*: The Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) held its annual Media Parley on Thursday, April 17, 2025, with a powerful message of continued commitment to advancing women’s leadership in Nigeria and beyond. The event, graced by key board members including Ms. Bisi Adeyemi, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Executive Director Ms. Omowumi Akingbohunge; and Mrs. Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, served as a platform to highlight past achievements, unveil new initiatives, and strengthen partnerships with the media and stakeholders.**
In her opening remarks, Ms. Akingbohunge celebrated WIMBIZ’s 24-year journey, emphasizing that the organization has empowered over 340,000 women across 23 countries. From leadership mentoring to advocacy for gender parity in boardrooms, WIMBIZ has remained a beacon of support. The “Women on Board” initiative alone has produced over 500 board-ready women, with 130 mentees graduating last year. Their impact also extended to community outreach, with over 500 families in local communities receiving relief materials.**
: A key highlight of the parley was the organization’s growing global footprint and structural progress. In 2024, WIMBIZ received NGO certification, placing it on par with public charities in the United States in terms of governance. The year also saw participation in international conferences and impactful roundtables, including campaigns that reached over 400,000 individuals during International Women’s Day. These efforts reflect WIMBIZ’s evolving role as a global voice in women’s development.**
For 2025, WIMBIZ has identified new areas of focus, particularly in law, construction, and property ownership—sectors where significant gender gaps remain. Initiatives such as the “Women in Law” mentoring program and stakeholder roundtables aim to increase female representation among senior advocates, judges, and corporate counsels. Upcoming publications will serve as critical tools for young female professionals navigating career pathways in these male-dominated fields.**
: Looking ahead, WIMBIZ is set to host its London Conference in June under the theme “The Power of Us: Uniting for Impact,” followed by its flagship Annual Conference in November. Other impactful programs include the Big Sister Initiative in schools, the Women on Board 7th cycle, and the Discount Corner for members. The Media Parley concluded with a call for continued media partnership to spotlight women breaking barriers across industries. As Ms. Adeyemi aptly put it, “Without the media, we’d be dancing in the dark.”**