Tejumade Tejuoso: Believe your unique contributions are needed in the world

This feature has been coming for a long time. If it was not a power outage or other pressing tasks, it was other features were in the queue. Here we are. Finally, the stage is set for Tejumade (Adekola) Tejuoso aka the Impact Catalyst. Passion and ambition are contagious. When you see it, it has a way of motivating you to follow suit. This is how Tejumade made me feel when I reached out to her. She willingly obliged to share her story despite her busy schedule.

This tagline "Developing Africa for women through the empowerment of women by women" from her bio runs deep. Why would she be committed to such a cause? Then the saying that if your dreams don't scare you then they are not big enough. Despite the seeming backwardness of Africa, Tejumade is charged with ensuring that African women stay empowered. If it was that easy, everybody would be doing the same. This goes to show how a woman who understands her purpose remains unstoppable.

Tejumade is worthy in character and learning. She is an accomplished Programs Development Professional with 8 years of experience across developing people, organisations, nations and subnationals. This multi-skilled lady is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), gender and racial justice.

Omote Ro Dhe could not wait to talk with this diva as there was so much to uncover but with limited time and space. In a chat, Tejumade let us into her world where she spoke at length about her profession, causes she is passionate about, her mentors, what success means to her and more. Read excerpts from this interesting chat below:

Can you share your journey into Programs Development? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?

Honestly, when I graduated with a degree in Statistics from Bowen University about 10 years ago, I never envisioned a career in Development or Programs. At the time, I wasn’t even aware that such a career path existed. However, from a young age, I’ve always had a strong desire to improve the things, people, and situations around me. This innate drive to contribute to positive change is what eventually led me to the field of Development. Over time, I realised that my passion for making a difference could be channelled into meaningful work that impacts communities and individuals, and that’s how my journey into Programs Development began.

As a leader in your field, how do you foster innovation and collaboration among your team to drive systemic change?

A key approach I use to foster innovation and collaboration is ensuring my team fully understands the purpose and potential impact of our work. Over the course of my career, I’ve learned that it’s not enough for the leader to hold the vision alone—if you want to get the best out of your team, they need to see the bigger picture too. By clearly communicating the goal and how achieving it benefits not only the organisation but the team itself, I create an environment where people feel connected to the mission. When paired with the right resources, this transparency and clarity spark new ideas and foster collaboration, allowing us to drive systemic change more effectively.

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

That’s a tough one, lol. Honestly, every woman I’ve interacted with in Nigeria has influenced me in some way. Whether it’s been about showing them what’s possible or drawing inspiration from their stories of resilience, each encounter has shaped me. I’m particularly fascinated by how Nigerian women continue to challenge societal norms and set powerful examples for the younger generation. It’s truly a source of pride to be a Nigerian woman, and I’m confident that the future will bring even more prestige to being part of this remarkable group.

Your work focuses on advancing gender and racial justice. What specific strategies do you employ to address systemic inequalities in the regions you work in?

Addressing systemic inequalities around gender and racial justice requires a multi-faceted approach. I focus on three key strategies:

1. Sensitisation: I believe in the power of knowledge as a catalyst for change. I work on raising awareness about gender and racial inequalities through workshops, community dialogues, and digital platforms. By educating both men and women on the roots and impacts of systemic discrimination, we can gradually shift mindsets and move closer to addressing these inequalities.

2. Financing: Driving systemic change requires financial backing. I focus on developing innovative financing mechanisms that support gender and racial justice initiatives. This includes leveraging financial instruments such as gender bonds, social bonds, and sustainability-linked bonds to fund impactful projects.

3. Policy Advocacy: Lastly, I engage in policy advocacy to push for long-term change. This involves advocating for laws and policies that protect women’s rights, promote racial equity, and ensure equal opportunities for everyone.

By combining these strategies, my goal is to foster a more inclusive and equitable society, where gender and racial justice are at the forefront and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

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

Honestly, I’m already doing pretty well with my multi-tasking superpower! But if I could choose another, I’d love the ability to instill genuine love for humanity in everyone’s hearts. I truly believe that if we could all genuinely care for one another, the world would be a much better place, and I’d finally get some peaceful sleep at night, lol.

Impact evaluation is crucial in your line of work. How do you measure the success of your programs, and what indicators do you consider most significant?

Impact evaluation is indeed critical to ensuring the effectiveness of my work. To measure success, I use both qualitative and quantitative indicators that reflect meaningful change in the lives of the communities we serve.

1. Quantitative Metrics: These include measurable data such as the number of individuals reached, funds raised, or projects completed. For example, in gender empowerment initiatives, I track the number of women gaining new skills, finding employment, or starting their own businesses. In the case of policy advocacy, I look at the number of policy changes or new legislation enacted as a result of our efforts.

2. Qualitative Outcomes: Beyond numbers, I focus on the stories and experiences of those impacted by the programs. This includes feedback from beneficiaries on how the program has improved their livelihoods, increased awareness, or empowered them to make better decisions in their lives. These stories often provide deeper insights into the program’s real impact.

3. Sustainability of Outcomes: Another key indicator is the long-term sustainability of the results. Are the changes enduring? Are the communities able to maintain the progress achieved without ongoing external support? Ensuring that beneficiaries are equipped with the knowledge and resources to continue on their own is crucial.

4. Social and Economic Impact: I also consider broader societal indicators, such as improvements in financial independence for women, increased access to education, or greater racial equality in the community. For example, a rise in local employment rates or business creation among marginalized groups indicates a successful outcome.

By combining these metrics, I gain a holistic view of the program’s success, ensuring that both immediate and long-term impacts are addressed. The most significant indicators to me are those that show sustainable, life-changing improvements for individuals and their communities.

Success is relative. What does it mean to you? 

For me, success is about impact and fulfillment. It’s not just about achieving personal or professional goals but about how much positive change I’ve been able to create for others. Success means seeing the tangible improvements in the lives of people I’ve worked with, and knowing that my efforts have contributed to empowering individuals and communities.

It’s also about staying aligned with my values—advancing gender equality, promoting sustainability, and fostering social justice. If I can look back and see that I’ve made meaningful contributions toward these causes while staying true to who I am, that’s true success to me. It’s a continuous journey of growth, impact, and purpose.

What advice do you have for younger girls pursuing purpose?

My advice to younger girls pursuing their purpose is to embrace their journey with patience and persistence. Understand that purpose isn’t always something you discover instantly—it often unfolds as you gain experiences and learn more about yourself and the world around you.

First, stay true to your values. Know what matters most to you and let that guide your decisions. Surround yourself with people who support your vision and push you to grow. Don’t be afraid to take risks or step out of your comfort zone, as that’s where real growth happens.

Secondly, be open to learning and evolving. Purpose can shift as you grow, so stay curious and adaptable. Seek out mentors and role models who inspire you, and don’t hesitate to ask for guidance when needed.

Finally, remember that challenges are part of the process. Don’t let setbacks discourage you—use them as opportunities to learn and refine your path. Keep showing up for yourself, trust the process, and believe that your unique contributions are needed in the world.