Women across Africa are increasingly reshaping leadership, entrepreneurship and influence across industries, speakers said at a business forum hosted by United Bank for Africa Plc, noting that the modern woman is no longer seeking a seat at existing tables but building institutions of her own.
The bank recently hosted a new edition of its quarterly Business Series under the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.” The hybrid event, held at UBA House in Marina, Lagos, and streamed to a global audience, formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day and explored how women across Africa are redefining leadership, innovation and enterprise.
Opening the session, the bank’s Group Head of Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, said the modern woman has become more intentional and vocal about her role in shaping society.
“The evolved woman is one who is taking charge, volunteering and making her voice heard above the noise,” she said.
The discussion was moderated by media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who described the idea of the evolved woman as a continuous process rather than a fixed destination.
“When I think about the evolved woman, I don’t see a checklist or a finish point,” he said. “It is a woman who is grounded in her self-worth and gives room for other women to be grounded in theirs, choosing herself daily and helping others believe that they belong too.”
Panelists included entrepreneur and founder of ORÍKÌ Group, Joycee Awosika; media personality and digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine Funky, Olufunke Davies; and award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mario-Ese. The speakers shared personal experiences about their journeys, challenges and growth as entrepreneurs and leaders.
Awosika said self-awareness and the ability to create opportunities are defining characteristics of the evolved woman.
“That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table,” she said. “She is creating her own table and adding value. As your company grows, you must grow as well and constantly audit yourself to see how you can become a better leader.”
Adeoye observed that traditional questions about what women bring to the table have become outdated.
“Women are now bringing their own tables,” she said. “The evolved woman is vocal about her struggles, she sets standards and she refuses to give up on her dreams.”
Mario-Ese emphasised the importance of visibility and storytelling, noting that many women still hesitate to openly showcase their achievements.
“A lot of women are doing phenomenal work but are sometimes afraid to showcase what they are doing,” she said. “As an evolved woman, you have to find what you are comfortable doing, create your own unique offering and be open to collaboration.”
Davies also shared how her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by her personal experiences growing up in difficult circumstances, which inspired her to create accessible yet distinctive fashion products.
“There was a time in my life when I could not afford a one-thousand-naira handbag,” she recalled. “I remember borrowing my cousin’s bag just to take pictures. That experience shaped my mission to create products that are affordable but still unique.”
Beyond personal stories, speakers reflected on the broader evolution of women’s roles in society. One panelist noted that while earlier generations fought for access to education and representation, many women today are focused on building businesses and industries that did not previously exist.
The conversation also highlighted the growing openness among women in discussing the realities of entrepreneurship and personal struggles, a shift from earlier generations that often masked such experiences.
Speakers further stressed the importance of mentorship, collaboration and creating opportunities for others as women advance in their careers.
“As an employer, every decision I make affects hundreds of people,” one entrepreneur said. “An evolved woman understands that when she rises, she creates opportunities for others to rise as well.”
The role of mothers in shaping future generations also featured in the discussion, with participants noting that children often learn resilience, ambition and discipline from watching their parents pursue their goals.
Group Head of Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications at UBA, Alero Ladipo, said the conversation reflects the mission of the bank’s Gen W initiative, a lifestyle platform designed to support women building careers, businesses and leadership roles.
“Every woman has a story and a community,” she said. “When we take our position, we create opportunities for others.”
She explained that the Gen W platform provides insights, resources and networking opportunities for women across industries, connecting those who are building brands, growing careers and leading organisations.
UBA said the Business Series forms part of its broader commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and promoting knowledge exchange across Africa, with the aim of inspiring a new generation of women leaders and innovators across the continent.
