Today, on April 6th, we honor the birthday of Rafeeah Zirkarnain—a visionary entrepreneur, mentor, and force of change from Zaria, Kaduna State, in Nigeria’s northwest. Her story is not just one of personal success but of a relentless commitment to uplifting women and rewriting narratives in a region where cultural and economic barriers often limit opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
Born and raised in Zaria, a city steeped in history yet grappling with modern challenges, Rafeeah’s journey began with a bold refusal to accept the status quo. After graduating with a degree in English and European Languages from Bayero University Kano, she bypassed conventional career paths and plunged headfirst into entrepreneurship. While many in her position might have sought stable employment, Rafeeah saw potential where others saw risk.
She launched Fee’ah Zee Online Shop, a thriving digital marketplace offering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products tailored to the needs of Northern Nigerian women. But her ambition didn’t stop there—she simultaneously built a physical business empire, defying stereotypes that often confine women to informal sectors.
What sets Rafeeah apart is her dual role as a CEO and a “corporate midwife.” This metaphor, coined by her mentees, captures her dedication to nurturing the entrepreneurial dreams of young women in the North. Through Instagram and Facebook, she hosts weekly live sessions, sharing practical advice on branding, sourcing materials, and navigating Nigeria’s volatile market.
Her mentorship extends beyond screens; she organizes workshops in Zaria, teaching financial literacy and encouraging women to leverage digital tools. One mentee, Aisha, recalls how Rafeeah’s guidance helped her transform a small homemade spice business into a regional brand: “She taught me to see my heritage as an asset, not a limitation.”
In a region where cultural norms sometimes discourage women from public economic participation, Rafeeah’s work is revolutionary. She openly discusses overcoming societal pushback—from skepticism about her online ventures to balancing entrepreneurship with family expectations. Yet her success has silenced critics.
Today, her businesses benefit young women and youths, many of whom are first-time earners in their households. Her Instagram platform, followed by thousands, has become a hub for collaboration, where women barter skills, celebrate milestones, and crowdsource ideas.
Rafeeah’s impact lies in her belief that entrepreneurship is a collective journey. “When one of us rises, we all rise,” she often says. This philosophy is evident in her latest initiative: a community-driven network that connects women entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and shared resources. She is building a framework that encourages women in Northern Nigeria to exchange knowledge, collaborate on business opportunities, and build sustainable partnerships, creating an ecosystem where they support one another’s success rather than compete.
As we celebrate Rafeeah today, we also honor the countless women she inspires—those rewriting their stories from kitchen tables turned workspaces, from WhatsApp groups to storefronts. Her legacy is a testament to the power of resilience, community, and audacity. To young girls in Zaria and beyond, she offers proof that success is not about where you start but how boldly you dare to redefine your future.
Happy Birthday, Rafeeah Zirkarnain. Here’s to the women who build bridges while breaking barriers.
Muhammad Abba wrote this piece from Kano.
