WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS MOVING BEYOND THE GLASS CEILING

As women entrepreneurs move beyond the glass ceiling and build their own businesses, they face many challenges. Women’s participation in higher education does not translate easily into entrepreneurship and careers in business.
Even though women form the majority among students enrolled in higher education, it is a struggle for them to find their place among entrepreneurs and business owners.

Nevertheless the number of women entrepreneurs has been growing. In Nigeria, the number of women running their own businesses increased from 10.14 million in 2010 to 14.16 million in 2020. Further, 81% of female entrepreneurs surveyed are optimistic about their prospects for growth.

With these trends in mind, a recent survey identified the top cities in Nigeria most friendly to women entrepreneurs. Based on factors such as the percentage of businesses owned by women, median income, level of education, unemployment rates and population, the most populous cities in Nigeria were ranked in order of potential for female entrepreneurship.
Top Cities for Female Entrepreneurs

1. Abuja
2. Port Harcourt
3. Lagos
4. Calabar

5. Ibadan

This is not a limiting factor to other states in the country, some cities offer special incentives to women entrepreneurs. For example, Abuja provides loans worth more than  35 million to help women build their own business.

Female Entrepreneurs But to name a few

Tara Fela-Durotoye, founder of House of Tara
Mo Abudu, CEO of EbonyLife TV
Deola Sagoe, founder of Deola
Olajumoke Adenowo, founder of AD Consulting
Adenike Ogunlesi, founder of Ruff ’n’ Tumble
Reni Folawiyo, founder of Alara, Nigeria
Bilikiss Adebiyi, founder and CEO of WeCyclers
Kofo Akinkugbe, founder and CEO of Secure ID Nigeria Ltd
Dr Ola Orekunrin, founder of Flying Doctors Nigeria
Uche Pedro, founder of Bella Naija
Nkemdilim Begho, founder of Future Software Resources Limited
Chinwe Ohajuruka, founder and CEO of Comprehensive Design Services
Achenyo Idachaba, founder of Mitimeth
Banke Kuku, founder of Banke Kuke Textiles
Ngozi Opara, founder of Heat Free Hair
Leslie Okoye, founder of Cookie Skin
Joycee Awojoodu, founder of ORÍKÌ
Wunmi Amokeodo, founder of Design for Love
Nkem Okocha, founder of Mamamoni Limited
Olubukola Asafa, founder of Oba Couture
Adenike Akinsemolu, founder of The Green Campus Initiative
Ayoronke Tosin Yeye, founder of iMentor Africa
Fatima Babakura, founder of Timabee
Irene Ochem, founder of ICO Conferences and Events
Sia Alexander, founder of the Children’s Art Workshop
Oluwatosin Lawson, founder of African Things
Olatorera Oniru, founder of DressMeOutlet
Eva Sonaike, founder of interior and lifestyle brand Eva Sonaike
Femi Olayebi, founder of My World of Bags
Rainat Komolafe, founder of Babies Essence
Ommo Clark, founder if iBez
Nkemdilim Begho, Ashim Egunjobi and Ijeome Nwoke, founders ofAlways Me by Anne L
Ijeoma Ndekwu, founder of Redrick Public Relations
Nnenna Kalu Makanjuola, founder and Editor in Chief of Radiant Health Magazine
Zainab Ashadu, founder of Zashadu Bags
Damilola Solesi, founder, CEO and creative director of SMIDS Animation Studios
Oreoluwa Somolu Lesi, founder of Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre
Omoyemi Akerele, founder of Lagos Fashion and Design Week
Oyindamola Honey Oyediyi, founder of fashpa.com
Ugochi Ugbomeh, co-founder of Tranzit, Nigeria

Tips for Women
Location is not the only factor in building a successful business. There are several key strategies that women entrepreneurs can follow to help themselves and their colleagues.

Get advice. Find a mentor who can inspire guide you towards your goals. Mentors could be fellow entrepreneurs, potential or current clients or corporate owners.

Share your knowledge. Be a mentor to other entrepreneurs. The best way to learn something is by teaching it.

Be confident. This is not arrogance but an objective appraisal of your capabilities. The mark of a good leader is to know your abilities and achievements.

Build a network. Connect with other female entrepreneurs who can offer support and share advice and referrals.

Trust your instincts. Listen to advice from different sources but make your own decisions. The success of your business is its own validation.

Get certified. State government certification is essential for your business. Make sure it is part of your business plan.

Don’t wait for perfect timing. There is no perfect moment. When all your planning and preparation is complete, move forward to your business goals.

Women entrepreneurs are poised to build beyond the glass ceiling. A recent survey found that 66% of 552 women entrepreneurs were more optimistic about growth and revenue for 2020 as compared to 2018.There’s room at the top for women entrepreneurs and many opportunities to get there.

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