At WIMBIZ 23rd conference, Women charged to dream despite barriers

Women have been urged to take massive steps towards actualising their dreams and aspirations, regardless various boundaries and stereotypes in society.
This was the charge at the 23rd edition of the Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) Annual Conference, with the theme ‘Dream, Dare, Do’, held at Eko hotels, Victoria Island.

In a keynote address delivered by former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, he commended WIMBIZ for their role in women’s advocacy, and representation of women in influential spaces, noting that determination can go a long way in helping women fulfill purpose, regardless of limitations.
“It is not enough to dream or do. The ability to remain relevant within one’s aspirations, to actualise them, possess the boldness to see and execute, and to maintain consistency always guarantees better success and achievements.

“There are many dreams and great visions. The core objective is staying up, the ability to see a matter through. The key attribute you need to stand out in your sphere is steadfastness. It is not merely about the capacity to dream, but more about the courage to deal with the nightmares, as you continue day after day. The bottom line is resilience, and the ability to execute and see the enterprise through.” Osinbajo said.

In her speech, Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, called on more women to commit to nation building, by stepping up and contributing their quota in their various career tracks. “WIMBIZ has become a reference point and given women a springboard, a platform to dream. Let’s start thinking possibilities because it all starts in the mind. It is a call to action, to get out of our comfort zone and move. A call to add our unique values and perspectives to issues of development, a call to problem solving and growth. Our country needs us in all spheres of development.” .

The Executive Director of WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe asserted that the organisation will remain a platform for women from different sectors to network, share knowledge and utilise past experiences to train and nurture upcoming women in boardroom dynamics.

“The policy is advocating for a minimum of 35 per cent political representation of women. It is becoming less about the gender bias issue, and more about understanding the fact that when both parties come together, the leadership becomes stronger. The network of women you see here is what we leverage on to mentor, train women and let them have opportunity to prove themselves in boardroom dynamics,” she said.