Amazons who inspired on our covers in 2018

As the curtain draws over the year 2018, it calls for a reflection on the essence of our GuardianWoman cover subjects this year.

These women of substance, who cut across different social strata, demographic lines and professions in the society, where not just randomly selected, but were carefully chosen to share stories about their struggles, challenges and successes in order to inspire and encourage other women. They were selected as role models with positive influence on their fellow women.

Top bankers, finance experts, businesswomen, medical practitioners, politicians, lawyers, technology experts, media entrepreneurs, gender experts, PR practitioners, Nollywood personalities, charity workers and more- all came out to talk about the importance of carrying women along in nation-building by investing in women, while also helping to elevate other women and educate young girls, especially the less-privileged ones.

They taught us selfless service, tenacity, determination and how they’ve been able to navigate the tough terrains, breaking barriers and playing the balancing roles of being mothers while also pursuing their respective careers.

They also gave some motivational words to ginger other women into taking positive actions that would enhance their status. Here are some of the quotable quotes from our amazing women this year!

. ‘I hope that young girls can use my story and journey as an example that anything is possible and they can fulfill their destiny in life, regardless of where they are coming from’- Abisoye Ajayi-Akinfolarin, CNN Hero of The Year finalist.

. ‘It shows the children you have time for them, it shows that they are your priority, it gives you an opportunity to know what happened to them during the day, it is a time you can get quiet, forget the phone, social media and ask your children about their day.

That is how you find out about your children’- Olubumi Aboderin-Talabi, Author of children’s reading books on how parents can bond with their kids.

. ‘Female-Led Companies Tend To Be More Profitable Than Those With No Female Representation’- Amy Jadesimi, CEO of LADOL.

‘An all-women spa provides the ideal space for workouts and treatments without the disturbance of being approached or ogled at by men’- Adenike Busari, CEO of BIYOU SPA on why she runs a women only Wellness Place.

. ‘If We Help Women More, They Will Help Improve Nigeria’s Situation’- Anita Kouassigan, Media Entrepreneur, on the need to Invest In Women.

. ‘We Want To Tell Young People That You Can Pick Yourself Up And Rebuild’- Biola Alabi, Entrepreneur, Filmmaker and Former director for M-Net Africa on the essence of her latest movie, Lara and the Beat.

. ‘Now, media houses are commercial enterprises, and it takes more than a broadcaster to run these organizations’- Adedoja Allen, Managing Director of City 105.1 FM, who turned the radio station around.

. ‘It’s My Destiny To Help The Vulnerable And Underprivileged’- Modupe Ozolua, Founder of non-profit organisation, Empower 54.

. ‘We Are Poised To Change The Narrative In Coming Elections’- Dr Elishama Ideh, presidential aspirant on why she wants to become Nigeria’s
first female president

. ‘It’s So Important For Us To Tell Our Own Stories. No One Can Tell Your Story Better Than You’- Didi Akinyelure, award-winning Nigerian journalist working with BBC in Lagos.

. ‘When You Educate, Empower And Activate A Woman, You Activate An Entire Household And Multiple Households’-Chioma Afe, Divisional Head, Corporate Communications at Diamond Bank.

. ‘Women are gradually breaking the glass ceilings in Aviation, we now have female Pilots, Engineers and CEOs’- Ibiyemi Odusi, Country Manager, Nigeria for RwandAir.

. ‘Don’t ignore the things that you’re good at. Sometimes we don’t follow the lead of our gifting, we just look at what someone else is doing that’s popular’- Gogo Majin, Voice Coach and leading fashion designer.

. ‘When you provide a woman with financial knowledge, you are strengthening the family unit and society at large’- Nimi Akinkugbe, Founder and CEO of Bestman Games Limited on the importance of financial literacy for women.

. ‘There are now so many tools and platforms you can use to create an online course and accept payment internationally’- Stephanie Obi, Founder and owner of Stephanie Obi’s Online Learning Forum during the launch of her book, Knowledge Is The New Gold.