The coordinator Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN), Adeola Odesanya, has called for accelerated efforts towards women’s empowerment and inclusion in the nation’s advertising industry.

Speaking in Lagos recently, she raised the need to “reflect, reaffirm, and, most importantly, accelerate action toward the growth and recognition of women in out-of-home advertising.”

According to her, “we can truly accelerate action and shape the future of out-of-home advertising in Nigeria.” Through the girl child mentorship programme for students in girls’ only secondary schools and higher institutions, Odesanya noted WOHAN intends to achieve the following: Career guidance, networking opportunities, personal development, industry preparation, role modeling and talent development.

By achieving these goals, she added the association aims to create a pipeline of talented, confident, and empowered young women who can make a positive impact in the out-of-home advertising industry.

In conclusion, Odesanya said to promote gender equality and opportunities for women, “we envision the following changes in the out-of-home advertising sector in Nigeria over the next five years increased representation; more women in leadership positions within OAAN; ensuring hiring processes are fair, transparent, and free from bias; flexible work arrangements to support work-life balance and caregiving responsibilities; celebrating women’s achievements and contributions to the industry through awards and recognition programmes; fostering partnerships.

with organisations that promote women’s empowerment and gender equality; encouraging regulatory bodies to support initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

By implementing these changes, she stated a more inclusive and equitable environment could be created that would empower women to thrive and contribute to the industry’s growth.

Also speaking, member Board of Trustee of the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), who delivered the keynote address, Fadakemi Alonge, urged female practitioners to stand out in a male-dominated industry and also recognise their own worth.

She advised, “know your value and be women of integrity,” Saying hard work pays, she encouraged participants to remain open to suggestions, maintain a forward-looking vision for their companies, and uphold ethical standards within their professional dealings.