Activities
From groundbreaking healthcare initiatives to revolutionary businesses, from powerful advocacy platforms to electrifying performances, Northern women are lighting up Nigeria, weaving threads of progress and empowerment across the social fabric. For so long, their stories have been whispered in hushed tones, their voices muffled by cultural barriers and stereotypes. Yet, despite this, their impact on their communities, in the nation and on the continent as a whole cannot be ignored.
As part of Leading Ladies Africa’s goal to challenge gender norms and advance leadership equity for women and girls, we present to you 40 incredible women from Northern Nigeria, who are advancing leadership, and making outstanding impact. This list highlights a diversity of women – doctors, activists, actresses, entrepreneurs, and more – who are challenging norms, advancing gender equity, breaking barriers, and illuminating the path for future generations.
Aisha Abdullahi Adamu — She is the Executive Director of New Age Group, a conglomerate that specializes in the distribution of various products, including frozen foods, seafood, poultry, crop trading, and petroleum products. Prior to the establishment of New Age Group, she founded Ivory Celebrations in 2013, a procurement company that offers a diverse spectrum from luxury to commercial goods and services. With an unwavering commitment to maximizing the potential of the girl child through quality education, she continues to lead the Child Rights Foundation, a legacy founded by her mum, Hajiya Khadijah Adamu, in 2000. In over 2 decades, the organization has made great social impact across Nigeria. These include the construction of schools and clinics, the initiation of numerous school feeding programs.
She also leads Aisha Cares, a series of initiatives focused on women’s advocacy and empowerment. Part of the initiatives includes educating female undergraduates across Nigerian universities on the tools they need to succeed after school. Under Aisha Cares, she recently hosted an annual conference tagged The Bridge. The event focused on empowering women with praticable insights on personal and professional growth. It also presented participants the opportunity to connect and build valuable relationships with other women across various industries.
Aisha Adamu Augie — She is the Director-General of the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), an agency of the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy. Prior to this role, Aisha was the Special Adviser (Digital Communications Strategy) to the Federal Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning. She was also previously the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Kebbi State, Nigeria on New Media.
Beyond her governmental roles, Aisha is a passionate advocate for youth and women empowerment. She leads various development initiatives, utilizing her influence to advocate for policies and programs that positively impact the lives of youth and women across Nigeria. Her dedication to empowerment aligns with broader national goals of fostering inclusive growth and equitable opportunities.
Justice Amina Augie — She was appointed as a Supreme Court Justice in Nigeria on November 7, 2016, making her the sixth woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice in Nigeria, the highest court in the country.
In this role, she brought her legal expertise, experience, and commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. Her position as a Supreme Court Justice positioned her as a key figure in the dispensation of justice, contributing to the legal evolution and the protection of constitutional rights within Nigeria. Over the course of her career she has continuously advocated for human and women’s rights and has been awarded with merit awards from diverse organizations. Her appointment challenges the masculine identity of law in Nigeria and is evidence of progress and further acceptance of women in law in Africa, particularly Nigeria. In addition to this, she continues the legacy of previous female Supreme Court Judges and is setting the stage for more women to progress higher within the Judiciary.
Amina J. Mohammed — She is the Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group. Prior to her appointment, Ms. Mohammed served as Minister of Environment of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where she steered the country’s efforts on climate action and efforts to protect the natural environment.
Her extensive experience in environmental matters, coupled with her current responsibilities at the United Nations, positions her as a key figure in global efforts towards sustainable development. Her journey from a national leadership role in climate action to a prominent position in the international arena reflects her unwavering commitment to addressing pressing global challenges and driving positive change on a larger scale.
Hudayya Fadoul Abacha — She is the founder and CEO of Hudayya Couture Limited, Hudayya Woman, a ready to wear brand and Hudayya Bridal Emporium. After starting her first fashion house in 2012, this Abuja-based business has climbed up from its modest beginnings into the most high-profile wardrobes of Nigeria — including the first lady, Former President Buhari’s daughter Zahra, and celebrities such as Genieve Nnaji and D’ija.
Hudayya’s “non-conformist” spirit, passion for business, and dedication to excellence in tailoring has made her a fantastic success. Through her platform she has created an avenue for young Northern women to express themselves through fashion and not always stick to the conventional way of fashion. She now inspires generations of rising fashion stars through her newly established design school, Hudayya Academy of Fashion.
Maryam Hassan Bukar — She is a multifaceted individual, proudly wearing the titles of a Nigerian poet, a spoken word artist, a storytelling consultant, a social entrepreneur, a digital content creator, and a dedicated Pan Africanist. She is also a campaign coordinator at Change.org in Nigeria showcasing her dedication to utilizing digital platforms for mobilizing and amplifying voices in support of various causes.
In addition to her creative pursuits, Maryam actively engages in advocacy, particularly for United Nations peacekeeping efforts. Notably, she holds the position of being a Gates Foundation goalkeeper, further emphasizing her commitment to philanthropy and global health initiatives.
