Empowering Women: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Calls for Inclusion in Leadership Roles

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general (DG) of World Trade Organisation (WTO), recently emphasized the importance of increasing the presence of women in leadership positions. She made this call during a Nigerian Women in Leadership event in Abuja, where she discussed the need for more women at state and federal government levels.

A Call to Action for Women Empowerment

During the event, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the low percentage of women in the national assembly and the absence of female governors in the country. She pointed out that for positive change to occur, women must actively advocate for their representation in leadership roles. However, she also emphasized the need for men to support this cause, as it is detrimental to have half of the population sidelined from decision-making processes.

Addressing Leadership Challenges

Okonjo-Iweala acknowledged the presence of accomplished women leaders at the event but stressed the importance of finding solutions to the challenges women face in leadership positions. She encouraged women to continue striving for excellence and take on leadership roles confidently.

Diversification of Nigeria’s Economy

In addition to advocating for women’s inclusion in leadership, Okonjo-Iweala discussed Nigeria’s trade deficit and the necessity of diversifying the economy. She emphasized the need to attract local investments and create a conducive environment for business growth. By leveraging the African continental free trade area, Nigeria can tap into a vast market and potentially achieve trade surplus.

Encouraging Local Investments

Okonjo-Iweala urged the government to encourage wealthy individuals within the country to invest locally, thereby stimulating economic growth and creating opportunities for sustainable development. By fostering a supportive ecosystem for business, Nigeria can attract investments and boost its economy.

Conclusion: Empowering Women for a Better Future

In conclusion, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s call for more women inclusion in leadership roles highlights the importance of gender equality and diversity in decision-making processes. By empowering women to take on leadership positions and addressing the challenges they face, society can benefit from a more inclusive and representative leadership landscape. Nigeria, as a country, must prioritize the empowerment of women and diversification of the economy to achieve sustainable growth and progress.