Lagos is a bustling city in Nigeria. Many working-class parents living in the mega city face various challenges when raising their children. These challenges have arisen from rapid technological advancements, cultural shifts, and economic constraints. Integrating technology into daily life has made it more complex to monitor children’s activities and ensure their safety online. As a new mother, Yetty Williams sought online communities and information that reflected her experiences but found mostly Western-centric content. She realised that traditional parenting methods often conflict with modern concepts, leading to a disconnect between parents and their digitally savvy children. Moreover, economic pressures force many parents to prioritise making a living over being actively involved in their children’s upbringing, resulting in limited engagement in their development.
This realisation highlighted the need for a platform that addressed the unique challenges faced by Nigerian parents. So, in 2011, Yetty Williams established LagosMums, Nigeria’s premier parenting community to address these pressing issues.
LagosMums offers a comprehensive platform that equips parents with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the intricacies of modern parenting. Through workshops, digital resources, and a supportive community, LagosMums empowers parents to adopt intentional parenting strategies that harmonise traditional values with contemporary demands.
Under Williams’ leadership, LagosMums has experienced prolific growth. The platform now reaches over 1.5 million individuals, offering a community where parents can access resources, share experiences, and find support. This expansive reach underlines its relevance and the trust it has garnered among parents seeking guidance in today’s digital space.
Yetty Williams leverages her extensive background in economics and strategy—she holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Mathematics from the University of Pittsburgh and an MBA from the Yale School of Management—to build her platform.
A significant milestone in her journey is publishing her book, Digital Savvy Parenting, in December 2024. This work is a vital resource that guides parents through the challenges of raising children in the technology age.
Through LagosMums, Williams has successfully trained over 2,000 students and educators on online safety and responsible digital citizenship, collaborating with initiatives like the Google Online Safety Roadshow.
She is also a co-host of the “Parenting Today” show on LagosTalks 91.3 FM, where she discusses various parenting topics. Her work has been recognised with several awards, including being named one of the Top 500 Most Influential Africans in the World by Tropics Global Business and Lifestyle Magazine.
LagosMums hosts an annual summer camp, the last of which was the 3D Printing Summer Boot Camp for Teens. The registration fee for each participant is N80,000($53.27).
Yetty Williams has redefined parenting in Nigeria and created a legacy of informed, proactive, and digitally savvy families. She’s at the forefront of a parenting revolution, ensuring no parents, especially moms, must navigate the challenges of raising children alone.
