Ikeja DisCo marks IWD, urges equity in workplace

Ikeja Electric Plc has joined the rest of the world to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day.

In her welcome remarks at the hybrid event well attended by mostly female employees and other invited guests of the company, the Chief Executive Officer of the electricity distribution company, Mrs. Folake Soetan, noted that it is imperative to embrace equity in the workplace by ensuring that employees are paid equitably for the work they do and also enjoy all necessary benefits equitably, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age and any other divisive characteristics.

She, therefore, urged all employees (both females and males) to be accountable for all activities in workplace in terms of achievement, challenges and how to move the company forward, stating further that the principles of equity in the workplace include clear communication, collaboration, social intelligence, problem-solving, managing conflicts, security and safety of all.

Soetan said equity could be promoted in the workplace through mutual understanding, strong interpersonal relationships as well as being honest with one another at all times to boost the morale of individuals for better performance, especially those who feel that they are being treated unjustly in the workplace.

Engr Chariot Essiet, Director of Corporate/Regulatory Affairs, AOS Orwell Ltd, said there is significant gender gap pay in the technology industry in Nigeria. 

She added that the technology industry is one of the fastest-growing and most dynamic industries in the world that offers Nigerian women a wealth of opportunities to build fulfilling and rewarding careers. She said there is need to raise awareness on the myriad of benefits available in the sector for women who are technically inclined.

For Folasade Agbejule, also a guest speaker, she advised that women need to embrace digital literacy for competitive advantage, with a deliberate commitment to adoption and usage of fast-paced and solution-driven digital tools as the whole world is leaving behind the era of doing things manually.

Other speakers at the event includes Uche Uzoebo, Chief Distribution & Stakeholder Engagement Officer SANEF and Muyiwa Faulkner both of whom shared great insights on how women can invest their time to do more and favorably compete in a male-dominated space.

The Board Chairman of Ikeja Electric, Kola Adesina MFR, acknowledged the exemplary leadership prowess and invaluable contributions of the women in IE and the collaborative efforts with their male counterparts, which have helped the company to attain enviable heights and recognition in the power value chain.

He charged the women in the room and beyond to be proactive and not relent in exploring innovative solutions and opportunities, citing an anonymous quote, which says; “The stone age did not end because the world ran out of stones, but innovation happened. There will be more achievement if leadership is placed more on women’s shoulders.”