By Ebere Agozie
Some gender advocates have called for increased female representation in leadership positions across all sectors.
They made the call during the 2025 online workshop and Awards event organized by the Nigerian Chapter of Women in Safety Excellence (WISE) with the theme ‘Women in Leadership: Shattering the Glass Ceilings to Achieve Excellence.”.
Dr Cynthia Obiorah, a gender advocate, occupational health and environmental safety expert in her remarks said that it is necessary for Nigeria to fast track the actualisation of its developmental aspirations.
Obiorah, who is the coordinator of the Nigerian Chapter of WISE emphasised the importance of encouraging more women to step into leadership roles in the safety profession, and create inclusive pathways for growth and innovation.
“We are not here just to talk about change; we are here to be the change. We cannot talk about national development without putting women at the center of leadership.
“Our talents, perspectives, and experiences are indispensable in shaping a safer, more equitable society. The future of leadership is inclusive or it is incomplete’’.
She emphasised the link between gender equity and sustainable development, calling for targeted reforms in workplace policies, educational curricula, and governance structures.
“This is not the end; it is a beginning, a new chapter where women lead not as exceptions, but as the standard in occupational safety’’.
Ms Linda Tapp, the incoming President of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), and Funmi Adegbola, founder of SOWSHE-both echoed the need for sustained empowerment and structural inclusion of women in high-impact safety roles.
At one of the sessions titled `From the Margins to the Mainstream’, speakers made many contributions on gender advocacy.
Hon. Zainab Aliyu, member of the House of Representatives, and Mrs. Ifeoma Udoka, Executive Director of African Women’s Development Network echoed for institutional reforms and grassroots mobilization, to shift cultural attitudes about gender roles.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event featured panel discussions and breakout sessions addressing a range of issues.
Discussions centred on gender-sensitive policy making, workplace harassment, mentorship of young women, and representation in political decision making.
The gathering drew a diverse audience including policymakers, scholars, activists, students, and representatives of international organizations.
It spotlighted the systemic barriers limiting women’s access to leadership roles in Nigeria and across Africa, while offering practical solutions to bridge the gap.
The event concluded with the unveiling of the Abuja Declaration on Women in Leadership, a policy framework developed by a coalition of academics and gender rights groups aimed at guiding institutional action over the next decade.
This declaration outlines commitments to increase funding for women-led initiatives, enforcement of gender parity in government appointments, and integration of leadership training for girls at secondary and tertiary education levels.
The workshop also featured the presentation of the leadership excellence awards to Dr Cynthia Obiorah and other distinguished recipients.
It is an award celebrating individuals who have demonstrated visionary leadership and made measurable impacts in safety practices and culture.
