BENIN (SUNDIATA POST)- Dr Betsy Obaseki, wife of Edo Governor, on Thursday set up the Nigerian Women Leaders Forum(NWLF) in Benin to encourage professional women participation in politics.
Speaking at the forum’s inaugural ceremony, Mrs Obaseki reiterated that women played pivotal role in governance and development of any society.
She noted that in spite of targeted efforts towards creating a more equitable society, gender gaps persisted in various areas such as education, political representation and gender-based violence.
She disclosed that the forum would be made up of Nigerian female leader positioned to close the identified gender gaps.
According to her, the forum seeks to harness the potential of women by empowering female leaders in both the corporate and public sectors.
“The aim is to foster an environment female leaders can thrive, lead, exchange ideas and work collaboratively to advance socio-economic and political progress in Nigeria.
” This initiative will provide a platform for addressing the unique leadership challenges and creating innovative solutions for sustainable development, ” Obaseki said.
Obaseki used the opportunity to thank Edo people, particularly the women who had been so supportive of her husband’s administration in the last eight years.
Mrs Ibukun Awosika, a renowned female leader, in her keynote address, urged women to reinvent themselves and work collaboratively to position themselves for leadership positions.
Awosika spoke on the topic: Resilience and Reinvention: Overcoming challenges on the path to leadership.
Awosika encouraged women to ensure that there were prepared by equipping themselves with necessary tools and opportunities necessary to take on leadership positions.
Speaking at a panel discussions at the event, Mrs Maria Oligbi-Edeko, the Deputy Speaker, Edo House of Assembly, the forum would be a veritable platform for women to clamour representation in leadership positions.
Oligbi-Edeko noted that legislation played a critical role in promoting women’s inclusiveness in leadership by establishing frameworks that would ensure equal access and prevent discrimination.
She explained that through policies like gender quota and affirmative action, legislation created opportunities for women to ascend to decision-making positions in both public and private sectors.
According to the deputy speaker, legislation is an essential tool for fostering a balanced representation that reflects the diversity and talents of the entire population.
At the end of the panel section , the women unanimously agreed that mentorship and sponsorship were critical to preparing women for leadership positions. (NAN)
