The LBS Alumni association has urged women to accelerate action for true gender inclusion.
It was stated in an exclusive conversation with Nigeria’s top leaders as they talked about the critical questions shaping women-inclusive leadership in Nigeria.
“The future of leadership in Nigeria is inclusive, diverse, and unstoppable—but only if we take action now,” the association said in a note.
“Women remain underrepresented at the highest levels, holding less than 6 percent of CEO positions in listed companies, only 4 percent of leadership roles in finance beyond banking, and less than 10 percent in politics,” they stated.
It said Nigeria’s leadership landscape is shifting, but is it shifting fast enough?
“For the first time in history, 11 of Nigeria’s 26 commercial bank MDs are women—a testament to progress, yet an urgent reminder that many industries still lag behind,” the statement said.
Owen Omogiafo, president of LBS Alumni Association said there is a gender construct assigned to male and female which is notwithstanding the roles or reason.
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“There is a refined way of blowing your horn; do it,” she said.
Adebola Williams, co-founder of Red Media Africa, while speaking on strategies that will drive gender inclusion said when girls go to school they raise healthier children.
“We must continue to educate people on the benefits of closing the gender gap,” he said. “Decision makers should understand that work from home is better for women as long as it does not affect productivity.”
He urged men not to be a party to negative masculinity.
“Do not be ashamed of supporting women and be comfortable to show symbolic moment where you take side with women,” Williams said.
Tara Fela-Durotoye, CEO of House of Tara International said she was able to scale her business and still have a family life because of the sense of responsibility.
“Starting a business as a hobby, you have to believe in the vision, articulate the vision, talk about it and sell it to your husband and family to support you,” she said.
“I had a strong support system which include my sisters who stay with my children. When you share your business and you are passionate about it then you raise believers who believe in it till you succeed,” she noted.
Yinka David-West, dean of Lagos Business School said women should earn their strides and there is nothing a woman can not do.
“It is not easy but you have to rise against the rules and do the work then there is no discrimination in that,” she said.
She stated that male dominance is a thing of the mind and women have to just show up more.
Foluso Gbadamosi, executive director of Junior Achievement Nigeria said women have to surround themselves with people that elevate them.
“Visibility is a must for women because they are doing amazing work and no one knows,” she said.
She urged women to let their voice be heard.
“If you are in a room, be seen as a woman that has value to add,”Gbadmosi said. “The banking industry has women prepared which has opened doors for other women.”
