Meet Chinny Okoye, a powerhouse in the realm of women’s empowerment and a beacon of hope for vulnerable populations worldwide. From her humble beginnings at the University of Massachusetts to her current role as the Founder and CEO of The Women International (TWI), Chinny’s journey is one of unwavering commitment and passion for driving positive change.
Chinny’s story is one of transformation ignited by her studies in women’s issues, sparking a lifelong dedication to addressing inequalities faced by women and children. Through TWI, she has pioneered transformative initiatives, including the “ONE-ON-ONE” counseling and life coaching platform, providing crucial support to women navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Under Chinny’s leadership, TWI has achieved remarkable milestones, reaching over 20,000 women through impactful mental health awareness campaigns, providing counseling to over 2,000 women, and empowering over 500 women with financial literacy and business skills. Through initiatives like the “Fund My Seed Capital” in collaboration with The Good Way Foundation, TWI has empowered women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.
Chinny’s influence extends globally, with TWI chapters established in the US, UK, Canada, UAE, and Nigeria, led by empowered women who share her vision of women supporting women.
Driven by a genuine passion for women’s well-being, Chinny is committed to creating a supportive community where women can connect, share their experiences, and support each other’s journeys. Through initiatives like the W Circle, TWI provides a safe space for women to thrive and grow.
Beyond TWI, Chinny also serves as the Managing Director of W agency, a marketing firm under The Women International umbrella, amplifying women-owned businesses through authentic brand storytelling.
Before her pivotal role at TWI, Chinny’s journey in the non-profit sector included serving as the Executive Director of Breasts Without Spots NGO and Assistant Programs Executive of the Health Care Federation of Nigeria (HFN). Her expertise in non-profit management, fundraising, and research analysis has been instrumental in driving impactful change.
Chinny’s dedication transcends organizational boundaries, as she actively engages in public speaking engagements and outreach programs, such as the “We Care project,” offering vital resources to vulnerable women and young girls in low-income communities.
Chinny Okoye embodies a rare blend of results-oriented leadership and compassionate advocacy, seamlessly merging the effectiveness of the private sector with the empathy of the social impact space. Her unwavering commitment to women’s empowerment continues to shape communities and inspire change on a global scale.
We had an interview with her to commemorate her birthday on the 20th of March and we spoke about her work at The Women International, amongst other things.
Read our interview with her below,
Q: Your organization, stands as a beacon of empowerment for women in various parts of the world. Can you share a pivotal moment in your life that ignited your passion for women’s empowerment and set you on the path to founding The Women International?
A: My journey into women’s empowerment began during my college years, where I delved into the complexities of public policy. It was there, amidst the pages of research and academic discourse, that I unearthed my fervent passion for addressing women’s issues. This passion culminated in my thesis focusing on Violence against women in Nigeria, a subject that stirred profound emotions within me and ignited a deep-seated purpose.
Upon returning to Nigeria, I encountered a pivotal moment that crystallized my commitment to women’s empowerment. Engaged in conversation with an elderly gentleman during my journey back home, I candidly shared my aspirations to advocate for women’s rights and effect change in their lives. His dismissive laughter and discouraging words—”Women, especially in Nigeria, will forever be marginalized”—initially rattled me to my core. Yet, in the face of skepticism, I refused to relinquish my aspirations. Instead, I harnessed the setback as fuel to propel me forward.
Despite the initial setback, I refused to be deterred. I explored various industries and ventures, seeking avenues to make a meaningful difference. It was through this journey of self-discovery and resilience that I found the courage to heed the persistent call within me—the call to champion the cause of marginalized and vulnerable women. Thus, The Women International was born, fueled by my unwavering passion, empathy, and commitment to effecting positive change in the lives of women worldwide. And at the heart of it all, I remain guided by faith, recognizing the divine purpose that propels me forward each day.
Q: TWI has launched several transformative initiatives that have helped improve the lives of numerous women. Which of your initiatives is dearest to your heart and what inspired it?
A: We have several initiatives close to my heart at The Women International. One that holds particular significance is our “Support a Girl Child” CSR initiative. This program connects benefactors with girls in low-income communities, ensuring they not only return to school but also stay enrolled. Education is the cornerstone of empowerment, and I firmly believe that by educating a woman, we educate generations.
However, our flagship event, the “W Circle,” holds a special place in my heart. This inclusive platform, both in-person and online, serves as a sanctuary for women from all walks of life. Through our support group circles and 24/7 helplines, we’ve created a nurturing environment where women feel cared for, supported, and valued.
During our circles, women share their stories of triumphs and struggles, transcending barriers of societal norms and expectations. Whether it’s navigating the workplace, personal challenges, or motherhood, these circles provide a safe space for women to find solace, inspiration, and camaraderie.
The W Circle isn’t just an event; it’s a transformative experience. It’s about fostering a sense of belonging, empowerment, and resilience. Witnessing the impact of these circles, both in-person and online, has been incredibly rewarding. Thousands of lives have been touched, and countless women have found the strength to embrace their journeys and pursue their aspirations. In essence, the W Circle embodies our commitment to creating a world where every woman feels empowered, supported, and capable of achieving her dreams.
Q: Why an empowerment platform for women only? A lot of men might feel like they could benefit from a social organization that seeks to empower people.
A: The decision to create an empowerment platform exclusively for women stems from the recognition of the unique challenges and barriers women face in society. While it’s true that men can also benefit from empowerment initiatives, creating a space specifically for women allows for a focused approach to address gender-specific issues such as gender-based violence, unequal access to resources, and systemic discrimination.
By providing a platform exclusively for women, we create a safe and supportive environment where women can freely express themselves, share their experiences, and access tailored resources and support. This targeted approach enables us to address the specific needs and concerns of women, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among participants.
Additionally, it’s important to acknowledge that men already have access to numerous platforms and spaces where they dominate the conversation. Our goal is not to exclude men but to create spaces where women, who are often marginalized and underrepresented, can come together to uplift and empower one another. Ultimately, by empowering women, we contribute to creating a more equitable and inclusive society for everyone.
Q: A lot of people confuse a Social Organization for a Non-governmental Organization. Which would you categorize TWI as and could we known the difference between both.
A: Certainly! Here’s a revised response that emphasizes TWI’s status as a social enterprise and clarifies the difference between social organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), while also addressing the aspect of charging for certain services:
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TWI operates as a social enterprise, which means we combine business principles with social goals. Unlike traditional NGOs, we aim to generate revenue through our services while also making a positive impact on society. This approach allows us to remain sustainable and continue supporting our community effectively.
While some may confuse us with NGOs, it’s important to note that social enterprises like TWI have a distinct focus on creating social value through commercial activities. We leverage our platform to offer various services, such as features on social media, advertising, and promotions, which we may charge for. These charges enable us to cover our operational costs and invest back into our community initiatives, ensuring their sustainability and growth.
We deeply value the support and contributions of our community members, and we’re committed to transparency in our operations. Every penny earned from our services is reinvested into our programs and initiatives aimed at empowering women and fostering positive social change. We believe that by operating as a social enterprise, we can maximize our impact and create lasting benefits for the communities we serve.
Q: If you could describe The Women International in a word or sentence, what would it be and why?
A: TWI is more than just an organization; it’s a safe space for women worldwide. It’s a haven where women from all walks of life converge to share their stories, uplift one another, and champion each other’s dreams. Our platform provides a nurturing environment where women feel heard, valued, and supported. We’re not just building a community; we’re cultivating a sisterhood—an unbreakable bond forged through shared experiences, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself. What inspires you daily?
A: I embrace authenticity in everything I do. What you see is what you get with me—I’m an open book, transparent to those who trust me to reciprocate that openness. My driving force? It’s empowering women. I wake up every day with a mission to make a positive impact and uplift women to become the best versions of themselves. I’m far from perfect, still on my journey to self-improvement, but one thing remains constant—I refuse to let life’s challenges hold me down. I believe in resilience, in rising stronger after every fall. And that’s what I wish for every woman—to recognize their worth, prioritize self-love, and understand that greatness lies within them, no matter their circumstances. My inspiration? It stems from various sources: my children, whose innocence and wonder remind me of the importance of my work; my mother and sister, whose unwavering strength in the face of adversity is truly inspiring; and my close-knit circle of friends, whose support sustains me through life’s highs and lows. Additionally, the women I’ve met along my journey with The Women International continually inspire me with their stories of resilience, courage, and triumph. Through it all, I remain grounded in my faith, recognizing that God is at the center of my purpose and journey.
Q: A little birdie told us it’s your birthday today, Happy Birthday! How do you feel today and what are you most grateful for?
A: Yes, it is indeed my birthday today, and thank you for the warm wishes! I’m feeling a year older, but definitely wiser. Reflecting on the past year, it’s been one of the most challenging yet rewarding periods of my life. Welcoming my beautiful second child into the world was a blessing beyond words, and on the professional front, I pushed myself to new heights, accomplishing more than I thought possible. As I embark on another journey around the sun, I’m filled with optimism and excitement for what lies ahead. This year has already been filled with promising opportunities, and I have a strong feeling that it’s going to be my best year yet!
Q: You recently expanded your reach globally, establishing TWI chapters in multiple countries. Can you share some success stories or lessons learned from expanding TWI’s presence internationally?
A: Expanding TWI’s reach globally has been an incredible journey, albeit with its fair share of challenges. One of the most significant hurdles we’ve faced is accessing funding to support our initiatives. However, we’re actively working on this front, exploring various avenues such as grants and partnerships, and we’re open to support from anyone who shares our vision.
Despite the challenges, I’m immensely grateful for our dedicated chapter leaders and their unwavering commitment to our cause. Their tireless efforts, dedication, and the resources they’ve invested have been instrumental in our success. Working alongside these exceptional women has been nothing short of amazing, and together, we’ve made significant strides in reaching and impacting women globally.
Q: In your opinion and with your experience, what would you say are major challenges women face, and how can this be addressed?
A: The challenges women face are multifaceted, deeply rooted, and often systemic. From gender inequality in the workplace to limited access to education and healthcare, women continue to encounter barriers that hinder their full potential. But perhaps one of the greatest challenges is the persistent lack of recognition and respect for women’s voices, experiences, and contributions.
Imagine being overlooked for a promotion simply because of your gender or struggling to access basic healthcare services because of societal norms. These are realities that countless women face every day, and it’s infuriating. Women are constantly battling against stereotypes, biases, and societal expectations that dictate who we should be and what we should achieve.
But despite these challenges, women are resilient. We refuse to be silenced or sidelined. We’re breaking barriers, shattering glass ceilings, and rewriting the narrative on what it means to be a woman in today’s world. We’re advocating for ourselves and for future generations, demanding equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal respect.
So how do we address these challenges? It starts with amplifying women’s voices and stories, challenging the status quo, and creating spaces where women feel empowered to speak up and demand change. It’s about dismantling patriarchal systems and creating inclusive environments where women can thrive.
But most importantly, it’s about standing together in solidarity, lifting each other up, and refusing to accept anything less than what we deserve. Because when women come together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve. And that, my friends, is the power of women.
Q: You recently got recognized as one of The 100 Most Impactful Voices, 2024 by ABCD Africa, Congratulations! What would you say is most important for a woman to practice in order to make impact in today’s society?
A: Thank you so much! I’m incredibly honored and humbled by the recognition. When it comes to making an impact in today’s society, I firmly believe that implementation and consistency are paramount. It’s not enough to simply have ideas or aspirations; action is what truly drives change.
Whether you’re running a foundation, leading an NGO, starting a social enterprise, or launching a business, the key is to start now and keep going. Don’t wait for the perfect moment or the ideal circumstances because they may never come. Take that first step, no matter how small, and keep pushing forward.
But here’s the thing: making an impact isn’t just about starting—it’s also about staying the course. Consistency is absolutely essential. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt along the way, but it’s important to keep showing up, day in and day out.
So my advice to any woman looking to make a difference is this: be proactive, be persistent, and be patient. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is meaningful change. But if you’re willing to put in the work and stay committed to your goals, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Q: Tell us about your proudest moment since the inception of TWI
A: My proudest moment since starting The Women International has been the global expansion of TWI chapters. It was a monumental idea that required immense courage and strategic planning. I initiated the concept, and to witness the overwhelming interest from individuals worldwide to establish TWI chapters in their communities was truly inspiring. I dedicated significant effort to develop a comprehensive chapter leader handbook and formulated a strategy for success. When we officially announced the search for chapter leaders and the expansion initiative, the response was beyond our expectations. In less than four months, we had established eight chapters globally, and the momentum continues to grow. This achievement stands as a testament to the dedication of my team members, volunteers, and chapter leaders. Their unwavering commitment and hard work ensured the smooth implementation of our expansion strategy, making it a reality and further solidifying TWI’s impact on a global scale.
Q: Thank you so much for your time and dedication and Happy Birthday once again!
A: Thank you so much my TWI family. Love you all