There is a need to support women owned and led businesses because they are critical to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
This was the consensus at the ‘She Awards Global 2025 that was recently held in Lagos.
The event was convened by Amb. Adesola Helen Onadipe, founder and publisher of Ladies in Business Magazine Global and president of the African-Arab Women Chamber of Commerce.
The theme of the event was “Lipstick Force”, which she said signifies the power of women in every sphere of life
Speaking at the event, Amb Onadipe detailed the growth and global impact of the She Global Awards, which she disclosed started in Nigeria in 2019 and has since got international prominence with previous editions held in Dubai, Turkey, Dubai and Ghana.
According to her, ‘She Global Awards’ recognizes the strength, skill and spirit of women in business, adding that it is a platform that ensures women are not only seen and heard but are also celebrated and duly acknowledged for their entrepreneurial contributions to business and other endevours in life.
Amb. Onadipe posited that the awards recognize and celebrate excellence across several categories, including top ladies in business, achievers, He4she, corporate ladies in business and female leaders. According to her, the He4She category celebrates men who support women in business, thus emphasizing the importance of inclusive progress.
Ambassador Onadipe listed the key criteria for nominations, saying that female entrepreneurs must have operated their business for over a year, employ at least 50% women and demonstrate a measurable positive impact in their communities.
She praised Nigerian women for their resilience, describing them as remarkable individuals who go beyond expectations to remain grounded and successful in their ventures. She charged them to stay committed, focused and remain passionate about their businesses.
Also speaking at the event, Amb. Nalan Okzan, Vice-President, Businesspersons Diplomats Union (BDU), Turkey, lauded Amb. Onadipe for promoting the interest of women in business, adding that women play a critical role in business, politics and stressed that it is important to recognize and reward them.
Amb. Ozkan said that BDU diplomatic corps believes in gender equality and promotion of women in business and politics., adding that the organization attaches great importance to the protection and improvement of women’s rights.
She called on governments, corporate organizations and all to support women in all spheres of life
In his comment at the event, Mr. Michael Leslie Bartlett Vanderpuye, president and group chairman, M & C Group Global, Ghana, stated that She Awards Global shines the spotlight on women who are in business, adding that recognizing women who have recorded success in business will spur other women do more so that they will be recognize and given awards.
He called on women not to be deterred by the obstacles placed on their path, adding that if they work hard, they will reach the top.
Amb. Peace Nwankaego Onuiri, Global Ambassador on Special Duties for African Tourism Board, praised Amb. Onadipe for initiating the awards, adding young women in business will draw inspiration from her work.
Amb. Onuiri, who is also the Commissioner for Health and Safety, African Tourism Board, charged young women to follow the example laid by Amb. Onadipe and the sky will be their starting point.