By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Female students in Lagos State have been urged to squarely confront challenges with tenancy of purpose, capacity, capability, strength and remain focused to achieve excellence in their chosen endeavours in life.

These were the submissions of stakeholders during a mentorship program organised by a Non-Governmental Organization, NGO, The Executive Woman, to mark the International Women’s Day, themed: “#AccelerateAction,” held at Lagos City Model College, Sabo, Yaba.

The panelists which include: experts from different sectors called on the female students to expand their horizon, knowledge bound, abhor limitations, take education seriously, build relationships by making friends, be humble but not be timid.

They were urged also to be assertive, ready to learn, hardworking, bold and build skills to be financially independent.

Not less than 100 girls drawn from public schools in Lagos State participated in the program.

Female Professionals who are holding their own in various fields of endeavours were invited to inspire the girls with view to helping them establish a mindset that will spur them into action to unlock their potentials especially in their academic pursuits.

To drive home the point on the theme of this year’s commemoration, “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, the panel shared real life experiences and questions fielded from the girl participants.

Responding to questions from the inquisitive students, the Founder of Executive Woman, Ibukunoluwa Osoba and experts, noted that challenges were pathways to success, while urging them to braze up to overcome obstacles, not to give room to weaknesses, know when to draw the lines, focus on their strength, set boundaries and standards, obey their parents and teachers as well as motivate themselves to succeed in life.

Students at the event.which featured mentorship, dancing competition, among others, appreciated members of the group and other organisers for the mentoring initiative which would enable them to be focused, recognised negative influences, as well as make them become a better person in life who would affect their generation positively.

Osoba saiid the need to bridge the gap in the society where resources are not available to female students to help them see possibilities in their immediate environment necessitated the choice of public school to celebrate the International Women’s Day.

According to her, “We decided to bring together women who already are doing well in the corporate to tell them you can also do it. Not a lot of people come from privileged backgrounds, a lot of us have built ourselves to a point we can actually be people in the society.”, she said.

“After this, we have a mentorship program we are going to run for girls, to help them in picking a University of choice, the resources they need and we are very opened to partnership for those who want to support the cause.

“Secondly is to ensure they have access to internships, thru can be free internships but we will cover their expenses, getting to meet professionals to see how they run their daily routine, even if it is for just one week.”

One of the panelists, Head Legal, Leaders in Maritime and Onshore Security Services, Judith Ebogu, charged girl child to be daring in the midst of challenges, saying, “There are different challenges at different stages in life.

“The real mindset to imbibe is not to run away from challenges but face it head-on and learn from them.

“Build resilience, believe in your self. Know who you are. Know your strength and weaknesses. That’s how growth comes in, especially as a woman.”

Also, a panelist, Head Strategy and Transformation, LAPO, Microfinance Bank, Dorcas Thorpe, stated, “Challenges are paths to success, be focused, keep pushing. Trust, there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Expand your knowledge bound. Build relationships and target financial independence.”

There was also a dose of entertainment to spice up the events as the girls competed in a dance competition which attracted gifts and cash prizes.

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day calls for action that can help unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for all especially a feminist future where no one is left behind