Joyce Akpata: A Journey of Leadership and Empowerment

Joyce Akpata serves as the Head of Policy and Advocacy at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN). Her career trajectory is characterized by a significant commitment to service, systemic change, and the empowerment of women, reflecting her multi-faceted experiences in both corporate and development sectors.

Career Pathway

Mrs. Akpata’s professional odyssey began as a legal practitioner. However, her aspirations soon led her toward roles that allowed for greater influence over systems and policies. She has held notable positions, including Director-General of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce, where she advanced bilateral trade relations and economic development initiatives. This role provided her with invaluable insights into strategic leadership and partnership building.

Current Role at GAIN

Now at GAIN Nigeria, Mrs. Akpata is focused on driving policy reforms that enhance nutrition, fostering coalitions, and collaborating with government and development partners to improve systemic food quality and health outcomes. This position effectively aligns with her advocacy and commitment to impactful change.

Leadership Philosophy

In her perspective, authentic leadership is about creating impactful environments where individuals, especially women, can flourish. Mrs. Akpata emphasizes the importance of lifting others as one ascends in their careers. “True leadership is more than just titles; it is about impact, influence, and lifting others as we ascend,” she states. She believes in creating spaces where all voices are valued, and ambitions can thrive.

Challenges in a Male-Dominated Environment

Throughout her career, Mrs. Akpata has navigated systemic gender biases inherent in many professional settings. She has encountered situations where her expertise was frequently challenged, and her contributions overlooked until echoed by male counterparts. To combat these barriers, she focused on asserting her voice confidently and demonstrating her value through results. She underscores the importance of building alliances with those who advocate for inclusivity, reinforcing her belief in the power of strategic networking.

Empowering Future Generations

Reflecting on her career, Mrs. Akpata highlights pivotal moments, such as leading organizational change processes despite being the only woman in the room. These experiences fueled her passion for championing others, particularly women entering leadership roles. She stresses that mentorship is vital for young women looking to ascend in their fields, stating, “Mentorship and sponsorship are a MUST.”

Balancing Life and Work

Among her various commitments, Mrs. Akpata also contributes to Lions Clubs International, where she further hones her leadership skills. She notes that maintaining a balance between professional duties and personal life requires intentional prioritization and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. Strategic delegation and overall self-care are fundamental to her approach, allowing her to fulfill multiple roles effectively.

Looking Ahead: Accelerating Action

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” resonates strongly with her leadership style. “It’s about moving beyond tokenism—owning our expertise, refining our craft, and positioning ourselves as undeniable contributors in any space we occupy,” she asserts. For Mrs. Akpata, true empowerment stems from competence, confidence, and the courage to advocate on merit.

This interview is produced in collaboration with Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ), a Nigerian nonprofit striving to empower women in leadership roles.