VANGUARD Newspapers, Sunday June 25, 2006. Page 6
Group Decries Discrimination Against Women

Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ), A Non Governmental Organization (NGO) has decried the gender discrimination against competent women in both corporate and public services which has denied women the right to attain a higher managerial positions in the country.

Hence it charged the society, both private and public sectors, to always create a conducive environment for competent women in its managerial functions, this it described as an impetus for growth in the economic status of the nation.

Speaking at a colloquium organized for female undergraduates in the University of Lagos, Chairperson of WIMBIZ, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, condemned the belief that women education ends in the kitchen, noting that “women are 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 handle current and future challenges that lay ahead of them in their work place, and how to cope and win without compromising their values.

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 to beat the challenges ahead for a successful management objective.

Speaking in the same vein the Executive Director of Junior Achievement 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 are tougher when they assume a position signifies how effective and efficient they can operate at managerial positions.

Wuraola however decried the situation whereby young ladies are used as unethical marketing tools by organizations.

“Why should a corporate organization employ a lady and give her targets that are not attainable and further encourage her to wear indecent dresses to induce clients or customers, this is very bad, I must say.”