Women have been urged to take charge and continually strive towards financial independence. This was the charge at the 6th edition of the Future Women Conference organised by Women in Africa (WIA). The conference is aimed at empowering women with adequate knowledge and resources, inspiring them towards attaining significant strides in their respective fields, thereby making holistic financial, career and personal decisions.
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The theme for this year’s edition of the conference – “Women and Wealth” offered key insights to sustainable wealth creation and financial prosperity in womanhood. It featured participants from about 22 different countries.
Speaking at the conference held at Ebonylife’s Place, Victoria Island, Women in Africa, Rachel Akem-Harumi, said the conference was timely given the current state of the economy as it offers motivation for women to pursue stability.
“We are gathered here to empower women, to network, grow and connect. We are here to celebrate women’s achievements, to encourage women to achieve more, to build women to build nations. We are motivating women to build wealth, motivating women to build nations. We’re here to encourage these women to become successful, to become fulfilled in life, and by so doing, they will also build their nations, communities and cities,” she added.
On her part, commissioner for Women Affairs, Lagos State, Bolaji Cecilia-Dada, stated that the time has come for more women to invest in themselves and rise to the occasion, by creating their own opportunities. “As women, we need to encourage ourselves to get into business, to be resourceful, to be financially independent, and to be able to sustain our businesses. Our role as women is to take charge, to be at the top.”
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Strategic Management Consultant and Women Empowerment Advocate, Shani Fauzia Yusuf, delivered a keynote speech titled ‘Strategies for Building and Sustaining Your Business in Africa’. She called for more corporate organisations to get involved in empowering women financially, noting that uplifting women always leaves a positive ripple effect on society.
“A woman who is empowered is a society that is empowered. There are so many strategies we can employ to ensure that we build the women, and eventually the society as well. If we build the financial capacity of a woman in Africa, I believe that it is a starting point. It is important that every government in Africa seeks to support women through cooperatives. The commercial banks should also support women groups and initiatives. These are areas where we must put maximal effort to that women have the financial backup to succeed,” she stated.
While Queen to the Ooni of Ife, Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, praised women for breaking barriers in business, politics and social impact. She wants more women to use their platforms to champion their collective cause. “Women are innovative, creative and inspiring. Women are rising to be change makers. Our work is not done however. We must continue to change the norm. Advocate for policies and changes that better our cause in society. Support women-owned businesses. Mentor and appreciate each other, invest in girl education.”
The event also witnessed the conferment of awards on distinguished individuals including the Governor of Adamawa State, Umaru Fintiri, honoured with the Africa Man of the Year award, and Dr. Morayo Afolabi-Brown, the MD/CEO of TVC Entertainments, who clinched the Africa Woman of the Year award.
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