lolu
Book - “A woman is no man.”
Oluwaferanmi
Podcast - “To my sisters”, “Working hard, hardly working”
Tee
Podcast - “You can rest here.” -Mazino Malaka’s podcast.
Riioluwa
Movie - “Smart Money Woman”, “Hidden Figures”, “Monalisa Smile”
Book - “Becoming by Michelle Obama”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young girls aspiring to break barriers?
Tee
Everybody has wild dreams. Yours aren’t invalid so chase them!
B.
I cannot overemphasize the need to lock in and be the best at your craft.
AY.
Cliched but you can actually do anything you want to!
Lolu
Go girllllll!!!! There are gazillions of us aspiring to break barriers too. You’re not alone. We’re not looking back, we’re determined, we’re prayerful, we’re God seekers, we’re by no chance a minority. I hope with every fiber of my being that you become the woman you want to be.
Bibi
To always believe in themselves and never doubt that they can achieve their goals with determination. Staying confident, keep learning, and surrounding themselves with supportive mentors who inspire and guide them.
How has the perception of women’s roles changed in society over the years?
Bibi
Things have changed significantly, and in a positive way! We may not be completely there yet, but where we are now is definitely a step in the right direction.
Riioluwa
I think there’s a gradual evolution that has come with it. We are beginning to get past the spoken and unspoken barriers and stereotypes against woman. Though I don’t think a good number of the population has gotten the memo or are ready to do away with their traditional mindset but it’s evident in a number of our industries and frontlines that women are getting a seat for themselves too.
Lolu
It’s better, thanks to women who wouldn’t stop talking and seeking and writing and documenting and living no ordinary lives that yearn and seek for equality. Although, in small corners it’s still there. Some ugly menace that refused to die (keep quiet, I’ll only speak to your husband.)
B.
I think it has gotten better than a couple of years, tbf. However, we still have a long way to go.
Evelyn
It has tremendously changed especially now that we see women standing tall in the society without the need to be limited to the kitchen unlike the older generation. Women are now bold enough to choose the life they want.
Tee
I believe that in the past, everyone had a say in where women belonged; be it the kitchen, or in her husband’s house, not in school, home by 8pm. Now, things are changing. We, as a society, are starting to fight for women’s rights and roles in the same society.
How do you hope to be remembered, and what legacy do you hope to leave for future generation?
Lolu
That I fought. That I’m strong. That I searched for God with all my heart, and I found Him. That I lived, I loved with all my heart and that I will be. Through the lives of women I would have touched, through the people I exchanged glances with, the smiles I gave, I’ll live still.
Riioluwa
Well, one of it relation to IWD is that; I want to be able to bridge the gap and difference in the female gender. We should get to the point where we truly support ourselves and be our biggest cheerleader!
Oluwaferanmi
I just want to build generational wealth with my husband.
B.
I hope to inspire the next generation of finance ladies. To be a thought leader in my field, ultimately.
Evelyn
I hope to be remembered as the lady who God used to bring others out of their fears and step into the light of their true calling.
AY.
The wealthiest farmer that fed people.
Bibi
As someone who thrived in what she chooses to do, being a successful woman as well as well someone who inspires and empowers others to break barriers.
Tee
I hope to be remembered as a woman who LIVED. A woman who was so full of happiness that she radiates and shares this little of joys of her in her career and life. I want to help women through healthcare. By erasing the stigma around reproductive health, I want to be remembered as someone who did the work and contributed in the path of change for women.
“When the world tells you to shrink, expand.”– Elaine Welteroth
PS: A big shoutout to all the women who contributed to this piece, thank you for taking the time to be a part of the IWD article. Your voices, experiences, and insights continue to inspire and pave the way for change. Here’s to celebrating you today and always! 💜✨
Today’s song: Woman to Woman - Simi
This is such a wonderful read.