The importance of promoting diversity, collaboration, empowerment and inclusion in our society for gender equity took centre stage at Guardian Woman Festival, which was held yesterday at Federal Palace Marquee, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Speaking at the festival, Publisher of The Guardian, Lady Maiden Alex-Ibru, while giving tips on business strategies women should imbibe, stated that the four principles to successfully run any form of business are planning, executing, monitoring and control.
She said the most important among the principles are monitoring and control, which allows one to review her operations and make developmental decisions.
“You need to ensure you are not stepping out of bounds or spending more than required because at the end, business is about making money; but you have to attach a sense of morality to it, so you are not trying to cheat people,” she said.
Guardian Woman Festival Creator and Chief Strategy Officer (Global), The Guardian, Anita Ibru, spoke on the meaning of inclusion and how it comprises a part of a whole group, adding that inclusion is a need and when properly leveraged, would enhance development.
In a keynote address, the President, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Margaret Aina Oguntala, noted that diversity is not merely a buzzword, but a cornerstone of progress and prosperity in any society.
She added that women have continued to demonstrate unparalleled resilience, innovation and leadership, stressing that their contributions have enriched communities, advanced economies and inspired generations to come.
“Embracing diversity in all its forms; gender, race, ethnicity, religion and beyond, fosters creativity, drives innovation and enhances decision-making. By harnessing the collective talents, perspectives and experiences of diverse individuals, we unlock boundless potential and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all,” she said.
Oguntala explained that collaboration is the bedrock of efforts to advance gender equality and empower women, adding that it is only through collective action, shared responsibility and mutual support that the entrenched barriers and systemic inequalities that persist could be overcome.
“By forging strategic partnerships between governments, businesses, civil society organisations and academia, we can create a conducive environment for women to thrive and succeed in their chosen fields.
“Empowering women begins with education and training. We must invest in quality education, skills development and lifelong learning opportunities to equip women with the knowledge, tools and confidence to pursue their aspirations and realise their full potential. By breaking down barriers to education and promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields, we can empower women to lead and excel in traditionally male-dominated industries,” she added.
According to her, the festival serves as a powerful platform for dialogue, inspiration and action.
“Inclusion is not simply about having a seat at the table; it is about ensuring that every voice is heard, valued and respected. We must strive to create inclusive workplaces, policies and cultures that embrace diversity and promote equal opportunities for all.
“By championing gender-balanced leadership, promoting mentorship and sponsorship programmes, and advocating for fair and transparent recruitment practices, we can foster a more inclusive society where every woman has the opportunity to thrive,” she stressed.
The festival also witnessed various panel sessions where experts in various fields shared their perspectives on women inclusion in their sectors.
