Celebrating women’s leadership and inclusion at IITA

On 9 March, IITA–CGIAR hosted a special hybrid event at the institute’s headquarters to celebrate the strength, resilience, and contributions of women. The gathering brought together leaders, professionals, and partners to reflect on the importance of empowering women, promoting inclusion, and building supportive systems that allow everyone to thrive. The event was moderated by a member of the IITA Women’s Group, Margret Olaoluwa, and IITA Project Management Officer, RTB and CBU, Crop Improvement, Richard Ofei.

Opening the event, the Director of People and Culture, Leunidah Alukwe-Mwenesi, highlighted the everyday resilience of women and the many responsibilities they carry. “This day reminds us that women do the impossible every day,” she said, noting that many women manage heavy responsibilities while continuing to make meaningful contributions at work and in their communities. She added that the resilience of women continues to inspire IITA’s work and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to creating an enabling environment where every woman can succeed regardless of her background.

In a goodwill message, the Deputy Director General for Corporate Services, Hilde Koper-Limbourg, encouraged women to support each other and share knowledge. She stressed that women in leadership should help open doors for others rather than make the journey harder. She also emphasized the importance of collaboration between men and women, noting that progress is stronger when both work together. According to her, women should remain confident and authentic while working in professional environments.

Assistant Specialist, IITA Cassava Seed Systems, Mercy Diebiru-Ojo shared her inspiring journey to becoming an Africa Food Prize winner. She credited her mother for encouraging her to pursue agriculture and described how supportive lecturers during her university years inspired her to excel in the field. At IITA, she met her first mentor, a woman scientist, who taught her the importance of professionalism. She explained that both male and female mentors helped shape her career despite challenges such as gender stereotypes. Diebiru-Ojo said that purpose, resilience, and continuous learning played key roles in her success. “I hope my journey inspires other women to thrive, lead, and grow,” she said.

Delivering the keynote address, the IITA Director General, Simeon Ehui, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to building a more inclusive environment. He noted that women across Africa play critical roles as farmers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders who support families and communities. However, many still face barriers, including limited access to finance and leadership opportunities. “Empowering women is one of the best investments we can make,” he said. “When women innovate, agriculture becomes stronger. When women lead, society moves forward,” he added.

Dr Ehui also shared his personal story of how he along with his siblings were raised by a hardworking mother who struggled to provide for her family. That experience, he said, motivated him to support women’s empowerment initiatives, including a Girl Child Foundation he established with his wife.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Programs Manager, IITA Capacity Development Office, Olumodupe Banwo, focused on “Advancing equity and empowerment: Translating rights into action for women and girls in African agriculture.” The session featured experts, including Board Secretary and Senior Legal Officer, Precious Adebanjo; Climate Adaptation Expert-Resilience and Climate Adaptation Program Lead, John Choptiany; Head of IITA School, Timothy John Shepherd; and IITA Country Representative for Sudan, Solara Eisheik.

Expert on African agriculture and nutrition, philanthropy, and social innovation, and the CEO of One Campaign, Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli, shared lessons from her journey as the co-founder of Sahel Consulting and AACE Foods. She encouraged women to support each other as they rise and emphasized the importance of building strong support networks. “As you rise, stay humble and grounded,” she advised.

Another discussion session on “Allyship in action” featured Executive Director, Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR), Professor Fadel Ndiame, and Executive Director of the Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), Professor Sanni Lateef, who stressed the importance of mentorship, system changes, and amplifying women’s voices.

In her closing remarks, the Organizational Development Manager at IITA People and Culture, Helen Adeniji, thanked participants and encouraged continued support for women and young professionals. She also announced that IITA plans to celebrate Men’s Day on 19 November.

Contributed by Ochuwa Favour Daramola