LAGOS — Stakeholders in Nigeria's creative industry have called for increased investment in women, saying greater access to funding, leadership opportunities and market platforms could help unlock more value from the country's expanding creative economy. The call was made at a Women in the Arts: Power, Voice and Economic Impact gathering organised by the National Delphic Council Nigeria in partnership with stakeholders in the creative sector. Nigeria's creative economy covers a wide range of activities, including music, film, visual arts, fashion, literature, theatre and digital content. Women participate extensively across these fields, but stakeholders say barriers to financing, leadership and market access can limit the ability of female creatives to build sustainable careers. Access to capital is particularly important for creative entrepreneurs. Artists and other creative professionals often need funding for equipment, production, promotion and distribution. Without adequate financing, talented professionals may struggle to develop projects or reach larger audiences. Women may face additional barriers when seeking investment or entering leadership positions. Improving access to funding can therefore contribute to both individual careers and broader economic growth. The creative economy has become an important source of employment and cultural influence for Nigeria. Nigerian music and film have attracted international audiences, while fashion and visual arts have developed growing markets at home and abroad. Supporting women within these sectors can broaden the range of voices represented in Nigerian creative output. Leadership opportunities are another important issue. Women who occupy decision-making positions can influence how projects are funded, produced and distributed. Greater representation in creative organisations can also provide mentorship and professional networks for younger women entering the sector. Education and skills development are equally important. Creative professionals increasingly need digital skills in addition to artistic ability. Social media, streaming services and online marketplaces have changed how artists reach audiences. Women who understand these tools can promote their work independently and access customers beyond their immediate communities. However, digital access itself can be limited by the cost of equipment and internet services. Public and private initiatives can help reduce some of these barriers. Training programmes, grants, exhibitions and mentorship schemes can provide practical support. Partnerships between government agencies, private companies and cultural organisations can expand the scale of such programmes. Market access is another major consideration. Producing creative work is only part of the challenge; artists also need opportunities to sell, exhibit or distribute what they create. International festivals and digital platforms can provide new markets, but Nigerian creatives need support to meet professional standards and navigate commercial arrangements. Intellectual property protection is also important. Artists need confidence that their work will not be used without permission or fair compensation. Stronger enforcement of copyright and related rights can encourage investment in creative projects. The economic value of women's participation in the creative sector extends beyond individual income. Successful creative businesses can employ designers, technicians, marketers, assistants and other professionals. They can also contribute to tourism and Nigeria's cultural reputation abroad. Greater inclusion can therefore have wider economic effects. The call for stronger investment in women comes as Nigeria seeks to expand its creative economy as a source of jobs and foreign exchange. Sustainable growth will require more than international recognition for a few successful artists. It will require systems that allow a wider range of creative professionals to build viable careers. Supporting women through funding, skills development, leadership opportunities and market access can help achieve that goal. For Nigeria's creative sector, greater inclusion is therefore not only a question of representation but also an economic opportunity.