International Women’s Society advocates charity as way of life

The need for women to support themselves and play important roles in the society was the subject of discussion at the International Women’s Society (IWS) September general meeting held recently in Lagos.

The event, which was themed: ‘Can you relate’, featured successful entrepreneurs in fashion and luxury, finance, real estate, film, media, publishing, technology and agriculture sectors among others.

Among the speakers were: Udo Okonjo, CEO Fine and Country, West Africa; Rita Dominic, Multi Award Winning Actress, Arese Ugwu, author ‘The Smart Woman’; Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Editor in Chief TW Magazine, Reni Folawiyo, Founder/CEO Alara Lagos and Maya Horgan Famodu, founder and CEO Ingressive.

Speaking at the event, which was held at South Eatery and Social house, Victoria Island, Famodu emphasized the need for women to develop themselves spiritually, emotionally and socially to have a successful career.

While reiterating that faith, conviction, passion and dedication are needed to wielder any storm in life she said this would help in the total up lift of woman.

She said: “You have to focus on your spirituality; spiritual growth. You also have to commit to interpersonal relationships and understanding emotional intelligence. When you communicate better with your team, then you can sell your businesses and work better and be more efficient in your chosen career, sound mind leads to sound business.

“The second thing is, don’t be afraid of competition. If your idea is so easy to steal then it is not a dependable product. Find people that can build along with you. There is always a way to start a business. What stop a business is not lack of capital but lack of faith, conviction, passion and dedication. So if you want it bad enough, you will find a way to get started. It was not easy for me also at the beginning but I did everything I could to attain success and it pays off.”

In her own part, Adesuwa advised successful women to give a helping hand to other women who are yet to be on their feet adding that this would be an added advantage to womanhood.

She stated that government alone cannot solve problems in the country therefore it is time for all hands to be on deck to move the nation forward by being each others brother’s keeper.

“If I have two coats and I give you one because you didn’t have, and everybody is doing the same thing, it is social welfare. The government cannot do everything. If we begin to see ourselves as some kind of give back channel, then the world will be a better place. While we are holding government to do their part, let us also be involved.” She said.

President of the group, Ego Boyo encouraged successful career women to support other women, adding that since she joined the organization 18 years ago, giving has been a delightsome thing for her.

“I believe that if a woman is working, there is nothing that should stop her from giving back to other women. I joined this organization 18 years ago and I have been giving back in different capacities. That is what I do, you live by example. I am saying to young women that you can grow your career definitely, you can focus on making sure that your life goes as you want but at the same time you have a responsibility to give back to the society. We are all privileged, so when we have that privilege, we have the responsibility to look at other people that do not have the privilege that we have and give back to them. We must help other women, other children. We must help to educate the girl child; we must help the widows and every one that needs our support.” She said.

Also speaking, the Program Secretary of IWS, Jasmine Tukur who disclosed that the group was founded to work for the advancement of women of all races, to manage and develop the common interests of women said the group was founded in 1957 by a group of International public-spirited women.

“Women are one of the most powerful agents in bringing about world change. When women are educated, healthy, and safe, they hope, they empower other women, lift up their families, their communities, and the world.

“Part of our aims and objectives is to foster and promote international understanding among people, to work for the advancement of women and children in Nigeria and to encourage and develop the common interest of women among others,” she said.