In recent years, a rising tide of women has risen to high leadership positions in a variety of countries and organizations around the world. In truth, female representation in leadership and governance is steadily increasing.

Some women leaders serve as exemplary models for women in politics. These names include Diezani Alison Madueke, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, and more. Here’s what these icons have to say to the working girl!

1. Aisha Alhassan

Aisha Alhassan was popularly known as ‘Mama Taraba’ and remained one of the true female icons in Nigerian politics. She is the former Minister of Women Affairs under President Mohammadu Buhari’s cabinet from 2015-to 2018. She broke several glass ceilings, including being the first woman elected as a State Governor.

Late Aisha Alhassan’s message for women is,

“As Nigerian women, we should believe in ourselves; we should believe that we can work together, do our best to bring ourselves out of poverty, empower ourselves, and bring ourselves on board in areas of governance, like politics.”

2. Onyeka Onwenu

Onyeka Onwenu is a Nigerian singer/songwriter turned human rights and social activist. She is also one of the most formidable women in Nigerian politics and a card-holding member of the People’s Democratic Party. She is also a former Imo State Council for Arts and Culture chairperson. Onyeka Onwenu is an outspoken advocate for women’s empowerment.

As a speaker at the AB Microfinance Bank conference on International Women’s Day 2020, she openly encouraged all women to dream big, stating,
“If you have a dream and it does not scare you, it is not big enough. Wake up. Be curious. It will help you. Perhaps not today but in the future.”

3. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, popularly known as NOI, is Nigeria’s two-time minister of Finance and led a leading career in the World Bank as a development economist. In March 2021, Ngozi Okonjo Iweala made history in the 25 years since the prestigious World Trade Organization was established as the first woman and African to hold the highest position of Director-General.

She often stressed the importance of education for women in the fight for gender equality stating,
“Education is so vital to the survival not only of yourself but of your family, of whole villages.”

4. Diezani Alison Madueke

Diezani Alison Madueke is a trailblazer with a leading career of ‘firsts’ in the Nigerian government. She has held several cabinet positions as the first female Minister of Transport, Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

Alison Madueke also served as the first-ever Minister of Petroleum under President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration. In 2014, she broke the record for being the first and only woman appointed as the President of OPEC. Diezani Alison Madueke’s influence spread throughout her career.

She states in an interview with Forbes Africa,
“I believe that as women, it is important to remember that there are many other women who have been shut out of many areas of professional expertise and as you rise up the ladder, always remember to turn back and give a helping hand to other women to rise along with you,”

5. Stella Oduah

Stella Oduah is amongst Nigeria’s foremost female politicians. As one of the few female senators in Nigeria, she is a notable voice in championing women’s empowerment in Nigeria. She openly campaigns for gender equality and actively supports women’s rights programs.

She stated on the 2018 International Women’s Day,
“My message to Nigerian women today is that they should keep hope alive, they must participate fully and should not allow themselves to be discouraged by anybody.”