Gender equality remains a critical global challenge, and International Women’s Day, celebrated every March 8th inspires everyone to reflect on the progress and the urgent work still ahead. This year’s theme, #AccelerateAction, feels especially urgent.
According to the World Economic Forum, at our current pace, complete gender equality will not be achieved until 2158—five generations from now. That is a sobering reality that demands we act swiftly to dismantle barriers and biases holding women back. At FMS, #AccelerateAction is not just a buzzword; it means actively creating opportunities for women to grow, lead, and thrive by trusting their abilities and providing the support they need to succeed.
To dive deeper into what #AccelerateAction means for FMS and other organisations, I had the privilege of sitting down with our Chief Business Officer, Jennifer Okorhi. Her insights, drawn from her career and leadership philosophy, illuminate how we can transform this theme into tangible progress—both at FMS and beyond. Alongside Jennifer, I also spoke with three remarkable women leaders—Folashade Omonijo, Marketing Manager for OPPO Nigeria; Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters, Founder of PAWEN & TechUp Africa; and Sandra Ajayi, a global marketing professional—whose voices enrich our understanding of advancing gender equality.
Empowering Change: Women Leaders on Trust, Inclusion, and Legacy
Jennifer believes that trust is the cornerstone of accelerating progress for women. She shared:
“Providing equal opportunity and access to everyone is one of the most effective ways I have accelerated action as a leader. Sometimes, it’s difficult to trust others with what you want them to do, but reflecting on how people trusted me early in my career makes it a no-brainer to extend that same opportunity to others.”
Her words resonate deeply: trust isn’t just a feel-good concept—it’s a game-changer. Leaders who trust women with significant responsibilities unlock doors to growth and leadership. At FMS, we strive to build this trust daily, fostering a culture where women can truly shine.
This idea of trust as a catalyst extends beyond FMS. Folashade Omonijo emphasised the collective journey of inclusion, saying:
“Inclusion is an ongoing journey, and we all have a place to play in making it a worthwhile one.”
Her perspective highlights that trust and inclusion are intertwined—each step forward depends on everyone playing their part to create opportunities for women.
Jennifer expanded on this, stating:
“We need more leaders and professionals who can learn to trust each other as a way to provide equality in the workplace.”
This philosophy guides our approach at FMS. By trusting women and valuing their contributions, we’re breaking down barriers and nurturing a workplace where equality thrives. Oluwaseyi Kehinde-Peters connected this trust to a sense of legacy:
“Every step forward creates pathways for those who follow. Because I stand on the shoulders of women who have broken barriers before me, I feel a huge sense of responsibility to ensure those coming after me inherit a fairer landscape.”
Her words remind us that trusting women today builds a foundation for future generations—a ripple effect that accelerates progress.
Adding another layer, Sandra Ajayi brought a human-centred view:
“When we accommodate women coming up the ladder, you put a sense of humanity into the work environment because you have someone who is listening and is a good manager.”
Sandra’s insight ties trust to empathy, showing how supporting women in leadership not only drives equality but also enriches workplace culture with compassion and effective management.
While FMS and other organisations are doing their part, change also starts with us as individuals. Here are some ways we can take charge of our paths and accelerate action toward gender equality:
How Women Can Accelerate Action in Society
• Advocate for Yourself: Believe in your worth and do not hesitate to speak up. Confidence is not arrogance—it is recognising your value and letting it shine.
• Never Stop Learning: Seek out growth opportunities, whether through mentorship, training, or asking questions. The more skills you build, the stronger you become.
• Lean on Others: Surround yourself with a supportive network. Mentors, peers—even the quietest colleagues—can offer wisdom that propels you forward.
• Use Your Voice: Share your ideas in meetings or discussions. Your perspective matters and could spark the next significant innovation.
• Set Healthy Boundaries: Balance is key. Prioritising your well-being equips you to perform at your best.
• Own Your Success: Keep track of your achievements and celebrate them. You have earned your place—do not shy away from owning it.
These steps are not just personal goals; they are ways we can contribute to the broader mission of #AccelerateAction. At FMS, we are committed to supporting women every step of the way, and we invite you to join us in this effort.
A Call to Action This International Women’s Day
Accelerating action means trusting each other, creating opportunities, and taking responsibility for our growth. It is about building a society where women feel empowered to step into leadership and own their success—not in 2158, but right now!
So, let us make a commitment not only for March 8th but daily. Whether it is mentoring a colleague, advocating for yourself, or trusting in someone else’s potential, every step moves us closer to equality. At FMS, we are all in—join us in making #AccelerateAction a reality.
Happy International Women’s Day! Let us lift each other today and every day.