Stakeholders call for accelerated action on women’s rights

Woman activists and leaders have called for urgent and sustained action to promote the rights, empowerment, and economic inclusion of women and girls.
They made this call in celebration of the International Women’s Day (IWD) themed, “Accelerate Action,” which was organised by the NECA Network of Entrepreneurial Women (NNEW) in collaboration with the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) and the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN).

Speaking at the event, Chairman, Board of Directors, Wema Bank, Dr. Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, emphasised the importance of proactive steps toward gender equity.

“Taking action means you cannot sit in one place. You have to move, take that step, and work toward your vision. Excuses are not valid. There are many financial institutions and resources available for women entrepreneurs.

Approach them, ask questions, and take bold steps to achieve your goals,” she said.Similarly, Divisional Head, Corporate Banking at Providus Bank, Mrs Olufunke Jones, underscored the need for persistence and resilience.

“Acceleration means moving forward, and action means doing something. Every day presents an opportunity to take a step toward your destination. Even when faced with rejection, don’t stop seeking networks, collaborations, and advice. Growth happens when you nurture the seed of your dreams,” she urged.

The stakeholders highlighted the financial challenges women face in business. Jones noted that only 12 per cent of available global funding goes to women-led businesses, largely due to unconscious gender biases.She stressed the need for women to explore alternative funding sources, including peer-to-peer lending, grants, microfinance banks, and savings.