Ijeoma Thomas-Odia is a distinguished media and communication professional with over a decade of experience in journalism. She holds a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Mass Communication from Imo State University and a master’s degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos to further deepen her expertise in the field. As the editor of Guardian Woman at The Guardian Nigeria, Ijeoma plays a pivotal role in shaping narratives that spotlight entrepreneurship, influential personalities, and pressing gender issues. In addition to her editorial responsibilities, she anchors a popular parenting column that guides and empowers parents through the complexities of raising children in today’s world.
A gender specialist, she is also passionate about the empowerment of women and children, which has driven her to collaborate with leading advocacy organisations such as the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), SheForum Africa, Heirs Women Foundation, and BAOBAB for Women’s Human Rights. These partnerships reflect her unwavering dedication to social justice and human rights. A recognised thought leader, Ijeoma is an associate of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (ANIPR).
She is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Mentoring and Coaching Nigeria (CIMCN), with a niche as a professional human development coach. Her contributions to the field have earned her accolades, including the Exceptional Women of Excellence award from the Women Economic Forum.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ijeoma uses her voice and platform to elevate women-owned brands and initiatives, helping them gain the media visibility they deserve. Balancing her career with her role as a devoted wife and mother of two, Ijeoma Thomas-Odia continues to inspire and advocate for positive change in her community. Read and be inspired by our conversation with her on leadership, resilience, and the evolving landscape of gender narratives.
Ijeoma, tell us a little bit about your journey to becoming a distinguished media and communication professional.
I stumbled into print journalism. Despite studying mass communication at the university as against law, which was my first choice, the plan was to step down in my second year to revert to law, but then I fell in love with mass communication. During the compulsory internship programme, I interned at Champion Newspapers in Lagos, and that’s where the journey began for me. I worked with editors, desk heads, and correspondents who were key to shaping my journalistic instinct. The beauty is that I wasn’t given tasks like an intern; I was taught to be bold enough to approach interviewees, address them accordingly, and ask compelling questions that helped me shape my reports. It has since then been a whirlwind, and worth it. Looking back, I am super grateful for those early beginnings that have defined my path in journalism.
Through your work, you shape narratives that highlight entrepreneurship, leadership, and gender issues. What drives your passion for amplifying women’s voices?
At the beginning of my journalism career, I came in contact with this non-governmental organisation, Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC), founded by Dr. Abiola Afolabi-Akiyode, a human rights lawyer and women’s rights frontliner and that changed my trajectory and thought process and further opened my mind to the plight of women across cadres. I was constantly invited to programmes focused on women in politics, women in the marketplace and in communities, women who have been battered and seek justice, and WARDC was constantly at the forefront of championing these cases. I gradually moved from just covering and reporting these events to being a voice and part of a solution to a situation that is not regarded as much. And so, I became so drawn not just to highlighting these challenges and problems, but also ensuring that more women are given chances to thrive by ensuring their voices are heard and their demands brought to the fore.
In a time where digital media dominates, what role does traditional journalism still play in shaping gender narratives?
I am super glad with the evolution that digital media brings, especially with swiftness, however, traditional journalism continues to play a pivotal role by providing depth, credibility, and long-form analysis that many digital platforms often lack in shaping gender narratives. In most cases, traditional media still sets the agenda for national and global conversations. With editorial guidelines where traditional media dwells, it allows for accountability and ethics, hence, there is accurate representation of gender issues, steering narratives away from sensationalism or misinformation prevalent on social media.
Traditional journalism brings historical expertise and continuity, crucial for understanding how current gender issues are part of larger societal trends. While it must continue to evolve to stay relevant to cover gender issues comprehensively, for me, it remains the cornerstone for shaping gender narratives by offering credible, contextual, and ethically sound reporting.
How do you approach storytelling to ensure that the women you amplify feel truly heard and empowered?
When I approach storytelling to amplify the voices of women, I make it my mission to ensure that each woman feels truly heard, celebrated, and empowered. I believe that every woman has a unique story and strength, and my goal is to highlight the positive aspects of her journey, achievements, and superpowers. I focus on bringing these elements to the forefront, ensuring they take center stage in my reports.
I make it a priority to spotlight the issues women face while also emphasising the paths they carve out for themselves to overcome challenges. For me, every win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. I ensure that each woman I report on recognises and takes pride in her achievements, and I encourage others to celebrate her as well. This collective applause not only uplifts her but also sets a powerful example for other women, showing them what is possible.
Through my work, I aim to create a ripple effect where women are inspired to step up, step out, and continue being the best versions of themselves. By amplifying their voices and victories, I strive to build a narrative that empowers women to claim their space, shine brightly, and uplift each other in the process.
Women’s representation in media has evolved, but challenges remain. In your experience, what barriers still exist, and how can media better advocate for gender equity?
Despite progress, women still face barriers in media representation. Leadership roles in media remain male-dominated, limiting the focus on gender-equity narratives. Women are often reduced to stereotypes, with their achievements and expertise overlooked. Female journalists also face systemic issues like harassment, which silences their voices and hinders progress.
As a journalist, I’ve worked to reshape how women are represented in media. By amplifying diverse voices, challenging stereotypes, and creating space for underrepresented perspectives, I’ve helped shift narratives. I believe media organisations must prioritise women’s leadership, celebrate their stories, and tackle harassment head-on to ensure all women are empowered to lead, thrive, and drive change.
How do you balance your career and advocacy efforts with being a mother? Any lessons that have shaped your approach to leadership?
Balancing my career and advocacy efforts with being a mother has been both a challenge and a deeply rewarding journey. One key lesson I’ve learned is the importance of priortising intentionally. I’ve come to understand that I cannot do everything at once, but I can focus on what matters most in the moment—whether it’s a critical deadline, an important advocacy project, or quality time with my family. This approach has taught me to delegate effectively, set boundaries, and lean on support systems when necessary. Another lesson that has shaped my approach to leadership is the value of empathy and adaptability. Motherhood has taught me to listen more deeply, recognise the strengths in others, and approach challenges with creativity and resilience. Ultimately, being a mother has reinforced my belief in the power of purpose-driven work. It has reminded me to lead with authenticity, balancing professional ambition with the values that guide my life and advocacy.
From your experience, what’s one misconception about personal branding that women should let go of? It’s not about perfection or projecting an image that pleases everyone. From my experience, true personal branding is about authenticity—owning your story, celebrating your unique strengths, and being unapologetic about your ambitions and values. Women should focus on embracing their individuality and highlighting the qualities that make them extraordinary. Personal branding isn’t about conforming; it’s about creating a narrative that reflects who you are, what you stand for, and the legacy you want to leave. By shifting the focus from external validation to internal empowerment, women can build brands that resonate deeply, inspire others, and open doors to opportunities aligned with their true selves.
Finally, what’s the biggest lesson your career has taught you about the power of women’s voices in media?
The biggest lesson for me is that women’s voices are not just contributors to stories—they are often the heartbeat of the issues that matter most, from equality and justice to innovation and resilience. I’ve learned that amplifying women’s perspectives brings depth and authenticity to reporting. Women have the unique ability to tell stories that resonate on a deeply human level, bridging divides and sparking empathy.
Most importantly, I’ve realised that women’s voices in media don’t just tell stories—they reclaim them. By owning their narratives, women assert their agency, rewrite the script of what is possible, and pave the way for others to do the same. For me, this is a reminder that empowering women’s voices isn’t just about representation; it’s about catalysing systemic change and leaving an indelible mark on the world.
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