In an insightful interview, Moronke Gbemiga-Ogundipe, CEO of Sapphire Couture, a fashion brand that has been shaping Nigeria's fashion industry since 2007, shares her thoughts on the fashion industry, women in leadership, and the importance of financial independence for women. Her views reflect the current state of Nigerian society, particularly concerning gender roles and the fashion industry's potential to empower individuals and contribute to the nation's economy.
Moronke believes that the fashion industry is crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth, offering job opportunities for thousands of people, including designers, tailors, photographers, models, and marketers. In a country where unemployment is a major issue, the industry provides a vital source of income for many Nigerians. She points out that the fashion sector stimulates growth in other industries such as textile manufacturing, retail, advertising, and media.
By promoting locally made fabrics like Ankara, Adire, and Aso Oke, Nigerian fashion celebrates the country’s rich cultural heritage, attracting international attention and boosting tourism. Moronke emphasizes that fashion is not just about clothing it’s about economic empowerment and cultural expression.
For the average Nigerian, fashion represents more than just aesthetics. It offers opportunities for entrepreneurship, especially in the form of small businesses like tailoring shops, fabric stores, or fashion accessory production. According to Moronke, the fashion industry has the power to empower individuals financially, enabling them to support themselves and their families.
This entrepreneurial aspect of fashion allows many Nigerians to explore creativity while gaining financial independence. It’s a dynamic sector that creates jobs and helps individuals—especially women—overcome the limitations of traditional gender roles in a patriarchal society.
when discussing women in leadership and politics, Moronke acknowledges the significant underrepresentation of women in Nigerian governance. Despite the vital role women play in society, they continue to face barriers to leadership. She argues that this lack of representation limits diverse perspectives in decision-making and governance.
Having more women in political and leadership positions, Moronke says, will inspire younger generations of women to pursue careers in these fields. Role models in leadership create a ripple effect, empowering more women to challenge existing norms and actively participate in governance. For her, gender equality in leadership is essential for balanced, effective governance and social development.
Moronke is frank in her assessment of Nigerian society, describing it as largely patriarchal, with traditional gender roles deeply ingrained. These societal expectations often limit women’s opportunities for education, career advancement, and leadership. While progress has been made, women still face significant cultural, legal, and institutional challenges.
She stresses the importance of addressing gender inequality and ensuring women are given equal opportunities in all sectors of society. This includes not just creating laws that protect women but also challenging cultural norms that keep women confined to domestic roles.
One of Moronke’s strongest beliefs is that women should have multiple streams of income. She argues that financial independence is empowering and essential for personal growth, security, and societal progress. By having streams of income, women can support themselves, make independent decisions, and break away from the reliance on others, including spouses or family members.
Moronke emphasizes that women with financial independence are better equipped to challenge societal expectations and contribute to the nation’s economy. This financial empowerment helps break gender stereotypes and promotes a more equal and prosperous society.
Moronke believes the Nigerian government has a vital role to play in boosting the fashion industry. By providing access to funding, improving infrastructure, supporting local textiles, and promoting Made-in-Nigeria products, the government can create an enabling environment for fashion businesses to thrive. She calls for stronger intellectual property laws, investment in training, and the encouragement of sustainable practices.
In her view, these measures would not only increase productivity but also generate employment, stimulate the economy, and enhance Nigeria’s cultural influence on the world stage.
Reflecting on her journey in the fashion industry, Moronke highlights the importance of adaptability, passion, and customer-centricity. The fashion industry is constantly evolving, and to stay relevant, one must be willing to embrace change whether in design, marketing, or the use of digital platforms.
For her, building a loyal customer base requires understanding clients' needs and delivering consistent quality. Passion, she says, has been the driving force behind her success. It’s this love for the craft that has kept her motivated through the challenges of running a business.
Addressing the belief that women sometimes contribute to the abuse or violation of other women, Moronke acknowledges that this does happen, but it is often due to societal conditioning, fear of repercussions, or internalized gender norms. She argues that rather than blaming women for not standing in solidarity with each other, we should address the root causes of this behavior, including the cultural and structural barriers that disempower women.
In conclusion, Moronke Gbemiga-Ogundipe’s insights offer a comprehensive view of the intersections between fashion, gender roles, and economic empowerment in Nigeria. Her advocacy for women’s financial independence, leadership, and the importance of the fashion industry to the economy reflects the ongoing need for societal transformation. Through initiatives that challenge traditional norms and promote entrepreneurship, Moronke believes Nigeria can build a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.