As someone who spends much time on screen and the stage, I have understood that our most powerful tool is not fame or fortune—it is our voice. Advocacy is about using that voice, wherever you are, to speak up for causes that matter. Whether you have a million followers or an audience of one, your voice can make an impact. And right now, we need more voices advocating for change, particularly regarding women’s rights and empowerment.
The reality is stark: 70% of Nigerian women are living in poverty, yet they remain the backbone of the economy, especially in agriculture and entrepreneurship. However, they need more access to financial services, land, and markets that could transform their lives. This is where advocacy plays a crucial role. Advocacy is not just for those in positions of power or for people with large platforms. We all have a platform and must use it—especially for women’s economic empowerment.
One powerful tool for change is the National Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Policy. This policy is more than just a plan; it is a call to action for creating economic pathways to lift millions of Nigerian women out of poverty. However, for this policy to be effective, it must be domesticated and implemented across every community. And here’s where your voice comes in.
You don’t have to be a politician or an activist to advocate for change. Advocacy starts right where you are, in your community, your workplace, and even online.
Here are three simple but impactful ways you can use your voice for advocacy:
Raise Awareness in Your Community: Start conversations about women’s challenges and how the WEE Policy can address them. Whether through community meetings, church groups, or even casual conversations with friends, discussing the issues is the first step toward change. The more people are aware, the more likely they are to support initiatives that empower women.
Leverage Social Media: Social media is a powerful tool for advocacy. You can use platforms like Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), or Facebook to share stories, facts, and updates about the WEE Policy and its importance. Tag influencers, government officials, and local leaders to get the conversation going. Sometimes, all it takes is one viral post to pressure policymakers and generate real action.
Support Women-Led Initiatives: One of the simplest ways to advocate is by supporting women-led initiatives in your community. Look out for local businesses run by women or small groups creating impact, like cooperatives, skill acquisition programs, or mentorship groups.
This direct support empowers individual women and demonstrates the tangible impact of women’s economic participation. It’s a practical way to highlight the importance of policies like the WEE Policy, which aims to expand opportunities for women in entrepreneurship and beyond.
As a Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Champion, I am passionate about ensuring more women can access the resources they need to thrive. My work with God’s Wives Foundation has shown me firsthand how powerful women can be when given the tools to succeed. However, for this empowerment to reach more women, we need to raise our collective voices in support of the WEE Policy, which focuses on financial inclusion, land ownership, and education for women and girls.
The beauty of advocacy is that it’s contagious. When one person speaks up, it inspires others to do the same. If we use our voice—whether through community work, social media, or direct engagement with local leaders—we can make a real difference in the lives of millions of Nigerian women. We can ensure that the WEE Policy is not just words on paper but a lived reality that improves women’s economic futures across the country.
Remember, you don’t need to be a celebrity or a high-ranking official to advocate for change. Advocacy starts where you are. Your voice is powerful, and when combined with others, it can create a ripple effect that leads to real, lasting transformation.
So I ask you wherever you are, to use your voice. Speak up for women’s economic empowerment, push for the implementation of the WEE Policy, and advocate for change that benefits not just women but society as a whole. Because when women rise, we all rise.
Bolanle Olukanni is a Nigerian-American media personality and the founder of God’s Wives Foundation, which supports widows and single mothers. She is a Women’s Economic Empowerment (WEE) Champion committed to advocating for women’s financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria.
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