Where Global & African Women Leaders Shape Tomorrow
Celebrating the stories of exceptional women who inspire change, foster community, and create lasting impact across Africa and beyond.
Our Story
The journey of HerStory
HerStory began as a simple idea: to document and celebrate the journeys of African women who are changing the world. In a landscape where such stories often go untold, we created a platform to amplify voices that deserve to be heard.
40+ women have come together to spark a movement, but this is just the beginning.
Led by award-winning journalist Stephanie Busari, who for over 25 years has shaped global narratives at platforms like BBC, CNN, Essence, and more, HerStory aims to bring thousands of women together. It is a platform where stories are told, voices are amplified, and impact is made.
This is a space to read powerful narratives, watch inspiring videos, and access mentorship from trailblazing women across industries and continents.
What started as a small gathering has grown into a global movement. Today, HerStory connects women leaders, changemakers, and visionaries, providing inspiration, resources, and a thriving community where knowledge, experiences, and opportunities are shared.
“Every woman has a story worth telling. Our mission is to ensure these stories inspire generations to come.”
Her Story Book Series
Join us in celebrating extraordinary women leaders through our groundbreaking book series
Featured Book
Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change
Launched March 25, 2025
Stories of 40+ exceptional women leading change across sectors. Join us in celebrating these remarkable leaders shaping Africa’s future through their visionary leadership and groundbreaking initiatives.
Available now! Order today for immediate shipping.
The HerStory Women
Meet the extraordinary women shaping Africa’s future through leadership and innovation
Adesuwa Ifedi
Africa Senior Vice President, Heifer International
Adesuwa Ifedi is a highly accomplished leader in sustainable development, agriculture, and economic empowerment. With over 30 years of experience, she currently serves as Africa Senior Vice President for Heifer International, leading programs that impact over 800,000 smallholder farmers and create job opportunities for over 200,000 youth.
Key Achievements
- Secured over $78 million to drive agricultural transformation and youth empowerment across nine African countries
- Driving large-scale agricultural and economic empowerment across Africa by securing major funding, innovating youth programs, and reshaping development finance models
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes
Founder & CEO, Aruwa Capital Management
Adesuwa Okunbo Rhodes is the Founder and CEO of Aruwa Capital Management, one of the few women-owned and managed growth equity and gender-lens funds in Africa. With over 15 years of experience in investment banking and private equity, she has worked with global institutions such as J.P. Morgan, specialising in emerging markets.
Key Achievements
- First female in Nigeria to raise over $10 million in a first institutional fund
- Founder of Aruwa Capital, a leading gender-lens investment firm
Akinniyi Toyin
Vice President, Africa Luminate
Toyin Akinniyi is a leader in the philanthropy and global development sectors with extensive experience working on governance and social justice issues. Toyin is currently Vice President, Africa at Luminate. In this role, Toyin leads Luminate’s work in Africa to ensure everyone can influence the decisions that affect them and society. Toyin is also a member of Luminate's Leadership Team.
Key Achievements
- Published contributor to key works including African Muckraking and Remaking Nigeria: Sixty Years, Sixty Voices
- Stanford Draper Hills Fellow, recognised for her leadership in global development and philanthropy
- Serves on multiple Advisory Boards and Steering Committees of funder collaboratives advancing social impact
- Holds a Master’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies and a Bachelor’s degree in English, alongside certifications in journalism, project management, and impact investing
Akosua Annobil
Founder, TechInGhana and AB2020
Akosua Annobil is an award-winning communications strategist and global tech ecosystem builder. As the Founder of AB2020, she connects African startup, innovation, and investment communities, serving as the official Ghana partner for GITEX Africa.
Key Achievements
- Founded AB2020
- Launched Tech in Ghana and key initiatives that connect African tech communities with global investment and innovation networks
Betty Irabor
Founder, Genevieve lifestyle magazine & Intentional Living Network
Betty Irabor is a pioneering media entrepreneur, author, and mental health advocate with over 35 years of experience in publishing, communications, and wellness advocacy. She is best known as the founder of Genevieve Magazine, Nigeria’s leading lifestyle publication, which has shaped conversations on fashion, beauty, and women’s empowerment for over two decades.
Key Achievements
- Founded Genevieve Magazine, Nigeria’s leading lifestyle publication
- Prominent advocate for mental health awareness in Africa
Busingye Matsiko
Board Trustee, Berkeley College
Busie Matsiko is a strategic business consultant, executive advisor, and board diversity advocate with extensive experience in finance, networking, and business development. She specialises in connecting top-tier CEOs and C-suite executives with opportunities that enhance their professional impact, particularly in corporate governance and leadership roles.
Key Achievements
- Advised top CEOs and C-suite executives on business development, strategy, and leadership roles.
- Advocated for boardroom diversity, empowering women and underrepresented groups in leadership positions
- Worked with leading global financial institutions to drive impact in corporate governance and sustainable development
Busola Dakolo
Head of Communications, Co-creation Hub (CcHUB)
Busola Dakolo is a creative entrepreneur, photographer, and advocate for gender equality. As CEO of Busola Dakolo Images, she specialises in personal branding photography and social impact storytelling, working with individuals and businesses to craft authentic visual narratives. Her work has been featured in The Guardian, ThisDay, Genevieve, TW, and Vanity Fair UK.
Key Achievements
- Founder of SkillsKitchen.com and CEO of Busola Dakolo Images
- Advocate for gender equality
- Head of Communications at Co-Creation Hub
Chief Diana Chen
Chairman/ CEO, GAC Motor Nigeria
Chief Diana Chen is a visionary business leader and investor shaping Africa’s industrial and automotive sectors. As Chairman and CEO of GAC Motor Nigeria, she oversees the company’s expansion in Africa under Choice International Group (CIG), a conglomerate with diverse business interests.
Key Achievements
- Secured over $2 billion in investments and fostered economic ties between China and Africa through her role with the China-Africa Business Council (CABC)
- Pioneered LAGRIDE
Chief (Dr.) Folashade Okoya MON
Managing Director, Eleganza Industrial City Ltd
Chief (Dr) Mrs. Folashade Noimat Okoya (MON) is a renowned business leader, industrialist, and philanthropist who has played a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s manufacturing industry. As the Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd, she has led the company’s expansion into large-scale production of consumer and industrial goods, ensuring innovation, efficiency, and high-quality standards. With a background in Banking and Finance from Lagos State Polytechnic and Sociology from the University of Lagos, she combines strategic business acumen with operational expertise, making Eleganza one of the leading manufacturing brands in Africa. Her leadership has driven job creation, industrial growth, and economic empowerment, positioning her as a key figure in Nigeria’s business landscape.
Key Achievements
- Deputy Managing Director of Eleganza Industrial City Ltd, leading the expansion into large-scale manufacturing across Africa
- Recipient of prestigious national honors, including Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) and an Honorary Doctorate in Business Management and Corporate Leadership
- Recognised with awards such as Businesswoman of the Year, Most Valuable Business Executive of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Merit Award
- Holds several influential traditional titles, including Bewaji of Lagos and Yeye Oge of Epe Kingdom, for her contributions to community development
Chinwendu “Chichi” Ofor-Nwoko
Founder & CEO, WHAT Media Group
Chichi Nwoko is a visionary leader in the African media and entertainment industry, dedicated to elevating the continent’s creative landscape. As the founder and CEO of WHAT Media Group, she has over three decades of experience in film, television, and broadcasting, positioning herself as a key player in amplifying African stories globally.
Key Achievements
- Founder and CEO of WHAT Media Group
- Produced Nollywood films
- Created T33 Academy
Dr. Adedunmola Oluwo
Medical Doctor, Entrepreneur, e-Health Manager
Dr. Adedunmola Oluwo, fondly known as Dr. Dedun, is a medical doctor, entrepreneur, and mentor committed to empowering individuals through healthcare, personal development, and business. With a strong passion for transformation, she draws from her own journey of resilience to inspire and uplift others.
Key Achievements
- Founded four businesses at 17 while studying medicine
- Created a Dr Dedun mentorship programme to empower young professionals
Dr. Funmi Adewara
Founder & CEO, Mobihealth International
Dr. Funmi Adewara is a British-Nigerian physician, bioscience entrepreneur, and award-winning telehealth pioneer. As the Founder and CEO of Mobihealth International, she is leading Africa’s telemedicine revolution, providing virtual access to local and global doctors to bridge healthcare gaps across the continent.
Key Achievements
- Founder & CEO of Mobihealth International, pioneering Africa’s telemedicine revolution and impacting over 200,000 lives with the goal to reach 1 million patients annually
- Launched Africa’s first telehealth services within the Nigerian Air Force
- Recognised by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Forbes and the World Bank for her contributions to digital health and healthcare accessibility in Africa
Why Join?
By joining Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change, you become part of a transformative movement celebrating African women’s achievements. Here’s why you should be part of this historic project:
Get Your Story Told
Collaborate with our editorial team to craft your unique story for global audiences.
Global Visibility
Be featured in a beautifully designed book available worldwide.
Podcast Feature
A one-on-one recorded video podcast interview with Stephanie Busari (to be released soon)
Networking Opportunities
Connect with like-minded changemakers at exclusive events in Lagos and beyond.
Revenue Sharing
Support girl-child education with 5% of proceeds benefiting charities supporting this initiative, and also earn 2% royalties as one of the contributors.
Organisations can support Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change
through sponsorship packages:
Nominate Female Leaders
Highlight your organisation’s women leaders in the book.
Adverts and Banners
Full-page adverts in the book and digital banners on the launch website.
Visibility
Gain recognition as a supporter of African women’s empowerment.
About the Book: Her Story:
Taking Root, Sparking Change highlights authentic narratives of African women making an impact in various sectors. Each chapter tells a personal story of triumph and transformation, inspiring readers globally.The Her Story Community is your digital hub for empowerment and connection. Whether you’re a contributor, partner, or supporter, this community is designed to inspire and engage you.
Listen to Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change on
Meet TheAuthors

Stephanie Busari
Award Winning Journalist, Founder, SBB Media & Her Story

Olori Atuwatse III
Her Royal Majesty, Queen consort of Warri kingdom

Nkiru Achukwu
Founder and Creative Director, Zephans & Co

Eloïne Barry
Founder & CEO, African Media Agency

Dr. Kemi DaSilva-Ibru
Founder, WARIF (Women at Risk International Foundation)

HE Amb. Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq
Founder of Ajike People’s Support Center and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors Spouses Forum

Funke Akindele
Leading Nigerian Actress Film Producer and Director

Dr. Olayemi Dawodu
Anatomic & Molecular Pathologist MD/CEO, Lancet Nigeria

Neya Kalu
CEO of Basecoat Chairman of The Sun Nigeria Founder, The Neya Kalu Foundation
Events
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Previous Events

Her Story: Taking Root, Sparking Change
April 25, 2025 • Balmoral, VI
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Art Exhibition
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HerStory Awards
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Gallery
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Step into our visual journey through book launches, events, and special moments. Our gallery captures the essence of extraordinary women leaders and changemakers.
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Stories & Impact
Voices and achievements from our community
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Connect with like-minded women, access exclusive resources, and be part of a movement that’s changing the narrative for African women globally.
