Women are gradually making their mark and changing the definition of leadership in numerous fields that men have historically controlled. Women are not just participating but also leading, innovating, and succeeding in every setting, from boardrooms to operating rooms, studios to aircraft cabins. Thanks to their efforts, industries are changing, misconceptions are being challenged, and everyone can achieve success regardless of gender.

Beyond just being outstanding professionals, these trailblazing women are encouraging the next generation to set greater goals and dream bigger. In a variety of fields, including technology, aviation, film, architecture, and medicine, women are breaking down barriers and establishing new benchmarks for achievement. Their accomplishments remind women that they can and will go to the top of any sector with perseverance, talent, and vision.

These women are paving the way for innovation and leadership in their fields, shattering glass ceilings and creating new avenues that demonstrate how creativity and leadership know no gender.

(1) Mo Abudu

Mosunmola “Mo” Abudu, often referred to as the “Oprah of Africa,” is a Nigerian media mogul, philanthropist, and former HR management consultant. She founded the first global black entertainment and lifestyle network in Africa, EbonyLife TV, which features stories that appeal to an African audience. So far, she has been able to counter the stereotyped image of Africa in international media by sharing real African stories.

Although Mo Abudu’s career started in human resources, her love of storytelling inspired her to establish a platform that elevates African voices. Since establishing EbonyLife TV in 2013, Abudu has created content that has won awards and captivated viewers worldwide, including television shows and films. She achieved a historic milestone for the African film industry by becoming the first African to secure a multi-title deal with Netflix.

Beyond her profound impact in the entertainment industry, Abudu is a mentor and a supporter of women’s empowerment who uses her platform to encourage the next wave of African creatives. Her achievements in a male-dominated media field are proof of her strength of vision, perseverance, and breaking barriers.

(2) ADEOLA OGUNMOLA SOWEMIMO

Adeola Sowemimo is a Nigerian pilot. She began her flying career in 2011 after graduating from Sunrise Flying Academy, a US-based institution. Sowemimo made history in 2019 by becoming the first female Nigerian pilot to work for Qatar Airways in the Middle East, a difficult place for women aspiring to be pilots.
Men have historically held the majority of positions in the aviation industry, both internationally and in Nigeria, especially in the role of a pilot. Not only was Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo the first woman from Nigeria to become a pilot to work for Qatar Airways, she also made history by being the first female captain of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner, a noteworthy accomplishment in a field where female pilots are still scarce.

Her commitment to succeeding in a field that demands both mental and physical strength is what makes Sowemimo unique. Operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner is a challenging task, as it is among the world’s most sophisticated airplanes. Getting to this position required her to overcome many obstacles, such as the difficult training and certifications needed and the social norms that typically discourage women from seeking careers in such rigorous sectors.
Her achievement has not only given other women more opportunities but has also questioned gender stereotypes within the profession. She has inspired a new generation of female pilots by succeeding in her role and proving that women can succeed in the highest levels of aviation.

(3) OLAJUMOKE ADENOWO

Olajumoke Olufunmilola Adenowo is a Nigerian architect. She started attending Obafemi Awolowo University at the age of 14 and earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with Honors at the age of 19.
Adenowo was employed by Towry Coker Associates as an assistant architect upon her graduation from college. After that, she worked at Femi Majekodunmi Associates in Lagos as an architect. At the age of 23, she worked on the Federal Ministry of Finance project in Abuja.
At age 25, Adenowo established AD Consulting, a boutique architecture and interior design firm, in 1994. Since then, AD Consulting has designed and built over 114 projects, including master plans, healthcare facilities, office building complexes, mixed-use developments, auditoriums, private homes, industrial campuses, and institutional buildings. National and international AD clients include Guaranty Trust Bank, Coca-Cola, Access Bank plc, and L’Oreal.
As in many other technical fields, architecture has historically been a male-dominated field where very few women have attained leadership roles or popular recognition. One of the few women who has not only entered this field but also significantly transformed it is Olajumoke Adenowo.
Her work demonstrates her belief that architecture ought to reflect a place’s identity and heritage. Her passion lies in designing places that serve people and tell a story, going beyond just aesthetics. Adenowo also mentors young female architects and frequently speaks at conferences as a strong supporter of women in design. Not only has her career advanced due to her leadership in the profession, but it has also opened doors for other women to pursue careers in architecture.

(4)BOSE OGULU

Bose Ogulu, also known as Mama Burna, is a Nigerian businesswoman and talent manager. She is the founder and CEO of Spaceship Collective, the parent company of the publishing house Spaceship Publishing and the entertainment label Spaceship Records.

The music industry is known to be extremely difficult, particularly for women who assume top positions in production and management. Bose Ogulu has established a distinctive niche for herself in this field by skillfully overseeing the career of her son, Burna Boy, a major musical artist in Nigeria.

Ogulu is unique in her approach to talent management. She combines a strong grasp of the music industry with a sincere desire to see her artist succeed. This balance has been crucial in navigating the complexities of the global music industry, ensuring that Burna Boy’s music reaches international audiences while maintaining his authenticity as an African artist.

Burna Boy has received international recognition under her direction, winning a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album in 2021. One cannot stress how important Ogulu was to this achievement. She has skillfully handled his career’s branding, marketing, and negotiations, making sure that his music stays loyal to its origins while also receiving a lot of exposure. She has demonstrated remarkable business acumen and the capacity to break down barriers for other women in the industry through her success in a male-dominated field like music management.

TY Bello

Within the realm of photography, where males have traditionally held the majority of technical and artistic roles, TY Bello is seen as a revolutionary figure. TY Bello is a well-known portrait photographer who has revolutionised the field both in Nigeria and beyond. Her work combines a unique blend of storytelling, artistic expression, and cultural awareness.

Although TY Bello was well-known when she was a member of the musical group Kush, her move into photography was what made her stand out. Her creative work is distinguished by its richness and passion, frequently conveying the essence of her subjects in ways that transcend simple figuration. TY Bello is a photographer noted for her striking aesthetics and compelling storylines in her portraits of ordinary people, celebrities, and conceptual art.

Beyond only her photographs, she has influenced others by always advocating for greater diversity and representation in the photography community and challenging industry norms.

(6) LARA RAWA

Women have always been underrepresented in the beverage sector, especially in the speciality of mixology. Nevertheless, Lara Rawa has not only made a name for herself in this industry but has also emerged as a trailblazer, completely changing the mixology landscape in Nigeria.

The pioneer behind Lagos Cocktail Week, Lara Rawa, has elevated mixology to a prominent position in Nigeria’s hospitality sector. Rawa has transformed mixology from a mere service to a renowned form of culinary expression with her inventive cocktails and love for the craft. Her creations of distinctive cocktails that pay homage to Nigeria’s rich cultural legacy place a strong emphasis on using local flavours and ingredients. Her annual Lagos Cocktail Week has grown into a significant event that promotes best practices and sets industry standards in addition to showcasing talent.
More than merely mixing drinks, Rawa is aggressively redefining expectations of what it means to be a mixologist in Nigeria. As one of the few women at the helm of this industry, she has broken down gender preconceptions and even made it easier for other women to enter and thrive in this sector. Her achievements serve as evidence that anyone can succeed in even the most male-dominated fields if they have the necessary determination and creativity.

Mo Abudu, Adeola Ogunmola Sowemimo, Olajumoke Adenowo, Bose Ogulu, TY Bello, and Lara Rawa are six extraordinary women whose lives serve as inspiring examples of what is possible when women defy social norms. Apart from their outstanding performance in their domains, they have created opportunities for upcoming female generations to emulate them. Their experiences teach us that anything is possible with enough talent, perseverance, and determination—gender should never be a barrier to success. These women are true trailblazers, and for many years to come, their legacies will continue to inspire the lives of many.

Dorcas Akintoye
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Dorcas Akintoye is a versatile writer with a passion for beauty, fashion, relationships, and culinary delight. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she adds a touch of elegance to every topic she explores. She is a writer at THEWILL DOWNTOWN.