History hasn't always been kind to women and Nigerian history, in particular, often overlooks the women who shaped it.
When Nigeria raised her green-white-green flag on October 1, 1960, the promise of freedom seemed boundless. Yet, for women, the journey of carving a place in politics, business, academia, and culture was only just beginning. From the voices of activists in the 1960s to the globally recognized icons of today, Nigerian women have consistently proven that they are not only witnesses to history but architects of it.
One of the earliest female voices and activists that shaped Nigeria’s identity was Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (1900 - 1978), remembered as the “Lioness of Lisabi.” The mother of popular afro beat artist Fela Kuti . She became the first Nigerian woman to drive a car and represented Nigeria at international conferences, making her a symbol of defiance and progress in a society hesitant to acknowledge women’s leadership.
Alongside her, Margaret Ekpo (1914 - 2006) stepped into the political space with flair and courage. She stood alongside trade unions during the Aba General Strike of 1949, protesting against colonial economic policies that hurt Nigerian workers. Her activism did not end there, as the leader of Aba market women's association she ensured women got involved in politics, working closely with Nationalist leaders like Nnamdi Azikiwe strongly pushing for self rule. She was known for her colorful fashion and sharp intellect. Ekpo was able to mobilized thousands of women in the Eastern Region, ensuring they registered as voters and had a say in governance. Her presence in politics was more than symbolic — it was transformative.
The years following independence also witnessed women influencing Nigeria from behind the scenes. Hajia Gambo Sawaba (1933 - 2001), often less celebrated in textbooks, was a fearless activist in Northern Nigeria. At 17, she was already standing up to colonial authorities and local powers alike.She campaigned for girls’ education, women’s enfranchisement, and against forced marriages. She led protest, faced prison cells and endured beatings for her cause At a time when political participation for Northern women was restricted, Sawaba’s boldness made her a northern trailblazer, earning her comparisons to Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
By the turn of the millennium, Nigerian women were no longer just participants; they were leaders on the global stage. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Harvard-trained economist, redefined economic leadership. History bears witness that she is the only female finance minister to serve two terms. As Nigeria’s Finance Minister, she negotiated debt relief worth $18 billion from the Paris Club of creditors in 2005, an achievement that freed Nigeria from decades of crippling debt. Today, as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, she continues to prove that Nigerian women can sit at the highest tables of global decision-making.
Also through culture and literature women found their voice . Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie emerged in the 2000s as a literary powerhouse. Her novels both fiction and non fiction helps explore feminism, post colonialism ,and the intersections of identity. Her novel Half of a Yellow Sun, which won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2007, told the Nigerian Civil War story through a human lens. Beyond fiction, her TED Talk “We Should All Be Feminists” became a manifesto for gender equality worldwide, later featured in Beyoncé’s music.
Some women left their mark not through long careers but through acts of heroism. Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh (1956 - 2014), a Nigerian physician, became a national hero in 2014 during the Ebola outbreak. When an infected Liberian-American diplomat arrived in Lagos, she insisted he be quarantined despite pressure to release him. Her decision prevented a potential epidemic in Africa’s most populous city. Tragically, she contracted the virus and died, but her efforts and sacrifice helped save countless lives.
As Nigeria marks decades of independence, these women stand as reminders that progress is not solely measured in GDP or infrastructure but also in the courage of individuals who expand the boundaries of possibility. From politics and activism to medicine and literature, Nigerian women have proven that they are the backbone of the nation’s resilience and the face of its global reputation.
Celebrating these trailblazers is not merely about recounting history,these women remind us that national progress is incomplete without women’s contributions. It is about inspiring the next generation of girls who, like Ransome-Kuti, Ekpo, Okonjo-Iweala, and Adichie, will dare to challenge systems, dream beyond borders,its a call to action: to create spaces where the next generation of Nigerian women can dream, dare, and do even more.
Written by: Gborogen Rejoice | Edited by: Chris Odjomah