Toun Okewale Sonaiya: Why I Created a Radio Station Just for Women

In a media landscape largely dominated by male narratives, Toun Okewale Sonaiya set out to flip the script. As the CEO of Women Radio 91.7, Nigeria’s first radio station dedicated solely to women, Sonaiya created a space where women’s voices, issues, and achievements are front and center.

Motivated by a deep commitment to gender equality, Sonaiya established the station to ensure that women—whether in remote villages or major cities—are heard and represented.

“We are not just broadcasting to women, we are broadcasting with women, about women, and for women,” she said, emphasizing the station’s unique mission. Under her guidance, Women Radio has become a powerful platform for dialogue on crucial topics like health, education, gender-based violence, and women’s economic empowerment.

Since launching, the station has evolved beyond traditional broadcasting to become a movement. It informs women about their rights, links them to resources, and promotes civic involvement. Importantly, it connects local realities with national conversations, giving women a seat at the table where policies are shaped.

Sonaiya’s goal is unmistakable: to foster inclusion, amplify female representation, and drive meaningful change. In an industry where women’s voices often go unheard, she’s working to change that.

Her journey highlights what can happen when innovation is paired with purpose. As she puts it,
“The future of media is female—not just in content, but in leadership, direction, and influence.”