Dr Nkiru Balonwu is at the forefront of driving change for women in Africa through her non-profit organisation, African Women on Board (AWB), to advance women’s leadership roles across Africa. African women continue to face various challenges, including widespread gender-based violence, child marriage, and limited access to education and economic opportunities. As of 2024, women occupy just 26% of parliamentary seats and 13% of CEO roles across Africa, according to the Africa Barometer. In addition, women are disproportionately affected by poverty, climate change, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, exacerbating these barriers to empowerment.
Balonwu is also the founder and managing partner of RDF Strategies, a firm specialising in corporate strategy, communications, and stakeholder management. With a background in law and communications, Balonwu has worked across multiple industries, driving initiatives that focus on gender equality, leadership, and narrative development for African women. She is also recognized for her public speaking and advocacy work.
Balonwu founded AWB to tackle these issues head-on. AWB’s mission is to empower African women, elevating them into leadership roles across politics, business, and civil society. Drawing from her experience in corporate strategy, communications, and stakeholder management, she advocates for women’s leadership development.
“Empowering African women is crucial to Africa’s development. We must create opportunities for women to lead and thrive,” Balonwu says. AWB focuses on mentorship initiatives, capacity building for women-led organisations, research and policy analysis.
Further, it leverages storytelling, advocacy, and strategic partnerships, which have helped propel numerous women into leadership roles. The organisation also runs mentorship initiatives, such as Project Yellow Card and the Student Leader Launchpad, which foster leadership development among university students.
The Birth of AWB and its Impact
Founded in response to the lack of representation of women in leadership positions, AWB aims to create a world where African women can realise their full potential. Balonwu’s passion for empowering women is deeply rooted in her belief that women hold the key to Africa’s development. AWB has created a growing network across the continent and its diaspora, facilitating leadership development in workplaces, communities, and governments.
AWB’s initiatives, such as Project Yellow Card, have helped support women’s leadership development and inspired young women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields. The organisation’s advocacy efforts continue to influence policies, promote gender equality, and amplify its impact through partnerships with governments, the private sector, and civil society.
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite AWB’s successes, African women still face numerous challenges, such as persistent gender-based violence and limited socioeconomic opportunities. Balonwu believes addressing these issues requires collective action and continued investment in women’s leadership development. Under her leadership, AWB is committed to expanding its programs and partnerships to amplify its advocacy efforts across Africa and the diaspora.
As Africa evolves, AWB’s work remains crucial in breaking down barriers to women’s leadership. With Nkiru Balonwu at its helm, AWB continues to foster gender inclusivity, proving that investing in women’s empowerment benefits not only women but entire communities.
