The theme for IWD this year is #AccelerateAction, how can we help to #AccelerateAction for gender equality in our industry and communities?
Though feminism is often seen as advancing women, the reality is we’re filling gaps left by governments that fail to meet basic human needs. In a society like ours, where inequality cuts across class, gender equality must be defined on our own terms—not borrowed from other countries.
IWD is a celebration of women, but more importantly, it’s a moment for us—as Nigerians, Africans, and industry professionals—to take stock of how we treat each other and commit to meaningful action.
So how do we #AccelerateAction in a way that matters?
1. Define gender equality for our reality – What does fairness look like for a woman in Utu Abak, Anambra, or Makoko? Not every woman is in a corporate office—our solutions must work across all levels of society.
2. Invest in women at every level – Support fair wages, training, and funding for women in trade, farming, and entrepreneurship—not just white-collar jobs.
3. Use our platforms to push for change – Whether in media, business, or community leadership, actively include women in decision-making and call out inequalities in your space.
4. Demand accountability from businesses and leaders – Gender equality should not be a campaign but a practice embedded in hiring, pay, safety, and leadership.
5. Create real support systems – Without access to childcare, fair credit, and safe workplaces, women—especially in lower-income communities—cannot thrive.
Real #AccelerateAction means acknowledging where we are, defining equality for our reality, and taking action that makes a difference across class, industry, and geography.
To #AccelerateAction for gender equality in our industry and communities, we must move beyond performative gestures and commit to real structural change. With 15+ years in the Black music industry, working with Afrobeats artists, mainstream acts, and global brands, I’ve seen progress, but the barriers for women—especially Black women—persist.
We need to prioritise equity in leadership, ensuring more women hold decision-making roles in label exec teams, festival lineups, and brand partnerships. Fair pay, safer work environments, and access to funding for female-led creative ventures must become the norm, not the exception.
Mentorship and sponsorship are key—established women (and male allies) should actively uplift emerging talent by creating opportunities, not just offering advice. We must also challenge outdated industry norms, from how women are represented in media to how they’re valued behind the scenes.
The industry is shifting, but we can and must do more. Change happens when action is intentional, consistent, and collective.
#AccelerateAction for gender equality means taking real steps to create a level playing field for women. Female artists, producers, songwriters, and executives deserve the same access to opportunities, resources, and recognition as their male counterparts. This starts with fair pay, equal representation on festival lineups, and more women in leadership roles across record labels, management companies, and media platforms.
We also need to challenge the biases that hold women back whether it's the perception that female artists have a shorter career span or the lack of investment in women-led music businesses. More mentorship programs, safer work environments, and stronger industry policies against exploitation and discrimination are crucial. If we truly want change, we have to be intentional about breaking barriers and ensuring that women in music don’t just participate but thrive.
To help #AccelerateAction for gender equality in our industry and communities, we can intensify awareness and support Women in Leadership. Now this just means advocating for policies that encourage the hiring and promotion of women in leadership positions. We should also loudly celebrate the achievements of female leaders and build a stronger support system for women aiming for leadership roles.
I believe the way to #AccelerateAction in 2025 is to speak louder. Encourage that woman loudly, support that woman publicly, defend that woman aggressively. The system has thrived on the lowered voices for too long to create a systemic dysfunction.
I believe gender equality is about fairness and unlocking the potential of both genders but in this case, we need to empower women to step into leadership roles, because they bring a unique blend of strength, structure, and strategic thinking. They know how to plan, execute, and achieve goals without sacrificing their own well-being. We need to create a world where women are encouraged to apply, supported through mentorship and training, and given the flexibility they need to thrive. And let's not forget to address those unconscious biases that hold them back. It's time to unleash the power of women in leadership and reap the rewards for everyone.
To #AccelerateAction for gender equality, we need less talk and more real moves—fund women-led projects, put more women in decision-making seats, and call out systemic bias when we see it. No more performative allyship. Let's make impact, opportunities, pay, and representation a standard and not a favor.
To truly #AccelerateAction for gender equality in the music industry and communities, we need to be deliberate about dismantling barriers that hold women back. This means investing in female talent, amplifying women’s voices in key decision-making spaces, and ensuring that policies around pay equity and career advancement are not just discussions but enforced realities.
We must also cultivate an industry culture where women are supported, mentored, and given equal opportunities to thrive - whether on stage, behind the scenes, or in executive roles. True acceleration happens when we stop waiting for change and start driving it ourselves.
In an industry where opportunities for women remain limited, it's crucial to #AccelerateAction by fostering inclusive spaces that uplift and support women across all sectors. For those rising in our field, we must actively create safe environments where they can access mentorship, guidance, and the resources needed to navigate their careers successfully.
Beyond individual efforts, we must unite as women, amplifying our collective voice to challenge and dismantle the barriers that have long held us back. Together, we can drive meaningful change.
We accelerate women in our industry by building capacity - in terms of creating more programs and avenues that foster mentorship and training for young women primed to work in the creative industry.
We can #AccelerateAction for gender equality in the Nigerian entertainment industry by amplifying women’s voices, creating opportunities for female talent, advocating for fair representation, and fostering mentorship. Real change happens when we move beyond conversations to action.
One of the most powerful ways to drive change is by amplifying women’s voice, whether in personal conversations, workplaces, or media platforms. Speaking up about gender issues and celebrating women’s achievements help break stereotypes and reshape narratives. Also important is uplifting and mentoring other women, investing in their education and empowerment, supporting women-owned businesses, and encouraging a culture of collaboration.
Progress comes from consistent, intentional action. Whether it’s mentoring a young woman, advocating for policy reforms, or challenging everyday biases, every effort matters. Change starts with action.
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To #AccelerateAction for gender equality in my industry and communities, we must advocate for representation, challenge biases, and drive systemic change. We can do the following to achieve this:
1. Amplify Women’s Voices – Highlight diverse stories, feature women experts, and ensure fair representation.
2. Hold Institutions Accountable – Investigate gender disparities, push for equal pay, and challenge stereotypes.
3. Use Media for Change – Create inclusive content, support grassroots movements, and engage audiences in meaningful discussions.
4. Bridge Cultural Gaps – Translate global gender conversations locally and foster cross-cultural collaborations.
By consistently using your platform to educate, expose inequalities, and demand action, you can drive lasting change for gender equality.
From Asia, to America, to right here at home in Africa; gender inequality is something women from all industries and fields face. Whether it is glass corporate ceilings, unsubstantiated pay gaps, or just not being given a seat at the table regardless of merit and contribution.
There is a lot that can be done to #accelerateaction for gender equality by both men and women in our industry, some of which include:
Mentorship programs: Establish mentorship initiatives that pair women with experienced leaders, providing guidance and support.
Leadership development: Offer training and development programs to help women advance into leadership positions.
Education and awareness: Organize workshops, campaigns, and events to raise awareness about gender equality and its benefits.
Engage men and boys: Encourage men and boys to become allies and advocates for gender equality, promoting a culture of mutual respect.
Collaborate with stakeholders: Engage with governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to create a collective impact.
Regardless of one’s gender/sex, whether male, female or any and every thing in between. Gender equality is an essential part of improving the world and ensuring the collective development of the human race.
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