By Adewale Sanyaolu
The Society of Women in Safety, Health and Environment – Africa (SOWSHE-A) has unveiled plans to unite over 1,000 professionals at its inaugural African Women in Environmental, Occupational Health and Safety (EHS) Conference and Awards.
A statement by the founder of SOWSHE-A, Funmi Adegbola, said the pioneer event, will hold on September 27-28 in Lagos, Nigeria. Adegbola added that the conference will honour professionals from across Africa while empowering both aspiring and practicing Women in the EHS sector.
The conference with themed, “Breaking Barriers, Building Bridges: Women Leading the Way to Safer and Sustainable Communities,” promises to be a powerful platform for collaboration, innovation, and meaningful dialogue. Keynote addresses, panel discussions, and networking opportunities will highlight the essential contributions of women in EHS as well as promote creative ideas on the approach to foster a safer and more inclusive future for the profession.
“This conference represents a significant step forward in recognising and empowering women who are leading the way in EHS across Africa as well as championing and challenging the status quo on equality, diversity and inclusion in the profession.” Adegbola added. She further disclosed that the Society is thrilled to bring together a diverse lineup of speakers and presenters, including; Sulaiman Gumi, Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Safety Standards and Regulations; Dr. Vanessa Phala-Moyo, the Director, ILO Country Office for Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone; Mrs. Yetunde Ilori, President/Chairman of Council, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Michael Robinson, CEO, British Safety Council, Lanre Mojola, DG/CEO of Lagos State Safety Commission; and Vanessa Harwood-Whitcher, CEO, The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH).
“We look forward to partnering with organisations that share our vision of Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges for a safer and more inclusive culture in Africa,” Adegbola stated