Stakeholders in Nigeria are advocating for a shift in focus from women's representation in organisations to meaningful participation, influence, and economic power. This call was made during the TEWS 2.0 Media Parley, an event organised as part of The Executive Woman Summit. The stakeholders argue that having a presence in positions of authority does not necessarily translate to having a voice in key decisions.
Executive Coach and Board Advisor, Bola Matel-Okoh, emphasised the need for a change in conversation around women's advancement. She believes that the focus should move beyond inclusion to creating clear pathways for women to progress into senior management and chief executive positions. Matel-Okoh shared her experience on a bank's board, where despite having several women, the number significantly drops at senior and executive management levels.
Matel-Okoh stressed that organisations must address the career pathways through which women enter and progress. She noted that women are often limited to support functions such as legal and human resources, and called for systems that enable women to progress into CEO and senior management positions. This, she believes, will ensure that women have a clear path to leadership roles.
Board Chair and Independent Non-Executive Director, Folake Sanu, also spoke at the event. She emphasised that women need to develop competencies beyond their functional areas to progress into executive leadership. Sanu noted that while women may become highly skilled in specific departments, executive leadership requires an understanding of areas such as market performance, customer experience, and financial management.
Sanu urged women to understand their key performance indicators and how their roles contribute to the wider organisation. She stressed that competence alone is not enough for progression beyond managerial positions. Additionally, Sanu highlighted the importance of sponsorship in career advancement, noting that women need people who can support their progression within the organisation.
Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, CEO and Managing Director of Z-Edge Limited, offered a different perspective on women's success. She believes that discussions about women's success should also recognise the failures, struggles, and circumstances behind their achievements. Atanda-Owo urged women to consider the people around them as part of their definition of success and to support other women to grow.
The stakeholders' call for a shift in focus from representation to influence and economic power highlights the challenges women face in Nigeria's corporate world. The event provided a platform for women leaders to share their experiences and offer advice to others. The push for women's economic empowerment is expected to continue, with a focus on creating clear pathways for women's progression into leadership roles.
Key points
- Stakeholders call for shift from women's representation to influence and economic power in organisations.
- Organisations must address career pathways for women to progress into senior management and chief executive positions.
- Women need to develop competencies beyond their functional areas to progress into executive leadership.
