The corporate landscape is gradually shifting, with a greater emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and gender equality.
Companies that prioritise women’s empowerment not only foster a positive work environment but also harness the untapped potential of a diverse workforce.
The month of March is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women globally. It is a month to recognise their contributions to society, raise awareness about the challenges they face, and advocate for a more equitable future. On March 8th, nations worldwide specifically celebrate International Women’s Day, a day to acknowledge women’s struggles and achievements and call for action towards gender equality.
This year’s theme: ‘Accelerate Action’, emphasises the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality. It calls for increased momentum and urgency in addressing the systemic barriers and biases that women face, both in personal and professional spheres.
Investing in women’s empowerment in the workplace means actively taking steps within a company to create an environment where women can thrive and reach their full potential, including providing equal opportunities for career advancement, leadership roles, and fostering a culture that supports work-life balance, all aimed at closing the gender gap and achieving greater gender equality within the workforce; essentially, recognising that empowering women economically benefits both the individual and the company as a whole.
As part of its commitment to gender equality, Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group said it has been at the forefront of driving systemic change within Nigeria’s corporate ecosystem.
The organisation said “through strategic partnerships, including the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the Nigeria2Equal Project, NGX Group has championed initiatives to close gender gaps in leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship within the private sector.”
The group managing director/chief executive officer, NGX Group and chairman, CSCS, Temi Popoola, stated that “as Africa’s leading integrated financial market infrastructure group, we are strategically driving gender equality through transformed policies, inclusive financial instruments, and pathways that unlock women’s economic potential.
“Our IWD celebration highlights our commitment to partnerships and market innovations that make gender equality fundamental to Nigeria’s economic growth.”
Ways To Empower Women In Company
Create a Supportive Work Culture: A key step towards women’s empowerment is cultivating a work culture that values and supports all employees, regardless of gender. This means promoting open communication, collaboration, and empathy, and breaking down traditional barriers that can prevent women from succeeding.
Provide Equal Opportunities: Ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement and growth is essential for women’s empowerment. This means implementing transparent performance evaluation systems that eliminate unconscious biases, and providing regular training for managers and decision-makers on gender-related challenges.
Offer Flexible Work Arrangements: Recognising the multiple roles many women play, from professionals to caregivers, offering flexible work arrangements can be a game-changer. This could include remote work options, flexible hours, and job-sharing arrangements, which can help women balance their personal and professional responsibilities, enhancing job satisfaction and overall productivity.
Invest In Leadership Development Programmes: Tailoring leadership development programs for women can help them build the necessary skills and confidence to assume higher roles within the organisation.
Ensure Pay Equity and Benefits: Equal pay for equal work is a cornerstone of women’s empowerment. Regular pay audits can help identify and rectify any gender pay gaps that may exist within the organisation.
Encourage Skill Development: Empowering women involves investing in their skill development. Offering access to training and educational opportunities can help women acquire new skills and stay relevant in a constantly evolving job market.
Amplify Women’s Voices: Creating platforms to magnify women’s voices and achievements can boost their visibility and recognition within the organisation.
Overall, women’s empowerment in the workplace is not just a buzzword; it is a strategic imperative that drives innovation, productivity, and success. By fostering a supportive culture, offering equal opportunities, and investing in skill development, companies can tap into the immense potential that women bring to the table.
