Industry Women Conference Tackles Challenges Facing Women in Nigeria

Mary Nnah

Founder and CEO of Ladybird Advertising, Mrs. Bunmi Oke, has urged women to prioritise self-care and empowerment, stressing that it’s essential for achieving success in their personal and professional lives.

Oke, a keynote speaker at the 3rd edition of the Industry Women Conference/Changemaker Award held recently in Lagos, said this while delivering a speech themed: “Inspire, Achieve, Aspire.”

“You don’t have to agree with everybody. You don’t have to follow the bandwagon,” Oke advised, emphasising the importance of confidence and authenticity. She shared her own experiences and offered practical tips for women to achieve their goals, including taking calculated risks, having confidence in oneself, having a plan, being resilient, learning from failures, being oneself, and empowering others.

Oke also stressed the importance of self-care, saying, “I’ve realised that self-care is very important. You have to maintain what you have. You don’t know the value of what you have. Don’t let it go before you know the value.”

She recounted her own journey, from being a young girl with big dreams to becoming a successful advertising executive, and encouraged women to draw inspiration from her story.

“I wanted to break the TV and take the chocolate from the advertiser,” she joked, highlighting the importance of having ambition and working towards achieving one’s goals.

One of the key takeaways from Oke’s speech was the importance of women supporting and empowering each other. “Empower others,” she said, adding that when women support each other, they can achieve great things.

She also emphasised the need for women to be intentional about pursuing their goals and creating opportunities for themselves. “Take calculated risks; have confidence in yourself; have a plan; resilience; learn from your failures; be yourself; empower others,” she advised.

The conference which brought together women from various industries, aimed to provide a platform for women to share their stories, network, and learn from each other.

Goddie Ofose, Convener of the Industry Women Conference and Publisher of The Industry Newspaper, noted the event was designed to inspire and empower women, and to provide a roadmap for success for the next generation.

“When we launched this event three years ago, we set out to create a platform where stories of women shaping our industries could be told, where ideas could collide, and where the next generation could find a roadmap to success,” Ofose said.

He added the conference was an opportunity for women to come together and raise the bar for what women can achieve in Nigeria and across Africa.

“When we share our stories, our challenges, and our triumphs, we collectively raise the bar for what women can achieve in Nigeria and across Africa”, he emphasised.

The Industry Women Conference/Changemaker Award has become a significant event in the country’s calendar, providing a platform for women to celebrate their achievements, share their experiences, and inspire others to pursue their dreams.

This year’s conference was a testament to the power of women’s empowerment and the importance of creating opportunities for women to succeed.

Through panel discussions, workshops, and keynote speeches, the conference provided a comprehensive platform for women to learn, grow, and network.

The event highlighted the challenges faced by women in Nigeria, including limited access to opportunities and resources, and provided a platform for women to share their experiences and advice on how to overcome these challenges.

 As the nation continues to strive for gender equality and women’s empowerment, events like the Industry Women Conference play a crucial role in promoting the cause.

By sharing their stories and experiences, women can inspire and motivate others to pursue their dreams and make a difference in their communities.