Empowering Women in Leadership: Overcoming Challenges, Embracing Opportunities

During my university days in Nigeria, I was fortunate to get a vacation job at Lever Brothers Nigeria, Apapa. My role was clerical, and in the Sales and Marketing department. I was a carefree young lady and ready for a fun summer. I made some good friends at work, and my mother was friends with some of the female senior managers. I was in good hands. However, my favorite memory was getting to know a senior leader. I will refer to her as Ms. M. The presence of Ms. M in our meetings was captivating. She carried herself with an air of confidence and authority yet was full of respect and understanding. Her leadership style was inspiring. She delegated tasks with clarity and encouraged open communication among her team members. She would invite us, her team, to lunch at the management canteen which was uncommon back then. I recall the succulent roast chicken with fried rice and white glove service. In my youthful eyes, she personalized professional excellence, a role model who ignited within me a burning desire to be like her when I grew up. I yearned to be like her and serve in a senior management role leading to a corporate Board role someday. That dream lived in me for years, but the reality was different.