Irene Oluwashina: Empowered women drive positive change

A quick search on LinkedIn with the keyword "Women Empowerment" and  Irene Oluwashina was one of the profiles that came up. Digging deeper to know why she is passionate about this cause led to many discoveries. She is not just a pretty face but a lady who understands her purpose. This is evident in her works.

First of all introduction, Irene is a Sustainability Professional experienced in implementing Climate and Development Projects. She advocates for sustainability within both Private and Civic spaces which extends to healthcare, education and the environment. 

It might interest you to know that Irene is a  Researcher and trained Disaster Manager. Her contributions have been documented in international journals. She was also instrumental in establishing a $150K fund to support female entrepreneurs addressing health challenges. She also has many accolades to her credit. She is also an alumna of the Young African Leaders Initiative, the Green Leaders Academy, and the Oxford School of Climate Change. Additionally, she is a member of YOUNGO, a Fellow of the Climate Actors Accelerator Program, and an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

When asked if she could have any superpower at work and why, Irene stated that she would love to have the instant ability to communicate and understand any language. This shows how much communication is needed in everyday life, especially concerning being a changemaker. 

Irene discussed much more during her conversation with Omote Ro Dhe, covering topics from her work as a Women’s Empowerment and Sustainability advocate to the connections between healthcare, education, and the environment. She also shared insights about her role models, her personal definition of success, and more. Read the excerpts below:

Your work spans across Healthcare, Education, and the Environment. What motivated you to prioritise these sectors, and how do they intersect with your vision for sustainability?

My motivation to prioritise healthcare, education, and the environment stems from their profound impact on human development and societal well-being. These sectors are foundational pillars that influence individual lives and the broader trajectory of communities and nations.

Healthcare is essential for ensuring that people live healthy, productive lives. At the same time, education equips individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive innovation, tackle challenges, and lift themselves out of poverty. The environment, on the other hand, is the backdrop against which all human activity takes place—without a healthy environment, our efforts in healthcare and education would be undermined by the adverse effects of climate change and environmental degradation.

In my vision for sustainability, these three sectors are deeply interconnected. A healthy population is better equipped to learn, innovate, and contribute to a greener economy. Similarly, an educated community is more likely to understand and act on environmental and healthcare challenges. My work creates a synergy between healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability to foster a holistic, lasting impact.

You’ve been instrumental in establishing a $150K fund to support female entrepreneurs addressing health challenges. What impact has this initiative had, and how do you envision it evolving in the future?  

The $150K fund, established through my work with the Women’s Health and Empowerment Network (WHEN), has significantly empowered female entrepreneurs tackling health challenges in underserved areas. The fund supports women-led businesses, enabling them to scale innovative health solutions and improve access to care in remote communities. These entrepreneurs address health needs and contribute to economic growth by creating jobs and fostering community resilience.

Looking to the future, I see this fund growing into a more expansive platform, aligning with global initiatives and supporting innovative and marginalised women. Our vision is to expand the fund's reach across Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America while increasing the capital available to women entrepreneurs working in health, economic empowerment, and sustainable development. We also aim to build stronger networks by offering mentorship, technical assistance, access to equity capital, and blended finance. With this, we can unlock the immense potential of these women to drive transformative change within their communities and contribute to global health and development objectives.

Can you list some women who have influenced you into the woman you have become and what endeared you to them?

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have several mentors who have inspired me at different stages of my growth. Each has played a significant role in shaping the woman I am today, bringing unique perspectives and experiences that enriched my understanding of leadership and sustainability. However, the most profound influence in my life has undoubtedly come from my mother.

She has always demonstrated unwavering strength, resilience, and compassion. Her ability to overcome challenges and lead with grace has inspired me to embrace my own leadership qualities. She taught me the importance of standing up for what I believe in and advocating for others, especially those who may not have a voice. Her commitment to helping others and making a difference in our community has instilled in me the values of service and social responsibility.

You are a member of the Women’s Health and Empowerment Network, an Alumni of YALI, The Oxford School of Climate Change, and more. How have these experiences shaped your perspective on women’s empowerment?

As a member of the Women’s Health and Empowerment Network, an Alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative, Oxford School of Climate Change an SDG advocate and many others, I have interacted a lot with diverse communities across Africa, championing women's rights, health equity, and sustainable development initiatives.

I have seen how promoting eco-friendly practices and sustainable development can enhance women’s livelihoods and contribute to long-term societal progress. I have witnessed first-hand how empowered women can overcome significant challenges and drive positive change in their communities. These experiences have equipped me with the skills and network to champion women’s empowerment effectively. They inspired me to work towards creating inclusive spaces where women can thrive, lead, and make impactful contributions to their communities and beyond.

If you could have any superpower to help you in your work, what would it be and why?

This would be the ability to instantly communicate and understand any language. This superpower would enable me to connect with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures without barriers, fostering collaboration and understanding on a global scale.

In my work focused on sustainability and women's empowerment, effective communication is very crucial. Being able to converse fluently with anyone, whether they are community members, stakeholders, or fellow advocates, would enhance my ability to share ideas, gather insights, and drive impactful initiatives. This superpower would empower me to create more meaningful connections and facilitate positive change in the communities I serve.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to continue advocating for empowering women globally?

I intend to focus more on women's empowerment systems that strengthen grassroot initiatives, which I believe are crucial for creating sustainable, long-lasting change. I am working more closely with local women-led organisations to tailor solutions to address critical issues such as health, education, literacy, and economic empowerment. Empowering women at the community level fosters resilience and equips them to drive progress within their own environments. True empowerment must begin at the local level, where grassroots movements can directly impact women's daily lives.

To complement grassroots efforts, I continue to engage in policy advocacy and partnerships, collaborating with governments and NGOs to influence gender-responsive legislation.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? 

For me, success means achieving a sense of fulfillment and purpose in my life. It involves setting and reaching meaningful goals that align with my values and passions.

In my work, I measure success by the positive impact I have on others and my community. It’s about empowering women, promoting sustainability, and making a difference in healthcare and education. When I see the people I work with thrive and succeed, I feel a sense of accomplishment.

I also measure success by personal growth and growth in my relationship with God. It’s about continuously learning, overcoming challenges, and becoming the best version of myself. I believe that true success includes finding balance in all aspects of life—career, relationships, health, and well-being.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

My advice to younger girls would be to find God first. When you find God, finding purpose is easy. Finding purpose in God is crucial to making a true and lasting impact in the lives of people.

Also, resilience is a crucial quality that one needs to have in pursuing purpose. In today's fast-paced and often unpredictable world, resilience is more important than ever. Unfortunately, many people struggle with resilience. The pressures of modern life—academic demands, social expectations, and economic uncertainties—can overwhelm individuals, especially young girls who are still finding their footing. When faced with failures or disappointments, your only option should be to keep pushing.