Lagos-Based Founder Advocates Empowerment of the Girl Child Beyond International Women’s Month

A Lagos-based entrepreneur, Tosin Adefeko, has called for sustained advocacy for the empowerment of the girl child, urging that conversations sparked during International Women’s Day should extend beyond the month of March.

Adefeko, Founder and CEO of AT3 Resources and The Muvmnt Agency, shared a personal experience involving her teenage daughter, who is currently interning at a leading global consultancy as part of her academic program. According to her, the moment underscored the importance of visible female role models in shaping young girls’ aspirations.

She recounted how her daughter accompanied her to a professional meeting and later encountered a viral video highlighting accomplished African women, including a notable figure identified as Mrs. A. The experience, she noted, reinforced the impact of representation and inspiration in a young person’s development.

Using the story as a backdrop, Adefeko expressed concern that despite heightened awareness during March, societal pressures and gender expectations continue to limit girls. She pointed out that young girls are often subtly conditioned to equate humility with silence and conformity, which can hinder their confidence and ambition.

The entrepreneur emphasized her commitment to raising her daughter with a strong sense of independence, encouraging her to pursue financial autonomy, self-expression, and purpose-driven ambition. She stressed that qualities such as assertiveness and ambition should not be perceived negatively in girls.

Adefeko also highlighted the importance of redefining traditional narratives around womanhood, stating that while relationships and partnerships can be meaningful, they should not define a woman’s identity or limit her potential.

She concluded by urging young girls to challenge societal limitations, embrace their ambitions, and strive for excellence. She also called on parents and guardians to actively model possibilities and create environments that empower the next generation of women.

“The work continues beyond March,” she noted, reinforcing the need for year-round commitment to gender equality and the advancement of girls and women.