The federal government has been urged to implement policies aimed at fostering greater female participation in entrepreneurship through initiatives such as financial support, capacity building, and investing in female-centric hubs.
The call was made in Abuja during the International Women’s Day event hosted by the Alternative Bank in collaboration with Xai Media Limited with the theme #InspireInclusion, to highlight the impact of leveraging data to grow businesses owned and run by women in the country .
Its Managing Director, Monsurah Alli-Oluwafuyi, emphasized the crucial role of women in entrepreneurship, stressing that by proactively investing in these areas, the government can not only facilitate women’s entry into the business sphere but also equipp them with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in today’s challenging economic situation.
“Empowering women does not detract from their natural caregiving roles; rather, it enhances their ability to support their families financially,” stated Alli-Oluwafuyi.
Alli-Oluwafuyi highlighted the significance of networking and knowledge-sharing, emphasized the importance of accessing relevant information and expertise to drive business growth, stressing the need for women to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from experienced individuals within their respective industries.
“Women are mostly entrepreneurs from many years back and if given better opportunities they can manage businesses better because they are calmer and cannot be easily influenced. It is important for the
Government to be intentional about how it wants to equip more women into businesses.
“Government should set up policies that will encourage more women to join businesses whether through finance, capacity building, investing in hubs because there are women who would rather be in the gathering of other women and don’t want to be where men are so Government can invest in hubs like that and support hubs that are creating opportunities for women to come and run their business and to network as well
“Women must also understand that to run or grow a business it is important to know the right information you require like leveraging data to accelerate business growth. it is important to listen to people who are experts in different fields and industries network and share experience with each other and its important to have conversations with people who are experienced,” she stressed.
Also speaking, Amina Lawal the Chief Operating Officer at.. women such as Ngozi Okonjo Iweala are examples that financial institutions can be better managed by women.
“I will think women are already contributing massively to the economic growth of Nigeria. I think Nigeria was better economic wise during the time of Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the coordinating minister for financial affairs. It shows that women can contribute in so many ways because we are vast and we yeah, we put emotion to most of the things we do, but make better decisions and can hardly be influenced.
On her part, the Spa Director at Topaz House of Beauty Spa and Salon, Anuoluwapo Bamishaye, emphasized the economic significance of International Women’s Day, saying it as a day to reflect on and encourage women to pursue economic aspirations.
Sharing key takeaway from the event, she also stressed the importance of leveraging data to enhance business operations by utilizing feedback from clients and staff to drive business improvement.
Meanwhile, Amina Mohammad Ali working with the Alternative Bank called on the banking industries to treat young women with respect and be given equal opportunities for roles that are not dependent on what they look like.
“I think young women should be considered for all and every role you can think of. The role a woman is given can never be determined based on her gender, or how she looks or even her age. If there is any consideration that needs to be made, it should be how to better support her to be able to do her job better not to exploit her female attributes,” she urged.