When talking about gender disparities, a compelling narrative unfolds within powerful circles, highlighting the ongoing struggles women face in reaching top positions — especially in government and politics. As we explore this topic, it is important to highlight the achievements of women leaders across different industries and emphasize the necessity for policies that bring about significant positive changes.
In a recent interview with female leaders at British American Tobacco in the West and Central Africa region, a consistent theme emerges – the journey to breaking gender-based roles and fostering diversity and inclusion. Odiri Erewa-Meggison, the Director of External Affairs, explains the obstacles that women encounter when dealing with various groups, emphasizing the significance of actively seeking and retaining a position of influence in decision-making processes. The conversation delves into the role of private and public stakeholders in improving access to digital tools, highlighting the need for equal opportunities in emerging technologies.
Buky Olukoga, the Head of Human Resources Commercial, outlines the strategies employed by BAT WCA to ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce aligned with the UN SDGs goal on gender equality. From workforce education to promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive culture, the organization is actively fostering an environment where everyone can grow.
Comparing these observations with ongoing global events, like the insufficient gender representation in Japan’s recent government formation, highlights the pressing need to tackle gender inequalities. Despite the promises of “womenomics” under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the new government’s cabinet composition reveals a regression in the commitment to gender equality. Activists express concerns about the ongoing dominance of long-standing male-centric systems and emphasize the necessity for decisive measures to narrow the disparities between genders.
Conversely, research has shown a positive correlation between female parliamentary representation and economic growth. The Devpolicy Discussion Paper reveals that, on average, each percentage point increase in female parliamentary representation correlates with a 0.16% point rise in annual per-capita economic growth. This insight stresses the critical role female leaders play in shaping economic outcomes, challenging the status quo, and fostering progressive policies.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, the stories of these women in leadership positions offer guidance to the next generation. From Odiri Erewa-Meggison’s emphasis on resilience and overcoming biases to Ololade Johnson-Agiri’s call for practicing equity in decision-making, the collective wisdom points towards a future where women confidently break barriers.
The stories all point to an important realization – achieving gender equality and breaking the glass ceiling requires a comprehensive strategy. This involves not just personal perseverance but also making systematic adjustments in policies, corporate cultures, and political settings. We need to support female leaders by giving them more opportunities to be heard, promoting inclusivity, and backing initiatives that remove obstacles preventing women from achieving their full potential.
