Institute Tasks Women on Politics, Entrepreneurship

Some public relations practitioners have advised Nigerian women to acquire entrepreneurial skills and participate actively in politics to be recognised and have a stronger voice.

The practitioners gave the advice on Thursday at the Strong Tender and Empowered Women’s Summit (STEWS), organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Lagos Chapter.

The summit had the theme: “Women Taking Charge: Good for All”.

Mr Badejo  Okunsanya, President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), said that women were resilient, focused and capable to juggle through diverse duties.

Okusanya advised women to acquire relevant skills and distinguish themselves in their various endeavours and be a force to reckon with.

Mr Olusegun McMedal, Chairman, NIPR, said that women had been marginalised for too long, and urged them to get involved in politics.

“Our women’s attitude to politics must change; they must be involved.

”Women want equal opportunities with men but it won’t be given to on a platter of gold; they have to begin to demand it.

”Culturally, women have been made to play second fiddle; this should change,’’ he said.

Mrs Ifueko Okauru, Co-founder of Compliance Professionals, called on women to be involved in making decisions that would affect them.

Okauru urged women occupying decision-making positions to ensure that they would leave such positions better than they met them.

“It is not just about getting into high positions or politics, but about being successful at them.

“Though we have made some progress, more need to be done to make things right for women,” she said.

Mrs Agnes Shobajo, a former Chairperson, Women Group, Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry, urged women to engage more in politics and entrepreneurship to be heard and recognised more.

”I want us to engage more in politics and entrepreneurship so that we will not be limiting ourselves but creating a platform to be further heard in the society,” she said.

Mr Lanre Olusola, an African behavioural change coach, urged women, especially mothers, to take their responsibilities seriously to eliminate drug addiction among the youth.

He urged mothers have listening ears and be available to properly guide their children.

 

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