In commemoration of International Women’s Day, Exquisite magazine set out to ask various women in diverse fields what inclusion meant to them and how they could foster inclusion in their community, we got several inspiring responses, here they are:
Akande Dotun- Founder of Puresouls Foundation
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me is intentionally cultivating a supportive and accepting society where every child, regardless of their challenges, is respected and valued.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I inspire inclusion by providing a platform for all stakeholders to collaborate in fostering partnerships that drive equal opportunities in education, health, and social development, while advocating for policies that embrace diversity and encourage knowledge sharing.
Cecilia Agu- Founder Bedroom Matters
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion, to me, means ensuring that every woman feels seen, heard, and valued in the journey towards greater intimacy and fulfilment in their relationships. It’s about creating a space where women from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and identities feel welcomed, respected, and empowered to explore and express their desires and needs without judgment or limitations by their spouses. It also means teaching women to rise to the occasion and own their pleasure rather than make excuses.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I inspire inclusion in my community by promoting open dialogue between my Queens and their Kings and understanding the diverse perspectives in marriage, gender dynamics, and personal growth. I challenge the Queens in my community to build self-confidence, love their bodies, learn to initiate sex and become irresistible to their spouse because sexual pleasure is not for men only. My community is also a safe space for my women to be their authentic selves, communicate and get the support they need.
Ama Chioma Gloria- Accountant
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me regarding International Women’s Day is the acceptance and accommodation of all women, irrespective of their background, educational qualifications, physical features, etc. The female medical doctor can acknowledge and accept the position of the stay-at-home mum. It is the ability of the woman who is a “guru” in business to respect the efforts of that woman who sells pure water on the street. Our society has created such a huge and wide gap between people of even the same gender that really needs to be closed.
How can you inspire inclusion in your society?
I can inspire Inclusion in my society by associating freely with everyone around me (women in this case), regardless of status. Not just I alone, but ensuring that those around do and practice the same. Patronize the Akara seller in a friendly and humane manner. Talk to the wife of the security man in a way that won’t make her regret her life. See the minders in your child’s school as hardworking individuals who need to be appreciated. There are lots we can do, and as long as I am concerned, I consider myself equal with all these people, and, am hopeful that those around me are inspired by these attitudes of mine.
But, I always add, that my opinions and ideologies of life must not be believed in and accepted by all. And, another may choose a different means to demonstrate Inclusion!!
Dr Aderinsola Adio-adepoju- founder I-Train Africa
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion is when a woman on a career break due to motherhood doesn’t have to struggle so much to get back into the workforce or accelerate her career.
How can you inspire Inclusion in your community?
As the founder of I-Train Africa and Lead trainer/curriculum developer at the Skilled For Work (SFW) academy, we are very particular about creating inclusive programs. Through SDG4, we already inspire inclusion. At the Skilled For Work Academy, two programs specifically target women who have gone on a career break or are stay-at-home moms (SAHM). The workers model at the SFW is a program targeted at upskilling women who have been on a break but would like to get back into the workforce but lack the skills to compete favourably with the emerging workforce trends. The immersion model allows SAHM to learn every aspect of running a tech-powered business by learning in a real-life work environment.
This is a better learning method for this category in our experience.
Elsie Ayomikun Osho- Social Media Manager Exquisite magazine
What does Inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion, to me, means creating a space where everyone, regardless of gender, background, or identity, feels valued, respected, and empowered.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
In my community, “I can inspire inclusion by fostering open dialogue, celebrating diverse voices, and promoting equal opportunities for women. Together, we can build a supportive environment that encourages collaboration, understanding, and the recognition of each woman’s unique contributions.”
Esther Ndukwe- Data Analyst
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion is giving people equal access to opportunities regardless of race, gender or disabilities.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I can inspire inclusion by informing young girls(women) at every given opportunity that they matter and that their ideas, contributions and inputs are valid. And also by encouraging them to pursue their dreams and develop capacity.
Irunna Ejibe- Founder, Ethnocentrique Limited
What does Inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion is about creating a space where every woman, regardless of her background, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic, feels seen, heard, and respected. It involves dismantling barriers and stereotypes that may hinder women’s progress and embracing the richness that diversity brings to the table.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
To inspire inclusivity in my community, I’ll begin by addressing biases and stereotypes and actively amplifying the voices of marginalized women in my community.
Prudent Oyinlayefa Agbuza- Chef Prudy Cuisine
What does Inclusion mean to you?
In the context of International Women’s Day, inclusion refers to ensuring that women of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities have equal opportunities, representation, and participation in various aspects of society, including education, employment, and even decision-making processes.
Inclusion emphasizes creating a diverse and supportive environment that values and respects the contributions of women from different walks of life.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
Inspiring inclusion in my community is a continuous process that requires commitment from my part and reciprocity from the community, by Leading by example; I’ll ensure to demonstrate and live out inclusive behaviour in my actions and interactions by placing values on respect, equality and diversity. And also create Inclusive Spaces that are accessible and welcome women of all backgrounds.
-Encourage and support initiatives that empower women in my community, such as mentorship programs, workshops, free consultations for foodpreneurs or networking events.
-Recognize , collaborate and celebrate the achievements of women in my community to inspire more person’s.
Omobolanle Salami- Creative Director, Teemazevents
What does Inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me is the practice of providing equal access to opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those who have physical or intellectual disabilities or gender differences.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
By Collaboration and partnership, celebrating diversity, leading by example to youth in the community, Education and awareness and most importantly by making them feel your presence in your community.
Onyinye Ayeni- Ceo OCSAM Collections
What does inclusion mean to you?
To me, inclusion means recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences of all women. It means working together to create a world where every woman can feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about lifting each other up and breaking down the barriers that hold us back. I believe that by working together, we can create a more inclusive and just world for all.
How can you inspire inclusion in your society
I believe that every woman has something unique and valuable to contribute. I will make it my mission to help every woman feel seen, heard, and valued for who she is and what she brings to the table. I will strive to build bridges between different groups of women and to foster understanding and respect. I will use my platform to spread messages of inclusion and hope. Together, we can create a more inclusive and just world.
Oluchi Afurobi – Co-founder, Rising Pheonix Entertainment
What does inclusion mean to you?
To me, inclusion means acknowledging and valuing the diverse experiences, perspectives, and voices of women from all walks of life. I believe in fostering an environment that empowers women to thrive, where their unique strengths and talents are not only recognized but also celebrated. It means advocating for equal opportunities, supporting one another, and amplifying the voices of those who may face intersectional challenges.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
To inspire inclusivity in my community, I encourage open conversations and celebrate the achievements of women I work with. I also try my best to educate myself and women within my community about the diverse experiences of women doing exploits in my industry. Another way is by leading with empathy and promoting understanding, I aim to contribute to a more inclusive and empowering community for all women.
Malaolu Omololu- Project manager/ Admin Exquisite magazine
What does inclusion mean to you?
Gender inclusion to me is all about making sure that people of all genders have equal access to opportunities and resources.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I can inspire inclusion in my community by being open and welcoming to people of all genders, including them in conversations and decision-making processes.
Omobolaji Mogaji- Ceo of Rubellite cosmetics
What does Inclusion mean to you?
As a beauty brand founder, especially on International Women’s Day, inclusion takes on a special meaning for me. It’s not just about celebrating diversity, but actively dismantling any barriers that might prevent women from feeling empowered and reaching their full potential.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
Inspiring inclusion in the community starts with being a role model. I strive to champion the voices and talents of women within Rubellite Beauty and beyond. We actively seek out female collaborators and ensuring women’s perspectives and experiences are reflected in everything we do.
Rita Ekeh- Ceo of SaladsNmore
What does inclusion mean to you?
To me, Inclusion means Equity.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I can inspire inclusion in my community by promoting fairness and justice and providing equitable access to opportunities and resources for all individuals.
Satira Osemudiamen- Principal Consultant, Satira Media & PR Limited
What does Inclusion mean to you?
It involves a continuous effort to challenge biases, promote fairness, and ensure that every woman has the chance to reach her full potential. By embracing inclusion, we contribute to building a more equitable and just world for all women, today and for generations to come.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I inspire inclusivity in my community by encouraging the freedom of expression, opinion and creativity. I also try my best to promote an environment or work culture that values and respects diversity in all its forms.
Joy Erekosima- Medical Aesthetician
What Does Inclusion Mean to You?
Inclusion to me is the deliberate and proactive effort to ensure that all individuals, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, or any other characteristic, are fully and equally represented, valued, and empowered within all aspects of society, including workplaces, communities, and decision-making processes.
It emphasizes removing barriers and biases that may prevent certain groups, particularly women, from fully engaging and contributing to decision-making processes, leadership positions, and other opportunities.
How Can You Inspire Inclusion in Your Community?
True inclusion means embracing diversity in all its forms. As a Beauty/Skincare Entrepreneur and Educator. Let’s unite our diverse talents, creativity, perspectives, and passions within our community of female beauty entrepreneurs, skincare enthusiasts, and mentors to uplift each other, celebrate our differences, and create a space where every voice is valued. By embracing inclusivity, we pave the way for innovation, empowerment, and collective growth.
Together, we can cultivate a community that celebrates the unique beauty and strengths of every woman, paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant future.
Titiolami Bello- Founder, Ori Lifestyle
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me means freedom, freedom to express my thoughts and desires through my speech, fashion, writing, business and charity. But beyond that inclusion means encouraging others around me to also freely express themselves, in their own way. Because all our lives are interconnected, being inclusive by allowing others to freely express themselves, enhances my freedom too and people who truly feel free and included go on to impact the world in big ways.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I think we have to sometimes be honest that we have to fight for inclusion in some areas. “For the last 15 years, the charity I founded, Path to Possibilities has been fighting for better quality education for children from poor backgrounds in Nigeria. We work hard to highlight their plight. I come from a poor background, so I know how it feels to be excluded. People connect with authenticity and transparency. It hasn’t always been easy for me to be transparent about my background but it has led to freedom and people connect with that too.
Umoren Victoria – Embryologist
What does inclusion mean to you?
To me, inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels accepted, respected, and valued. It’s about embracing diversity and ensuring that everyone has equal access, opportunities and resources to participate and contribute notwithstanding their social class or disabilities.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
We can all inspire inclusion in our community by
Encouraging open communication and active listening, Celebrating diversity and different perspectives, Providing equal opportunities for participation and involvement, Educating others about different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, Creating inclusive policies and practices, Fostering a safe and respectful environment for everyone, Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration and lastly Challenging stereotypes and biases.
Dr Tewa Onasanya- Author & Mindset Stylist. Founder, Exquisite Magazine, ELOY Awards Foundation, EMAC Foundation.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
To inspire inclusion in my community, I work in my capacity to make sure women are being invested in, women are being seen as leaders and potential leaders, and women are celebrated, empowered, inspired and encouraged to show up for themselves and others, so women can see a representation of themselves in different sectors.
Nwaoko Ifeoma Eniola
Admin/Project Manager Exquisite magazine
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me is harnessing and celebrating our gender differences instead of allowing it divide us.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I can inspire inclusion in my community my consistently speaking up, Stepping up, taking charge, and helping people around me find their paths.
Uchechukwu uzougbo – Style Editor Exquisite magazine
What does inclusion mean to you?
Inclusion to me is championing diversity and creating a more equitable society.
How can you inspire inclusion in your community?
I can inspire inclusion in my community by amplifying the voices of women in every sector, be it financial, agricultural or political sector.
