The Director General of the World Trade Organization, WTO, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has decried the participation and involvement of women in leadership roles, citing the Governorship position in Nigeria.
During a recent discussion with the Duchess of Sussex, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala emphasized the persistent challenges women face in attaining leadership roles, stressing the need for increased representation in government positions.
She highlighted the exchange of ideas between herself, other women, and a duchess on strategies to promote women’s leadership.
The conversation touched on the low percentage of women in key political offices like the National Assembly and the absence of women governors, pointing to the necessity for proactive efforts to change these dynamics.
Addressing the issue of Nigeria’s trade deficit, Ms. Okonjo-Iweala advocated for economic diversification and attracting domestic and foreign investments.
She emphasized the importance of leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area to tap into a broader market and achieve economic surplus.
“How do we improve the position of women in the country? We have a very low percentage of women in the National assembly. We have never had a woman governor, let alone something higher,” she said.
Ms Okonjo-Iweala added,
“That has to change, but no one is going to hand it to the women. Women have to fight for it, but the men also have to support because you cannot have 50 per cent of your population not participating. So, these were some of the issues we discussed today, and we have to proffer solutions on how women could deal with the challenges of leadership.
“Most of the women in the room here are already leaders; they are not even struggling to get to the top as they are already there.”
