At the recent Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN) event held in Lagos, Ibukun Awosika, former Chairperson of FBN Holdings and a prominent entrepreneur, delivered a powerful message encouraging female accountants to challenge the barriers that limit their ascent into leadership roles. The theme of the event, “Shattering Glass Ceilings: Owning Your Career Path and Leading with Authenticity,” resonated deeply with attendees as Ms. Awosika shared her insights on navigating the complexities of professional advancement.
During her address, Awosika emphasized the importance of intentionality and strategic action for women in accounting. She asserted that to break through the proverbial glass ceiling, female accountants must not only demonstrate competence but also actively position themselves for leadership opportunities within their organizations and professional bodies such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.
“Boardroom politics is not for the weak or weary,” Awosika stated. “Women must elevate their standards to meet international benchmarks and continuously enhance their knowledge. It’s essential to build sustainable relationships with mutual support; operating in silos diminishes our collective power.”
Awosika's call to action comes at a time when women represent nearly half of the accounting workforce yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions. Despite significant progress, barriers such as gender biases, lack of mentorship, and work-life balance challenges continue to impede women's career advancement in this field.
She encouraged attendees to adopt an exceptional approach to their careers, urging them to be hardworking, smart, and courageous in challenging authority. “The boardroom is a position of power; you need to break the ceiling to reach the top,” she affirmed.
In addition to her motivational speech, Awosika highlighted the importance of financial literacy and planning for retirement. Onome Adewuyi, Grand Patron of SWAN, echoed this sentiment by advising women accountants to explore investment opportunities that can lead to generational wealth.
SWAN’s National Chairperson, Hilda Okor, welcomed the insights shared by Ms. Awosika and other speakers, expressing gratitude for their contributions. “This program allows our members to draw strength and knowledge from distinguished women. The insights we gain today will be the foundation for greater achievements in our careers,” she remarked.
As SWAN continues its mission to empower female accountants across Nigeria, events like this serve as crucial platforms for fostering dialogue and encouraging women to pursue leadership roles with confidence and authenticity.