For years, society has dictated what women can and cannot do, drawing invisible lines around industries, businesses, and leadership roles. We’ve been conditioned to believe that certain spaces—especially those historically dominated by men—aren’t meant for us. Yet, time and time again, women continue to break barriers, proving that success and leadership have no gender.
I was watching Running Point on Netflix, a film that was trending in the top 10. In the film, a father completely excluded his daughter from inheriting the family business just because it was-about basketball—something he believed could only be achieved by a man. But along the way, circumstances forced her into the position of CEO. Watching her struggle along, I was struck by how much harder she had to work, how much more she had to fight past—just to sit at the table.
It made me wonder: Why must women work ten times as hard as men to be deemed competent? Why do we have to juggle so much—becoming experts at multitasking, demonstrating unshakeable commitment, and always-over-delivering—just to reach the same benchmarks? The challenges women face in traditionally male industries are a microcosm of what we experience every day. 

But here’s the catch—these barriers don’t stop us. They build us. They make us relentless, resilient, and unstoppable. We don’t merely fit in; we rise. And in the process, we redefine what leadership looks like. 

How do You Then Thrive in a Male-Dominated Industry: What You Need to Keep in Mind
In the spaces and rooms where women are underestimated or undervalued, we must be accountable for our own success. Here’s what you must remember: 

You bring the table – They may not offer you a seat, but you don’t need permission to take one. Bring yours, take up space, and own the room 

Be consistent – Success doesn’t happen overnight. Show up, do the work, and stick with it. 

Prioritize well – Time is money. Balance your calendar, your home, and your business. We need to stay ahead. 

Be always prepared – Opportunities pop up when you least expect them. Stay ready so that you don’t need to prepare. 

Project confidence – Never downplay your talents or your worth. Confidence isn’t optional. 

Skill up – Join Accelerator programs and communities that are willing to train, handhold you and present you with ageless opportunities. Don’t forget you have to stay ahead by learning continually, adapting, and always improving and perfecting your self 

Be You– No one does it better than you. 

Don’t Procrastinate – Your dreams won’t wait. Do it now. 

Never settle for less – As Teni sings, ‘We’re here to get all the money in the world’—so let’s claim what we deserve. 

We are not just a part of history—we are making it. Let’s keep shattering glass ceilings, redefine what leadership is, and create space where the next generation of women won’t struggle to find a seat at the table. 

Let’s #AccelerateAction Together. 

Written by: Sefunmi Obielodan

One of the things I find boring are routines, especially when most people do it. First you are excited to begin, then you get a hold of the routine, and just when you tick the milestone box in your mind, the zest disappears. You gradually start to skip times, days, weeks, months and eventually dump the routine for ever.  

Do you find yourself dumping routines forever, spontaneously? I do, and I bet a lot of people do too. Why should we talk about smart objectives for 2025 if they will end up in the mental bin? Maybe people do that to catch on trends, pose responsible, or achieve better milestones. 

By the end of this article, you will decide if there is need to set objectives for this year, ditch the ones you already have, or follow through regardless of the hurdles. 

Why set objectives? 

Some days we wake up sure of what we want and the pathway, other days we want the comfort of the sheets till our backs are sore and a knight in shining armour fights the battles our enterprise wages against us or even better a genie grants our wish. ‘Tis because we want to birth something, we want to be remembered as women who strived in our industry, most of all we want to leave a part of us here—as ‘Matriarchs’ after we are gone; and we subtly know that the path to these eternal legacies is in the footsteps we take today.  

Miracles happen, little efforts seem to produce tremendous returns, and hard work seem to yield nearly nothing that meets our expectations, sometimes. However, I am a firm believer of cause and effect, so I do not think that things just happen; plus, the factors we can/cannot fully control after our PESTLE and SWOT analysis.  

I think objectives are set for three reasons.  

The Past: 

Everyone has a story—of origin, identity, struggles, achievements, failures, and comfort zone. We are familiar with talking about yesterday in today, and the experiences leave different effects on people. Some want to tell it as it is, others want to change the story, while some will rather be dumb than speak of yesterday. Whatever category yours can be, these experiences are subtle alarms that urge us to plan and be better, giving them any positive attention spurs us into magnificent altitudes. Such planning begins with introspect, questions like—Why did I begin? How did I lose/gain this much? Where was this industry before my arrival? 

The Present: 

How we intend to tell our stories determine whether our target audience will come around. The paradox is that we have today to talk about yesterday, write about today, and plan for tomorrow. Which means that the present gives us another opportunity to build upon existing narratives and/or create new narratives. Either way, it calls on us to be the playwright and director of our story. Ask yourself what you should do today to make up for lost times, how you can stay afloat and not slip down the curve, ask yourself what your business needs to thrive today and how you can achieve it. Remember this: “Tomorrow belongs to those who prepare today.” 

The Future: 

We may blame people for our past, lose our present to immediate gratifications, but if we dilly dally on our future, it will someday become a past that will haunt us with blames. Think about your finances, projects, goals, and do not through your dreams under the bus for today’s gratification 

Conclusion 

New year resolutions and setting goals may sound cliché but what truly is, will be dumping them in mental bin and moving on like they never existed. Seeing how our past, present, and future are interconnected, a major asset is what we do with ‘time’ not necessarily the duration. Setting and executing objectives help us utilise this asset. The steps are simple—think why, what, how, and when.  

Here’s an elaborate guide: think of why you started your enterprise, what other elements can help you thrive in the industry, think about how to build meaningful partnerships, how to leverage available resources, and when you must do them (the key is in acting). That way, you do not just set objectives for your business, but you have reasons to execute them. Today, I want you to remember where you were (your past), where you are (your present), where you can be (your future), then think, plan, and execute punctually.  

2025 just got started and I cannot wait to read your story in our spotlight!

Written by: Odilichukwu Frances Jombo 

Take Your Female-Led Business to the Next Level!

Are you a Nigerian woman entrepreneur ready to take your business to the next level? Apply now for Growth4Her Cohort 4 and unlock the full potential of your SME

According to the African Development Bank (AfDB) 2021 report, there’s a $42 billion gender financing gap in Africa. As an AFAWA Women Entrepreneurship Enabler, Growth4Her addresses this challenge head-on. This investor-readiness accelerator program is co-created and implemented by Creative Space Startups, Sociocapital Impact Group, The Learning Gate, and ActivSpaces.

Launched in 2022, the initiative has received over 1,500 applications from Nigeria and Cameroon across its first three cohorts. To date, more than 300 women entrepreneurs have benefited from the program, seeing tangible results such as increased revenue, expanded market reach, improved mental health through psychosocial support sessions, and enhanced business management practices. Our vibrant, close-knit community of over 500 women fosters strong connections among our alumni, serving as a rich resource for opportunities, collaborations, partnerships, and first-hand funding and visibility opportunities. We are on a mission to support 1,500 women entrepreneurs across West Africa over the next five years.

Cohort 4 applications are open for Nigerian women entrepreneurs! 

This transformative program will empower selected women entrepreneurs in Nigeria to transform their SMEs into fundable, high-growth ventures through investment readiness skills, connect them directly to funders’ funding opportunities, and cultivate an ecosystem that supports their businesses.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Women-led businesses based in Nigeria
• Minimum 51% or 20% woman-owned with a female CEO/COO
• At least 30% female board representation (if a board exists)
• 5-300 employees
• Annual sales between US$35,000 – US$15 million
• Assets ranging from US$100,000 – US$15 million
• Commitment to a one-week virtual/physical boot camp
• Dedicate 3 hours weekly for mentorship over eight weeks
• Participation of C-level executives is mandatory

What You’ll Gain:

• Expert mentoring from seasoned entrepreneurs and industry leaders who have walked the path.
• Receive tailored training to address your business’s needs and challenges.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded women entrepreneurs and potential partners.
• Explore alternative funding options and learn how to pitch your business effectively.
• Receive psychosocial support and guidance to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become INVESTMENT-READY and take your SME to a new level!

Apply today to join women entrepreneurs who have achieved remarkable growth and success, equipped with mentorship, training, funding, and networking opportunities.

Apply Now: https://growth4her.org/apply/

For more information, visit our website: https://growth4her.org/ or email us at [email protected]

#Growth4Her #NigerianWomenEntrepreneurs #SMEGrowth #Empowerment #AcceleratorProgram

When you think about an upcoming Trade fair, what thoughts come to mind? Do you view it simply as an opportunity to register and pay for booths to drive sales and profits? What other purposes do trade fairs and exhibition shows serve beyond sales? And how do organizers measure success for these events?

Trade fairs or exhibitions are events where businesses from a specific industry showcase their products, services, or innovations to potential buyers, partners, and other stakeholders. They have been essential to business development, offering a unique blend of promotion, networking, and market research. Whether you’re a startup or a well-established company, the benefits of participating in these events can be far-reaching.

Exhibiting at trade fairs requires significant investment—both in terms of time and money—the benefits typically outweigh the costs. Recently, the Naija Brand Chick Fair has expanded its reach beyond Nigeria. The trade fair has been quite successful in the Nigerian market, but it has dared to explore new opportunities for vendors and business owners in the international market. However, this moves evoked mixed reactions, inspiring this post on the different perspectives on Trade Fairs, especially for business owners. Some opined that it’s unwise to make such a significant financial investment in exhibiting goods outside the country, considering the country’s current economic situation, as some of those products are already widely available in the London market, which may result in low sales at the fair. On the other hand, some believe it’s an excellent opportunity to increase brand visibility and positioning.

When carefully aligned with business goals, trade fairs offer more than just a return on investment; they help build relationships, boost brand awareness, and provide market insights that fuel long-term growth.

Sales are undoubtedly a significant outcome of trade fairs; the benefits often extend far beyond. Trade Fairs and Exhibitions events serve as powerful platforms for:

Brand Visibility and Awareness: Exhibiting at a trade fair can significantly boost your brand’s visibility among target audiences. By showcasing your products or services in a focused environment, you can reach potential customers who have yet to learn about your business.

Networking and Relationship Building: Trade fairs provide excellent opportunities to connect with industry peers, potential partners, and customers. Networking can lead to new collaborations, partnerships, and valuable insights into market trends.

Market Research and Analysis: Observing competitor activities and gathering feedback from attendees can provide valuable market intelligence. This information can help you refine your business strategies and identify emerging trends.

Employee Motivation and Development: Participating in trade fairs can be a motivating experience for your team. It allows them to showcase their work, learn from industry experts, and gain valuable experience.

The recent expansion of the Naija Brand Chick Fair to international shores is a testament to trade fairs’ potential to drive business growth. Despite concerns about market saturation, the event proved successful, demonstrating value beyond immediate sales.

While participating in trade fairs can be a significant investment, the long-term benefits often outweigh the costs. By carefully considering your goals, target audience, and the fair’s value proposition, you can make informed decisions and maximize your return on investment.

Participating in trade fairs and exhibitions is about more than just immediate sales. It’s a strategic move that can enhance your brand visibility and foster new relationships, collaborations, and partnerships. These long-term benefits can be invaluable for your business growth, reassuring you that your investment in trade fairs is a sound decision.

Are you considering participating in a trade fair or exhibition soon? Your next event could be the game-changer that transforms your business from local to global success.