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The Power of Many: Making Collaborations Work Among Women

Presented by: Bunmi Oke, WIMBIZ Executive Council MemberAt the Global Summit of Women, Warsaw, Poland

June 10, 2016

OVERVIEW

Success Measurements

Innovative Outreach and Partnerships

What Drives Good Collaborations?

Why has WIMBIZ Thrived?

Introduction

Achievements

Lessons Learned


Introduction Women in Management, Business and

Public Service (WIMBIZ) was founded in 2001 by (13 women and 1 man)

It is the foremost women’s focused nonprofit organization in Nigeria committed to elevating the status and influence of women and their contributions to nation building

We are committed to inspiring and empowering women through various programs including our Annual Conference which attracts over 1,000 women and has drawn credible speakers across sectors and the globe

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We are confident that your contributions has enriched and provided CEO's, and decision makers with new ideas and fresh perspectives on how to maintain best business practices during harsh economic times whilst growing


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Ifeoma Idigbe Chairperson Bola Adesola Omobola Johnson Adeola Azeez

Mairo BashirIbukun Awosika Chi-Chi Okonjo Toyin Olawoye

IfeyinwaIghodalo

Morin Desalu Julia Oku JacksFunmi Roberts

Yewande Zaccheaus

Board of Trustees


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Executive Council

Aishah Ahmad Chairperson

Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo

Osayi Alile Ebisan Akisanya

Yemisi AyeniBunmi Oke Taba Peterside Bimbola Wright Ronke Onadeko


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Secretariat

Mosun LayodeExecutive Director Ayomide Olajide Wunmi Akinde

Oduola Osunloye Tosin Sanyaolu

Toyin AjakaiyeElsie Akpabio

Jane Uweh

Jumoke Deniyi-BalogunMayowa Hassan

Daniel Imuzeghe

Morayo Rotimi


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Winning Collaboration

This is a collaboration that

pioneered a network of

professional women in Nigeria.

Its resounding success has

inspired and created

opportunities for other like-

minded groups to evolve.

From an idea birthed around a

Kitchen table 15 years ago, the

organisation has impacted

over 25,000 women, has over

5,000 women on the database

and 418 Associate members.


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Gender Diversity on Corporate

Boards

In 2012, WIMBIZ launched the

Nigerian Women on Board

(WimBoard) initiative to promote

and increase the representation of

women on Boards and in top

management. WIMBIZ, through this

initiative seeks to advocate for equal

opportunities on Boards


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Gender Diversity on Corporate Boards contd.

Inroads were made into organisations through the network of WIMBIZ women. This opened doors and provided the platform to advocate and get the buy-in of men

As a result, women have been nominated unto corporate Boards. In turn, these women are advocating the cause of the Nigerian women in the organisations in which they serve

Beyond this, women who have passed through the WIMBIZ Board Development Program (WIMBoard Institute), have formed a strong bond and have begun to nominate one another for Board positions


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Shaping Policy

WIMBIZ is on the forefront of driving the passage of the Gender and Equal Opportunities Bill in Nigeria in partnership with gender focused Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) Nigeria, a female Senator and representatives of the European Union.

In collaboration with Associates within its network, WIMBIZ has pioneered a movement to overturn labour laws that are unfavourable to women.


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Corporate Partnerships

Through the WIMBIZ network of women, WIMBIZ has raised approximately $6.5 million to implement its activities across Nigeria.

Members of the WIMBIZ network serve as advocates and champions for women issues within their organisations, thereby shaping policies that affect women and creating access to opportunities that empower women.


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Inspiring the Next Generation of

Leaders

In May 2016, the power of collaboration was further reaffirmed by women coming together to inspire, train and mentor young girls in secondary/high schools to boost their confidence and build their leadership capacity; thereby equipping them with the skills required to cope with life’s challenges and thrive in the toughest circumstances.

A key success factor was the collaboration with the Deputy Governor of Lagos State Dr (Mrs) Idiat Adebule, whose commitment to gender issues was evident.

A strong and bold vision

Commitment to a common goal

All parties add value to the collaboration

Clarity of roles and responsibilities

Strong guidelines that govern the relationship

What Drives Good Collaborations?

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Why has WIMBIZ Thrived?

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Passion and dedication of the Founding members, Executive Council, staff and associates

Commitment to the vision

Continuous evolution and adaptability e.g. extending to public service, WIMBIZ refreshes

Governance structure

Engagement of network of Associates

Engagement of a younger generation of executives

Involvement of strong male advocates

Ability to demonstrate impact, which in turn attracts support across sectors

Why has WIMBIZ Thrived? Contd.

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Success Measurements

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Reached over 25,000 women through our diverse programmes

Beneficiaries of our programmes have risen through the ranks in their careers and are positively impacting their organisations and communities

Entrepreneurs have gained local and international exposure and are building sustainable businesses that are creating jobs and contributing to economic development

Extension and diversity of programs and activities across Nigeria

Increased spread of Associates across Nigeria

Go to organisation for nominations of women on Boards

Reference point for issues related to professional women

Increasingly sought after for local and international partnerships

Our flagship event, the WIMBIZ Annual Conference, has solidified its position as a key event in the Nigerian corporate events calendar

What has WIMBIZ been able to achieve which was not available before?

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Pioneered the move to create a platform that supports women in management and business in Nigeria

A leading example of a winning collaboration among women, which is still thriving after 15 years; thereby breaking the myth that women are unable to work together

Created an Executive Database which serves as a pool of Board ready women from which they are nominated to serve on corporate Boards

Annually gathers the largest congregation of women in management, business and public service in Nigeria

Participated in the 2014 National Conference and made recommendations adopted in the final report to the President on the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These included, adoption of a 35% female representation on Boards of state owned and publicly quoted companies policy and National Mentoring Program policy.

Lessons Learned

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The strength of vision, passion and commitment to a common goal

Women are a powerful force when united by a common vision

The power of open communication

The importance of a governance structure

The role of trust and values

Successful collaborations take time

Women can and do support each other

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Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ)

200b Isale Eko AvenueDolphin Estate, IkoyiLagos, Nigeria

Cell: +234 (0) 709 821 1629Twitter: @wimbizWebsite: www.wimbiz.org

http://www.wimbiz.org/

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