Omote, Nwaanyị, Obinrin. Across cultures and languages, the essence of a woman is celebrated in many ways. Women are the pillars of every great society, beautiful, delicate yet resilient, sophisticated yet grounded, brilliant yet often unsung.

International Women’s Day just passed, and I could not express my appreciation for the extraordinary women in this world. The words I wanted to share weren't ready yet, much like a carefully prepared meal that requires patience and precision. Now, as I lay them down, I hope they do justice to women's beauty, strength, and significance.

The beauty of a woman takes many forms. It is not just in appearance but courage, wisdom, and sacrifice. When I think of superheroes, it’s not Spider-Man or Superman who first comes to mind. Instead, real-life heroines like Dr. Stella Ameyo Adadevoh inspire me, the doctor who, at personal risk, prevented the spread of Ebola in Nigeria by stopping Patient Zero, Patrick Sawyer. Her unwavering resolve saved millions, much like the Avengers’ victory against Thanos in Endgame. Hers was a heroic act of pure love and bravery, proving that real heroes don’t always wear capes.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, "Accelerate Action," is a call to move beyond words and into tangible change. Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, holds immense influence, but how can a leading light shine if it dims the voices of its women?

The political landscape remains an uphill battle for women. In a system plagued by "belly infrastructure" and godfatherism, progress often comes at a cost. Yet, despite these barriers, women like Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan have risen, breaking through the political stronghold to claim their rightful space. Her victory is a win for every woman silenced before her, her struggle is a beacon of changing times. If we fail to listen to voices like hers, we risk silencing the next generation.

My love and respect for women stem from personal experience. As the brother of four incredible sisters and the son of an extraordinary mother, I have witnessed firsthand the beauty of feminine strength. From the warmth of my mother’s meals to the wisdom in her voice, she has shaped me in more ways than I can count. Every mother, sister, and daughter deserves the highest regard because society loses its heartbeat without them.

They say hell hath no fury like a woman scorned, but what of a system that continuously undermines and resists women’s progress? Such a system faces the wrath of justice.

Not all Heroes wear capes, nor do they always seek recognition. Sometimes, they exist in the quiet sacrifices of a mother, the resilience of a sister, or the unwavering determination of a trailblazer breaking barriers. I am blessed to be surrounded by such heroes—women whose beauty is not just in their appearance but in their spirit, fight, and love.

So let us not admire from afar, not just sing praises in fleeting moments. Let us build a world where their voices are not echoes but anthems, where their dreams are not dismissed but defended.

Accelerating action is to open doors, to shatter ceilings, to light the way for those yet to come. It is to stand, not in silence but in solidarity—knowing that when women rise, the world is with them.

The beauty of a woman is not just in how she shines but in how she ignites change. May we never dim her light.

Now is the time. To move, act, and accelerate.