IWD 2026: ASIRI Magazine reclaims Nigerian women’s history with ‘HerStory’
In a bold cultural intervention to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, ASIRI Magazine has taken centre stage in challenging the long-standing erasure of women from Nigeria’s historical narrative with
In a bold cultural intervention to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, ASIRI Magazine has taken centre stage in challenging the long-standing erasure of women from Nigeria’s historical narrative with the unveiling of its flagship project, “HerStory of Nigeria: Women, Power and Protest in Lagos (1910–1950).”
Launched on March 9 in partnership with the British Deputy High Commission, the project underscores ASIRI Magazine’s growing influence as a platform committed to gender equity, cultural preservation, and historical justice.
Rather than a routine commemoration, the initiative positions the magazine as a key driver in reframing Nigeria’s socio-political history through the lens of women’s agency and resistance.
At the heart of the project is ASIRI Magazine’s deliberate effort to interrogate the systemic exclusion of women from mainstream historical documentation.
By spotlighting women’s roles in shaping Lagos’ socio-political landscape between 1910 and 1950, the initiative pushes back against narratives that have long sidelined female contributions within both national and Commonwealth histories.
Speaking at the unveiling, Deputy Head of Mission, Simon Field, described the collaboration as a reflection of shared priorities between the UK and Nigeria, particularly in advancing gender inclusion and social progress.
He noted that the project aligns with broader Commonwealth goals of strengthening partnerships around development, while keeping women and girls at the forefront.
Beyond the exhibition, ASIRI Magazine has activated a 15-day digital storytelling campaign, deploying its platforms to share archival materials, historical insights, and educational content aimed at engaging a global audience.
This multi-platform approach reinforces the magazine’s strategy of blending storytelling with advocacy, ensuring that history is not only preserved but also made accessible and relevant.
Project Director, Oludamola Adebowale, highlighted ASIRI Magazine’s long-standing commitment to documenting Nigerian history, noting that over a decade of consistent work has culminated in this landmark initiative. He emphasised that the project goes beyond storytelling to prioritise rigorous research and accurate representation.
According to him, HerStory of Nigeria is envisioned as a living digital archive, an evolving repository that captures the breadth of women’s experiences, leadership, and influence from the 18th century to the present.
The platform will house photographs, oral histories, documents, and other archival materials, effectively repositioning women at the centre of Nigeria’s historical discourse.
The project also reflects ASIRI Magazine’s broader editorial vision, using history as a tool for social change.
Through panel discussions and interactive sessions, the initiative explores how early narratives shape the aspirations of young girls, reinforcing the need for inclusive storytelling that empowers future generations.
Support for the project spans a network of cultural and media partners, amplifying its reach and impact. However, the conversations it has sparked go beyond history, touching on present-day realities facing women.
In a sobering intervention, Princess Olufemi-Kayode, Executive Director of Media Concern for Women and Children Initiative (MEDIACON), warned that safe spaces for women and girls are increasingly under threat.
She noted that abuse now permeates spaces once considered secure, underscoring the urgency of sustained advocacy and institutional response.
Through HerStory of Nigeria, ASIRI Magazine is not only preserving the past but also shaping contemporary discourse, firmly positioning itself as a cultural force challenging historical omissions and advocating a more inclusive national memory.
