Nigerian women have been urged to unite and empower themselves to take up leadership roles in various sectors of the society in spite of challenges.
The call was made by stakeholders at the Women In Leadership and Entrepreneurship (WOILEN) conference, themed “Empowered to lead, inspired to succeed, women shaping the future”.
Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Aisha Isma’il, in a keynote address, said that women must work to break societal limitations and take leadership roles in major sectors of the society.
“In human endeavors, have we aspired for excellence? Are we inspiring? Are women positive absolutely? And if we inspire, how come we are not in leadership? In the political, financial, economic and social scenes?”
She further stated that Nigerian men have failed in governance, development and peace and it’s up to women to take action and create positive change.
“It is up to us for the sake of our children and now our grandchildren, to wake up and use that small space given to us and explore.”
On her part, Mrs Adedayo Laniyi, Pioneer Mandate Secretary, Women and Children Affairs, FCTA, emphasised the importance of women in embracing their power and excellence.
She defined an empowered woman as one who acknowledges her potential, resilience and ingenuity.
Laniyi said that an empowered woman is one that embraces the power at her disposal to effect life changing initiatives.
She said that women in Nigeria must exploit their full potential by being original, exponential, and deliberate in their actions and deed.
Stella George, author and convener of the WOILEN Conference, explained that the conference was organised to connect women for collaboration, to inspire them with top speakers and entrepreneurs, and provide valuable insights for success.
“We want to see that their businesses thrive. We want to see that they get the full support. We want to see that they have everything that they need to have in order to move their businesses forward.
“We believe that women have so much potential. The leadership capacity of women cannot be overemphasised.”
She also called for further collaboration among stakeholders towards supporting women’s empowerment in the country.
“But we intend to see partners, government agencies, individuals, and businesses come together to support us, because we need to support women. The women need support.”
By Lynient Akotonou
