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The Chief Executive Officer of the Yinka Shonibare Foundation, Belinda Holden, has emphasized the importance of empowering women in the creative industry, urging for greater collaboration, visibility, and institutional support for female artists across various disciplines.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of 9th Abuja International Photo Festival during a session hosted by the Embassy of Sweden on ‘Evolving through the lens’ at the weekend, Holden noted that women who are artists, writers, filmmakers, painters, and sculptors play a vital role in shaping society by telling stories that reflect real human experiences from politics and conflict to poverty and social justice.

“Artists are able to convey the stories of politics, violence, famine, and food poverty in ways that connect to people more deeply,” she said. “It’s important to empower those women to stand up collectively and have a stronger voice in society.”

Holden observed that while the creative sector is evolving globally, women in many parts of the world, including Nigeria, still lag behind in access to opportunities and resources. She stressed that more deliberate efforts are needed to ensure that women can fully participate and thrive in the arts.

“The arts in general need more funding and support,” she stated. “Global NGOs should think beyond just humanitarian relief and focus on building sustainable, culturally rich societies that respect and value artists as much as scientists or tech entrepreneurs.”

According to her, empowering women in the creative field requires both structural and cultural shifts. This includes keeping funding within local ecosystems, addressing barriers such as visa restrictions, and creating more inclusive platforms that give women the confidence to express themselves and collaborate.

Holden highlighted the significance of women-focused events in spotlighting female voices and encouraging broader participation in the creative economy.

“Events like this are crucial because they give women the courage to speak and to act,” she said. “Women need to see what success looks like for other women. That visibility builds momentum, and from there, growth happens.”

The Yinka Shonibare Foundation, which she leads, supports artistic development, cultural exchange, and inclusivity within the creative sector values Holden said are essential for building a more equitable and thriving creative community.