Yemisi Izuora
To further affirm its commitment and dedication towards inspiring and empowering women for a successful future and a better nation, Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), at its 2019 Annual Leadership and Mentoring conference called on women to seek new collaboration for better career successes.
This year’s conference had as the Keynote Speaker and 2019 Distinguished WISCAR Award Recipient, the Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations, H.E. Amina J. Mohammed OFR, who gave a powerful and inspiring address based on the conference theme: I DO NOT WALK ALONE. She emphasized the importance of sisterhood, solidarity and community.
The of value of family, friendship, mentors, community, partnerships and a strong support network to achieve your career goals and be successful. She said, “Women’s forward and meaningful participation makes economies more dynamic, peace agreements more durable, governance and inclusive societies much more resilient. A girl’s education contributes to remaking our world from the economy to the environment and society at large.
Women must be included in all spheres. Let me also point out that the United Nations is committed to leading by example and I am proud to say that WISCAR’s mission is ours.” She also urged participants to be ethical. “stick to what is right and do the right thing always”.
The convener of the conference, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola during her address said: “women and men need to work in unison for collaborative growth and success in our nation. The old adage says that if you want to move fast, move alone but if you want to go far, you need to move with people. This year’s theme fully echoes the power of collectivity, the power of networking, the power of social gatherings and communities, the power of not walking alone.”. She went on to say, “we want to keep encouraging each other to walk together and cross bridges and challenges that hinder our progress and inclusion across sectors”. Mrs. Oyagbola also congratulated the 30 outgoing mentees from the WIN with WISCAR Mentoring program and welcomed the incoming 2020 stream of mentees.
A high powered panel discussion at the conference took place that was moderated by Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay Newspaper. The panel discussed, “Breaking the Glass Ceiling; The Power of Networks, Community and Partnerships.” The panel featured Chief Sharon Ikeazor, Hon. Minister of State for Environment, Hon. Tolu Akande-Sadipe, Member of Reps/Policy Influencer, Funmi Omo, CEO African Alliance ; Cecilia Akintomide, Director FBN Holdings and Comfort Lamptey UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS. The discussants explored the avenues through which women can stand together to achieve results across industries and influence bold change.
