The STRIDE Campaign, founded by Abisola Lekan-Akanbi, has officially launched with a bold mission to accelerate gender parity, foster inclusion, and elevate mental health awareness for Nigerian women. The campaign’s name — Succeed, Thrive, Renew, Impact, Dominate, Enhance — encapsulates its vision: to empower women in every aspect of life and society.
At the launch event, Lekan-Akanbi shed light on the hidden burdens many women carry, from imposter syndrome and isolation to systemic silencing. She emphasized the emotional cost of masking these struggles and warned that “unchecked stress can slowly break down the nervous system,” resulting in anxiety and even mental illness.
“Women endure so much, yet they mask it with a smile. But today, let’s take off the mask,” she urged.
The Economic and Social Reality
Recent reports paint a stark picture of the economic challenges Nigerian women face:
-
According to PwC’s 2025 report, women run over 23 million microbusinesses in Nigeria, yet only 10% have access to formal loans, despite representing 41% of all micro-entrepreneurs.
-
A Mastercard study showed that 83% of Nigerian women identify as entrepreneurs — far higher than the 51% average across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa — yet 62% cite lack of start-up capital as their biggest hurdle.
These statistics affirm the need for STRIDE’s multi-pronged mission: economic empowerment, mental well-being, and systemic reform.
A Tribute to Trailblazers
STRIDE also honoured the legacy of Lekan-Akanbi’s grandmother, Bisoye Tejuoso, Nigeria’s first female industrialist and a pioneering entrepreneur who built Teju Industries, Avis Petroleum, and other ventures in foam manufacturing, real estate, and hospitality. Her story remains a beacon of possibility for women across generations.
“Touring her factories and attending meetings with national icons like Chief MKO Abiola shaped my purpose and drive,” said Lekan-Akanbi, who now channels those lessons into STRIDE’s vision for a just and inclusive future.
Next Steps for STRIDE
Beyond an awareness campaign, STRIDE is committed to:
-
Policy advocacy for gender equity and inclusive economic frameworks.
-
Expanding access to mental health support and encouraging open dialogue about emotional resilience.
-
Celebrating female excellence and cultivating networks of mentorship and solidarity among Nigerian women.
“STRIDE is not just a campaign; it’s a rallying cry for women to rise higher, together,” Lekan-Akanbi affirmed.
As Nigeria continues to battle economic challenges, STRIDE emerges as a vital movement to amplify women’s voices, unlock their potential, and reshape the national narrative around equity, entrepreneurship, and wellness.
