INSIGHTS : Shifting Women from Beneficiaries to Decision-Makers & Investors in Financial & Social Impact Ventures

It’s time to shift the narrative—women are not just recipients of aid or empowerment programs; they are experts, decision-makers, and investors in social impact and development. To institutionalize women’s leadership, we must consciously and consistently elevate stories of women leading change rather than focusing solely on their vulnerabilities. This central theme will drive the March 2025 special edition of the Insights Webinar.

The discussion underscored the urgent need to dismantle systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress across all spheres of life. More than just conversations, the focus must now shift to implementing concrete measures that foster inclusivity. Panelists emphasized that accelerating action requires providing women with economic resources, leadership opportunities, and decision-making power, alongside embedding gender-inclusive norms and practices into our systems.

Despite the progress made, panelists stressed that true gender equality demands legal, policy, regulatory, and systemic reforms. A societal-wide approach is essential. As one panelist noted, for too long, women’s voices, agency, and power have been confined to activists and advocacy groups—this must change. A multi-faceted, systemic approach is critical, and time is of the essence.

Governments play a pivotal role in shaping policies and legal frameworks, particularly in ensuring effective implementation and domestication of gender-related policies. While some strides have been made, greater public awareness is needed. Panelists called for strong policy advocacy through collaboration between public and private sectors, ensuring these policies translate into tangible outcomes.

Additionally, panelists recommended capacity building and the redefinition of female leadership models worldwide. Showcasing strong female leaders can serve as a powerful catalyst for changing the narrative and accelerating gender equity across all aspects of society.

Panelists: 

• Hansatu Adegbite – Women Economic Empowerment Specialist, Gender Advocate, Chartered Administrator, IFC-LPI Certified Trainer, Public Speaker, SMEDAN Business Development Service Provider& Team Building Enthusiast
  
• Ibukun Omololu – Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Expert – Consultant/Author/Keynote Speaker/Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Expert/Portfolio Lead
• Ms. Olufunke Omoyemi-Baruwa – An International Development Expert – Gender | Social Inclusion | Public Policy | Governance | International Development | Philantrophy | Board Governance

Moderator: 

 Tijesu Ojumu – Deputy Director, People & Organizational Strategy in People & Organizational Strategy