Okonjo-Iweala Offers Success Recipes to Career Women

By Ahmed Rahma

The importance of women living authentically, pulling on the power and building networks in order to attain the desired stage in their career and life has again been emphasised at the Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR) 2020.

At the annual event, the keynote speaker, Mrs Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, stated that, “If you are going to be a leader, you have to be yourself and have self-confidence.”

“You also need to give back to others and to society. This could be by simply running a winning enterprise and employing people, but your self-confidence and vision will need to be visible.

“Evolve a style for yourself and get people to focus on your substance, don’t be afraid to make your presence felt and don’t be afraid to make your point,” she further said.

In her goodwill message, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, disclosed that women have a huge role to play in the national discourse.

“We in government have heeded the call to action for the development and implementation of strategic policies and initiatives that would aid in closing the gender gap. A call to promote women leadership and economic empowerment.

“I sit here today, having benefitted from mentorship from both men and women who had seen my potential and had to champion my work and advancement. I therefore believe strongly in the power of mentorship and in the work of organizations such as WISCAR,” she said.

In her contribution, the chairperson of WISCAR, Ms Amina Oyagbola, said the theme of this year’s conference, The Future We Want, accurately describes the immediate need for all to fully participate in rebuilding the nation especially after what has been termed by many as a most unusual year.

In her words, “Through proactive partnerships, we would remove the socio-economic and cultural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the society and also from reaping the economic benefits of their participation.

“It is also pertinent that everyone is united in this common cause of creating a better future, not just for us here but for the coming generation. Our actions must be sustainable and impactful.”

She further thanked all participants, the panelists, keynote speaker and well-wishers who in one way or the other contributed to the success of the event.

WISCAR is a non-profit organization focused on empowering and developing professional women to contribute to development and growth in Nigeria and indeed Africa.