Guardian

THE need to have more women rise to challenges of leadership positions and having them realise their aspirations was the focus of the media parley organised by board members of Women in Management and Business in Nigeria (WIMBIZ) recently. The event laid emphasis on the urgent need for professional women to take up the challenge and get involved in the nation’s governance system.

Adeola Azeez, chairperson of Wimbiz said the greatest achievement of the organisation in the last twelve years has been its ability to transform the lives of many Nigerian Women and their businesses, thus raising more upwardly mobile ladies through its mentoring programmes in campuses.

She said through WIMBIZ’s market place programme, many young women have been financially empowered and are running their businesses successfully and putting food on their families’ table. She said: “As a non-profit organization, our passion is to empower more women consistently and collectively address the issues that militate against their progress and wellbeing. And this is what we will continue to do as we share our ideas about our lives and businesses.”

On her part, Yewande Zaccheaus said WIMBIZ has continually raised the profile of the corporate Nigerian woman. She said one thing that WIMBIZ can boast of is the pull of women achievers who have distinguished themselves in their fields of endeavour. They are great achievers in their own right. These women have been working hard to impact other younger women.

She said; “We understand the challenges that younger Ladies have today. They have greater challenges than we had while growing up. We really appreciate and understand these numerous challenges and that is why we train and empower them to overcome these challenges on their way to the top.

Records have shown that women are more focused, diligent, prudent and honest in leadership than most men. With WIMBIZ, you need discipline, hard work and perseverance.  These are the kind of issues we deal with in WIMBIZ. You have helped us to position ourselves where we can really make a greater difference in the lives of women. We wouldn’t have gone all the way without you. That is why we want you to partner more with us in delivering our mandate.”

Another WIMBIZ member, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo said the organisation acts as a catalyst, creating awareness and pulling women together.

She said; “In our march towards developing a more formidable army of women achievers, what BIMBIZ is looking for a partnership with the media that will help her deliver her goals and objectives. Its mentoring programme has been a huge success.”

Bola Austine Peters, an entrepreneur said, the way to the top is tough, especially for women. She confessed that because the way to the top is rough, many women do not make it. To help women overcome these challenges is also a way of making those at the top stay fit.

She said: “ the way we can help in building a better society is for those at the top to help those at the bottom and those coming behind. And that is what WIMBIZ is doing. That is why WIMBIZ is for women in management, business and public life. That is why we are trying to see those things that we can do and how best to achieve our set objectives.

“In these twelve years, you the media have been our friends. You have covered our programs and focused on the things we are doing with the women. What we need from you is to partner with us indetermination to reach more women.”