NSE’s Tinuade Awe highlights benefits of gender diversity

As the world gears up to celebrate International Women's Day, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is taking proactive steps to spotlight gender equality through its symposium themed 'Each for Equal'. The event, which featured a predominantly female delegation, aimed to address the prevalent gender gaps in Nigeria and around the world. Tinuade Awe, the Executive Director for Regulation at the NSE, shed light on the critical issues faced by women in the workforce during an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa. The symposium brought together key stakeholders across various sectors to delve into the root causes of gender disparities and explore actionable solutions for a more inclusive and equitable society. Awe emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gender gaps that hinder women's progress in the workplace. She likened the situation to an aircraft flying with one wing down, stressing that unless corrective measures are taken, the full potential of both men and women cannot be realized. The symposium featured a distinguished panel including prominent figures such as Mrs. Awanaba, Gibrali and Ikele of Ion Capital, Bola Adesola of Standard Chartered, Asue Ighodalo of Templars Law, and other influential women driving change in their respective fields. One of the key takeaways from the symposium was the call to action for both men and women to collaborate in addressing gender disparities. Awe highlighted the importance of initiatives like HeForShe, a partnership between NSE and UN Women aimed at engaging both genders in the conversation about gender equality. By involving men in the dialogue, the aim is to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment where both men and women can thrive. Furthermore, the NSE announced a strategic collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Nigeria to promote gender equality through the 'Nigeria to Equal' initiative. This three-year partnership will focus on enhancing policies, procedures, and capacity-building efforts within the private sector to create a more gender-balanced workforce. By engaging with key stakeholders and implementing sustainable strategies, the NSE is taking concrete steps towards fostering a more inclusive and diverse business ecosystem. Looking ahead, the symposium marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards gender equality in Nigeria. By bringing together a diverse range of voices and spearheading collaborative initiatives, the NSE is setting a precedent for driving meaningful change in the corporate landscape. As the conversation continues beyond the symposium, there is a sense of optimism and momentum towards a more equitable future where gender diversity is celebrated and embraced.