WIMBIZ advocates more women representation in govt, boards

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) have called for more involvement of women in all strata of the nation’s economy as well as decision-making bodies of government

To ensure that its views are not taken with kid’s gloves the organization said its annual conference scheduled for November 16th and 17th will critically address this issue and other similar ones affecting women in the society.

Besides, it said this year’s theme; “Leadership… Step Up and Stand Out!” was informed by the need to encourage women to rise up to leadership challenges among other critical roles where women have not been adequately represented.

Speaking at a press parley in Lagos at the weekend, the President of (WIMBIZ) Mrs.Osayi Alile, said, ‘‘in the past, women had very little input in decision making in Africa. This has improved tremendously overtime but there are still limitations in the minds of most women causing them to shy away from leadership roles’’.

She added that, ‘’for every women to step out of their comfort zones! Every human being enjoys his or her place of comfort. Exceptional people however have learnt the art of pursuing their dreams irrespective of their distraction, discouragement, discomfort or doubts. This thinking is what the session on Fear to Fierce will address. At the end of this session, every participant would have been equipped to actualize and strengthen his or her leadership skills. This will enable them to take the bold steps out of their comfort zones’’.

According to her ‘‘every woman must know how to manage her personal finance. One of the key challenges with women in politics for example is that most women are unable to finance their political careers. This is true in other aspects of life. How can women build their financial strength? How does the ability to grow finances impact women’s leadership? This session will draw on personal experiences of the panelists in building a strong case for women to mind their personal finances’’.

Central to the discussion of women and leadership is the subject of the family. This session seeks to help participants understand the critical role family plays in defining leadership both now and in the future. Issues to be discussed should include the role of nannies, the nanny dilemma and the role of parents in shaping the future of their children.

Lady Maiden Alex Ibru, Publisher, Guardian Newspapers is expected to chair the event, while Keynote address will delivered by Wendy Luhabe, Founder and Chairman, Women Private Equity Fund, South Africa.
Also expected at the event are women that have contributed to the growth of the economy, among whom is, Chairman, First Bank Plc., Ibukun Awosika.