Inspirational. Powerful. Celebrated: the women of Brokerslink
An interview with… Enitan Solarin, Nigeria
This year's International Women's Day theme, "Accelerate Action," underscores the urgent need to break down barriers and create an environment where women can thrive in the industry.
To commemorate this day and gain insights into the challenges women face globally, as well as explore how the insurance industry can #AccelerateAction, we've interviewed five inspiring female leaders from each of the Brokerslink regions.
Today we travel to Nigeria, where Enitan Solarin is the Managing Director of YOA Insurance Brokers. The African region is vast, comprised of many different cultures, so it’s impossible to make sweeping statements on the position of women in insurance across the continent, but Enitan gave us a fascinating flavour of what she’s experienced in her country, and the changes she feels still need to be made.
Enitan, in your experience, what are the greatest challenges women in Nigeria face in the insurance industry today?
Women in Nigeria’s insurance industry face several challenges, including gender biases, limited representation in leadership roles, and the need to constantly prove their capabilities in a male-dominated field. Work-life balance can also be difficult, as societal expectations often place additional responsibilities on women outside the workplace. Additionally, networking opportunities, which are crucial for career advancement, are often less accessible to women compared to their male counterparts.
Has the insurance market in Africa become more welcoming to women since you started your career?
Over the years, we have seen significant strides in advancing gender diversity, with more women stepping into leadership roles and organizations increasingly embracing the value of inclusivity. Industry policies and initiatives focused on gender equity continue to gain traction, creating a more supportive and progressive environment. However, while the progress is commendable, achieving true parity at the highest levels remains a journey. There is still work to be done to ensure equal opportunities and full representation across all leadership tiers.
You’ve had an incredibly successful career to date, how have you been able to break down those barriers and what advice would you give to other women looking at an insurance career?
Breaking barriers demands resilience, continuous learning, and strategic relationship-building. Throughout my career, I have remained steadfast in my commitment to excellence, leveraging mentorship, fostering meaningful professional networks, and actively pursuing opportunities for growth. I have never allowed societal limitations to dictate my potential.
For women aspiring to build a career in the insurance industry, my advice is simple, be bold, seek mentorship, and continuously invest in self-development. The industry presents vast opportunities, and with dedication, a strong support system, and a relentless pursuit of growth, success is not only possible but inevitable.
How can the industry attract and retain more women in top jobs?
To drive meaningful progress, the industry must prioritize intentional leadership development programs for women, implement flexible work policies, and foster strong mentorship opportunities. Organizations should establish clear, merit-based career progression pathways and actively create opportunities for capable women to step into leadership roles. Cultivating an inclusive workplace culture, where women feel valued, empowered, and supported is essential for attracting, retaining, and advancing top female talent.
What one thing do you think our industry needs to do to accelerate change?
Accelerating change requires a deliberate commitment to eliminating unconscious biases and implementing policies that drive gender parity in leadership. Organizations must move beyond rhetoric and take concrete, measurable actions to create equal opportunities at all levels. One transformative approach is sponsorship programs, where senior leaders actively advocate for and elevate high-potential women. Such initiatives can be a catalyst for faster, more sustainable progress, ensuring that diversity is not just a goal but a fundamental driver of business success.
