Awosika urges female accountants to break leadership barriers

The former Chairperson of FirstBank, Ibukunoluwa Awosika, has advised female accountants to challenge the status quo to reach leadership positions within their workplaces and professional organisations.

Speaking at the 2024 Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria Day with the theme of “Shattering Glass Ceiling” in Lagos recently, Awosika emphasised the importance of intentionality, wisdom, and the courage to confront barriers that hinder women from ascending to the boardroom.

She urged female accountants to demonstrate competence and proactively position themselves for leadership roles at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and other professional bodies.

She pointed out that boardroom politics was not for the weak or complacent and encouraged women to elevate their standards to meet international benchmarks.

“Women often compete with male counterparts who have long been positioned for leadership roles,” she noted, advising them to approach their careers exceptionally.

Additionally, Awosika stressed the importance of hard work, smart decision-making, and staying updated with current trends.

According to her, women’s integrity and fairness give them an advantage in the accounting profession.

During the event, the Grand Patron of SWAN, Onome Adewuyi, emphasised the importance of early retirement planning and encouraged women accountants to explore opportunities in the money market, capital market, and real estate to build generational wealth.

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