Women leaders advocate inclusion, mentorship

Stakeholders in the women’s rights movement on Monday called for stronger intergenerational collaboration, inclusivity, and documentation of feminist experiences across Nigeria.

The call was made at the official book launch of ‘ÀKÀSÒ: Same but Different 65 Feminist Voices Across Generations’, themed ‘Celebrating Personhood, Memory, and Intergenerational Solidarity,’ organised by four Non-Governmental Organisations, such as BAOBAB, Brave Heart for Youth and Women, Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma Empowerment, and Project Alert, in Abuja.

In her welcome remarks, a feminist Josephine Effah-Chukwuma, described the project as a product of long-standing conversations around mentorship and generational transition within the feminist movement.

“The publication we are launching today was completed in less than three months. We are getting older and will eventually leave the stage for younger people, so the sooner we begin these conversations, the better,” Effah-Chukwuma explained.

She linked the initiative to the legacy of Innocent Chukwuemeka Chukwuma, emphasising his commitment to mentorship.

“Growing up, he would say some of us did not have mentors and had to navigate life alone.

“But he believed that just because he experienced that does not mean others should go through the same,” she added.

Effah-Chukwuma noted that the publication emerged from earlier intergenerational dialogues and would serve as a foundation for future collaborations.

“This is just the beginning of many initiatives that will come from this relationship,” she said.

Additionally, Priscilla Usiobaifo, another feminist, underscored the need for Nigerians to tell their own stories within the feminist space.

“Many feminist stories about Nigerians are written by others, not just by people from outside the continent, but even by other African countries. We wanted to tell our own stories ourselves,” she stated.

She also raised concerns about class divisions within the movement, calling for inclusivity across social groups.

“There is a growing level of classism within the women’s rights movement, where people feel you must belong to certain circles to fit in.

“We want a system that cuts across generations and class, removing barriers to true solidarity,” she noted.

Usiobaifo added that the initiative is ongoing. “This is part of a series, and it is a three-year project that has just begun,” she said.

Explaining the philosophy behind the project, Bunmi Dipo-Salami said the partnership was designed to bridge generational gaps and institutionalise solidarity among feminists.

“We want to institutionalise intergenerational solidarity because we have observed a disconnect within the Nigerian feminist movement,” Dipo-Salami said.

She highlighted the importance of mentorship, noting that experience remains invaluable.

“No matter how advanced technology becomes, experience cannot be bought or replaced. Those who came before have encountered challenges and can help others avoid them,” she noted.

Dipo-Salami explained that the book reflects the diversity of feminist identities across different sectors.

“The idea is to show that feminists are human beings found in all sectors, including banking, oil and gas, and academia,” she added.

She further stressed that the publication focuses on individuality rather than professional achievements.

“This project is about celebrating personhood—who we are—not just what we have achieved,” she said.

Other speakers at the event stressed the need for empowerment and active participation of women in society.

Barrister Kemi Okeyodo highlighted, “Feminism is not a child’s play; women must be intelligent and well-informed, beyond physical appearance.”

Similarly, journalist Ene Ede urged women to prioritise economic independence and political engagement.

“Women should be financially independent, knowledgeable, and actively involved in politics,” she said.

The event drew participants from across generations, reinforcing calls for sustained dialogue, mentorship, and inclusive participation in advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.

Feminist organisations in Nigeria have increasingly focused on documenting lived experiences to preserve movement history and strengthen advocacy across generations.

Recent initiatives within the women’s rights sector have prioritised mentorship and collaboration to address gaps between older and younger activists.