Bridging Gender Gap Essential for Nigeria's Growth

Onyiny Ojukwu, a corporate lawyer, spoke on the importance of bridging the gender gap to enhance national development and boost GDP during the International Women's Day 2026 commemoration. She noted that the number of female CEOs in Nigeria's banking sector has increased from 11 two years ago, showcasing the potential for women's leadership when barriers are dismantled.

Ojukwu urged organizations to move beyond aspirational goals and implement tangible changes, as the World Economic Forum estimates that at the current pace, it will take 131 years to achieve full gender parity globally. She identified key factors affecting women's progress, including the need for clear performance metrics and supportive policies that do not penalize women for childbirth and caregiving.

Ojukwu also highlighted the importance of mentorship and sponsorship in helping women access senior leadership roles, citing research from McKinsey & Company that shows gender-diverse executive teams outperform their counterparts in profitability.