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By Merit Ibe
The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has said achieving gender parity and women’s well-being in all spheres of life is essential to build thriving economies and a healthy world.
President and council chairman, NBCC,Ray Atelly, made the remark yesterday, at the chamber’s NBCC 2024 International Women’s Day event, themed: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” where he noted that the Chamber was proud to join the global community in celebrating women’s social, economic, cultural and political achievements worldwide while simultaneously recognizing the barriers they continue to face.
Atelly noted that the major challenge “we encounter, which our world needs today, is an alarming $360 billion annual deficit for developing countries to address gender equality measures by 2030, under the Sustainable Development Goals.”
He said despite these challenges, “we must advocate and invest in the human rights of each girl child and women as it aids in fostering a world where they can inhabit without violence, pressure or prejudice and they are saddled with governance and administrative roles as per their performance.”
The NBCC boss encouraged stakeholders to aid in advancing gender equality in the work place and support female leaders in making a difference by enhancing their professional influence and impact in diverse sectors.”
In her presentation, Tinuade Awe, former CEO, NGX Regulation Ltd, said to achieve accelerated societal progress, women must be empowered economically and provided with opportunities for entrepreneurship and leadership. She said institutions cannot only benefit from increased consumer spending but also contribute to gender equality and economic growth.
“Therefore, acknowledging and investing in women’s influence in consumer markets is essential for fostering a more inclusive and prosperous society.”
She highlighted the need to invest in women through resources and opportunities to foster personal and economic advancement.
‘Ensure that financial assets are accessible to women, as their economic participation and ownership of productive assets contribute significantly to development acceleration, poverty alleviation, inequality reduction, and improvements in children’s well-being.”
She also said it was important to think not only about securing financial gains for them but also about recognizing their rights, breaking down barriers that limit them, and creating a world where all women can thrive. She recommended raising awareness and advocacy efforts; investing in data and research to inform action; set targets and metrices; challenge bias and stereotypes; corporate collaboration and commitment; support female entrepreneurs, among others.
Among the panelists were Tajudeen Ahmed, Chairman Programmes committee, NBCC; Adeniyi Adekoya, Director, Prime Atlantic Ltd; Adesuwa Okunbo-Rhodes, Managing Partner, Aruwa Capital Management; Kemi Awodein, Managing Director, Investment Banking , Chapel Hill Denham Advisory Partners.
Adesuwa emphasised the need to close the funding gap, which will continue if nothing is done or action taken, adding that the funding gap is
persisting due to unconscious bias. She said unconscious biases need be broken, noting that more women are needed in investment making roles, to help their fellow women.
She said when you empower women, you empower society and community.
“As an organisation, when you are intentional about driving gender diversity, you will reap the benefit.
Women driving companies have better number of employees..
It’s a balanced and fair society when we take gender equality seriously.”
Adekoya noted that his organisation helps women grow in their career.
“I help them grow in their career and be all they can be.
We need more forum on gender equality.”
On her part, Adeola Azeez, member of women in business (WINBIZ), encouraged women to be bold, have a different mindset which most women don’t have and keep learning.
She emphasised the place of networking as women to make connections, noting that women should always speak out.
“The number of women who dare to speak the truth to power are few.
We need more women to continue to talk.
“As many women we have the courage to talk, speak out, to back up our fellow women..
We need to be confident and intentional in implementing rules in organisations.”
