The summit drew participants from diverse backgrounds, including persons with disabilities, highlighting a strong commitment to inclusion. For many attendees, it provided space not only to reflect on shared challenges but also to envision what is possible when access, support, and opportunities are intentionally created.
Fatima Usman, a participant, reflected on her experience: “I realised that my experience is not isolated. Hearing others speak about similar challenges gave me a different perspective on what is possible.”
Throughout the summit, conversations addressed both structural and personal barriers faced by young women, while also surfacing practical pathways for navigating these challenges. Participants engaged with industry leaders who shared lived experiences of building careers within the creative economy, offering insights grounded in persistence, adaptation, and continuous learning. These exchanges helped shift perspectives from uncertainty about career direction to clearer strategies for taking the next step within respective creative fields.
Emphasizing the importance of community and access, Bolanle Austen-Peters highlighted the need to continue building platforms that create visibility and opportunity for women. She said, “At TAFTA, we believe women have an important role to play in shaping the future of the creative industry. Women Kreatives Connect was created to remind women that their stories matter, their voices deserve to be heard, and that even when the odds seem difficult, resilience and collaboration can open new doors.”
The summit also fostered honest reflections on navigating industry challenges. During the Women Versus the Odds panel discussion, veteran actress and producer Joke Silva and actress/media entrepreneur Osas Ighodaro explored themes of resilience, consistency, and the importance of community. Silva noted, “Every journey in the creative industry comes with challenges. What matters is the willingness to keep learning, stay consistent, and remain true to your purpose. When women support one another, the path becomes clearer and the possibilities become greater.”
The summit also provided tangible support to help participants transition from learning to earning. Through TAFTA’s partnership with Ulanzi, content creation tools were distributed, equipping women to begin building immediately. Additionally, three young women from the Women Entrepreneurship Development Program (WEDP) pitch competition – Halimah Ayomide Dunmoye, Victory Ajaja, and Uwaechie Maryanne Chidinma – were awarded cash grants of up to ₦1.5 million to grow their businesses.
During the event, TAFTA unveiled the Creative Catalysts Report, which outlined structural challenges facing women in Nigeria’s creative industry while providing actionable strategies for expanding access and promoting inclusive, sustainable growth. Ruemuhwe Ewubare emphasized the importance of collaboration across stakeholders to support long-term success for young women in the sector.
The summit also featured a dialogue initiated by the Mastercard Foundation to review the Creative Catalysts Report. Participants included Mariam Abbas El-Yakub, Geraldine Chioma, Rukevwe Abiyone, and Ola Belgore, who discussed practical approaches to improving access to opportunities and supporting women in building sustainable livelihoods within the creative sector.
The summit also celebrated women who continue to shape and inspire the industry through the Creative Power List Awards, honoring Osas Ighodaro, Joke Silva, Genoveva Umeh, and Taaooma for their contributions.
As TAFTA continues its work, the outcomes of the summit point to a broader opportunity: ensuring that more young women, including those from underserved and underrepresented groups, are equipped with skills and supported to translate them into sustainable careers and livelihoods in Nigeria’s creative industry.