In a powerful display of their commitment to gender equality and inclusivity, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) have announced that the inaugural edition of the Gender Leader Awards (GLA) will be headlined by two distinguished figures:
Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, and His Royal Highness, the 14th Emir of Kano, Khalifa Mohammed Sanusi II.
The GLA, which is being implemented under the Nigeria2Equal (N2E) program, will take place on Thursday, 15 June 2023, at 5 pm (WAT) in Lagos.
The Gender Leader Awards are designed to recognize and celebrate private sector companies that are leading the charge in promoting gender equality.
This hybrid event will bring together renowned individuals from various sectors, including C-Suites, captains of industry, capital market regulators, policymakers, and investors.
To gather more information about the event, interested participants can visit bit.ly/n2e-gla.
Speaking about the significance of the awards, Kalim M. Shah, IFC Senior Country Manager for Nigeria, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, expressed his admiration, saying, “The Gender Leader Awards highlight the inspiring commitment of CEOs and other business leaders to building a more inclusive workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. IFC is proud to partner with NGX on the Nigeria2Equal program and on this important awards, which underscore IFC’s ongoing commitment to equal opportunities for both men and women in Nigeria’s private sector.”
Temi Popoola, the Chief Executive Officer of NGX, echoed Shah’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of fostering a diverse and equitable private sector ecosystem in Nigeria. Popoola stated, “The Awards epitomize our collective commitment to championing gender equality through Nigeria2Equal. We recognize private sector organizations that have demonstrated exceptional performance in advancing gender-focused initiatives. The Awards will showcase and celebrate the remarkable strides made towards gender equality by NGX listed companies, amplifying our partnership’s accomplishments with IFC, showcase and celebrate the remarkable strides made towards gender equality by NGX listed companies.”
With NGX leading the way as the sustainable exchange driving Nigeria’s development, and IFC standing firm in their commitment, both organizations aim to accelerate the progress in closing the gender gap and empowering women across leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
