WIMBIZ 22nd Annual conference inspires leadership, empowerment
By Oluwaseyi Lawal
The highly anticipated Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) annual Conference took place with great enthusiasm serving as a catalyst for leadership and empowerment.
At the WIMBIZ 22nd annual conference, prominent figures and experts from various sectors engaged in conversations detailing their unique ability to disrupt the established norms when no one else could, and ultimately achieving success.
In an interview with MARKETING EDGE, one of the speakers at the conference, Bola Matel-Okoh, Lead Coach, Founder of BMO Advisory Services, and Founder of The Women’s Lifestyle Hub encouraged women to be a part of strong support groups that will help them manage and navigate difficult challenges in the workplace and male dominated industries. She further suggested that women need platforms where they can share their experiences and also learn from the experience of others.
She said, “There’s a saying that there’s strength in numbers. Many times when we’re going through different challenges, we can feel isolated and think that we’re all by ourselves. But when we support each other, we’re able to draw inspiration and encouragement from one another. It’s so heartwarming that now we’re seeing more women in leadership positions. It would be nice to see a woman as president in this country. Because I do know that we have many strong, capable women who can step up to the plate and actually do it.”
Another speaker, Simon Melchior, Chief Executive Officer ASSECO Software Nigeria Limited, advised the male gender not to be afraid of supporting women because both genders have their advantages and complement each other even at the workplace. He further stated that men and women have to work together and are better when they cooperate and collaborate.
“Whether it’s the security agencies, politics, IT, engineering or any sector, we are all better when there are more women working with us in these industries and in key business roles. Not just as office managers or HR managers or support assistants, but also as qualified professionals. It is great to have a woman as a boss. It’s been my experience, I have absolutely no problem with it. We learn a lot from each other in the workplace,” he said.
In one of the panel sessions, Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc, charged women attendees to always be the best in every aspect of life and learn to turn every situation into good. According to her, “To remain on the global platform, you have to live by your own narrative. Do not allow anyone tell your story for you. You have to create your brand. Most times, we all work. We have our nose to the grindstone, but we don’t create visibility about what we do. You have to own your brand, and let people know about it. Even as a company, let people know about what you do.”
Attendees at the WIMBIZ 22nd annual conference also expressed delight at the opportunity to learn from great minds they have always admired from afar. One of the Delegates, Victoria Mbika, a staff of Polaris Bank with the Product and Market team, said, “I am excited to be part of this programme as a delegate. I get to network with the amazing women here. I really enjoyed the sessions. I have learnt how to put myself out there and I also learnt how to face challenges.”
Part of the features of the conference included the N1million prized Impact Investment Award sponsored by Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and won by two lucky female attendees and a raffle draw for dinner for two at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites.
Founded in 2001, WIMBIZ emerged as a non-governmental and non-profit organization born from the dedicated endeavours of thirteen individuals. Its purpose is to provide a platform for professional women in Nigeria, irrespective of their roles in careers or entrepreneurship.
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