Don’t give up, speakers tell women Rotarians
Women have been urged to hold their own in their careers, no matter the obstacles. Speakers gave the advice at Women In Rotary conference and exhibition organised by women Rotarians
Women have been urged to hold their own in their careers, no matter the obstacles.
Speakers gave the advice at Women In Rotary conference and exhibition organised by women Rotarians in District 9111 at Rotary Centre in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, attended by about 100 women. It was titled: ‘’Influence, innovation and impact
Welcoming guests to the event, District 9111 Governor, Prince Henry Akinyele, praised the women, saying they are a force to reckon with in their clubs and the district. He cited a project that was almost abandoned until a woman leader came on board at a club and completed it. He urged the women not to relent, but lead and continue to influence with impact.
Chairperson, Omolara Akinsanya, said they embarked on the second edition to showcase their talents, so others could learn from them. She scored the programme high, adding the exhibition was a side attraction to display what women Rotarians had done on their own and could still do, if given opportunities.
She urged women to continue to excel in their fields, noting part of the event was women empowerment, saying earlier WIR had empowered over 150 women with sewing machines, among others, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, to enable them to be self-employed.
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Nollywood actress and maker Iyabo Ojo, who was a guest speaker, spoke on resilience. She said Rome was not built in a day, urging that women should continue striving for success. As managers of their homes, women should put the same energy in their careers, not giving up, she said. She councelled them on proper marketing, loving themselves, and not allowing their physical weakness compared to men to deter them. She told them to imbibe the virtues of passion and drive in the pursuit of their careers.
‘’Have the right mindset to move forward, or you won’t. Build trust, Start from somewhere and diversify. I have done some odd jobs. Discover yourself,’’ she said, adding that the participants should echo after her three times: ‘’I will survive.’’
She noted that she had started small, and in and out some businesses but continued to strive. and that her achievements were not made in one day.
On challenges, she said there are plenty but the important thing is that they should be ready to overcome them.
Past District 9110 Governor (PDG) Omotunde Lawson, said the women in Rotary have come a long way. She said it had not been a bed of roses for them as they had to fight their way to be admitted into the once-only men global organisation. Since then, Mrs Lawson said women have been able to make their mark on the sand of Rotary. “We have just started,’’ she emphasised to the applause of listeners.
She said the era of oppressing women was gone. She advised women on risking taking. “A woman must be ready to take risks. If you lose some, you will win some. He said excelling is about what you bring to the table and not gender. ‘’It is about the stuff you are made of. Be confident. be visible, brace up and take up your right position and improve them where you find yourself.
Also, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye,, spoke in a similar vein. Mrs Adewleye, who praised the WIR for organising the event, said women have the can-do spirit to excel.
