Women for Women International Nigeria marked its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 with a gathering of development leaders, advocates, partners, philanthropists, and beneficiaries at The Oak, Woodhall Capital, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The group reflected on a journey that has helped thousands of women rebuild their lives after conflict, poverty and social exclusion.
The anniversary celebration, themed: “25 Years of Undeniable Impact: Strengthening Women, Shaping Communities in Nigeria,” was not only a moment to celebrate achievements but also an opportunity to confront the realities that continue to affect women across communities.
For 25 years, Women for Women International has worked with women in some of Nigeria’s most vulnerable areas, supporting them with skills, financial knowledge, confidence-building, and opportunities to become active participants in their families and communities.
The significance of the milestone was captured throughout the evening by the stories shared by women who have experienced the organisation’s programmes firsthand.
Their journeys reflected a common theme: that when women are given support and opportunity, they do not only transform their own lives, but also create change around them.
Speaking at the event, Thelma Ekiyor, International Chief Executive Officer of Women for Women International, reflected on the organisation’s work in communities affected by conflict and insecurity.
Ekiyor reminded guests that behind every statistic about violence, displacement and crisis are real people whose lives have been altered.
She paid tribute to the women who travelled to share their experiences, describing them as examples of courage and resilience.
She also challenged Nigerians and Africans to take greater responsibility in supporting social impact initiatives, noting that empowering women should not depend solely on external support.
The evening also featured remarks from Rima Salah, former UNICEF Regional Director for West and Central Africa, who connected the organisation’s work in Nigeria with the global Women, Peace and Security agenda.
Salah emphasised that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without women’s participation in decision-making, conflict prevention, and rebuilding communities after crisis.
She praised the progress made in Nigeria, describing the experiences of women supported by Women for Women International as evidence of what grassroots empowerment can achieve.
A major highlight of the celebration was the keynote address delivered by Leymah Gbowee, Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian peace activist, who spoke on the opportunities and challenges surrounding artificial intelligence.
Gbowee examined the growing influence of technology and questioned whether women, particularly those in vulnerable communities, are being included in the digital transformation taking place around the world.
While acknowledging the potential of artificial intelligence to improve areas such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity, she warned that technology must be developed with integrity and human values at its centre.
Without deliberate inclusion, she cautioned, innovation could deepen existing inequalities.
The anniversary celebration also recognised the importance of partnerships in sustaining the organisation’s impact.
Akinsola Akinfemiwa, Chairman of Woodhall Capital, who hosted the event at The Oak, highlighted the importance of investing in women as a pathway to stronger families, communities, and economies.
Akinfemiwa noted that lasting change is achieved through collaboration between organisations, supporters and communities.
The event also recognised partners and supporters who have contributed to Women for Women International’s work over the years, including the Ford Foundation, Luminate Group, and International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA).
Among the most powerful moments of the evening were the testimonies from beneficiaries whose lives had been transformed through the organisation’s programmes.
One beneficiary from Plateau State shared how she moved from believing her role was only within the home to becoming a community advocate, entrepreneur, and voice for women’s participation.
Through training and support, she developed confidence, started a small business, and worked to encourage education and reduce harmful practices affecting women and girls in her community.
Another beneficiary, Queen Dauda from Bauchi State, spoke about surviving the impact of conflict during her childhood and how Women for Women International helped her gain skills in business, hygiene, financial inclusion and leadership.
Dauda explained how the knowledge she received enabled her to create positive change beyond her own household.
The stories demonstrated the central message of the anniversary: empowerment is not only about providing assistance.
It is about helping women recognise their ability to make decisions, create opportunities and influence the communities around them.
The celebration concluded with recognition of individuals and organisations who have supported the organisation’s mission, including the presentation of awards such as the Transformative Philanthropy Award, Legacy Leadership Award, Catalyst for Change Award, and Community Impact Award.
As Women for Women International Nigeria enters its next chapter, the anniversary served as both a celebration and a reminder of the work that remains ahead.
