Writing with Juliet Iwelunmor

I stand here today because of the women who came before me. Women who fought for their voices to be heard, who persevered in the face of adversity, and who paved the way for me to stand on this stage. As Chinua Achebe so eloquently put it, “Women have the insight for survival.”

“I think about the early days of my career, when I was just starting out. I was often overlooked, my ideas dismissed, my voice silenced. But I didn’t let that define me. Instead, I used my insight to navigate the challenges and find opportunities.

“As I grew in my career, I realized that I wasn’t alone. There were countless women around me who were facing similar struggles. And I knew that I had a choice to make: I could let the obstacles hold me back, or I could use my voice to lift others up.

“So I started mentoring young women, offering guidance and support, and celebrating their successes. And what I saw was a ripple effect of empowerment that spread far and wide. Women who were once hesitant to speak up were now leading meetings and making decisions. Women who were once overlooked were now being recognized for their contributions.

“Today, I’m honored to be among women who are making a difference. Women who are breaking barriers, pushing boundaries, and shattering glass ceilings. And I want to leave you with a challenge: What if we used our voices, our actions, and our influence to create a world where every woman can thrive?

“Imagine a world where women’s voices are heard, valued, and respected. A world where women are empowered to lead, to innovate, and to create. That’s a world worth fighting for. Let’s unleash the power of women’s voices and create a brighter future for all.

Three Takeaways:

1. Amplify women’s voices: Let’s create opportunities for women to share their ideas, perspectives, and experiences. Let’s listen to and value their contributions.
2. Empower through mentorship: Let’s pay it forward by mentoring and supporting women who are just starting out. Let’s share our knowledge, guidance, and encouragement.
3. Be a catalyst for change: Let’s use our voices, actions, and influence to create a world where every woman can thrive. Let’s challenge the status quo and push for a more inclusive and equitable world.