It was indeed a room full of women leaders from all over Africa on Thursday, November 18, at the 2021 edition of Africa Women Impact Summit and Awards as Mrs. Chizoba Anyika, the Secretary of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association, WISTA, Nigeria and the National Publicity Secretary of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria joined other dignitaries to receive Impact Personality of the year award of excellence.

The event which took place at the prestigious Abuja Sheraton Hotel and Towers assembled notable women who have made significant contributions in the development of African Continent in their various fields of endeavour.

Other women who were honoured with the award of excellence include Nollywood screen goddess, film producer and singer, Juliet Ibrahim; House of Representatives Deputy Chief Whip and member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi federal constituency of Abia State, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; former Chairman First Bank Plc, Ibukun Awosika; former First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Mrs. Lordina Dramani Mahama, and Francisca Oteng Mensah, the youngest member of Ghana Parliament.

Others are Dr. Utchay Odims, Co-founder Global Initiative for Africa who was also a co-host. 

The event was hosted by a renowned TV personality, Adaora Onyechere of African Independent Television, AIT. 

The winner of 2021 Big Brother Naija show, Hazel Oyeze Onoduenyi, popularly known as White Money flagged off 1000 women for training after the launching of Africa Women Impact Training Academy. 

Also in attendance were Her Excellency Aisha Babangida, Chairman Better Life program for the African rural women and Dr Patience Ndidi Key, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Chambers of Commerce USA and others.

The event which commenced with panel discussion x-rayed the participation of women in leadership, politics, social media impact and ways of maximizing the social space to accommodate more women, financial inclusion among other issues bordering on the development of women in the continent.

The panellists shared how they took actions against all odds, rising to great heights in their various vocations.

Of note in the discussions is the importance of harnessing Africa’s phenomenal female leadership potentials which is critical to building the continent.

It highlighted the transformative qualities of African women in leadership celebrating the leading women to reflect on the challenges African women are facing by sharing their thoughts on how they can more effectively encourage and empower themselves.

They called on governments to embrace women and develop policies for inclusion because when women are meaningfully represented and engaged in leadership, decisions are inclusive and diversity is considered.

Moreover, African women as leaders and decision-makers at all levels is critical to advancing and furtherance of economic, social, and political progress for all.

The speakers echoed that indeed when given the opportunity, African women bring to bear important leadership qualities such as courage, compassion, character, and empathy.

They are also able to succeed with managing complex situations because they are authentic, collaborative, rigorous, results-oriented, and sacrificial. These are all attributes that society needs today.

Increasingly there is the recognition that full gender participation will ensure a stronger and a more developed and peaceful continent.

Most of the speakers alluded to the fact that women are great influential voices required to inspire and positively influence the current Continental leadership.  Their participation and involvement in decision-making processes is therefore critical to development.

There is the urgent need for women to recognise and embrace their unique strengths and dig up their hidden potentials for the benefit of their families, communities, nations and humankind.

Across the continent, women leaders improve lives and inspire a better future for all.

In celebrating her award, Mrs. Chizoba Anyika acknowledged that African women are passionate, creative and resourceful and can bring distinct skills, qualities and perspectives to any given role, therefore they should be empowered for impactful leadership.

Mrs. Anyika  believes that  female executives, professionals and leaders should come together under distinct platforms to further advance the inclusion of women for the benefit of the continent. She said that under these platforms, they will harness the synergies of alliance.

She advised that women leaders should and can operate under the existing patriarchal system by sharing their accomplishments and ambitions so as to change and shape the continent’s perceptions about women’s ability to lead. They should look for opportunities to mentor other women and be a source of inspiration for them to rise above the gender bias and fear.

In all Mrs. Chizoba Anyika urged all participants to crystallize the lessons learnt into actions that will bring systemic change for Africa.

Vanguard News Nigeria