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Media Release
02 March 2026
RMB announces winner of Africa’s Fearless Thinker Award 2025
Championing leadership that advances gender progress across Africa
RMB has announced Dr Kemi DaSilva Ibru, founder of the Women at Risk International Foundation (WARIF), as the winner of the RMB Africa’s Fearless Thinker Award at the 13th Gender Mainstreaming Awards (GMAs), an initiative by Business Engage.
The GMAs recognise organisations and individuals who advance meaningful gender representation and inclusion in mainstream business across Africa. Now in its fourth year of sponsoring the RMB Africa’s Fearless Thinker Award, RMB continues to celebrate pioneering women who demonstrate originality, resilience and leadership in tackling complex societal challenges.
Dr DaSilva Ibru was recognised for her transformative work addressing gender-based violence and advancing women’s health across Nigeria and the broader African continent. Through WARIF, which she established in 2016, she has created a survivor-centred organisation that provides free post-incident healthcare, counselling and advocacy support to women and girls affected by sexual violence, rape and human trafficking.
Under her leadership, WARIF has reached more than one million lives through a combination of direct programmes, public education campaigns and collaborative initiatives designed to empower survivors and shift social perceptions around gender-based violence. As a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology and a public health physician, Dr DaSilva Ibru has also emerged as an influential thought leader, shaping conversations around women’s health and protection globally.
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award, which shines a spotlight on an issue that continues to affect millions of women and girls across Africa and beyond,” says Dr DaSilva Ibru. “Addressing gender-based violence requires collective responsibility, courageous leadership and sustained advocacy. This recognition reinforces the importance of breaking the silence, supporting survivors and creating safer communities for future generations.”
Dr DaSilva Ibru’s work has earned international recognition, including being named to the Forbes 50 Over 50 Europe, Middle East and Africa list and receiving recognition as a CNN COVID Hero. Her involvement on global platforms, including her role representing West and Central Africa on the UN ACT Programme Global Steering Committee on Ending Violence Against Women, further demonstrates her commitment to driving systemic change.
“Each year, the Fearless Thinker Award highlights leaders who are redefining what is possible by challenging deeply entrenched societal issues through new approaches, creative thinking and determination,” says Nomzabalazo Makubalo, Chief People Officer at RMB. “Dr DaSilva Ibru exemplifies fearless thinking through her unwavering commitment to protecting and empowering vulnerable women and girls, while also influencing broader policy and social dialogue. Her work demonstrates how purpose-driven leadership can deliver lasting, measurable impact across communities.”
The calibre of this year’s finalists underscores the growing momentum of leaders – women and men – who are tackling issues pertaining to gender inequalities and driving transformative change across sectors and geographies. The award continues to serve as a platform to amplify the work of individuals whose leadership is reshaping the gender landscape and fostering more inclusive economic and social participation across Africa.
RMB remains committed to supporting initiatives that elevate diverse leadership and accelerate progress towards equitable and sustainable growth across the continent.
ENDS
