Women Urged to Shun Gender Equality Fight
As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark the 2017 International Women’s Day (IWD), Executive Director, Finance, Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria, Mrs. Yemi Owolabi, has called on fellow women to desist from the growing fight for gender equality and balance.
Speaking in Lagos at a ceremony organised by Deloitte Women Initiative, an association of Akintola Williams Deloitte female staff, to mark the global event, Owolabi stated that instead of fighting for gender equality, women should “push for gender neutrality”, noting
that they (women), were created differently with unique skills.
Emphasising on the theme of the global event ‘Be Bold for Change’, she explained that being bold helps one to get past the glass ceiling.
According to her, “Many people who try to do big bold things in the world find out that it’s not about the money or technology: it’s about the regulatory hurdles that will try and stop you.” She noted that to be bold for change requires women to be fearless, daring, creative, outstanding, and self-driven, adding that for them to lead; they have to be passionate and adaptable.
“I don’t believe we should be fighting for gender equality. We’re very different, we have unique skills. I think what we should push for is gender neutrality-that irrespective of my gender I’m able to do, and I’m able to deliver and then I get a space in the place. Because one of the things is that you carry that feminine thing in your brain and then you begin to do a lot of things.
“And, there is nothing wrong with being a woman; it’s the way you carry yourself that makes you phenomenal: So the strongest action is for a woman to be herself, to identify herself and know who you are, and be proud about it.”
Being more specific to Deloitte women, she advised that based on the peculiarity of their job, they should strike a balance between their family life and work using the principle of multitasking and time management. She also enjoined them to be adaptable to change in all spheres of life-physical, social, political, religious and professional, noting that, that was also required as they advocate for change.
In a glowing appreciation for the roles played by the Deloitte women towards the growth of the company, Chief Executive Officer, Deloitte West Africa, Mr. Fatai Folarin, said the company had benefitted significantly through their personal effort, noting that they had won businesses for the company.