The Power of Many: Making Collaborations Work Among Women · The Power of Many: Making...
Transcript of The Power of Many: Making Collaborations Work Among Women · The Power of Many: Making...
….we inspire and empower
The Power of Many: Making Collaborations Work Among Women
Presented by: Bunmi Oke, WIMBIZ Executive Council MemberAt the Global Summit of Women, Warsaw, Poland
June 10, 2016
OVERVIEW
Success Measurements
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
What Drives Good Collaborations?
Why has WIMBIZ Thrived?
Introduction
Achievements
Lessons Learned
….we inspire and empower
Introduction Women in Management, Business and
Public Service (WIMBIZ) was founded in 2001 by (13 women and 1 man)
It is the foremost women’s focused nonprofit organization in Nigeria committed to elevating the status and influence of women and their contributions to nation building
We are committed to inspiring and empowering women through various programs including our Annual Conference which attracts over 1,000 women and has drawn credible speakers across sectors and the globe
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We are confident that your contributions has enriched and provided CEO's, and decision makers with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to maintain best business practices during harsh economic times whilst growing
….we inspire and empower
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We are confident that your contributions has enriched and provided CEO's, and decision makers with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to maintain best business practices during harsh economic times whilst growing
Ifeoma Idigbe Chairperson Bola Adesola Omobola Johnson Adeola Azeez
Mairo BashirIbukun Awosika Chi-Chi Okonjo Toyin Olawoye
IfeyinwaIghodalo
Morin Desalu Julia Oku JacksFunmi Roberts
Yewande Zaccheaus
Board of Trustees
….we inspire and empower
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We are confident that your contributions has enriched and provided CEO's, and decision makers with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to maintain best business practices during harsh economic times whilst growing
Executive Council
Aishah Ahmad Chairperson
Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo
Osayi Alile Ebisan Akisanya
Yemisi AyeniBunmi Oke Taba Peterside Bimbola Wright Ronke Onadeko
….we inspire and empower
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We are confident that your contributions has enriched and provided CEO's, and decision makers with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to maintain best business practices during harsh economic times whilst growing
Secretariat
Mosun LayodeExecutive Director Ayomide Olajide Wunmi Akinde
Oduola Osunloye Tosin Sanyaolu
Toyin AjakaiyeElsie Akpabio
Jane Uweh
Jumoke Deniyi-BalogunMayowa Hassan
Daniel Imuzeghe
Morayo Rotimi
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Winning Collaboration
This is a collaboration that
pioneered a network of
professional women in Nigeria.
Its resounding success has
inspired and created
opportunities for other like-
minded groups to evolve.
From an idea birthed around a
Kitchen table 15 years ago, the
organisation has impacted
over 25,000 women, has over
5,000 women on the database
and 418 Associate members.
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Gender Diversity on Corporate
Boards
In 2012, WIMBIZ launched the
Nigerian Women on Board
(WimBoard) initiative to promote
and increase the representation of
women on Boards and in top
management. WIMBIZ, through this
initiative seeks to advocate for equal
opportunities on Boards
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards contd.
Inroads were made into organisations through the network of WIMBIZ women. This opened doors and provided the platform to advocate and get the buy-in of men
As a result, women have been nominated unto corporate Boards. In turn, these women are advocating the cause of the Nigerian women in the organisations in which they serve
Beyond this, women who have passed through the WIMBIZ Board Development Program (WIMBoard Institute), have formed a strong bond and have begun to nominate one another for Board positions
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Shaping Policy
WIMBIZ is on the forefront of driving the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Nigeria in partnership with gender focused Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, a female Senator and representatives of the European Union.
In collaboration with Associates within its network, WIMBIZ has pioneered a movement to overturn labour laws that are unfavourable to women.
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Corporate Partnerships
Through the WIMBIZ network of women, WIMBIZ has raised approximately $6.5 million to implement its activities across Nigeria.
Members of the WIMBIZ network serve as advocates and champions for women issues within their organisations, thereby shaping policies that affect women and creating access to opportunities that empower women.
Innovative Outreach and Partnerships
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Inspiring the Next Generation of
Leaders
In May 2016, the power of collaboration was further reaffirmed by women coming together to inspire, train and mentor young girls in secondary/high schools to boost their confidence and build their leadership capacity; thereby equipping them with the skills required to cope with life’s challenges and thrive in the toughest circumstances.
A key success factor was the collaboration with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr (Mrs) Idiat Adebule, whose commitment to gender issues was evident.
A strong and bold vision
Commitment to a common goal
All parties add value to the collaboration
Clarity of roles and responsibilities
Strong guidelines that govern the relationship
What Drives Good Collaborations?
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Passion and dedication of the Founding members, Executive Council, staff and associates
Commitment to the vision
Continuous evolution and adaptability e.g. extending to public service, WIMBIZ refreshes
Governance structure
Engagement of network of Associates
Engagement of a younger generation of executives
Involvement of strong male advocates
Ability to demonstrate impact, which in turn attracts support across sectors
Why has WIMBIZ Thrived? Contd.
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Success Measurements
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Reached over 25,000 women through our diverse programmes
Beneficiaries of our programmes have risen through the ranks in their careers and are positively impacting their organisations and communities
Entrepreneurs have gained local and international exposure and are building sustainable businesses that are creating jobs and contributing to economic development
Extension and diversity of programs and activities across Nigeria
Increased spread of Associates across Nigeria
Go to organisation for nominations of women on Boards
Reference point for issues related to professional women
Increasingly sought after for local and international partnerships
Our flagship event, the WIMBIZ Annual Conference, has solidified its position as a key event in the Nigerian corporate events calendar
What has WIMBIZ been able to achieve which was not available before?
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Pioneered the move to create a platform that supports women in management and business in Nigeria
A leading example of a winning collaboration among women, which is still thriving after 15 years; thereby breaking the myth that women are unable to work together
Created an Executive Database which serves as a pool of Board ready women from which they are nominated to serve on corporate Boards
Annually gathers the largest congregation of women in management, business and public service in Nigeria
Participated in the 2014 National Conference and made recommendations adopted in the final report to the President on the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These included, adoption of a 35% female representation on Boards of state owned and publicly quoted companies policy and National Mentoring Program policy.
Lessons Learned
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The strength of vision, passion and commitment to a common goal
Women are a powerful force when united by a common vision
The power of open communication
The importance of a governance structure
The role of trust and values
Successful collaborations take time
Women can and do support each other
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Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ)
200b Isale Eko AvenueDolphin Estate, IkoyiLagos, Nigeria
Cell: +234 (0) 709 821 1629Twitter: @wimbizWebsite: www.wimbiz.org