For decades, women have been a driving force in changing the world with their intellectual and courageous mindset and actions that have aided the advancement and improvement of lives across different spheres. It’s not merely saying that the great Beyonce proclaimed, “Who run the world? Girls!” In this part of the world, where women’s rights and equality are often disregarded while it claims to support them, some Nigerian women are committed to changing the narratives of what the girl-child and women represent. These women are helping to create a safe space for women to thrive and setting the pace even for future generations. On this International Women’s Day 2025, we highlight women-led projects driving change in Nigeria and beyond.
Siren.Co:
A safe space for women and by women, Siren.Co is a non-governmental organization founded by Atilola Adeyinka that is aimed at the forefront of feminism. The motivation behind the name Siren stemmed from a play on the dread associated with witches and the voice of sirens. But for Siren.Co is a liberation space for women’s activism, empowerment, and growth. Siren.Co consistently helps by providing free legal, medical, and counseling services, exclusive brand discounts, and a safe community of over 10,000 women to connect and thrive. Through feminism, Siren.Co shapes the narratives regarding women’s rights and empowerment.
Herbode:
Herbode derives its name from ‘abode,’ another non-governmental organization founded by Sinmiloluwa Aboluwade in August 2023. It was created as a safe haven for women, hence “Herbode.” This thriving organization is yet another community at the forefront of feminism in Nigeria, with a vision to help women and girls suffering from domestic violence. Herbode, which has extended its wing to universities across Nigeria, Herbode Sorority has helped several women and girls across states in fundraising, mentorship, and medical services.
Some of the initiatives include: Educate A Girl Child Project, Pad drive as Siren’s partner, and sponsorships and outreach programs in schools aiding with classroom materials. While the goal is to build a physical abode for women to help curb domestic violence and fight for women’s rights, Herbode is building an online space for women and young girls to live freely and be empowered.
Pad Her:
Guided by the vision of ending period poverty among women and girls, PadHer (Pad Her, With Love) is a non-governmental organization enabling better lives for women and girls. Started by Shamsiya Yususf, the non-profit organization is on a mission to make menstrual health available one pad at a time.
Through providing free menstrual products and education on menstrual health for two years, PadHer is helping break barriers and reducing the stereotypes affiliated with women and girls in a world where periods are often stigmatized. For Shamsiya, the cost of sanitary pads was increasing at an alarming rate, so she sought an idea to tackle the urgent issue affecting underprivileged women and girls. From Zaria, the organization has impacted young women and girls across six states and eight communities in Nigeria.
Feminist Coalition:
Feminist Coalition, also known as FemCo, is a women-focused non-governmental organization with a mission to champion equality for women in Nigeria, with a core focus on education, financial freedom, and representation in public office.
Started in 2020 by Damilola Odufuwa and Odunayo Eweniyi, FemCo has been a key instrument in driving change and empowering women from the #ENDSARS phase, where the organization helped to champion the cause in fighting social injustices, raising and donating millions for food, medical and legal aids to affected victims at the time.
Beyond the #ENDSARS phase, FemCo has helped empower a myriad of women through projects like Farming Initiative in partnership with Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery, which provides low-income women with resources to start poultry business, food drive, FemCo Girl’s Education Program, and mentorship to young girls.
She Code Africa:
Aside from addressing social injustices, another women-led organization driving change in Nigeria and beyond is the women-focused tech NGO She Code Africa, which was founded by Ada Nduka Oyom in 2016. She Code Africa is a non-profit social enterprise providing African women with access to digital education in tech, which the organization has done in the past eight years, empowering over 62,000 girls & women in technology across Africa with digital skills.
By establishing global partnerships with leading companies like FedEx, Google, Glovo, Zoho, and many more, She Code Africa has significantly impacted women and young girls with tech education, resources, and opportunities to thrive. Through initiatives like Glovo Women in Tech Bootcamp in partnership with She Code Africa and the Lagos State Government, Q1 Laptop Scholarship, and She Code Africa STEM A Girl Initiative bringing STEM education, mentorship, training, and workshops to empower 2,000 girls in STEM, She Code Africa is at the forefront of driving positive change in Nigeria and Africa through feminism, building a future where women and young girls can confidently know they belong.
Her Money, Her Power:
This is yet another women-led initiative driving women’s empowerment in Nigeria. The “Her Money, Her Power” campaign was launched in 2024 by The She Tank founder Blessing Omakwu in partnership with BellaNaija led by Uche Pedro and has been a prominent instrument in empowering Nigerian women economically and addressing gender inequalities. This national campaign aims at harnessing the power of media and entertainment for social impact by highlighting its pivotal role in fostering societal progress and national growth.
With 30+ partnerships in media, entertainment, and civil society, over one billion impressions on social media, and 60+ collaborations with influencers and thought leaders, Her Money, Her Power has inspired women across Nigeria to take control of their finances and help drive conversations in their communities where women’s empowerment should be a priority.
Herconomy:
Herconomy is a Nigerian fintech startup dedicated to empowering women through financial services, capacity building, and networking opportunities. This is one of the many fintech platforms committed to fostering financial independence among women by providing tools and resources tailored to their needs. With an app catering to women’s empowerment, Herconomy enables women to save and earn interest. Beyond financial services, the Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti founded a platform that provides access to job opportunities, grants, scholarships, and workshops that contribute to women’s economic growth and independence. It has evolved into a community where women can connect, share experiences, and support each other’s growth.
In this Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, we recognize the collective efforts and impact of Nigerian women-led projects and initiatives promoting change in Nigeria. A place where women have equal rights and are empowered is a safe space for women to thrive.
Happy Women’s History Month. Happy International Women’s Day!
