Beyond the Slogan: Why ‘Women Supporting Women’ Must Become a Tangible Reality

By Modupe Adeniji

As I reflect on my career journey, I recall the many challenges I’ve faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry, limited opportunities, unconscious bias, and the constant pressure to prove my worth. Sadly, these are not isolated experiences; they reflect the reality of many women across Nigeria.

While we’ve made commendable progress in amplifying women’s voices and advocating for gender equality, there’s one phrase that echoes often but delivers less than it promises, “women supporting women.” It’s a powerful statement, frequently repeated at conferences, on social media, and in boardrooms. But all too often, it stops at applause and hashtags.

We attend empowerment events and listen to inspiring speakers. We leave motivated. But what happens next? Too frequently, we revert to the status quo, overlooking the everyday opportunities to turn those words into action.

I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve seen women-led events fail to work with women-owned businesses. Catering, media, decor, often awarded to established, male-owned companies. These missed opportunities speak volumes. If we truly believe in empowering women, shouldn’t we start by investing in their businesses and services?

It’s not enough to celebrate women from the stage. True empowerment requires deliberate action. Imagine the ripple effect if we prioritized hiring women-owned vendors, consultants, creatives, and small businesses. The difference in their revenue, visibility, and growth could be transformative.
Supporting women must go beyond inspiration, it must become a strategy. It’s about creating and circulating opportunities, using our networks, platforms, and influence to lift others up.

We also need to shift from simply mentoring women to sponsoring them. Sponsorship is active. It means referring a woman for a job, recommending her for a contract, inviting her into the room, and speaking her name when she’s not present. That’s where the real impact lies.

My own career is marked by the women who chose to believe in me, advocate for me, and hold space for my growth. But I’m also aware of how rare that kind of support still is especially in industries where scarcity and competition create barriers.

I remember attending a women’s conference that left me inspired by the discussions but deflated by the reality. Despite all the talk of empowerment, none of the vendors or staff represented the demographic we were there to celebrate. That realization stayed with me. Since then, I’ve committed to seeking out women-owned businesses, working with female freelancers, and investing in women-led ventures.

I’m not alone. Across the country, many women are choosing action over aesthetics and it’s making a difference. But we need more of us doing the same, consistently and collectively.
So how do we move from slogan to substance?

• Be intentional: Seek out and partner with women-owned businesses when organizing events, hiring vendors, or sourcing services.
• Use your platform: Promote and amplify women’s work. Celebrate their wins publicly, and refer them privately.
• Create opportunities: Whether through job openings, partnerships, or funding, commit to opening doors for other women.
• Build circles of support: Network across industries, mentor generously and champion the growth of others without competition.

Women supporting women must become more than a rallying cry, it must be a lived reality. Not just once a year during Women’s Month or at select events, but in our daily decisions and long-term strategies.
This is how we build a more inclusive, empowered future. Not with words, but with action.
The question is no longer whether women can support women. It’s whether we will.

• About The Author
  Modupe Adeniji is a prominent figure in the Nigerian business landscape. As the founder and Managing Director of TEM Nigeria, a leading human capacity development and training company, she has established herself as a visionary leader and transformational entrepreneur. Driven by a passion for unlocking the full potential of individuals, and projects, Modupe guides TEM Nigeria in delivering exceptional value to its clients. She is also the convener of Afternoon Tea with Modupe Adeniji, a community where women come together to uplift, inspire, and empower each other through shared experiences.