The GUARDIAN, Tuesday, June 27, 2006, Page 35
NGO Hinges National Growth on Women Empowerment

WOMEN in Management and Business, (WIMBIZ), a non governmental organization, has identified the need for women to recognize and develop strategies that would drive the development and articulation of the socio-economic policies of the federal government.

It, however, charged the society , both private and public sector to always create a conducive environment for competent women in its managerial functions, this it described as a force for growth in the economic status of the nation.

Speaking at the colloquium organized for female undergraduates in the University of Lagos over the weekend, the Chairman of WIMBIZ, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika decried the gender discrimination against competent women in both corporate and public services which denies women the right to attain higher managerial positions in the country.

She condemned the general belief that the woman’s education ended in the kitchen, noting “women are also good managers and good entrepreneurs” when given the opportunity to operate.

Awosika, however, noted that the theme of the programme “Winning without Compromise” was focused at helping female undergraduates to handle current and future challenges that lay ahead of them in their workplace, and how to cope and win without compromising their values.

Perhaps, she further urged Nigerian women, particularly the youths to always remain focused and utilize every opportunity efficiently and effectively to achieve their objectives.

According to her, the youths should identify their talents and potentials and confidently formulate strategies to beat the challenges ahead for successful management objectives.

Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Director of Junior Achievers of Nigeria, Mrs. Kunbi Wuraola urged the undergraduates to always present themselves decently in the course of doing business and not give room for any intimidation or sexual harassment.

She stressed that the general belief that women were tougher when they assume a position signifies how effective and efficient they would operate in a managerial position.