Olufunke Baruwa

Olufunke Baruwa (Born November 9, 1976) Olufunke Baruwa is a Nigerian gender and development practitioner, feminist and public speaker with a focus on gender, public policy and governance. For more than two decades, she has been at the forefront of social policies and reforms in Nigeria working with government, civil society and international development partners.

Olufunke Baruwa in 2015

Quotes

• If you don’t stand for something, you’ll stand for nothing. While the public service can open you to great opportunities, it can also offer other attractions that can make you compromise your values – it comes with the territory. There will be many opportunities for compromise, you must stay focused and look at the big picture. Ask yourself some critical questions like: Is this why I am here? Why should I settle for less?”
  • [1] Olufunke Baruwa talking about her focus and integrity

• I believe African women are burdened by the weight of patriarchy, misinterpretation of religious tenets and a culture that has refused to grow beyond the Stone Age.
  • [2] Olufunke Baruwa talking about changing the narrative toward women in Nigeria.

• Success or leadership is not limited to a particular gender.
  • [3] from an interview on gender equality(January 30, 2018)

• The difference between a job and a calling is passion. A job will put food on the table, get you life’s luxuries, take you to places and all, but a job that’s a calling will give you fulfilment in addition and endless opportunities!
  • [4] Olufunke Baruwa speaks on passion and loving what one does.

• Your love for your job will influence people and bring you big responsibilities beyond your wildest imagination... while the public service can open you to great opportunities, it can also offer other attractions that can make you compromise your values – it comes with the territory. There will be many opportunities for compromise, you must stay focused and look at the big picture.
  • She Leads Africa - Olufunke Baruwa comments on working in the civil service and the temptation to compromise.

• Distinguish yourself, be indispensable. One of the dangers of the public service is that efficiency is difficult to measure and because of that, one can get easily drawn into the regular routine of ‘soldier go, soldier come; barrack remains’. Don’t fall for that.
  • [5] Olufunke Baruwa speaks on creating a niche for yourself, even while working in the civil service.

• There is no greater threat to a woman’s agency than violence. As a leading donor supporting efforts to end gender-based violence, the Ford Foundation is further demonstrating its commitment to supporting action and advocacy to counter attitudes, narratives and behaviors that perpetuate sexual violence
  • [6]Olufunke Baruwa speaks on an of sexual violence in West Africa

• “Public service is very bureaucratic and routine. The chances of getting into the regular cycle is high. So, always re-invent yourself. Add something to the package of you that makes you a new improved product like marketers do... When it doesn’t work, know when to move on and be open to other opportunities. Take a break if you must and break new grounds.”
  • Reinvent yourself – know when to move on Olufunke Baruwa talks on when to re-invent oneself and when to let go and move on.

• People will say terrible things about you, especially in our part of the world where strong, intelligent women breaking the ranks and cracking the glass ceiling is considered against the norm. Your greatest critics will come from your inner circle – close friends, family, immediate bosses and even yourself.
  • [7] - Baruwa Olufunke speaks on expecting criticism, especially as a woman making progress, but not to fall for it.

• Every party wants to put its best foot forward, and we are not sure that many are going to put women forward
  • [8] Olufunke Baruwa speaks on the fear of women being sidelined in 2019 election.

• Sexual violence does not just happen, it is a learned behaviour, people repeat patterns when they find out that there is no deterrent for a particular behaviour.
  • [9] Baruwa Olufunke speaks on sexual violence and poor access to justice by victims.

• You don’t sit in the comfort of your home and complain that governance is excluding women.So we are encouraging young women to participate in governance.
  • [10] Baruwa Olufunke beckons on women to take on leadership positions.
• "We need to change the way we bring up women; otherwise Nigeria will not grow; when you educate a woman, you educate a nation".
  • [11]Olufunke Baruwa urging equal opportunities for male and female children in an interview.