Introduction:
Iyabo Akanmu is a role model and an inspiration to many women, breaking through barriers in business and empowering women across the world. She has helped women start and grow their businesses, proving that women are just as capable as men in the business world. Iyabo’s journey is a testimony that it is possible to achieve success despite the odds when one is determined and passionate about what they do. In this blog post, we will discuss Iyabo Akanmu’s career path, her contribution to women’s empowerment, and how she has made a difference in the business world.
Section 1: The Early Years:
Iyabo Akanmu was born and raised in Nigeria. Her father was a businessman, and he played a significant role in her upbringing. From an early age, Iyabo showed a keen interest in business, and her father noticed this. He encouraged her to pursue her passion for business and provided her with every opportunity to do so. Following her father’s advice, Iyabo pursued a degree in Accounting from the University of Lagos in Nigeria.
Section 2: Starting a Business:
After completing her degree, Iyabo started working for a bank, but she soon realized that her passion lay in owning her own business. In 2003, Iyabo started her own accounting firm, which quickly grew into a multi-million-dollar business. She also started helping other women start and grow their businesses. Iyabo recognized that many women lacked the resources and support needed to succeed in business, so she decided to help by providing training, mentoring, and advice.
Section 3: Empowering Women:
Iyabo’s passion for empowering women has played a key role in her career. She firmly believes that women can achieve great success in the business world if they are given the right support and opportunities. She has worked tirelessly to provide women with access to training, financing, and mentorship programmes. Iyabo asserts that empowering women in business is not only the right thing to do but also a smart business decision.
Section 4: Breaking Barriers:
Iyabo has broken barriers in her career, paving the way for other women to succeed in business. She never allowed herself to be held back by gender stereotypes or discrimination. Whenever she faced any corporate or social barriers, she used it as an impetus to work harder. Her resilience and determination have put her in the league of successful businesswomen. She has inspired many women to follow in her footsteps.
Section 5: Achievements:
Iyabo’s career has been characterized by many notable achievements. Some of these include being a member of the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Leadership Group. She was also a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Africa awards in 2015. Additionally, she is the founder and CEO of Women in Business Growth Catalyst (WIBG), which aims to empower 10 million women entrepreneurs by 2030.
Section 6: Impact on Society:
Iyabo’s impact on society goes beyond business. Her work has led to the creation of jobs, economic growth, and the empowerment of many women. Her efforts towards gender equality and women’s economic empowerment have been recognized globally. She is a respected voice on women’s issues, and her insights have been highly valued by policymakers and business leaders alike.
Section 7: FAQs:
Q1. How has Iyabo Akanmu broken barriers in business?
A1. Iyabo Akanmu has broken barriers by proving that women can succeed in business and by providing support to other women entrepreneurs.
Q2. What is the Women in Business Growth Catalyst?
A2. The Women in Business Growth Catalyst is an initiative that aims to empower 10 million women entrepreneurs by 2030.
Q3. How has Iyabo Akanmu impacted society?
A3. Iyabo’s work has led to job creation, economic growth, and the empowerment of many women.
Q4. Why does Iyabo Akanmu believe in empowering women?
A4. Iyabo believes in empowering women because it is the right thing to do, and it is also a smart business decision.
Q5. What recognition has Iyabo Akanmu received for her work?
A5. Iyabo has been a member of the United Nations Women Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Leadership Group and a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Africa awards.
Q6. What can we learn from Iyabo Akanmu’s career?
A6. We can learn that determination, hard work, and resilience can lead to success, regardless of the barriers faced.
Q7. How can women entrepreneurs benefit from Iyabo Akanmu’s work?
A7. Women entrepreneurs can benefit from Iyabo’s work by accessing training, mentoring, and financing programmes that can help them start and grow their businesses.
Conclusion:
Iyabo Akanmu’s career path has been characterized by breaking barriers, empowering women, and achieving notable successes. She is a role model and an inspiration to many women who aspire to succeed in business. Her work has led to job creation, economic growth, and the empowerment of many women. Iyabo’s efforts towards gender equality and women’s economic empowerment have been highly recognized globally. Women entrepreneurs can benefit from Iyabo’s work. However, there is still much to be done in terms of women’s economic empowerment, and all stakeholders need to work together to achieve this goal. Anyone can achieve success if they are determined and passionate, and Iyabo Akanmu’s career path is a perfect example of this. Let us all take a cue from her, and work towards empowering women in business.