Women’s summit to examine routes into executive leadership
The second Executive Woman Summit will focus on workplace structures and career barriers that limit women’s progression into senior management and chief executive roles. Speakers said representation alone is insufficient without clear advancement pathways, strategic visibility, sponsorship and access to decision-making power.
The second Executive Woman Summit will examine why women remain underrepresented in executive management and chief executive positions despite gains in workplace inclusion, its organisers have said. The summit’s focus was announced at a media parley in Lagos on September 30. The event, themed “Playing to Win: Elevate Your Vision, Value, and Visibility”, is scheduled for October 28 in Victoria Island.
Organisers said the discussion would move beyond hiring women or placing them on boards to consider how organisations can create routes into senior management, influence and economic power. Bola Matel-Okoh, convener of the summit and founder of BMO Advisory Services and the Women’s Lifestyle Hub, said women’s progress should not be measured only by their presence in organisations or leadership positions. She said the conversation needed to include participation, influence and economic equality.
Matel-Okoh said women entering through support functions such as human resources and legal departments needed clearer paths to executive roles. She also urged professionals to communicate their value, develop relationships and demonstrate measurable results. Folake Sanu, a board chair and independent non-executive director, said aspiring executives needed knowledge beyond their immediate specialisations.
She identified market performance, customer experience, organisational strategy and financial understanding as important leadership capabilities, and highlighted sponsorship by senior leaders. Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, chief executive of Z-Edge Limited, urged women to treat setbacks as part of development and continue learning. Other speakers identified emotional intelligence, values, competence and measurable impact as leadership qualities.
The summit brings together executives, entrepreneurs, professionals and emerging leaders. Its programme covers career development, leadership, wellbeing, influence, mentorship, networking and the challenge of sustaining success at senior levels.
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