The Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State, Funmi Sesi, has charged women to be visionary in their leadership and aspirations.
Sesi gave the charge during the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees’ (NULGE), Lagos State Chapter Women Summit, with the theme: “Gathering of the Amazons: Women in NULGE the Pride of Unionism”, held at Ojo Local Government on Wednesday.
She spoke on the topic: “The Future Next Level: Contributing My Quota As Women In NULGE”.
Represented by the Vice Chairman, NLC, Lagos State, Mr Olabisi Adebayo, Sesi said there was the need for a clear mission and vision, which included understanding one’s motivations and the processes involved in becoming a leader.
She said that coming on board as a leader was not for merry making, as one had to sacrifice a lot and prepare to lead.
“You must have a mission and a vision, that is to say, what pushed you to get there and what you are going to do and the process, you have to look at yourself very well.
“You must have the confidence to be a leader. You must not be someone that they will be tossing up and down. No, you must be able to make decision at any given time as a leader.
“You must be educated very, very well. If you are not where to be found in education level, you can’t lead people, especially in this time of Artificial Intelligence,” Sesi said.
She urged women not to present themselves cheaply in pursuit of positions, but to strive for respect from both men and the community.
She said it was important for a woman aspiring leadership position to have a mentor to guide, direct, and correct her, as well as the necessity to consult and consolidate knowledge and ideas with others.
According to her, the process of becoming a leader involves adventure and the recognition that no one has all the knowledge or ideas alone.
Speaking on the topic: “Women In Labour Movement, The Pride Of Unionism”, a former NULGE President, Lagos State, Dr Iyabode Obasa, said the role of women in unionism globally and in Nigeria had evolved from marginalisation to active participation and leadership.
Obasa said the formation of the International Labour Organisation provided a platform for women’s labour rights, while in Nigeria, trailblazers like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti paved the way for others.
She said women in NULGE had moved from the periphery to the centre of leadership, advocacy, and reform, improving workplace conditions and promoting gender justice.
According to her, empowering women in labour movement is essential for effective, inclusive, and people-centred unionism in Nigeria.
“Women in NULGE have increased their presence in leadership positions, advocating for maternity rights, gender equality, and anti-discrimination.
“They have mobilised female members for capacity building and electioneering, creating safe spaces for reporting workplace harassment,” she said.
The President of NULGE, Mr Sunday Ogunforowa, said the union was always mindful of all that concerned women, hence, organising the summit for them to learn and relearn.
(NAN)
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