Deloitte, as a show of commitment and recognition of the International Women’s Day, recently held a forum for their female staff members in Lagos. The International Women’s Day is celebrated globally, focusing on the economic and socio-political achievements of women past, present and future.
The event, which was held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, featured four role models who shared their personal and career stories of how they were able to overcome obstacles in a male dominated workplace, and excelling in their business and family endeavours.
While giving the welcome address, Uche Erobu, Audit Market leader, extolled Nigerian women who had been at the forefront championing their rights in the country. “We have witnessed an unprecedented expansion of women’s right. In Nigeria, we have had brave and courageous women who stood up for women, people like Fumilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, Flora Nwakpa, Bolanle Awe, Dora Akunyuli, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Oby Ezekwesili, among others, who have stood out in their chosen profession and held high positions in the society,” according to Erobu.
According to her, “today more girls are enrolled in schools; more women have entered the labour market and are in positions of leadership. More than 125 countries have outlawed violence against women. We still have a lot of work to do as women. As I speak to you today; one in three women, in rich and poor country alike still face physical and sexual violence. Girls are circumcised and sacrificed to so-called child marriages and over the next decade, this harmful practise is likely to claim more than two million girls, this is a common practise. But the good news is that there is a solution to this problem and it rest on us”.
The profiles of these four women were read out, after which they each took to the podium to share their stories, inspiring and encouraging the Deloitte women in attendance, even as they received and answered questions.
Abiodun Laja, who is the Proprietress and chief executive officer of Lekki British School, located in Lagos, narrated how she started a private school in Nigeria at the age of 27. She was the first young lady to do such in Nigeria. According to her, she wanted the best quality of education for children in Nigeria without necessary going abroad, and at the same time maintaining and imbibing the African culture. “Without God, there is no vision,” she stressed as she rounded up.
Titilola Akibayo who is currently the Director, Accounts, at the Lagos state government shared her story, encouraging the women present that they can have it all. Career, husband and children, “all you need is to learn how to priories”, she said.
Other two role models who also spoke were Oluyemisi Edun, who is currently the Chief Financial Officer of FCMB and Yetunde Ogunseye, a distinguished chartered accountant and financial consultant.
The event was a lively one as the anchor lepacious Bose, got everyone in stitches with her creative jokes which many could relate and identify with as it centred on the womenfolk. It was an all women’s affair with Funmi Sax and her band that were on hand to thrill the audience to fantastic melodies from her sax.
There was a green carpet moment, when the participants at the forum went on it for the photo session which was handled by one of the female staff as part of ‘Deloitte got talent’. Also, as part of the celebrating the women folk in its fold, Deloitte is hosting a webcast on the 10th of March.
Mabel Dimma
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