BY JOHNMARK UKOKO
Nigerian Women in Business have stressed the need to chart viable pathways to break barriers and biases in the socio-economic and political spheres of the country.
They stated this while brainstorming at an event organised by Bizwatch Nigeria, the country’s foremost business news publishing platform on the sidelines of International Women Day (IWD).
The event, which was held through a Webinar, had President of the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi; founding Partner of Prolyseis, Mrs. Adeidunnu Uba; Managing Director of Edufun Technik Stem, Mrs. Uchenna Onwuauaegbu-Ugwu as speakers, The Trumpet gathered.
Hosted by a journalist and business enthusiast, Mrs. Amina Omoike, the Webinar was attended by women from all walks of life, just as the keynote speaker, Mrs. Bisi Adeyemi, stated that for all gender barriers and biases to be broken, there was the need for a paradigm shift that would be embraced by everyone.
“We need to first change our thinking individually, which will have a direct influence on our approaches to life generally. If we indeed desire change, we need to consider doing things differently, such that the change we so much desire will be inevitable,” she said.
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Nothing that women were critical to nation building, wealth creation and development, the NBCC boss charged women to be resilient and determined to break certain barriers, adding: “You need to build resilience with good character and you need good character, competence, courage, confidence, connection, contribution, coping and control to break existing barriers that impede women from thriving in their chosen careers.
“To be financially tough, one has to be financially independent and spend wisely. Have a budget, invest and save. One key point to breaking the barrier is to also have a vision and goal. Your goal will direct you, help you stay focused and help actualise your goals. Define your purpose and be ambitious.”
Adeyemi added that women need to make the right choices, avoid procrastination and be well organised.
Also speaking, Uba lamented how women often feel limited due to lack of confidence and effects of the imposter syndrome.
While encouraging everyone, particularly women to be intentional as it relates to building self confidence, Uba stated: “To break the imposter syndrome, we as women, need to hold business accountable. Another way to step out of imposter syndrome is to ask tough questions.
“Be clear on what you want to achieve, give your business time to grow, be patient, grow your network and be intentional about what you are doing.
On her part Onwuamaegbu-Ugwu urged women to be courageous and do what they need to do with their heads up high, advising that they should pay no attention to detractors and naysayers.
