Researchers, creatives, development experts, and students gathered at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for a dissemination workshop examining the realities confronting young women across Africa’s growing creative sector, as stakeholders called for stronger policies, safer workplaces, and more inclusive opportunities within the industry.
The workshop, held at the Arthur Mbanefo Digital Research Centre (AMDRC), formed part of the Behind the Scenes: Young Women and Gender-Based Inequities in Africa’s Creative Sector (BTS) project, a multi-country research initiative being implemented across Nigeria, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and Uganda.
The project is being led by researchers from UNILAG in partnership with the International Center for Research on Women (ICRW), with support from the Mastercard Foundation.
Designed as a multidisciplinary and participatory research initiative, the project focuses on generating evidence around the barriers young women face within Africa’s creative industries while promoting policy reforms, workplace inclusion, youth empowerment, and safer professional environments.
The initiative also aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including gender equality, decent work, reduced inequalities, and stronger institutions.
Speaking during the workshop, Professor Michael Kunnuji of the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, UNILAG, described the project as an important intervention aimed at amplifying experiences that are often ignored within the creative ecosystem.
According to him, although Africa’s creative industry continues to gain international relevance and economic value, many young women still struggle with stereotypes, exclusion, harassment, and unequal professional opportunities.
He stressed the need for safer and more inclusive environments where women can thrive professionally without discrimination or prejudice.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of findings from the Nigerian study by Dr. Florence Ewomazino Nweke of the Department of Music and Sound Production, Faculty of Creative Arts, UNILAG.
Presenting the findings, Dr. Nweke explained that while women are becoming increasingly visible across music, film, media, and other creative spaces, deeply rooted societal expectations and patriarchal attitudes still shape how women are treated professionally.
She noted that many women continue to face unequal recognition, limited access to leadership positions, online harassment, and persistent pressure to constantly prove their competence in environments where men are often more readily accepted.
The workshop also featured an interactive panel session moderated by media and communications professional, Oluwaseun Muraina, with panelists including classical music soloist Jennifer Maduka alongside creative advocates Funmilola Karounwi, Yolanda, and Fiona Davies.
Sharing personal experiences during the discussion, Jennifer Maduka recounted how a successful concert performance that gained international attention was met with insinuations that her achievements could only have come through inappropriate relationships rather than talent and hard work.
Her remarks sparked wider conversations among participants about societal attitudes that often question the success of women while celebrating similar achievements by men without scrutiny.
Other panelists reflected on how stereotypes about women’s competence have become deeply normalised within professional environments, reinforcing subtle but damaging biases against women pursuing careers in the creative industry.
Participants at the workshop also called for practical reforms beyond public conversations, stressing that gender inclusion must be reflected in institutional policies, workplace culture, mentorship opportunities, and industry practices.
Students and attendees further engaged researchers and panelists on issues surrounding workplace protection, representation, mentorship, and access to opportunities for young women across Africa’s creative sector.
The BTS research team is expected to present the findings to a broader audience of stakeholders and government agencies within the creative industry during a larger dissemination event scheduled to hold on May 29, 2026, in Lagos.
