By Daniel Agusi
Dr. May as we fondly call her is a distinguished British-Nigerian academic, author, entrepreneur, and human rights advocate. With a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Hull, UK, she has dedicated over two decades to championing gender equality, combating human trafficking, and promoting peacebuilding across Africa and
Europe. As the founder of the Raising Women Initiative (RWI), she empowers girls and women to realize their full potential. Her entrepreneurial spirit is exemplified through L’Avyanna Skin Naturals, a skincare brand that celebrates the beauty and identity of women of colour.
A seasoned traveler, she has visited nearly 50 countries, enriching her global perspective on
human rights and personal development. She is also deeply committed to personal well-being
practices, including meditation, Reiki, and visualization, guiding her mission to serve humanity fully. Even though she is the Publisher in-Chief of this magazine, as a team, we could not think of anyone better to kickstart our first Cover for 2025 than the one and only First Lady of Raising Women, Lady Dr May Ikeora-Amamgbo.
- What does “The Woman: Her Worth, Wealth, and Wellbeing” mean to you, both personally and professionally?
For me, “The Woman: Her Worth, Wealth and Well-being” is more than just a slogan. it’s the bedrock of my personal philosophy and my professional mission. on a deeply personal level, It’s a daily reminder that every woman holds infinite value simply by virtue of being herself. Her voice, her intuition, her passions, these are treasures that shouldn’t be overlooked or bargained away. My travels across nearly Fifth Countries, and my experiences as a British-Nigerian woman, have reinforce this truth time and time Magain; when a recognizes her worth, she lights up everything around her.
Professionally, this mantra informs every aspect of my work in human rights and advocacy. I believe that wealth
isn’t just about the money in our bank accounts, though, of course, , financial empowerment is vital. It’s also
about having access to education, opportunities, and the tools that allow us to flourish and lead. When I see
the statistics that women still earn less than men globally or that the majority of the world’s poor are women, it reminds me why I’m so passionate about levelling the playing field. Helping women build financial independence isn’t just good for them; it enriches entire communities and fuels positive change on a global scale.
Finally, well-being is what anchors it all. As someone who has navigated demanding projects in different corners of the planet. I’ve learnt that i can’t give my best if I’m running on empty. whether it’s carving out time for meditation, practicing reiki, or immersing myself in books that reignite my sense of purpose, i see self-care as a form of service, not just to myself, but to the causes i believe in. when we’re centred and at peace, we can pour our gift into the world more generously.
In short, “The Woman: Her Worth, Wealth, and Well-being” captures the holistic vision I have for every woman (myself included): Know your worth. Cultivate your wealth. Protect and nurture your well-being. Then, go out there and dazzle the world with all you’ve got, because there’s no greater gift than a woman fully alive and fully aware of her potential.
2. How has your work with organizations like the UN, African Union, and Mission 89 shaped your understanding of a woman’s worth and the challenges she faces globally?
Working with the likes of the United Nations, African Union amongst others as a field researcher, or as the Executive Director of Raising Women Initiative (RWI), my experiences has shown me, rather vividly that a woman’s worth is non-negotiable but often overlooked. Whether I’m in a high-level meeting in Geneva or chatting with grassroots activists in Lagos, I see the same storyline: women’s potential is undeniable, but the barriers can be staggering. Did you know women still earn roughly 77 cents for every dollar men earn globally? And around 70% of the world’s poor are female? These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re flashing clear signs telling us we’ve got to do better.
One of my most humbling experiences has been working on anti-trafficking efforts, where a lack of economic opportunity, cultural biases, and sheer desperation can create a perfect storm for exploitation. Yet, time and again, I’ve witnessed how women draw on unimaginable resilience to reclaim their rights and redefine their
destinies. That’s why I’m a stickler for holistic solutions, education, policy change, financial empowerment, and a
strong sense of well-being. If we’re going to unleash a woman’s full value, she needs to be equipped, protected,
and, yes, inspired.. At the end of the day, my heart for women’s rights is fuelled by the countless stories of everyday heroines who refuse to let their worth be diminished. It’s why I stay committed to the cause, even if it’s one empowerment workshop or policy recommendation at a time. Give a woman a fair chance, and I promise you she’ll light up the world.
“If we’re going to unleash a
woman’s full value, she needs to be
equipped, protected, and, yes, inspired.”
- Can you share a pivotal moment in your impact work that reinforced the importance of investing in women’s well-being?
One of my most eye-opening moments happened in a rural community in Northern Nigeria, where I met a young mother who’d walked several miles, toddler in tow, to attend a health and empowerment workshop we were hosting. She’d lost nearly everything to conflict. Despite her struggles, she exuded this quiet but unshakeable determination.
Halfway through our workshop, she spoke up about how fear and emotional fatigue were robbing her of hope. In that raw moment, it became crystal clear: if you don’t address a woman’s mental and emotional well-being, all the training, micro-loans, and advocacy in the world won’t translate into real, sustainable impact.
That very day, I made a commitment to integrate wellness practices, counseling, group support sessions, and even mindfulness techniques into our programs. When I reached out months later, her transformation was astonishing. She’d started a small weaving business (elevating her family’s income by nearly 40%), joined a local women’s cooperative, and was serving as a mentor for other survivors in the community.
It reinforced for me that a woman’s well-being isn’t a “nice-to have”; it’s the lifeblood of empowerment. Address that, and you spark a ripple effect that can uplift entire families, then entire communities and before you know it, the entire world shines a little brighter.
“When we’re centred and at peace,
we can pour our gifts into the world
more generously… You can’t pour
from an empty cup.”
- In your experience, how does fostering gender equality in leadership and peacebuilding translate into tangible improvements in women’s wealth and empowerment?
Oh, let me tell you, when women take the reins in leadership and peacebuilding, the entire community feels the ripple effects of that empowerment. My years of training and researching gender in post-conflict regions like Rwanda, Burundi, Mozambique, Ghana, the Central African Republic, and Ethiopia have taught me one resounding truth: women’s involvement in leadership isn’t just good optics; it’s a game-changer for both prosperity and stability. When Women.
We often say that including women in peacebuilding processes is vital for sustainable agreements, but let’s put it in real terms: peace deals that meaningfully involve women have a 35% higher chance of lasting at least 15 years, this is according to the UN. In places like Rwanda, where women make up a significant portion of the parliament, there’s a notable emphasis on policies that uplift the most vulnerable. From better maternal healthcare to vocational skills programs, these initiatives set off a chain reaction of empowerment: one woman learns a trade, starts earning a living, invests in her daughter’s education and that daughter grows up inspired to lead in her own right. Representation begets aspiration.
My time in post-conflict regions has shown me that peacebuilding isn’t just about signing treaties; it’s about rebuilding social fabrics. Women’s cooperatives, often formed in the aftermath of conflict, become powerful economic engines. They diversify local economies, champion financial independence, and pull entire
families out of poverty. Seeing women weaving baskets or farming together to collectively market their goods isn’t just heartwarming, it’s financially transformative. When these cooperatives receive leadership training, that economic impact skyrockets. I also saw this first-hand in Burundi.
- Through the Raising Women Initiative, how are you actively addressing the gaps in opportunities for girls and young women in Africa and the diaspora?
At the Raising Women Initiative (RWI), we’re determined to make this year a “Women’s Wealth Year” by closing the gaps in opportunities for girls and young women across Africa and the diaspora. We believe wealth creation goes far beyond simply saving money or investing in stocks; it’s about re-engineering our relationship with money so that it truly serves us and our aspirations. That’s why we’re rolling out a series of high-level
workshops, conferences, and projects that tackle financial literacy from a holistic angle, offering everything from practical money management tips to in-depth mentorship sessions on business growth, mindset shifts, and scaling social enterprises.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story. We’re also building a global sisterhood, a supportive network where women can collaborate, brainstorm, and learn from each other’s successes. Whether it’s connecting an ambitious entrepreneur in Lagos with seasoned professionals in London, or spotlighting an innovative tech startup by a rising female founder in Nairobi, RWI is making sure women’s wealth-building journeys are elevated and
celebrated. The ultimate goal is to ensure every girl and woman feels empowered not just to earn, but to thrive, reshaping their communities and inspiring the next generation. Kick-starting our United Kingdom office this year helps us take this further.
6. What lessons from your work in policy advising and advocacy can communities adopt to ensure that women achieve holistic growth in worth, wealth, and well-being?
From my years advising on policy and advocating for women’s rights, I’ve learned that if communities want to see genuine growth in women’s worth, wealth, and well-being, they need to focus on inclusive collaboration and long-term thinking. First and foremost, bring women to the table at every decision-making
stage, whether you’re drafting local bylaws or launching a community development project. When women’s voices are genuinely heard, policies become more holistic, addressing everything from financial literacy to mental health support.
Secondly, it’s crucial to invest in economic frameworks that go beyond short-term profit. Encourage flexible funding programs; think micro-grants, rotating credit systems, or crowd-sourced capital; that help women start and scale businesses. In my work, I’ve seen that these models don’t just boost women’s incomes; they also empower them to reinvest in their families and communities. And finally, never underestimate the power of
community-led mentorship and coaching. Pairing established women leaders with younger ones creates a ripple effect, sparking innovation and reinforcing a supportive network that bridges social divides especially where mentorship is for genuine growth where women truly support women. If we can bring all these
elements together, representation, financial empowerment, and mentorship, then women’s holistic growth becomes more than a catchphrase; it becomes a community-wide reality.
- How do you see the balance between women’s economic independence and their mental and physical well-being in today’s world?
I’ve always believed that women’s economic independence and their mental and physical well-being aren’t opposing forces, they’re deeply interconnected. On one hand, having a stable income or successful business venture can liberate a woman from the daily stress of making ends meet. It can also amplify her voice
in decision-making, both at home and in her community. But it’s equally true that if you’re burned out, anxious, or physically unwell, no amount of income can sustain your success in the long run. I often say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” and that’s especially true in today’s fast-paced world where women juggle careers, family, and a mountain of social expectations.
That’s why I advocate a holistic approach: yes, build a robust financial foundation; seek out mentorships, explore investment opportunities, negotiate for fair pay, but also prioritise self-care and mental health as non-negotiable. This means carving out time for exercise, mindfulness, therapy, or anything else that keeps you grounded. Research has shown that workplaces investing in women’s well-being, through flexible hours, child-care support, or mental health services, often see a boost in overall productivity and employee loyalty. And at a personal level, when a woman nurtures her body and mind, she’s better equipped to grow her wealth, wield her influence, and truly thrive instead of just survive.
- What role does collaboration, whether with governments, international organizations, or local communities, play in driving sustainable impact for women and girls?
I personally believe in collaboration. At the Raising Women Initiative (RWI), we know that big goals require big partnerships. Let year we knew that If we truly want to invest in, include, and inspire women and girls in Nigeria for 2024 and beyond, we need every seat at the table filled. From government bodies like the House of Representatives, to key industry players like the NNPC and major oil companies, right down to the local schools and community organizations on the ground. That’s because each stakeholder brings unique expertise, resources, and networks that, when combined, become an unstoppable force for sustainable impact.
9. How does the theme for the year resonate with your personal journey and the legacy you aim to build through your work?
“The Woman: Her Worth, Wealth, and Well-being” practically has my name written all over it. Well, metaphorically! As someone who’s been on a lifelong quest to squeeze every drop of potential
out of myself (including collecting passport stamps like others collect handbags), I’ve discovered that true empowerment is about celebrating your intrinsic worth, building sustainable wealth that aligns with your values like my company L’Avyanna Beauty and this is the kicker — cultivating a well-being routine that keeps you grounded and glowing.
This year’s RWI theme resonate with personal journey because it capture the sacred trifecta I’ve been striving for: finding purpose in what I do, creating real- world impact, and ensuring I don’t burn out along the way. “My deepest desire is to leave this world with no gift left unshared what I call “dying empty” which means pouring into the world every gift God has bestowed upon me in service of humanity, believing that each of us have a purpose and that the graveyard should be denied any gifts left unutilized or dreams left unfulfilled.” If I can nudge just one more woman to realize she’s way more powerful than any doubt or obstacle in her path, then I’ve already started building the legacy I dream of. And trust me, it’s going to be a bright and beautiful one.
10. Looking ahead, what is your vision for the next generation of women leaders, and how can we collectively ensure their worth, wealth, and well- being are prioritized?
I see a future where the next generation of women leaders unapologetically owns the power they bring to the table, brimming with confidence, financially independent, and supported by a robust network that values their holistic well-being. Imagine young women stepping into boardrooms, entrepreneurial ventures, and community projects without the usual burdens of self- doubt or systemic barriers. That’s my vision. However, it’s not something any single individual or organization can achieve alone; it’s a community-driven transformation.
This is why I’m inviting everyone, regardless of your background, profession, or resources, to join forces with the Raising Women Initiative (RWI). Whether it’s through mentorship, sponsorship, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every contribution helps move the needle. If each of us plays a part, we can ensure that the worth, wealth, and well- being of women everywhere become non-negotiables rather than distant dreams. So, let’s lock arms and build that future together.
Thank you Dr May for granting your first ever interview with Raising Women Magazine and sharing your thoughts to the world.
Thank you Daniel, its always a pleasure.
“My deepest desire is to leave this world
with no gift left unshared…
pouring into the world every gift God
has bestowed upon me in service to
humanity…”
