Directors Advocate for Women's Leadership Empowerment as Key to National Development
Directors have asserted that empowering women in leadership roles is not just a social goal but a critical governance necessity and a driver for national development. This call was made during the Women Directors’ Luncheon organized by the Women’s Group of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, as part of its commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.
Leadership as a Catalyst for Change
Adetunji Oyebanji, President and Chairman of the Governing Council, urged organizations to intentionally mentor, generously support, and lead with purpose to ensure that pathways to leadership remain open and accessible for the next generation of women directors. He emphasized that leadership is not merely about holding positions of authority but about building people, shaping institutions, and leaving systems stronger than they were found.
Oyebanji highlighted that across boardrooms, public institutions, and enterprises, women continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership by bringing diverse perspectives, ethical stewardship, and long-term thinking to governance. However, he acknowledged that the journey toward full representation and influence in leadership spaces is still ongoing, requiring sustained effort and commitment.
Mentorship and Progress in Executive Roles
Speaking on the theme ‘Give to Gain: Leadership, Mentoring and Impact’, Moji Hunponu-Wusu, President of Woodhall Capital Limited, noted that mentorship should not be limited to young people. She pointed out that women often face structural barriers in leadership progression and are navigating the pathway to executive leadership.
Hunponu-Wusu cited statistics from the McKinsey and Company Women in the Workplace 2024 report, which shows that women now hold about 28 per cent of global C-suite roles, up from 17 per cent a decade ago. She described this progress as encouraging but stressed that the journey toward full representation in executive leadership and boardrooms is far from complete.
According to her, true leadership must create pathways for others, adding that the most enduring leaders are not those who simply reach the top but those who make it easier for others to rise. This perspective underscores the importance of mentorship and support in fostering a more inclusive leadership landscape.
Emphasizing Direction and Motivation
Ronke Sokefun, Chairman of the CIoD Women’s Group, emphasized the roles of leadership and mentorship in driving impact. She stated that leadership provides direction, while mentorship motivates capability and ensures that efforts are recognized and effective. This dual approach is seen as essential for empowering women and enhancing their contributions to national development.
The event highlighted the collective view that empowering women in leadership is not only a moral imperative but a strategic one, with the potential to significantly boost governance and economic growth in Nigeria. Directors called for continued advocacy, policy support, and organizational changes to break down barriers and promote gender diversity in leadership roles.
