Championing Women for Inclusive Leadership Roles in Society

On International Women's Day this year, a powerful theme was selected: ‘Inspiring Inclusion’, which reinforces the importance of creating a society that values and respects women, treats them fairly, and critically, empowers them to make an impact across all sectors. If we look at the context of Nigeria, for example, addressing the gender disparity in economic participation and opportunities would mean taking advantage of gender-responsive budgeting as a strategic tool for the government and decision-makers to enact positive change.

With current global challenges, ensuring gender equality is not just an ideal but a collaborative mission that needs to be pursued on multiple fronts. Protecting the rights of women and girls is paramount for building a fair present and a secure, prosperous future for all.

Gender diversity on corporate boards has become a focal point of international discussion, arguing for diversity, equity, and inclusion at these pivotal decision-making tables. Even with the acknowledged importance of a gender-balanced board, leaders and policymakers have found it difficult to increase women's representation effectively. It's a challenging issue that demands ongoing effort and resolve.

Research by KPMG BCG Advisory shows that in Nigeria's top 50 companies on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), women hold only about 26 percent of board seats. The situation becomes even more concerning at the leadership level, with only a small fraction of women serving as board chairs or CEOs.

Despite efforts to include more companies in the gender diversity assessment, the PWR Advisory's Gender Diversity Scorecard revealed a slow-paced change in appointing women to top positions, with only a handful of companies making noticeable progress. This contrasts sharply with companies in the FTSE 350, where women hold over 40 percent of board positions.

Accelerating progress

On a day-to-day basis, women face numerous obstacles to education, stemming from poverty, cultural norms, and other challenges. UNICEF's findings show that while enrolment rates between boys and girls are converging, completion rates, especially in low-income countries, tell a different story. Fewer girls complete both primary and secondary education compared to boys. Even when women achieve higher education levels, this does not necessarily translate into better employment and economic prospects.

In Nigeria, a striking number of women are entrepreneurs, but many operate in the informal sector, and those in formal employment often find themselves in traditional roles. In the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, there is a particular gap, with women making up a small percentage of graduates, and even fewer in the ICT sector. To address this, educational stakeholders must introduce gender-sensitive education and work environments to attract and retain female talent in STEM.

The need for championing 'sheroes' in inclusive leadership roles in Nigeria and globally is critical. Celebrating women's achievements is important, but we must also recognize the work still needed to ensure women's equal participation in leadership. Providing education and opportunities tailored to women not only advances individual 'sheroes' but also enriches our society. Inclusive leadership brings varied viewpoints, better decision-making, and fosters innovation. It is our collective duty to advocate for and invest in initiatives that empower women to be effective leaders, which in turn supports the growth of a more equitable and thriving society for all.

empowerment, inclusion, leadership