By Ebunoluwa Sessou

As part of efforts aimed at advocating for more women in leadership roles in the public sector, Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) paid a courtesy visit to the Akwa-Ibom State Government to bridge the gender gap and advocate for increased representation of women in leadership roles, particularly within the public sector.

The Executive Director of WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships with government institutions to accelerate gender inclusion. Reiterating WIMBIZ’s commitment to advocating for policies that create more opportunities for women to thrive, both in the private and public sectors.

She noted that “the work we do today is laying a strong foundation for the women of tomorrow.”

On her part, Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Inebehe Etukudo, expressed strong support for WIMBIZ’s mission, commending the organization’s impactful work and affirming that initiatives like these are essential to breaking long-standing gender barriers.

She highlighted the state’s strides in female political representation, noting that 5 out of 32 Local Government Chairpersons are women, and all Vice Chairpersons are women, signaling progress toward equitable leadership.

In the same vein, WIMBIZ has pledged not to relent as it continues to mentor more girls between the ages of 14 and 18 years to guide them through leadership workshops and empower them with the confidence to dream beyond their circumstances.

Speaking during the opening ceremony at Community Secondary School Aka Offot, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe urged the girls to effectively use their time as it is a major determinant towards a successful future.

The objective of the program is to shape the mindset of students and expose them to vital skills for success in life. We connect young girls with appropriate Big Sisters in various fields, she said.

The One-day Mentoring Program is designed to provide, equip and empower young girls in public secondary schools between the ages of 14 and 18 years with life skills that will boost their confidence and build their leadership capacity; thereby preparing them for post- secondary education.

Beneficiaries of the program are mentored by accomplished female professionals in various fields who have a commitment to the development of the girl child.