Oyagbola Seeks 35% Female Representation in Leadership, Workplace Reforms As WISCAR Stream 16 Mentees Graduate

Amina Oyagbola, the driving force behind Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR), is championing a significant push for gender equality in Nigeria's leadership landscape. At a recent graduation ceremony for WISCAR mentees, she called for the institutionalization of a minimum of 35% female representation in both public and private sectors. This, she argues, is crucial for promoting gender inclusion and accelerating national development.

Oyagbola highlighted that WISCAR has joined forces with other prominent women-focused organizations to form the Women in Leadership Coalition. This coalition aims to amplify advocacy for greater female participation in decision-making roles and to push for essential policy reforms. Key among their objectives are labor reforms that specifically address the "care economy" and enhanced maternity and paternity leave policies, which they believe should be standard benefits, not mere privileges.

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These are not things women should have to beg for. They should be given, so women can effectively balance family responsibilities while contributing meaningfully to the workplace, society and nation-building.

"These are not things women should have to beg for. They should be given, so women can effectively balance family responsibilities while contributing meaningfully to the workplace, society and nation-building," Oyagbola stated, underscoring the need for systemic support for working mothers and fathers.

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Choose significance over success. Whenever doubt whispers that your dreams are too ambitious, remember WISCAR and remember that extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people who prepare, persevere and act with courage.

Addressing the graduating mentees, Oyagbola urged them to embrace leadership that transcends titles and positions. She defined true leadership by its influence, character, courage, and service, drawing inspiration from Nelson Mandela. She challenged the graduates to reject mediocrity, pursue excellence with integrity, and strive for lasting impact, encouraging them to "choose significance over success" and to remember that "extraordinary things are achieved by ordinary people who prepare, persevere and act with courage."

Oyagbola also emphasized the importance of giving back, urging the women to mentor and sponsor other aspiring women as they advance in their careers. "As you gain knowledge, share it generously. As you achieve success, become someone else’s sponsor, mentor and advocate. That is how movements are built, institutions are strengthened and nations are transformed," she concluded, painting a vision of collective progress and empowerment.

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As you gain knowledge, share it generously. As you achieve success, become someone else’s sponsor, mentor and advocate. That is how movements are built, institutions are strengthened and nations are transformed.