Renowned gender expert and policy strategist Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia has built an outstanding career advancing women’s rights, economic inclusion, and gender-responsive policies both in Nigeria and on the global stage.
Currently serving as Nigeria’s representative on the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), she is among a select group of global experts responsible for monitoring how countries implement women’s rights under the international treaty widely regarded as the “bill of rights for women.”
A Career Defined by Impact and Leadership
Eghobamien-Mshelia’s professional journey spans public policy, international development, and gender advocacy. She is a public policy analyst and gender mainstreaming expert, known for driving initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth and social equity.
Her leadership credentials are extensive. She previously served as Head of Gender at the Commonwealth Secretariat, where she shaped gender policies across member countries, and also worked as Interim Coordinator for the World Bank-supported Nigeria for Women Project, a flagship initiative aimed at improving women’s livelihoods and economic empowerment.
In Nigeria, she continues to influence policy as Chair of the Ministerial Technical Committee on Private Sector Initiatives under the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, helping to bridge the gap between governance, business, and gender inclusion.
Championing Innovation and Women’s Economic Power
Beyond policy spaces, Eghobamien-Mshelia is also an institution builder and innovator. She is the Founder and CEO of the Women Arise Development and Humanitarian Initiative (WADHI), an organisation committed to tackling inequality and empowering women through tailored development solutions.
She also developed the KOWGO mobile application, a digital financial literacy and trading platform designed to help women overcome barriers in accessing economic opportunities—an intervention that directly addresses the gender digital divide.
Global Recognition and Influence
Her election to the CEDAW Committee for the 2023–2026 term marked a major milestone for Nigeria’s gender movement. She secured a strong mandate from UN member states, reflecting international confidence in her expertise and leadership.
Within the Committee, she has risen to serve in leadership roles, including Vice-Chair, where she contributes to shaping global conversations on issues such as gender-based violence, economic justice, and the recognition of unpaid care work.
Her advocacy consistently emphasises that gender equality is not only a human rights issue but also an economic priority, pushing for reforms that integrate women fully into development frameworks.
Driving Change on the Global Stage
Through her work with CEDAW and other international platforms, Eghobamien-Mshelia has been vocal on emerging issues such as the digital gender gap, urging governments and institutions to ensure that technology works for women, not against them.
Her influence extends across networks including the Commonwealth Business Women’s Network and global advisory groups, where she continues to champion policies that promote equity, inclusion, and sustainable development.
Celebrating Her Birthday – A Legacy Still in Motion
Today, as Esther Eghobamien-Mshelia celebrates her birthday, she is honoured not just for her years, but for her enduring impact on the lives of women and girls in Nigeria and across the world.
Her career stands as a powerful example of what strategic leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to gender justice can achieve. From shaping policies in global institutions to empowering women at the grassroots, she continues to redefine what it means to lead with purpose.
As she marks another year, her story remains an inspiration—reminding women everywhere that their voices matter, their leadership is needed, and their impact can be truly global.
