International Women’s Day 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action,” is a clarion call for rapid advancements in gender equality. No longer can progress be slow and incremental; real change requires urgent and intentional action.
Across industries, women are breaking barriers, reshaping narratives, and driving impactful initiatives to create a more equitable future. This year’s theme focuses on recognising and leveraging strategies and tools that drive women’s progress in education, employment, and leadership. The goal is to create a world where women have equal opportunities, rights, and empowerment to reach their full potential.
Strategies for accelerating action
To promote gender equality and empower women, several strategies can be employed:
- Education and training: Providing women with access to quality education and vocational training can help bridge the skills gap and increase their participation in the workforce.
- Mentorship and networking: Pairing women with mentors and providing opportunities for networking can help them build relationships, gain confidence, and access new opportunities.
- Policy reforms: Advocating for policies that promote gender equality, such as equal pay, parental leave, and anti-discrimination laws, can help create a more level playing field.
- Economic empowerment: Providing women with access to financial resources, such as loans, grants, and investments, can help them start and grow businesses, and achieve economic independence.
- Promoting STEM education: Encouraging girls and women to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can help bridge the gender gap in these fields.
- Advancing women in leadership: Promoting women to leadership positions can help break down barriers and create a more inclusive and diverse workplace culture.
Pride Magazine Nigeria women crushes: Empowered women empowering others
Pride Magazine’s Women Crush series has featured numerous women who embody the spirit of empowerment and acceleration through their work and leadership.
Here are some remarkable women making strides:
- Ayodele Alabi – A dynamic corporate communications expert, a skilled master of ceremonies, and a published author with an impressive track record spanning over 15 years.
- Chichi Nwoko – The Founder and CEO of WHAT MEDIA GROUP, a pioneering leader and devoted Pan-Africanist, committed to transforming the African media landscape.
- Funmilayo Falola – An experienced consumer marketing expert who skilfully combines creativity and strategy to support brand growth and organisational success.
- Liliane da Cruz – Breaking boundaries as her work transforms industries and bridges continents. Her career spans nearly two decades of innovation in global business development, event management, and diversity advocacy.
- Christianah O. Robinson – An esteemed leader in communications and sustainability, shaping transformative initiatives that not only drive business success but also promote positive social and environmental impact.
- Anthonia Bisola Otunla – Not just a mental health clinician; she is a force of nature in trauma-informed care, dedicated to uplifting vulnerable communities.
- Chioma Momah – Has built an impressive career in the public sector, with extensive experience in communications, power, and finance.
- Rania El Rafie – A seasoned public relations expert with over two decades of experience across the Middle East and Africa. She is the Vice President of Public Relations & Strategic Communications at APO Group, amplifying the voices and stories of Africa and its people.
- Dr. Shikoh Gitau – A Kenyan computer scientist, known for inventing M-Ganga and Ummeli, mobile applications for promoting health and medicine and matching unemployed workers with job opportunities.
- Jennifer Okeke-Ojiudu – Vice President of Gender Inclusion and Women’s Initiatives, leading the Ojiudu Pride, dedicated to empowering women and advancing gender equity.
- Oluchukwu Chiadika – A growth-driven marketing and communications professional with nearly five years of diverse experience across fintech, HealthTech, and FMCG, bringing innovative strategies to brand building and engagement
These women are not waiting for change—they are making it happen. Their work exemplifies the urgency of action required to achieve true gender equality. As we mark this year’s International Women’s Day, let their efforts inspire more individuals and organisations to step up, push boundaries, and drive transformative impact.
Let’s celebrate and support women who are Accelerating Action.