Dr. Siju Iluyomade, Convener of the Arise Women Foundation, has called on Nigerian women to be deliberate about supporting, uplifting, and empowering one another. She noted that this principle has guided the activities of her foundation for the past 17 years, as it continues to champion the welfare of women and the less privileged in society.
In a message to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, Dr. Iluyomade highlighted the theme for this year’s celebration, “Give to Gain,” explaining that it underscores the power of generosity and compassion. According to her, when women extend love and support to others—especially fellow women and the disadvantaged—it fosters a strong sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
The seasoned lawyer, with over three decades of professional experience, has built a reputation as a compassionate leader who has inspired and mobilised thousands of women across Nigeria and beyond through her initiatives.
Encouraging women to embrace the spirit of this year’s theme, Dr. Iluyomade urged them to cultivate the habit of giving selflessly. She stressed that true rewards often come when people give without expecting anything in return.
“When we empower others to appreciate the value of women’s inclusion, we help create a better world,” she said. “And when women themselves feel inspired and included, it brings a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment. Together, we can build a more inclusive society for women through the simple act of giving.”
In her words of encouragement, she celebrated the remarkable qualities of women, describing them as a force of nurturing strength, wisdom, and courage capable of transforming communities.
“Today and always, I celebrate the resilience, brilliance, and grace of every woman who continues to rise and uplift others,” she added.
Dr. Iluyomade—fondly called Dr. Siju—is also the founder of the Handmaidens Women in Leadership Series (WiLS) and has hosted the Arise Women Conference annually for the past 17 years. The conference brings together influential and inspiring women from around the world.
Organisers revealed that through various empowerment and skill acquisition programmes, the initiative has impacted more than 100,000 women over the past decade. Beyond empowerment programmes, the foundation has also carried out several community development projects, including the provision of boreholes, a hospital offering free baby delivery services, schools, and computer centres in Dafara, a remote community on the outskirts of Abuja.
The Arise Women initiative is also widely known for its humanitarian outreach through the “Arise Pink Buckets”—food baskets distributed to underprivileged individuals across different parts of the country. The buckets typically contain essential food items such as rice, beans, groundnut oil, and tomato paste, among others.
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