· Sanusi Lamido to give keynote address

The theme of the event will be ‘Unlocking the Full Potential of Women in the Nigerian Economy’, and captures the essence of WISCAR’s vision and mission.

The chief hosts of the event are WISCAR patrons including: the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar; retired senior corporate executive and human resources consultant, Chief Olufemi Adesanya; and Mrs Nozipho January-Bardill, a retired senior South African diplomat.

The event is an important forum for policy-makers, scholars, business leaders and professionals to gather and exchange ideas about the role of women in the Nigerian economy.

Speaking on the rationale behind the establishment of WISCAR, the founder, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, who is also the Human Resources Executive of MTN, said: “WISCAR is an NGO the seed of which was sown by my participation in the Aspen Global Leadership Network (West Africa) programme, ALIWA.  WISCAR aims to institute an effective career mentoring frame work for young professional career women. Our goal is to initiate and promote the emergence of a highly motivated and talented female work force that are not only valuable role models, but are agents of positive cultural and policy changes within their respective organizations and Nigeria.”

According to Mrs Oyagbola, “Since women represent 50% of the population, their role, a substantially untapped one, is critical to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. For Africa to rise, the women must arise. Taking cognizance of the role women play in nation building, we have thus taken it upon ourselves to bring together a steady pool of successful and experienced career women and progressive entry / mid-level career women to be mentors and mentees respectively.”

WISCAR provides one-on-one guidance and practical counseling, ensuring documented feedback and careful monitoring of progress. It also designs and implements programmes that provide first class, practical career and business guidance.

The NGO also seeks to entrench gender-sensitive policies in corporate organizations through training and advocacy as well as its influential network of outstanding senior female professionals.

Mrs. Oyagbola added that “WISCAR is at the vanguard of encouraging organizations to adopt progressive gender targets in the context of a merit based system. We believe that this will undoubtedly lead to a healthier Nigerian economy and society, as the contribution of women to all facets of life cannot be overemphasized.”

WISCAR is an increasingly influential pace-setting strategic mentoring network aimed at unleashing the largely untapped potential of women professionals in Nigeria. WISCAR has recently been awarded a grant by the prestigious international agency, African Women’s Development Fund.