NGX and Stakeholders Talks on Embracing Gender Equity

The Nigerian Exchange Group and its partners discuss the importance of gender equity on International Women’s Day. The event was held on and was themed “Embrace Equity: Setting the Standard for a Sustainable Future”. The goal was to bring together stakeholders across sectors to promote sustainable outcomes for women and men to thrive.

During the event, the Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Oscar N. Onyema, OON, stressed the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace, stating that gender equity is an ongoing journey that requires sustained efforts and commitment from all of us. He also mentioned that the Group is committed to pushing the boundaries of what is possible and embracing new ideas for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Temi Popoola, CEO of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), spoke about their collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on the Nigeria2Equal Initiative, which has helped to galvanize private sector action to close the gender gap. They also launched the Gender-Based Violence and Harassment in Workplaces research, which is a step towards promoting diversity and inclusion in the capital market.

One of the highlights of the event was the fireside talk on gender diversity and inclusion in the boardroom between Ms. Tinuade Awe, CEO of NGX Regulation Limited, and Mrs. Rosie Bichard, Co-chair of Women Executives on Boards. The discussion emphasized that culture transformation is crucial to address inclusion on the board, introduce younger women to the board, and ensure complete transparency with proven metrics in relation to the corporate governance structure.

Other notable speakers at the event included Mrs. Catherine Echeozo, Chairperson of NGX Regulation Limited (NGX RegCo); Ms. Naomi Nwokolo, Executive Director of United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria; Ms Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS; Mrs. Ojinika Olaghere, Board Member of NGX Group Plc; and Ms Dahlia Khalifa, Regional Director of International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The event also featured a panel session moderated by Dr. Kemi Dasilva-Ibru, Founder of Women at Risk Foundation (WARIF), where Adesuwa Rhodes, CEO of Aruwa Capital Management; Kate Henshaw, Actress, and Entrepreneur; Dr Dipo Awojide, Founder of BTDT HUB; Nkechi Anyagwa, Lady Wheelers Association; and Chidinma Chukwueke-Okolo, Head of Product Development at NGX discussed ways to create safe spaces for women to thrive.

Overall, the event was a great opportunity for private and public sector stakeholders to come together and discuss the importance of gender equity and how they can work towards a more sustainable future where everyone can thrive.