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SUNU Health Nigeria Empowers More Women in its Workforce

by Women Times on

Celebrating International Women’s Day 2024, SUNU Health Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating progress in the healthcare industry with the strength of its exceptional women leaders and workforce.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SUNU Health Nigeria is a prominent health maintenance organization (HMO) and a member of the SUNU Group.

The 2024 International Women’s Day theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” calls upon all to take concrete action by empowering women in Nigeria, Africa, and across the globe with the necessary opportunities to unlock their full potential and drive significant progress in various fields.

Amidst a celebratory atmosphere at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, the festivities were broadcast live across its branches, spanning various geopolitical zones in Nigeria.

The event offered a multifaceted experience, featuring speeches and engaging activities to captivate participants.

Dr. Patrick Korie, Managing Director of SUNU Health Nigeria, expressed his excitement about commemorating the annual occasion, highlighting the company’s steadfast commitment to promoting inclusivity—an enduring practice.

“We take pride in our diverse workforce, particularly the significant presence of women who play pivotal roles in shaping the healthcare landscape, delivering outstanding care, and propelling innovation forward.

“On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and invaluable contributions,’’ he remarked.

Dr. Amarachi Alilionu, Managing Director of Sparkling Eye, a guest and partner at the event, shared her inspiring life journey, emphasising the importance of resilience and continuous learning to stay relevant throughout life.

She encouraged the women present to cultivate this same perseverance. “Don’t see your gender as a limitation. Instead, use it as a source of strength to become the best version of yourself,” she emphasised.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Faith Nwachi, Chief Operating Officer, SUNU Health Nigeria, highlighted the company’s recognition of women’s critical role in healthcare.

“From doctors and nurses to administrators and researchers, their contributions are invaluable as they foster an inclusive environment that empowers women to thrive and reach their full potential.

“SUNU Health Nigeria’s investment in its female workforce has been instrumental in my career growth.

“The company offers a variety of programs and initiatives that empower women to advance their careers by equipping them with the necessary skills and resources to succeed,” she said.

Nwachi also buttressed the importance of women being prepared for the opportunities available in the healthcare sector, as while there are numerous possibilities, only those with the necessary qualifications would be able to seize them.

NAN also reports that SUNU Health Nigeria, accredited by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), offers a comprehensive healthcare experience.

With over 25 years of experience, 1,600+ healthcare providers, and over 150,000 satisfied clients, SUNU Health Nigeria is committed to delivering quality care, and its commitment extends beyond the workforce as it actively promotes women’s leadership in the healthcare sector. 

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Empowerment

Moniepoint Commemorates IWD, Calls for Application into 4th Edition of Women in Tech

by Women Times on

The role of women and their centrality to the growth and evolution of technology has been widely acknowledged. Yet, recent statistics show that women remain underrepresented in the technology industry.

The last census results by the National Population Commission show that there are almost as many women as there are men in Nigeria, however data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on women and men in the country reveal that women occupy just 25% of the employment rate in the technology industry even as 22% of annual STEM graduates from Nigerian universities are women. Although a global challenge, these gaps have underscored the need to increase female representation in the tech industry in Nigeria.

As the world marks the 2024 International Women’s Day, IWD and against the backdrop of the successful execution of its three previous editions, leading digital financial services provider for emerging markets and the second-fastest growing company in Africa, Moniepoint Inc has announced the launch of this year’s edition of the Women-In-Tech initiative. This year’s IWD campaign theme of #InspireInclusion calls for action to break down barriers, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where all women are valued and respected.

Given that previous editions had 5 women in each cohort, this year the 6-month internship programme which is aimed at ensuring that young women have access to building a career in technology will see 10 women take on roles in various teams that include Cloud Engineering, Backend Engineering, Technical Product Management, Data Engineering, Systems Administration, Technical Support and User Experience. Christened as the Dream 10, these women will be provided with direct mentorship during the internship. Other perks include; a salary, work tools, merch, the opportunity to work on live projects during the course of the internship and an offer of full-time employment depending on assessment post-internship.

The goal of the Women in Tech initiative has always been to provide women with the opportunity to grow their skills by gaining the necessary experience to advance their careers. As such, selected applicants get to spend time working on real projects to help shape digital finance in Africa. Alumni from the programme have become active contributors to the development of their products making a huge difference in the world while making significant strides within the tech ecosystem.

Speaking on this year’s edition, Chinaza Nduka-Dike, Head, People Operations at Moniepoint Inc noted that with this initiative the organization is going over and beyond inspiring inclusion to demonstrating a genuine commitment to making a difference in the lives of women.

“Increasingly we are seeing that diversity, inclusion can ignite innovation and growth. Intentional outreaches such as our Women in Tech which have helped to increase female representation and have had a transformative power to create meaningful inclusion while ensuring that we can keep pace with the talent development in a global economy. We have been able to fill talent gaps while giving women great jobs and a sustainable livelihood. Looking back at the past editions, we are filled with an immense sense of pride at the progress made and looking forward to adding more women to the pool who in turn can grow as leaders and build thriving, successful organizations”, she said.

Tefe Oladejo, a frontend engineer and member of the pioneer cohort of the Moniepoint Women in Tech expressed her delight at the increased number of internship roles available for the 2024 programme.

“I am a living witness to the transformative power of bold action initiatives like this. It’s been a privilege to work on products that you can see making a visible difference in the lives of millions. Moniepoint’s supportive ecosystem has been very pivotal to my growth and personal development,” she said.

Since 2019, Moniepoint’s technology has powered the dreams of over 2 million businesses and individuals, offering personal and business banking, payment, credit and business management tools to help them succeed.

The internship is open to women across Africa who are interested in starting a career in technology. Interested applicants can find out more about available roles and apply for the programme via the Women in Tech website, https://womenintech.moniepoint.com

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Empowerment

ALX Empowers Female Entrepreneurs for International Women’s Day

by Women Times on

As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, ALX Nigeria, a leading tech career accelerator, hosted a special engagement to honour and celebrate its female learners and entrepreneurs.

The event served as a platform for female entrepreneurs to showcase their business ideas and vie for the chance to win a business grant provided by telecoms giant, 9mobile. Additionally, ALX announced the relaunch of its Tech Startup academy, ALX Ventures which includes a Founder’s Academy, an accelerator, and a fund.

The celebration, which was held on March 2nd at the ALX Costain hub, Lagos, brought together a diverse group of aspiring female entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and supporters of women in tech. Attendees were treated to a series of inspiring pitches from female entrepreneurs, each highlighting their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit.

One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of the business grant winners. Chisom Ukachukwu, ALX Salesforce Learner and winner of the ALX & 9mobile Pitch Your Business competition took home the grand prize of five hundred thousand Naira, Adediran Irebamiji, from ALX Founders Academy won three hundred thousand naira as the 1st runner up, while Winifred Nnamdi, ALX Data Science Learner, won a hundred thousand naira, as 2nd runner-up.

Thanks to the collaboration between ALX and 9mobile, several other deserving female entrepreneurs received funding to further develop and scale their ventures, empowering them to make a lasting impact in their communities and beyond.

In addition to recognising the achievements of female entrepreneurs, the event also marked the relaunch of ALX Ventures, the tech startup academy arm of ALX. This initiative aims to provide aspiring entrepreneurs with the necessary skills, resources, and support to turn their tech-based ideas into successful businesses.

Speaking about the event, Ruby Igwe, Country General Manager of ALX, emphasized the importance of supporting women in tech and fostering a culture of collaboration and empowerment.

“At ALX, we believe in the power of female entrepreneurship to drive innovation and change. Events like these not only celebrate the successes of women in tech but also serve as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another on our journey toward success. We are thrilled to see the incredible talent and potential showcased today and look forward to continuing to empower and uplift women in the tech industry,” Igwe emphasized.

As the world commemorates International Women’s Day, ALX remains committed to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech ecosystem, paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
To be a part of the inspiring ALX community, visit alxafrica.ng.

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Empowerment

Y’ellopreneur: 150 Women to Receive N450 Million Equipment Grant

by Women Times on

MTN Foundation’s Y’elloprenuer initiative kicks off in its second phase in style with a media parley at the MTN Plaza, Falomo on the 5th of March, 2023. The second phase of this initiative aims to train 1,000 women entrepreneurs across the country with equipment loan extended to 150.

 

The outstanding 150 female entrepreneurs with great business ideas will be supported with an equipment loan of up to 3 million Naira each at a fixed interest rate of 2.5% and a 36-month repayment duration.

 

In 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that 40% of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria are owned by women. This finding represents a substantial advancement towards greater gender parity in the entrepreneurial sector. This is evidence that the efforts from initiatives like MTN’s Y’ellopreneur are yielding positive results.

 

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director, MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, stated, “While we are encouraged that more women are taking on entrepreneurship in the country, there is more to do as women are still largely disadvantaged in capital and business skills. Through the Y’ellopreneur programme, we can empower this critical demography in the country while supporting the government’s effort towards economic revitalisation.”

 

The Y’ellopreneur initiative is in partnership with Zenith bank. The initiative is part of the MTN Foundation’s efforts to improve women’s empowerment and assist in the reduction of female unemployment in Nigeria. This initiative also aims to transform small businesses for women across the country

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Empowerment

WINBAFRICA @ 10: Experts Call for Renewed Commitment to Women’s Empowerment for Nation-Building

by Women Times on

African countries have been urged to renew their commitment to women’s empowerment as a crucial step towards nation-building.

This call was made by a former Rector of the Yaba College of Technology, Engineer Obafemi Omokungbe, in his keynote address during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Omokungbe, who is also a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, aligned his advocacy with the broader initiative by WINBAFRICA for women’s empowerment in Africa, which aims to improve access to education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and political participation for women. He emphasized that this multifaceted effort aims to eliminate gender inequality, uphold women’s rights, and create an environment where women can thrive socially, economically, and politically.

WINBAFRICA is a non-profit organization that implements various projects and interventions including Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back-to-School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and Monthly Newsletter production.

According to Omokungbe, the journey toward women’s empowerment in Africa involves a comprehensive approach that spans various sectors, including education, healthcare, economy, and politics. By investing in women’s empowerment, the scholar believes, African countries can cultivate a more equitable society where women can achieve their full potential and contribute to the growth and development of their nations.

He said: “These renewed commitments would require collaboration and partnership among governments, Civil Society, the Private sector and International Organizations. They include the implementation of programmes and initiatives to promote women’s entrepreneurship, access to credit, land ownership, and participation in the formal economy including targeted support for women in agriculture and small businesses. Commitment to increasing women’s representation in political leadership and decision-making positions through measures such as quotas, training programmes, and support for women’s political participation at all levels of government and comprehensive strategies to prevent and address gender-based violence including legal reforms, support services for survivors and campaigns to change social norms and attitudes that perpetuate violence against women.”

L-R: Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi (founder WINBAFRICA), Osademe Victoria, pupil of Bomak International School, Surulere (Best speaker WINBAFRICA School debates 2024), Ummi Bodede (Chairperson Debate panel of Judges) during the 10th anniversary of the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WINBAFRICA) held at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos

President, WINBAFRICA, Dr Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi, said the event with the theme, Bridging the Gap: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” was designed to celebrate the legacy and advancement of women’s course.

“Nation-building is an ongoing effort carried out by women of every generation. As we reflect on our accomplishments over the past decade, we remain committed to empowering future generations in all sectors of the economy. We provide tuition, teaching equipment, and other resources to young girls and boys to show them that we care about their education and that they are the ones who will continue this effort. Our ultimate goal is to promote unity and peace and to inspire hope for a better future,” she submitted.

A school debate competition between Steady Steps School in Lekki and Bomak International Schools in Surulere, Lagos highlighted the commemorative event. The two schools had made it to the final stage of the competition. Victoria Osademe of Bomak International Schools, Surulere, Lagos emerged as the best speaker of the day while Steady Steps School, Lekki won the WINBAFRICA Young Nation Builders’ Trophy (WYNBT).

During the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable, senior secondary students of Bomak International College in Surulere, Lagos discussed Environmental Responsibility. Additionally, 20 young girls and boys were beneficiaries of the WINBAFRICA scholarship program at the event.

Other dignitaries that graced the occasion included Dr Kemi Akiyode Adebayo (BOT, WINBAFRICA), Toyin Joe Bassey (Secretary General, WINBAFRICA), Dr Oluseun Popoola (Panelist Chairperson) among others.

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Empowerment

WINBAFRICA@10 Set to Empower Women, Girls with Scholarship

by Women Times on

In its 10th year of dedicating and promoting girl-child education and empowering women and young girls in critical thinking and leadership skills in secondary schools across Africa, African Women Foundation for Nation Building, WINBAFRICA, is set for this year’s edition with the theme, Bridging the Gab: Celebrating a decade of Nation Building” on Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Alliance Francaise, Mike Adenuga center, Ikoyi, Lagos – Nigeria.

A non-governmental organization, WINBAFRICA projects, and interventions include Education First Series, Project Sapphire, Orphanage Challenge, Project Back–to–School, WINBAFRICA Monthly Round Table, WINBAFRICA Food Bank, and the Production of a Monthly Newsletter.

This year’s edition marks the milestone celebration of unbroken 10 years of service to women and girl-child which started operations in 2014. As part of lineups for this year’s celebration, WINBAFRICA has announced the annual school debate competition and scholarship programme for 20 young girls across the continent. The Schools Debate will be between Steady Steps School, Lekki, and Bomak International Schools Surulere, Lagos, who have emerged at the final stage of the competition. Both schools will be competing for WINBAFRICA YOUNG NATION BUILDERS’ TROPHY (WYNBT) in a debate.

Speaking on the initiative, which is the first event in the series of events in 2024 to commemorate its 10th anniversary, the President, WINBAFRICA, and Chief Strategist, Irachy PR, Dr. Bukola Bello-Jaiyesimi said the organization is looking forward to expanding its reach and impact, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of girls across Africa.

She noted; “Through initiatives like the scholarship program, WINBAFRICA is paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. WINBAFRICA’s 10th anniversary is a testament to the organization’s dedication and commitment to promoting education and empowering women and girls in Africa.

“This year’s programme is a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where girls have the opportunity to thrive and succeed, paving the way for a brighter future for girls and empowering them to reach their full potential. As we celebrate WINBAFRICA’s achievements over the past decade, let us continue to support and champion the rights of girls to education and empowerment. Together, we can build a brighter future for all.

“The school debate competition will provide a platform for girls to showcase their talents and engage in meaningful discussions on important social and economic issues facing them and the continent.”

Speaking further, Dr. Jaiyesimi revealed that aside from the Schools Debate competition, the senior secondary students of Bomak International College, Surulere, Lagos would be at the front burner discussing Environmental Responsibility during the WINBAFRICA Business Roundtable.

Founded in 2014 by a group of dedicated women led by Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, an Entrepreneur, Pan-Africanist, and multiple award recipient with a passion for projecting women’s issues, WINBAFRICA is present in Ghana, Gambia, South Africa, and Ethiopia. The organization has been at the forefront of championing the rights of girls to education and providing them with the necessary tools and resources to succeed. Over the past decade, the organization has impacted the lives of thousands of women and young girls in Africa through its various programs and initiatives.

WINBAFRICA has the mandate to transform African society by supporting women and girls to play significant roles in nation-building as well as creating avenues for identifying, raising, and supporting women leaders, we come together to brainstorm on issues affecting their well-being and generating practical and achievable solutions, our fundamental tenet is education.

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Empowerment

APPLY: 100 Women-Led SMEs to Get Support at the 3rd Cohort of Growth4Her

by Women Times on

Creative Space Startups, a non-profit organisation, is thrilled to announce that applications for the selection of 100 women-led SMEs in Nigeria and Cameroon are now open for the third cohort of Growth4Her. Growth4Her operates as a consortium involving Creative Space Startups, SocioCapital Impact Group, The Learning Gate, and ActivSpaces, overseeing the management of the Cohort.

Growth4Her is an investor readiness accelerator program designed to support and empower women entrepreneurs by providing them with capacity building and tools to scale up their businesses. The program has a proven track record of success, with participants from its last two cohorts transitioning from small to high-potential, fundable growth-stage businesses. The program equips women-led SME owners with investment readiness skills, connects them directly to funders, and cultivates an ecosystem that supports their businesses.

“We are excited to welcome the next generation of bold and innovative women leaders to the Growth4Her program,” says Sefunmi Obielodan, Program Manager at Creative Space Startups. “We believe that by investing in women entrepreneurs, we are not only driving economic growth but also fostering a more inclusive and sustainable future for Africa.”

Africa has the highest proportion of women entrepreneurs, but the challenge lies in ensuring they receive adequate support for growth, particularly access to funding. In 2021, the African Development Bank (AfDB) reported a $42 billion gender financing gap in Africa. As an AFAWA Women Entrepreneurship Enabler funded by the AfDB’s AFAWA initiative, Growth4Her addresses this significant concern. Over the next five years, the program aims to empower 1,500 women entrepreneurs across 10 African cities, with a specific focus on Women-led Small and Medium Enterprises (WSMEs).

The 100 selected women entrepreneurs will receive capacity building and mentorship, psychosocial and policy support, access to funding, media exposure and exposure to markets across Africa and beyond.

To be eligible, the business must meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • Be at least 51% owned by a woman.

  • Be at least 20% owned by a woman and have a woman serving as a C-Level Executive (CEO, COO, CTO, CFO, etc.).

  • Have a board of directors with at least 30% women members.

  • Have between 5 and 300 employees and operate in Cameroon or Nigeria.

  • Have annual sales between US$35,000 and US$15 million.

  • Be able to dedicate 1 week to an intensive virtual and physical bootcamp and 3 hours for mentorship engagement for a period of 8 weeks.

Women-led SMEs are invited to apply by March 6, 2024. For more details and to submit applications, please visit www.growth4her.org/apply .

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Empowerment

Experts Call for Counseling to Curb Social Anomalies as 53 Graduates from ICN

by Women Times on

Counselors, psychotherapists, and other experts have advocated for counseling to eradicate the rising cases of social anomalies like corruption, suicide, drug abuse, rape, and others in Africa.

They gave the charge at the 5th Graduation & Awards Giving Ceremony of the Institute of Counseling in Nigeria (ICN) held recently in Lagos where 53 graduated from the institute.

In her welcome address, the Provost of ICN, Dr. Tolulope Oko-Igaire said to have a functional society all critical stakeholders from schools to churches, mosques, hospitals, and private and public organisations including government parastatals must embrace counseling, stating that the problem of Africa is beyond poverty but ‘poverty of the mind’ and counseling will help change people’s mindset.

“Until Africans begin to think right, there is no hope of feeling or acting right, and the only solution to thinking right is cognitive reconditioning and behavioral modification. From our schools to our churches, mosques, hospitals, private and public organizations, government parastatals down to the smallest unit that makes up the society, which is the family, it is high time we embrace professional counseling. We need to go through the journey of self-discovery, work on our generational traumas, and resolve our conflicting thought patterns, only until then can we have a functional society.

“This is why I congratulate our newest world changers; you are the ones who will bring about the necessary changes needed to take Africa to its destination. Go out there and open up people’s minds to this misery called professional counseling, join us in leading the campaign of mental health awareness and help in taking Africa to the promised land,” she stated.

The Board Chairman of ICN, Wale Adefarasin added that counseling will help address social issues like divorce, domestic violence, addiction, and others if it is embraced by stakeholders. He pointed out that “For example, intending couples seek proper counseling before marriage to help manage possible anomalies in their relationships. This and many more are what counseling helps to address; unfortunately, the awareness is not on the line to bring this notice to the public.”

He therefore charged the graduates to remain steadfast in spreading the news and making an impact through counseling to make the society better.”I say a very big congratulations to you all. This is a stepping stone; the light has been kindled in you all to illuminate lives. It may not be as easy, you may experience difficulties at some point in time.

However, I implore you to make lives, make impacts, and keep publicizing the good news of counseling. The world is yours, go out and shine.”

In the same vein, the President, ICN Alumni Exco Counselor Odusanya Oluremi equally charged the graduates to work with the Alumni community to discharge the responsibility of advancing the study, training, and practice of the counseling profession in Nigeria and Africa.

In her words, “Your passion and desire to become a clinical counselor, psychotherapist, and registered member of the counseling profession has become a reality. I can assure you that great opportunities lie ahead for a breakthrough in counseling career.

“I, therefore, charge you to go out there and make a sound impact in the different aspects of counseling you have chosen.”

ICN is positioned to enroll and educate students from all parts of Africa and the rest of the world through her online and offline blended training program.

ICN is positioned to enroll and educate students from all parts of Africa and the rest of the world through her online and offline blended training program. As well as help corporate organisation improves employee wellbeing through her specialised training.

It has been at the fore front of mental health counseling training, intervention and sensitisation in Africa.

 

The Institute was founded in 2010 as a not-for-profit independent educational charity. The passion to help people achieve their dreams of becoming professional counselors birthed this vision; the aim is to fill the vacuum of lack of access to standard education and the inability to acquire professional certificates in the field of counseling and psychotherapy in Africa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Empowerment

WISCAR Presents the 2023 Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference: “In Her Own Voice: Forging Ahead”

by Women Times on

Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), a non-profit and non-governmental organization committed to advancing professional women in Nigeria and across Africa, proudly announces its 2023 Annual Leadership and Mentoring Conference. The event will take place on Saturday, 9th December 2023, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the prestigious Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Themed “In Her Own Voice: Forging Ahead”, the conference will provide an opportunity for a transformative gathering where exceptional women, renowned speakers, policymakers, and thought leaders converge to share insights and engage in a diverse array of activities. The platform fosters inspiration, empowers professional women to take the lead in driving positive change, and generates actionable recommendations contributing to inclusive and sustainable national development. The event will kick off with a Mentoring Walk on Saturday, the 25th of November 2023, at Eko Atlantic City. This walk serves as the inaugural event, setting the tone for the conference and providing an opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful discussions.

Commenting on WISCAR and its mission for women empowerment, Amina Oyagbola, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, said “WISCAR is dedicated to propelling professional women to the forefront of Nigeria and Africa’s development and growth. Drawing inspiration from ALIWA (Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa), we strive to cultivate a powerful network of female professionals equipped to lead, drive social innovation, and take critical decisions that will usher in a new era of excellence in the workplace. Our annual leadership conference is designed to foster a vibrant and supportive environment for women from diverse professional backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and forge meaningful connections. The theme of this year’s conference symbolizes our unyielding commitment to gender equality, women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and sustainable development. It highlights the enduring and progressive voices of women—a generation poised to break new ground and guide society towards greater achievements and sustained growth and prosperity”.

The conference will include networking and interactive sessions that drives innovation and encourage participants to engage with each other, expand their professional circles, and build lasting relationships. WISCAR believes that by fostering a sense of community and collaboration, it can empower women to leverage their collective strengths and advance in various fields.

WISCAR is supported by a variety of organizations that share a commitment to the cause. Diamond sponsors include First Bank of Nigeria, United Airlines, and Pacific Holdings Limited. The platinum sponsor is First City Monument Bank, and the gold sponsor is IHS Nigeria Limited. The silver sponsors are Stanbic IBTC Holdings, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo), The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), SunTrust Bank Nigeria Limited, and FSDH Merchant Bank. Bronze sponsors consist of Mainone, Ernst & Young, FBNQuest Merchant Bank, FBNQuest Asset Management, TAJ Bank, and Access Bank. Additionally, strategic sponsors UN Women, Habiba Balogun Consulting, Oyagbola Chambers, AKMS Consulting, Hills + Knowlton Strategies, and DKK contribute to WISCAR’s success.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Empowerment

Empowering Women: Ogochukwu Eloike Unveils Secrets Behind ‘Ichabod’ – A Groundbreaking Self-Help Book for Women

by Women Times on

– Proffers practicable solutions on how women can be more proactive in pursuit of their purpose before marriage
– Kick starts hashtags #Ichabod, #ImEnough to allow women share their experiences as women

 

A writer and renowned communications strategist, Ogochukwu Geraldine Eloike, has launched her first book titled “Ichabod”, a clear narration of the feminine experience and how these experiences are being trivialized by society thus widening the gender gap.

The book, published by Parresia Publishers Ltd, under the Origami imprint, provides practicable roles the society and individuals can play in entrenching equity and ameliorating gender wariness which has been on the rise in recent times.

As part of the activities to launch the book, the author, Ogochukwu has kick-started hashtags campaign #Ichabod and #ImEnough to give women a voice and platform to share their life experiences in relation to manifestations of gender inequity and shortfalls. Through the hashtags, women and girls can share their experiences as girls and young adults living in patriarchal societies and how these experiences have shaped their life decisions thus far.

Shedding more light on the invaluable nature of the book – Ichabod, the author noted that “the term Ichabod has biblical connotation which means lost glory and it is used as the book title to allude to various ways we have gotten the training and raising of the girls wrong by paying much tribute to male children across various touchpoints. Understandably, in recent times, we have a series of activities designed to celebrate girls and women, but, our socio-cultural foundation remains patriarchal. For instance, in the Nigerian political environment, the senate unanimously voted against a gender-balanced house in 2021 and the action clearly depicts the perception of women as unequal and undeserving of leadership positions even when existing and emerging data shows that women, in some contexts are better leaders”, she said.

“Ichabod” is a direct and honest analysis of current gender disparity situations, not just in Nigeria but across the globe using real-life data garnered online and offline to measure various drivers of abuses, dissatisfaction, and perceived/established differences amongst both genders. The insights allow for a direct call to action for women as emerging data depict a rapid increase in gender-based violence, especially by spouses or close family members. And it is my hope that this book will trigger some sort of paradigm shift in various societies so that as people, we would pay more attention to the needs of each other instead of trying to subjugate and exert authority over one another”.

It is also identified in the book, as a key imperative for various stakeholders starting from families to look beyond the status quo and become more involved in addressing foundational causes of misogyny as unhappy mothers are most likely to raise unhappy children.

 

Institutions like government parastatals and religious establishments are also required to put in place structures that would test and allow for equity and help in actively bridging the gap created by gender disparity.

The book, “Ichabod” is available on PBC PageBook, OkadaBooks, Amazon Kindle, Amazon paperback, and hard copies can also be ordered on +2347062010410, info@parresia.com.ng from Parresia Publishers or a walk-in at 1st Floor Ibilola Nelson House, 82 Allen Ave, Ikeja, Lagos.

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