Celebrating 7 Notable Women in Nigerian Politics & Advocacy

As we celebrate Women’s History Month around the world, I’m thinking especially of the women who fight for equal rights. As a Nigerian-American woman myself, I’d like to highlight seven notable women who have contributed to Nigerian politics and advocacy for women’s rights. These women have left indelible marks on Nigerian society, paving the way for more inclusive and dynamic leadership.

Funmilayo Ransome Anikulapo-Kuti (1900-1978)

Chief Funmilayo Ransome Anikulapo-Kuti was a pioneering Nigerian activist, educator, freedom-fighter and suffragist. Her legacy has inspired generations of Nigerians and activists worldwide. Chief Funmilayo was a trailblazer in the fight against colonialism, oppression, and gender inequality in Nigeria.

A pioneer from a young age, Chief Funmilayo was the first girl to attend her grammar school in 1914. She later became a teacher, founding the first preschool classes in Nigeria. Chief Funmilayo also worked diligently to establish literacy programs for women. She remained a staunch advocate for girls’ education throughout her life.

Chief Funmilayo was also involved in nationalist and women’s organizations. She founded the Abeokuta Women’s Union (AWU) in the mid-1940s as a response to oppressive tax conditions in Nigeria. The group played a key role in the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt of 1948, in which Akeokuta women protested against unjust taxation imposed by colonial authorities. The AWU successfully ended the special taxes on women and ousted the colonial leader of Abeokuta at the time.

Later, Chief Funmilayo played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s independence movement. She was a founding member of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons Party (NCNC). Chief Funmilayo’s activism extended to politics as well. She was the first woman appointed to the Western House, and one of few women to have a position in any Nigerian House of Chiefs at the time. She also served as a board member for the Nigerian Union of Teachers.

Kofoworola Ademola (1913-2002)

Lady Kofoworola Ademola was a prominent Nigerian educator, author, activist, and women’s rights advocate. Born in Lagos in 1913, she was a pioneer in women’s education and gender equality. Lady Ademola founded several schools and promoted educational opportunities for girls in Nigeria.

She was also actively involved in various social and charitable organizations, including the Nigerian Red Cross Society. Lady Ademola served as President of the National Council of Women’s Sciences in Nigeria and was a Board Member of the International Council of Women. She was also the first black African woman to earn a degree from Oxford University.

Lady Ademola’s contributions to education and women’s empowerment have left a lasting legacy in Nigeria, inspiring future generations of women leaders.

Margaret Ekpo (1914-2006)

Margaret Ekpo was a pioneering Nigerian women’s rights activist and politician. She played a significant role in Nigeria’s fight for independence and the advancement of women’s rights.

Throughout the 1940s and 50s, Chief Ekpo fought against colonialism and gender inequality. She founded the Market Women Association in the city of Aba to unionize market women. The Association promoted women’s solidarity to fight for economic and political rights.

Later, Chief Ekpo established the Aba Township Women’s Association. By 1955, women in Aba outnumbered male voters in a citywide election. Chief Ekpo won a seat in the Eastern Regional House of Assembly of the Nigerian Parliament in 1961. As a legislator, she worked on issues related to women’s economic and political rights.

Hajia Gambo Sawaba (1933-2001)

Hajia Gambo Sawaba was a prominent Nigerian politician, women’s rights activist and philanthropist. Hailing from the Kano State, she dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of women and the less privileged in Northern Nigeria.

Sawaba campaigned against under-aged marriages and forced labor. She was also an advocate for western education in the North Sawaba. Her activism also extended to politics. Sawaba was an active member of various political parties. She led the national women’s wing of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) and its successor, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP).

Throughout her career, Sawaba faced persecution and imprisonment for her activism. Despite this, she remained steadfast in her commitment to social justice and equality. Sawaba was imprisoned sixteen times for advocating against child marriage, forced and unpaid labor, and unfair taxes. As one of the most jailed women in Nigerian history, Sawaba was known for her fearless advocacy, challenging traditional norms, and advocating for women’s participation in politics.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (1954)

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a prominent economist, diplomat, and public servant. She served twice as Nigeria’s Finance Minister. Later, she also held the position of Managing Director at the World Bank, becoming the first woman and African to do so.

Okonjo-Iweala played a key role in negotiating Nigeria’s debt relief with the Paris Club of creditors. She’s credited for freeing up resources for social programs and infrastructure. In 2021, she made history as the first woman and African to be appointed Director-General of the World Trade Organization.

Throughout her career, Okonjo-Iweala has been a vocal advocate for global economic development, poverty reduction, and gender equality. Her leadership and contributions to public service have earned widespread respect and recognition.

Obiageli Ezekwesili (1963)

Obiageli Ezekwesili is an economist, educator, and activist known for her significant contributions to governance and public policy. She served as the Vice President of the World Bank’s Africa division and as Nigeria’s Minister of Education from 2006 to 2007.

Ezekwesili co-founded the #BringBackOurGirls movement, advocating for the rescue of the Chibok schoolgirls kidnapped by Boko Haram. She spearheaded education reforms and promoting transparent and accountable governance.

Ezekwesili’s leadership and advocacy have earned her recognition around the world. Her contributions have cemented her as a leading voice for social change and good governance in Nigeria.

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi (1963)

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a prominent gender rights activist. She co-founded the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF), an organization that supports women’s rights organizations across Africa.

In her role as First Lady of the Ekiti State during her husband’s tenure as Governor, Adeleye-Fayemi led various gender rights efforts. She spearheaded campaigns to enact laws prohibiting gender-based violence, allowing for equal opportunities, and preventing stigma against individuals with HIV.

Adeleye-Fayemi is the author of several books and publications focusing on gender issues and women’s empowerment. Her advocacy work has helped advance women’s rights and gender equality, both in Nigeria and across the African continent.

Reflecting on Women in Politics in Nigeria

There are so many incredible women in Nigerian history who have advocated for rights and protections for the most vulnerable members of society. I’m thankful for their work in creating a future where women have more freedom. 

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