Balancing the demands of being a CEO with personal life requires discipline and strategy
Motunrayo Opayinka Urges Bold Action for Gender Equity in STEM
LAGOS, Nigeria — Motunrayo Opayinka, the dynamic CEO of Womenovate Ltd, is on a mission to reshape the landscape of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in Africa.
In an interview with Premium Times, Opayinka shared her inspiring journey through the male-dominated tech industry, the transformative power of women-led leadership, and her clarion call for urgent, impactful action to achieve gender equity.
With over two decades of experience in technology and digital transformation, primarily in the oil and gas sector, Opayinka’s career is a testament to resilience and innovation. Driven by a passion for achievement and creativity, she founded Womenovate Ltd, an EdTech platform dedicated to closing the gender gap in STEM by equipping women with the resources to pursue careers and entrepreneurial ventures in these fields. “I wanted to create a space where women could access the tools and opportunities to thrive,” she said.
Opayinka believes women leaders inspire through authenticity, empathy, and inclusivity. By leading by example, mentoring others, and advocating for systemic change, they create environments where other women feel empowered to excel. “Women leaders bring a higher emotional intelligence and a commitment to fostering inclusive spaces,” she noted, distinguishing their approach from their male counterparts. This empathetic leadership style, she argues, is critical in building cohesive teams and driving innovation.
However, her path has not been without challenges. Gender bias and stereotypes remain persistent hurdles in the tech industry. To overcome these, Opayinka focused on building “undeniable credibility” through deep expertise and confident engagement in male-dominated spaces. She also made it a priority to amplify other women’s voices, creating a ripple effect of empowerment. “When you’re in a room where you’re the minority, speaking up and supporting others is how you shift the narrative,” she explained.
A defining moment in her career came in 2022 when Womenovate won the prestigious “Startup of the Year” award across Africa. This accolade solidified her passion for leadership and reaffirmed her commitment to driving change. “It was a moment of validation—not just for me, but for the women we serve,” she reflected.
For young Nigerian women aspiring to lead, Opayinka’s advice is clear and empowering: “Own your ambition. You belong at the table.” She urges them to never shrink themselves, to continuously build their knowledge and skills, and to seek mentors and support networks. “Leadership isn’t about waiting for permission—it’s about stepping up with confidence,” she emphasized.
Balancing the demands of being a CEO with personal life requires discipline and strategy, Opayinka admitted. She relies on prioritization, time management, a strong support system, and a commitment to self-care to maintain equilibrium. Aligning her work with her passion for empowering women also fuels her resilience. “When your work reflects your purpose, it becomes sustainable,” she said.
This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates deeply with Opayinka’s mission and leadership philosophy. “It’s a call to move beyond conversations and take bold, decisive steps toward gender equity,” she stated. Through Womenovate, she is bridging the digital gender divide, advocating for more women in STEM, and creating opportunities for young women to thrive in fields historically dominated by men. For Opayinka, acceleration means scaling impact, dismantling barriers, and ensuring that policies and investments deliver tangible benefits for women.
In Africa, where systemic challenges often impede progress, Opayinka sees technology, partnerships, and policy advocacy as critical tools for change. Her approach is action-driven, focusing not only on inspiring women but also equipping them with the skills, access, and visibility to lead and innovate. “We must accelerate impact, not just conversations,” she asserted, doubling down on her commitment to drive measurable progress.
As Motunrayo Opayinka continues to champion gender equity, her work with Womenovate serves as a powerful reminder that bold action, rooted in empathy and purpose, can transform industries and uplift communities across the continent. Read More
