It’s such a joy and privilege to be here, not just to speak, but to celebrate with all of you. Last year, we were celebrating Women of Might’s first anniversary. Today, Women of Might is two. Let’s put that in perspective: imagine a two-year-old child. So when we imagine this community as a toddler—two or three years old—it means growth.
It’s been two years of strength, sisterhood, and rising together. You’re not just counting time—you’re creating impact.
Today, we reflect on a powerful theme: The Role of Empowered Women in Nation Building. Truly, I can’t imagine a better audience than this—women who build businesses, raise families, support communities, and still show up with fire in their hearts and vision in their eyes.
Even when we try to rest, we find things to do! That’s who we are. But here’s something I want you to remember: when women build, they don’t just build homes or enterprises—they build nations.
This isn’t to take anything away from the men in the room, but the power of women is extraordinary. Sometimes, we forget how powerful our voices are. Yet here you are, mothers, sisters, entrepreneurs—living proof of impact.
What does it mean to be empowered?
Just yesterday, I was in a session where the question came up: “What do young girls need to know?”
One of our biggest battles is getting women to rally together. Sometimes we forget that our voices are not triggered—they are innate. You don’t need someone to generate your energy; you are the power source.
Empowerment isn’t just about holding a title or having financial success. Many of you have both—and that’s wonderful. But empowerment is also about choice. It’s about voice. It’s about knowing your worth and using your strength—not just to rise, but to lift others as you rise.
If the founder of this community had kept her vision to herself, she wouldn’t have come this far. She chose to extend her vision and pull others along. That’s leadership.
Whether you’re managing a household budget or scaling a startup, remember—you’re shaping the future every single day.
Let’s be real: women have always been nation builders.
From time immemorial—before Nigeria was even formed—whether through the Bible, the Quran, or the stories passed down through generations, women have always risen and lifted others alongside them.
Mothers shape the values of future leaders. So when we see young people—both boys and girls—begin to lose their way, it’s a sign that we may be forgetting our sacred duty: We have a voice.
Entrepreneurs shape the economic destiny of communities. And you—yes, you—nurture minds, launch ideas, and solve real problems. We weren’t placed on this Earth just to decorate it. We are here to solve problems.
When I hire someone, my first thought is: What value will you bring? And more importantly, will you give up? Because women—through the storms of life and career—don’t quit. You’ve heard the stories. You’ve lived them. And you’re still standing.
Why? Because you don’t give up.
You juggle clients, customers, and children—from birth, through the silence of adolescence, to that age where they “know it all.” Eventually, they start advising you! That’s a story.
You juggle tough deadlines and tougher dreams. Some of you sew garments. Some of you build businesses. You sell. You knock on doors. You say, Buy my market. Some sell Zobo—sweet and nourishing. We juggle dreams—and somehow, we keep the world turning.
So when we talk about nation-building, it’s not distant or abstract. It’s YOU.
Empowering women causes a ripple effect. Global research shows that when women earn income, they reinvest 90% into their families and communities.
Educated mothers are twice as likely to send their children to school. I’ve met women who didn’t have access to opportunities but fought so their children would. That’s the pride of a mother.
Women-owned businesses create jobs faster. That’s not just opinion—it’s data. And when women are supported, society is elevated. Your strength is not only personal—it’s national.
As we celebrate your second year as a group, remember: this is only the beginning. Think of yourselves as a child turning two—learning to walk, growing stronger every day. You’re not just a support group. You are a movement.
Let collaboration be your guide, not competition. For too long, society has taught women to compete—to measure each other by appearances, to wonder, What does she have that I don’t? But we are not meant to compete—we’re here to collaborate.
Our nation needs more safe spaces for women, more access to capital, education, and leadership. Many women have incredible ideas but hesitate to start because they’re unsure of family support. This must change.
Imagine a future where every woman in your community is financially independent—not just dancing with joy, but confidently making decisions: My child needs this. I can provide it. I want to buy eggs today—I will. I want to see my sister—I’ll go.
For some, even travelling from Lagos to Ibadan is out of reach. Financial independence changes that. That course you admire in another woman, you can take it. That future is already here.
Your daughters are watching. Your sons are watching. The way you live, lead, and love shapes them. Some young women have endured abuse because they watched their mothers accept it.
Abuse is not just physical—it’s emotional, environmental, and economic. You have the power to break that cycle.
Women’s voices must be heard—not just in homes, but in markets, boardrooms, and parliaments. In the marketplace, when strong women lead, harassment stops. When women rise, they say, We won’t take this. And they are heard.
This movement starts here—with empowered women, with gatherings like this. They say if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, go with others. You’ve already come so far.
Keep building. Keep dreaming. Keep showing up. Because when women rise, nations don’t just survive—they thrive. Happy second anniversary. The next chapter awaits building, leading, and transforming.
Kemi Shonubi is the Director, People, Culture Experience and Operations, TVC Communication. She is the keynote speaker at the Women of Might 2nd Year Celebration and Empowerment celebration held on the 28th of June, 2025, at Deels Hotel, Ajao Estate, Lagos State. The theme of the event is “Two Years of Impact, Empowering women, shaping the future.”
