By; JACOB ONJEWU DICKSON
As part of activities to mark the 2022 International Women’s Day (IWD), Kada Hive has held a Consultative session, featuring live and zoom participants.
At the interaction held on Thursday March 10 at its corporate office, Manager of Kada Hive, Zahra Yunusa, said that it was part of activities lined up to mark the day with the theme, “Gender Equality Today For A Sustainable Tomorrow”.
She stressed that nurturing women folk is an important aspect in every society.
A live panelist, Saude Atoyebi who is Deputy Chief of Staff Kaduna Government House, said that the International Women’s Day is very important.
“It is an important time to bring female issues to the front burner.
“In Nigeria, especially the North, we are far behind. I know that there are loads of women entrepreneurs in Kadunà. I know when women are given opportunity, they shine,” she said.
She added that women need to be given a fighting chance to prove their worth.
“If we want sustainable growth, we involve women.
“In Kaduna lots of women are in leadership positions. Half of the commissioners are women.
” My boss, His Excellency, Malam Nasir el-Rufai is one that supports women, he has given a lot of opportunities to women in the state.
“We need men to create way for women to succeed.
“For me, three men played the role in my life. My dad, my boss and my husband,” she said.
Joining the interaction via Zoom, another panelist, Bridget Ajayi who is a business development specialist, said that self determination led to the success she is achieving.
“IWD is a day we recognize ourselves and achievements as women.
“Self determination contributed to me becoming successful and my dad also encouraged me,” she said.
She expressed excitement that women are beginning to take the big stage in all spheres of life.
“I was always pushing for success and that took me to where I am today. Where I work, three females are CEOs,” she informed.
Speaking also via Zoom, Abimbola Adebakin said that the International Women’s Day is one that gives opportunity to talk about equity.
She described the theme as apt, stressing that for a long time, the male child has been given more advantages.
She said there is need to create enabling environment for all children irrespective of sex.
“Everyone has a gift the world is waiting for, be it male or female, hence they should be given equal opportunities to excell,” she said.
Another panelist at the session, was Hauwa Liman, a Creative Director.
Kada Hive is an initiative of Bank of Industry (BoI), aimed at empowering people.
It was opened in August 2021 and has trained over 1,000 people since then.
The IWD event was sponsored by USAID through Feed The Future Nigeria.
It also featured exhibition on the sidelines.
