Nigeria regressing in women’s representation, says Utomi

Founder, Centre for Value in Leadership (CVL), Prof. Pat Utomi, yesterday, lamented that while other African nations were counting gains of women’s representation, Nigeria’s own scenario was becoming worse.

He spoke at the 55th CVL Leaders Without Title Leadership Tribute (LWT) colloquium with the theme, Inclusive Human Capital In Oil And Gas Sector.

Two women, Chairman/CEO, Moni Pulo Limited, Dr. Seinye Lulu-Briggs and Group COO, MRS Holdings Limited, Amina Maina, were recognised as by CVL.

Utomi said the two women were good example to emulate in the society. He stated that it was worth reviewing the oil sector in view of its importance to Nigeria’s economic life, noting that the kind of opportunities available to the female gender has remained relatively unanswered.

Marilyn Loden created the phrase, Glass Ceiling to explain the invisible barriers that hold women back from career advancement but 45 years later, there has been very little progress made in attaining gender equality in corporations and discussions on breaking the glass ceiling continue unabated.”

Also speaking, Chief Executive and Chairman, Guconcia Nigeria Limited, Nkechinyere Isigwe, noted: “I happened to be the first female engineer employed by the NNPC. As we all know, it’s a bit difficult for women to progress in any industry.”