Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, one of the world's most influential women in international film, uses her public platform to elevate gender equality messaging
International Women's Day (IWD) saw influential women around the world use their public platform to share impactful messages about gender equality, sparking conversations around how women can both give and gain for a better future for all.
One such figure is the ever-fabulous Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, popularly known as Funke Akindele or Jenifa, a highly talented Nigerian filmmaker and actor who, in 2025, was named among the most influential women in international film by The Hollywood Reporter.
Funke knows that giving is power, a message she shared in an engaging TikTok reel on International Women's Day. The message went out to her 20+ million followers across her various social media platforms, garnering over a quarter of a million likes - and re-shared, favorited, and commented on many thousands of times by her fans and worldwide community.
"My beautiful people, the power of a woman is not just in what she achieves, but also in what she gives. When we support, lift, and encourage one another, we all gain. Happy International Women’s Day, amazing women," said Funke.
“Listen guys, my experience in life has taught me that you have to Give in order to Gain. The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day celebration is Give to Gain. I gave my time, I gave my discipline, I gave my voice even when it was hard, and in return I gained strength, wisdom, and purpose," added Funke.
“To everyone woman watching this, I want you to know that your giving is not a loss, you’re sowing a seed, and you surely reap. When you give courage, you gain confidence. When you give excellence, you gain influence, when you lift other women, you gain a legacy. Keep giving your light, your best, keep giving your resilience. You will surely gain from everything you give," concluded Funke.
An award-winning actress
Funke shot to fame when she starred in the sitcom I Need to Know and subsequently won the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in Jenifa.
Funke has also won the accolade of Best Actress in a Comedy multiple times at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA), and is the most nominated actress and filmmaker at the AMVCA. Funke is the second director to gross over a billion naira at the box office and the highest-grossing director in Nigerian box office.
Leading in politics in Nigeria
Alongside her film career, Funke was nominated by the People's Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate, Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran, as the running mate for the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election.
Supporting charitable causes
Funke's impressive philanthropic works includes an appointment by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS as the National Goodwill Ambassador for Nigeria to promote HIV prevention and awareness across the country, and her founding of the Jenifa Foundation nonprofit organization that's dedicated to creating positive impact and transforming lives.
Follow Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele on her social platforms - Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, X, and Youtube - to hear more from her and to follow her impressive achievements.
Plus, make sure you check out the fabulous Behind The Scenes on Netflix, produced by Funke Akindele.