International Women’s Day – Icons

Nationalist: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti The Radically Progressive Twentieth-Century Leader

Farida Funmi AkanjiApril 13, 2022

Often understated today as the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti's achievements were exceptional, multi-faceted and far-reaching. Read more.

April/May 2022Editors Picks: Independence DayGenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Were the Lijadu Sisters?

Tomisin AwosikaFebruary 3, 2022

Taiwo and Kehinde Lijadu were mainly active as the Lijadu Sisters from the 1960s to the 1980s—a time when it was rare to find front-women in Nigeria’s pop music scene. Read more.

February/March 2022GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Was Wuraola Esan?

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 27, 2022

Wuraola Esan was a pioneering Nigerian women’s rights activist who became the first woman member of the Nigerian Senate in the First Republic. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Who Was Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo?

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 20, 2022

Folayegbe Akintunde-Ighodalo was a pioneering Nigerian feminist, activist, and civil servant who in 1968 became the permanent secretary of Home Affairs and Information in Nigeria’s Western Region. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Elizabeth Olowu: Nigeria’s First Female Bronze Caster

Tomisin AwosikaJanuary 13, 2022

Princess Elizabeth Olowu is a sculptor who is recognized as the first female bronze caster in Nigeria. Read more.

GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsJanuary 2022Nigeria

Who Was Tanimowo Ogunlesi?

Tomisin AwosikaDecember 21, 2021

Tanimowo Ogunlesi was a women’s rights activist, teacher, and founding member of the women’s section of Obafemi Awolowo’s, Action Group (AG). Read more.

December 2021Editors Picks: Independence DayGenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Is Shade Thomas-Fahm?

Tomisin AwosikaSeptember 23, 2021

Folashade Thomas-Fahm is reputed for being the first professionally-trained fashion designer in Nigeria. Read more.

August/September 2021International Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who Was Afi Ekong?

Tomisin AwosikaAugust 26, 2021

Nigerian artist, art promoter and collector, Afi Ekong, was the first woman to hold a solo art exhibition in Nigeria. Read more.

August/September 2021GenderInternational Women's Day - IconsNigeria

Who is Irene Cohen? The Re-Discovery of Feminist Freedom in Modern-Day Angola

Amandla AyahJune 15, 2020

Every year, Irene Cohen and Deolinda Rodrigues, two Angolan nationalists, are eulogized on Angolan Women’s Day on March 2; their short and tragic lives are made emblematic of African feminism and national pride. Read more.

AngolaInternational Women's Day - IconsJune/July 2020South Africavol5-no3