The Lagos State Government, yesterday, advocated improved economic empowerment for women to thrive and contribute meaningfully towards national development.

The government noted that empowering women is not an act of charity, but a strategic investment in the future of economies, communities, and nations.

The Lagos Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs Folashade Bada Ambrose, stated this at a forum organised by the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association, Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) in conjunction with International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria, in Lagos.

She argued that empowering women is not merely a social obligation but an economic imperative, adding that when women succeed, families become more resilient and businesses become more innovative.

The Commissioner observed that the pursuit of gender equality must go beyond aspiration and rhetoric but translate into deliberate policies, courageous leadership, and sustained action that create meaningful change in the lives of women and girls.

Also, directors have said that empowering women in leadership was not merely a social aspiration but a governance imperative and a catalyst for national development.

They made the call yesterday during the occasion of the Women Directors’ Luncheon organised by the Women’s Group of the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria as part of its commemoration of this year’s International Women’s Day.

President and Chairman of the Governing Council, Adetunji Oyebanji, urged organisations to continue to mentor intentionally, support generously, and lead with purpose, ensuring that pathways to leadership remain open and accessible for the next generation of women directors.

Noting that leadership was not merely about occupying positions of authority, he said it was about building people, shaping institutions, and leaving systems stronger than they found them.

He stressed that across boardrooms, public institutions, and enterprises, women continue to demonstrate exceptional leadership, bringing diverse perspectives, ethical stewardship, and long-term thinking to governance.  However, he acknowledged that the journey toward full representation and influence in leadership spaces was still ongoing.

Speaking on the theme ‘Give to Gain: Leadership, Mentoring and Impact’, the President of Woodhall Capital Limited, Moji Hunponu-Wusu, who noted that mentorship cannot stop with young people, factored another group that often encounters structural barriers in leadership progression, stressing that women were navigating the pathway to executive leadership.