ruqayya tofa basheer

SUSTAINABILITY EXPERT, LEADERSHIP & MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST, VISIONARY ENTERPRENEUR, ARCHITECT

Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer is a trailblazing advocate for women’s empowerment and social responsibility, dedicating her career to uplifting women across Africa. As the founder of the Ummi Women Empowerment Foundation (Ummi Africa), she has created a platform for inspiring and supporting Arewa women-a community of resilient, accomplished women committed to community development and positive change. Launched in 2022, Ummi Africa empowers women to embrace leadership and entrepreneurship, transforming them into agents of change in their communities. Ruqayya’s vision for social impact is anchored in reshaping narratives around African women’s strength, ambition, and potential, establishing Ummi Africa as a cornerstone for women-led empowerment initiatives on the continent.

In addition to her work with Ummi Africa, Ruqayya is the visionary founder of R.A.W. Beauty Africa, an eco-luxury skincare brand driven by sustainability and innovation. Her personal journey from architect to clean beauty entrepreneur began in 2017, inspired by her own and her daughter’s skin challenges. Frustrated by ineffective dermatological treatments, she sought natural alternatives, leading her to harness Africa’s rich botanical heritage in her formulations. Starting with Kitchen Experiments and growing into an Organic Farm, Botanical Extraction Plant & Soap Making Factory in Kano State - to R&D Lab, Office and Wellness Spa in Abuja.

Ruqayya Tofa-Basheer’s work extends into impactful community sensitization programs, where she raises awareness on the dangers of skin bleaching and educates on the importance of safe, natural skincare practices. Through R.A.W. Beauty’s eco-friendly packaging and ethical sourcing, Ruqayya aligns her brand with sustainable practices, ensuring a positive impact on both the environment and local communities. Her commitment to ethical beauty reflects her deep-seated values of responsibility and respect for Africa’s natural resources. Her journey has not only positioned R.A.W. Beauty as a leader in Clean African Beauty also sparked important dialogues about the intersection of beauty, identity, and empowerment.

As the Chairlady of INTBAU Nigeria chapter, she has championed initiatives that align with her commitment to nature and sustainability. She organized Nigeria's first international conference on traditional building practices in Kano State, initiated workshops to promote indigenous building techniques, and collaborated with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to establish the Research Centre for Natural Building Materials, a facility that remains active today. These initiatives are a testament to her dedication to sustainability, driving awareness and practical solutions in environmentally conscious architecture.

As the Chairlady of INTBAU Nigeria chapter, she has championed initiatives that align with her commitment to nature and sustainability. She organized Nigeria's first international conference on traditional building practices in Kano State, initiated workshops to promote indigenous building techniques, and collaborated with Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, to establish the Research Centre for Natural Building Materials, a facility that remains active today. These initiatives are a testament to her dedication to sustainability, driving awareness and practical solutions in environmentally conscious architecture.