Stakeholders at VFD Group Plc have called for equal opportunities for women in organizations and other leadership positions.
They spoke during a webinar organised to mark the International Women’s Day tagged ‘#choosetochallenge’.
The webinar focused on the theme ‘Leave no woman behind: The 50 per cent rule confirmation’.
The Founder of Lighthouse Women’s Network, a social impact group focused on workplace readiness, employability, structured mentorship, and advocacy, Nkiru Olumide-Ojo, said it was relevant to ensure that women were evenly represented and provided with the right equity.
She said, “What we are saying is give us the same opportunities that you give men. If you have appointed or elected women into positions, I want to believe it is because you know they are the best and time will tell.”
The Managing Director, Everdon Bureau De Change, the Currency Exchange business of VFD Group, Theresa Ezeh, said putting a woman in a position just to fill a space created for women without being qualified should not be encouraged.
She said, “We should provide the same opportunities and the same level playing ground, and on the basis of those evaluations, pick the woman who is best fit for the job.
“And it will be expected in such circumstances where a woman who is best fitted for the job is not unnecessarily discriminated against in terms of expectations about the long run.”
Ezeh, who is a former banker, said women should be given positions based on merit and on what they have to bring to the table.
“If you do well in a position, you also make it easier for other women to be appointed to similar type roles,” she said.
The Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications and CSR at Oando Plc, Alero Balogun, said, “We have a role in lifting women up and explaining to them that it is normal to not be too sure of yourself.
“Every time you do well, take it as a part to do better, and when you don’t do well, don’t blame yourself too much; get up and move on.”
