Guardian Woman Means Business

Guardian Woman Festival seeks to celebrate the impact strides of women across various sectors. As we edge closer to its second edition billed for March 14, 2025, and on the column this week focused on the theme, Women Mean Business is founder and visionary of Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru.

Career Journey
My professional journey and background is in healthcare. I am a practicing consultant obstetrician and gynecologist and a public health physician with a career spanning 20 years on three continents. Working in Nigeria in both the public and private sectors highlighted to me the intersection between clinical practice and social activism and my commitment to addressing systemic issues affecting the equality and rights of women.

I realised that healthcare must be viewed through a more holistic lens, going beyond care and treatment to addressing societal and cultural barriers that encourages the gender disparities seen in society which prevents access to care and a woman’s full agency over her rights.

This was the motivation behind establishing WARIF dedicated to addressing the prevalence of gender-based violence and empowering women and girls in Nigeria and Africa. Through WARIF, I have had the privilege of leading initiatives that provide survivors with full access to medical care and justice, while also advocating for and implementing educational and community-based programmes with evidence-based impact.

This is an issue I also address across the African continent as the selected representative of West and Central Africa on the Global ACT Steering Committee on Ending Violence against Women and Girls. My career journey has also led to academia with an on-going PhD programme in gender violence; a course I also currently hold sessions on at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos.

Meaning of ‘Women Mean Business’
The phrase “Women Mean Business” embodies a celebration of the strength, resilience, and boundless potential of women. It symbolises the transformative influence women possess within their families, communities and workplaces. This concept resonates profoundly with me, as it underscores the critical importance of women occupying positions on decision-making tables and leading with intention and purpose. It also serves as a pronouncement that women are here to stay and excel in their spaces as business leaders, entrepreneurs and agents of change.

Strategies for Relevance and Business Success
To maintain relevance and build a successful business in philanthropy, women should concentrate on three following fundamental areas: Continuous Learning and Adaptation – the funding and developmental environment is inherently dynamic. It is crucial to remain informed about emerging implementation trends, acquire necessary skills, and embrace technological advancements to facilitate growth and scale.

Networking and Collaboration – establishing meaningful relationships and engaging with stakeholders, doners and partners to unlock opportunities and provide essential support. Collaborative efforts enable women to leverage diverse perspectives and enhance the strength and sustainability of their ventures.

bbResilience and Purpose-Driven Leadership – while challenges are inevitable, this fosters resilience in the face of adversity. Staying true to one’s vision in resolving real problems and creating impact ensures alignment with both your organisation’s goals and community needs.

Women must actively advocate for themselves, seek out avenues to highlight their abilities and skill set and support one another. The empowerment of one woman generates a ripple effect that positively influences entire generations.