Bold 6: Spotlighting the Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot finalists

The 2024 Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot finalists exemplify extraordinary leadership and dedication, driving transformative change through their resilience and innovation. From pioneering mental health advocacy to championing women’s rights and confronting gender-based violence, these trailblazers have made significant strides in their respective fields. This year’s finalists stand as powerful symbols of courage, breaking barriers and creating lasting impact in their pursuit of a better world.

Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri: Revolutionizing Mental Health Advocacy in Africa
As a trailblazing psychiatrist and mental health advocate, Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri, also known as “Dr. May” has made it her life’s mission to break the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria. Her journey into psychiatry was sparked during medical school when she realized the untapped potential of mental health as a field. But she didn’t stop at clinical practice. Through her films, such as Little Drops of Happy, and Africa’s first online health radio, Pinnacle Health Radio, Maymunah has pushed the boundaries of mental health awareness in creative and impactful ways.

“There’s no vaccine for mental illness, and no one is immune to it. My mission is to normalize these conversations and create spaces where people can express themselves without fear of judgment,” Kadiri says.

Her groundbreaking work extends into telemedicine with the HOWBODI app, which offers culturally relevant therapy, and her advocacy has even contributed to the passage of Nigeria’s Mental Health Bill in 2023.

For Kadiri, being a finalist in the Bold Women Award by Veuve Clicquot is more than recognition—it’s a call to inspire future generations of women to lead with audacity and compassion in healthcare.

Queen Uwabuofo: Crafting Confidence and Culture with CloveKids
African children are often overlooked in the toy industry, but Queen Uwabuofo saw an opportunity to reshape the narrative. The creation of CloveKids was sparked by unsettling statistics on skin bleaching and body anxiety among young children, coupled with the glaring absence of black dolls in local markets. Uwabuofo, already a skilled crafter, channelled her creative talents into making handcrafted African dolls that celebrate diversity and promote self-love.

“When I saw the lack of representation in toys, I knew something had to change. I wanted every child to see themselves and feel proud of their heritage,” Uwabuofo explains.

CloveKids has since transformed the lives of many children, fostering a positive self-image and cultural pride. Testimonials from parents reveal how the dolls have boosted their children’s self-esteem and helped them embrace their African roots. The addition of positive affirmation books and expressive journals further supports this mission, demonstrating CloveKids’ commitment to holistic development.

For Uwabuofo, being a finalist of the Bold Future Award by Veuve Clicquot is an affirmation of her commitment to challenging norms and empowering future generations. Through CloveKids, Queen Uwabuofo is not just creating dolls—she’s shaping a future where every child can feel proud of their heritage and confident in their identity.

Osen Iyahen: Pioneering Sustainable Urban Living with Optimal Greening
Osen Iyahen’s journey to founding Optimal Greening was deeply influenced by a desire for purpose and impact. With a background in environmental engineering and a growing concern about the challenges facing Lagos—especially in underserved communities—Iyahen was drawn back to sustainability. Her experiences and academic pursuits in this field shaped the vision of Optimal Greening: to “Restore Dignity to Africans” by addressing essential needs through sustainable solutions.

“Sustainability should not create new problems while solving old ones. The impact must be genuinely positive,” Iyahen advises.

One standout initiative is the Agala WASH project, which exemplifies Optimal Greening’s commitment to urban transformation. In the low-income Agala community, it provided clean water and gender-segregated sanitation facilities. With renewable energy and anaerobic biodigesters, the project improved living conditions and created local jobs. It was recognized with the 2023 Sanitation Innovation Award from the Lagos State Ministry of Environment & Water Resources.

For Iyahen, this recognition underscores the importance of bold action in addressing today’s most pressing sustainability issues. Through Optimal Greening, Osen Iyahen is making significant strides in sustainable urban living, setting a precedent for how innovation and commitment can drive meaningful change in the environment and communities.

Florentina Agu: Merging Heritage and Modernity with Hertunba
Florentina Agu’s creation of Hertunba is a tribute to both the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria and the evolving demands of modern fashion. The inspiration for Hertunba stemmed from a desire to fill a gap in the market for fashion that authentically represents Nigerian roots while appealing to contemporary tastes. By combining traditional techniques with modern design, Florentina aimed to offer inclusive, timeless fashion that honours cultural heritage and embraces sustainability.

One of Hertunba’s most iconic products is the Akwete kaftan, a design that holds deep personal significance for Florentina. Inspired by two Akwete wrappers gifted by her grandmothers, these kaftans symbolize the contrast between vibrant and minimalist expressions of identity and femininity. The upcycling of these wrappers not only preserves their legacy but also reflects Hertunba’s commitment to sustainability, blending old materials with new designs to celebrate heritage and foster environmental responsibility.

“I wanted to create modern designs that could be worn proudly by women, reflecting both their cultural heritage and contemporary style,” Agu says.

Reflecting on Madame Clicquot’s legacy, Agu finds inspiration in Madame Clicquot’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Through Hertunba, Florentina Agu is redefining fashion by bridging the gap between cultural heritage and contemporary style, creating a brand that stands as a testament to the beauty and sustainability of African craftsmanship.

Rewa Udoji: Bridging Art and Finance with Bold Vision
Rewa Udoji’s journey as both an artist and a finance expert is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary synergy. Balancing these dual roles demands meticulous time management and discipline, but for Udoji, this juggling act enhances her efficiency and enriches her work. The structured, strategic mindset cultivated through finance complements her artistic endeavours, providing a grounded approach to building her art business, organizing exhibitions, and investing wisely. Conversely, the creativity and emotional depth she taps into as an artist infuse her financial decisions with fluidity and innovation.

The inception of Art by Rewa, or REWA, was driven by a passion to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage through art.

Despite being self-taught, Rewa launched her first collection, The Pantheon, to reimagine Nigerian deities often misrepresented due to colonial influences, aiming to evoke curiosity and pride in African mythology. Another of her profound works is Women of the Elephant Tusk: ndi otu odu, a painting honouring the strength of her grandmothers and maternal aunt and the influential Otu Odu Society. This deeply personal piece uses vibrant colours and symbolic elements to celebrate Nigerian heritage and women’s empowerment.

“I knew that I wanted to create art that not only stirs emotions but also educates and reconnects people with their roots,” Udoji says.

Reflecting on Madame Clicquot’s legacy, Udoji finds inspiration in her boldness and perseverance. This recognition reaffirms her commitment to breaking barriers in both finance and art and serves as a powerful example for her son and other women that determination and vision can create a lasting impact.

Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru: Championing Change for Women and Girls
Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru’s founding of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF) was driven by a profound commitment to combat gender-based violence in Nigeria and Africa. With over 20 years of experience as an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist across three continents, Dr. DaSilva-Ibru has witnessed the devastating impact of violence on women and girls firsthand. Her medical background deeply influences WARIF’s approach, integrating holistic post-incident services and justice with a focus on health, safety, and policy improvement.

One story that stands out from her work at WARIF is the experience of a young survivor of gender-based violence, just seven months old, and another nearly 70 years old, who share a deeply personal story of trauma inflicted by those they should trust. Dr. DaSilva-Ibru is profoundly moved by their journeys from fear and silence to empowerment and healing.

“Our legacy is to leave behind a world where every survivor has access to essential services and the support they need and to live in a society free of violence against women and girls,” Dr. DaSilva-Ibru says.

Dr. DaSilva-Ibru highlights education and community involvement as key to preventing gender-based violence through WARIF’s initiatives, such as educational programs, community outreach, and Nigeria’s first online classroom for campus violence prevention. Despite Nigeria’s male-dominated landscape, she tackles stereotypes, advocates for policy changes, and collaborates with regional and global partners.

Being a finalist for the Bold Women Award by Veuve Clicquot motivates Dr. DaSilva-Ibru to continue pushing boundaries and striving for impactful change, reinforcing the belief that perseverance and courage can lead to a world free from gender-based violence.

As we celebrate this year’s Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot finalists, we are reminded that their stories are not just about individual success but about the collective power to drive progress and inspire future generations. Through their efforts, they are not only shaping the present but also forging a path toward a future where resilience and innovation pave the way for a more just and inclusive society.