Entrepreneurs Link Economic Growth to Women's Empowerment at Lagos Forum
Business leaders and entrepreneurs have emphasized that Nigeria's economic progress is intrinsically tied to the empowerment of women, calling for targeted interventions to dismantle barriers that hinder female-led enterprises. This clarion call was made during a high-profile International Women's Day forum held in Lagos, organized jointly by the Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW), the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN), and the Nigeria Employers' Consultative Forum.
Addressing Systemic Barriers
The President of NNEW, Adefunke Kuyoro, represented by Vice President Bolanle Edwards, highlighted the urgent need to eliminate limitations that women entrepreneurs face. These challenges range from restricted access to finance and markets to policy constraints and deep-seated structural inequalities. Kuyoro stressed that empowering women economically is not merely a gender issue but an economic imperative, asserting that when women succeed in business, families prosper, communities strengthen, and nations achieve sustainable development.
"At NNEW, we strongly believe that empowering women economically is not just a gender issue; it is an economic imperative," Kuyoro stated. "It is an opportunity for us to exchange ideas, strengthen partnerships, and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria."
Global Progress and Local Challenges
Chairman of ICC Nigeria, Dr. Raymond Ihyembe, commended women's dedication to business development in Nigeria, noting their remarkable progress globally despite centuries of systemic exclusion from leadership and education. He lamented historical denials of basic rights, such as access to education and voting privileges, but observed that women have since proven their capacity across various sectors.
"Empowering women should not be seen as a token gesture. It is a right," Ihyembe emphasized. "Any nation that refuses to empower women and utilize their talents does a great disservice to itself."
Alarming Statistics and Calls for Action
Keynote speaker Godfrey Ogbechie, Group Executive Director of Rain Oil Limited, presented sobering data underscoring the persistent challenges women face:
- 31% of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical or sexual violence.
- Nigeria records approximately 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, contributing about 10% of global maternal deaths.
- 18.3 million children are out of school in Nigeria, with nearly 60% being women and girls.
Ogbechie expressed concern over declining female representation in some public sector spaces and stressed the need to resolve long-standing issues inhibiting women's advancement.
Strategic Investment in Women
The Director-General of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, represented by Nike Ajala, highlighted women's vital roles in driving economic opportunities and organizational success. He urged collaborative efforts to advance policies that protect women in the business environment.
"For us, supporting women's advancement is not just a moral obligation; it is a strategic investment," Oyerinde said. "We believe empowering women is essential to building a sustainable and prosperous workforce."
Earlier, Olubisi Abijo, Chairperson of the International Women's Day Planning Committee, framed the celebration as a call to action for equal access to opportunities and leadership for women, emphasizing the need to translate policies into tangible impact.
Through collaboration, advocacy, and innovation, stakeholders at the forum expressed optimism about creating an ecosystem where women-led businesses can thrive, ultimately shaping Nigeria's economic future.
