In commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day, members of the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) have insisted women’s rising influence is undeniable in the country.

Themed, ‘Give to gain-empower her elevate all,’ they noted across industries, women are moving beyond representation to real influence—leading, innovating, and shaping decisions.

Driven by visibility, voice, collaboration, and leadership, they argued women are also redefining power with a more inclusive and adaptive style.

In her speech, the keynote speaker and Chief Executive Officer Ladybird Advertising, Bunmi Oke, stressed the need to dismantle enduring myths about women, both globally and within the country.

From outdated assumptions about women’s limitations in leadership, science, and politics, to local stereotypes that confine Nigerian women to domestic roles, Oke presented compelling evidence to the contrary.

To her, “Nigerian women are highly educated, entrepreneurial, politically engaged, and technologically proficient. They are leading businesses, shaping policy frameworks, and driving innovation across sectors.”

President of Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria (EXMAN), Tolulope Medebem, noted, “competence is speaking louder today than bias. Women are not just participating; they are delivering measurable impact. moving from execution to influence, shaping strategy and occupying decision-making roles.

She, however, added that women must also be willing to step forward. Despite any odds, as it seems that women decline opportunities because they think that they are not ready yet, stressing that if they keep waiting to be ready, they may keep waiting forever.

Medebem also commended the Out-of-Home sector, particularly, for its strong representation of women-led businesses — describing it as something that is both encouraging and instructive for the wider marketing communications ecosystem.

On her part, WOHAN chairperson, Adeola Odesanya added women bring care accountability and wholeness to the table.

There was also conversations around wholesomeness and wellbeing.

Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orile Agege Lagos General Hospital, Oluyemi Taiwo, stressed that often overlooked, health was reframed as a critical infrastructure for sustained success.

Saying that health directly impacts energy, productivity, confidence, and longevity, he however observed women spend a significant portion of their lives in poor health—an alarming trend with far-reaching economic and societal consequences.