Women Supporting Women in Public Space: Myth or Reality?

Women have long been described as divisive and unsupportive of each other. The reading from men in public spaces is that networking and alliances are routinely forged to advance mutual causes and desires. Even political enemies who have spewed invectives against each other do not see anything wrong in collaborating when necessary in order to achieve stated objectives.

Certain male political gladiators in Nigeria are now regrouping into special caucuses to grab power at the centre.
So, why are women not doing the same thing? Women’s Hub will this week throw a spotlight on a growing trend among women. We shall post snapshots of different women collaborations from around the world.

Kudos to you ladies for finally rising up to supporting each other in different spheres of life. Still baby steps though…..

Gwyneth Paltrow/Meghan Markle.
Even though, the media had pitted them against each other just like they did with Princess Kate and Meghan back then in the United Kingdom. These two ladies released a fun video debunking a rift within the vast lifestyle market. They effectively shut down trolls and haters by stating that the market is wide enough to accommodate more women.
Ibukun Awosika/Tara Durotoye. This duo have turned their mentor-mentee relationship into an enduring project. The older lady, a business owner and former Bank Chairman, has helped Tara, her younger mentee to successfully pivot into the public speaking industry. She had hitherto solely concentrated on her beauty business. Now she’s well positioned as a thought leader to up and coming SMEs.
Melinda Gates/Michelle Obama. When Melinda Gates turned 60 last year, she produced multiple podcasts with frontline women about life, aging and relationships. Michelle Obama featured alongside other leading ladies.
Oprah Winfrey/Gayle King. Both ladies have been collaborators for over 4 decades from their days as low level broadcasters. They’re not beefing rivals but feeding off each other’s contacts in their industry.
Mo Abudu/ Rita Dominic. Both ladies have equally collaborated in movie productions, beauty pageants and events planning.
Abike Dabiri/Funmi Ajila Ladipo. This collaboration paid off with the gifting of traditional Aso oke ensemble from Regalia fashion house founded by the latter. The National Diaspora Commission headed by Abike Dabiri hosted Meghan, Duchess of Sussex during her visit to Nigeria. It was a win-win situation for both of them.
Omoni Oboli/Uche Jombo. Though competitors in same industry, they alongside Chioma Akpotha and Ufuoma McDermott have successfully collaborated on Wives on Strike franchise in 3 editions. That’s besides YouTube films and other content creations.

Do you think this burgeoning collaboration will extend to the political sphere? Would you not like to see women politicians garnering resources, contacts, and expertise to adequately position themselves for political relevance in 2027?