In a candid interview on The Morning Brief with Channels Television, Olori Ivie Atuwatse III, a prominent advocate for women’s empowerment and girl-child education, shared her insights on the barriers facing women in leadership roles and the transformative potential of education. Her passionate advocacy for gender equality stems from her belief that women, as natural nurturers, possess unique qualities that make them ideal candidates for political leadership—if given the necessary support.
Ivie Atuwatse III, married to the influential Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, has long championed causes that uplift women and girls. Her commitment to girl-child education is rooted in her conviction that empowering women is not only a moral imperative but also a pragmatic solution to societal challenges. “Girls will eventually become women,” she explained, “and we know that women empowerment is not just the right and just thing to do but the smart thing to do because when you empower a woman, you empower a community.”
Her dedication to this cause is fueled by personal experiences and observations of the systemic barriers that hinder female progress. From lack of access to quality education to social norms that discourage girls from pursuing academic or professional ambitions, Atuwatse III identified these challenges as significant obstacles to gender parity. She emphasized the urgent need for interventions that address issues such as period poverty and early teenage pregnancy, which disproportionately affect girls in rural and underserved areas.
When asked about the disparity between women’s success in corporate environments versus their underrepresentation in politics, Atuwatse III pointed to the inherent qualities of women as natural nurturers and builders. “Women are natural nurturers and interestingly enough, I like to say there’s something that they say that women are emotional and emotions are seen as a bad thing especially when it comes to leadership. But truly I think women have the ability when not just be emotional but we can be emotionally intelligent.”
She argued that women’s emotional intelligence makes them uniquely suited for leadership roles, particularly in fields requiring empathy and collaboration. This perspective challenges the conventional view of emotionality as a liability in leadership, suggesting instead that it can be a strength when coupled with intellectual rigor. Atuwatse III cited examples from the corporate sector, where women like Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (Group Managing Director of Fidelity Bank), Miriam Olusanya (Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank), and Adaora Umeoji (Zenith Bank’s first female CEO) have excelled in senior positions. These achievements, she noted, demonstrate the value of women in leadership roles.
Despite these successes, Atuwatse III expressed frustration with the limited representation of women in politics. “We’ve seen it across the corporate status mostly when banks want to build up, they bring in women into their positions of leadership so that they can actually build,” she observed. “Women are natural builders, nurturers and so I think we’re missing that.”
She emphasized that women bring a distinct style of leadership to the political arena, characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and a broader understanding of multifaceted challenges. By excluding women from political leadership, she argued, societies forfeit opportunities for innovation and progress. Citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Atuwatse III highlighted that Nigeria alone could boost its GDP by 133% by closing the gender gap, underscoring the economic rationale for empowering women in leadership roles.
Reflecting on her role as the wife of a king, Atuwatse III described her relationship with her husband as one of mutual respect and partnership. “He’s first my husband before he’s my king,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of communication and intimacy in maintaining a healthy marriage. She credited their strong bond for enabling them to navigate the complexities of royal life with grace and ease.
In closing, Atuwatse III addressed young girls and women, urging them to embrace their authentic selves and reject societal expectations that discourage self-expression. “Don’t be afraid to own your space, to own your voice,” she advised. She encouraged girls to recognize their worth and to trust in their ability to chart their own paths, regardless of external pressures. “Stay true to yourself,” she concluded, “because the lines will fall in pleasant places.”
Olori Ivie Atuwatse III’s interview with The Morning Brief offers a compelling argument for the inclusion of women in leadership roles, both in politics and beyond. Her advocacy for girl-child education and gender equality is driven by a deep understanding of the transformative power of empowerment. As she continues to champion these causes, her voice serves as a beacon of hope for countless women and girls striving to break barriers and achieve their full potential.
