Empowering Women in Pension Leadership: A Call for Competence, Collaboration, and Advocacy
The launch of the Women in Pension Network (WOPEN) by the Pension Fund Operators Association of Nigeria marks a significant stride towards gender equity in the Nigerian pension industry. This initiative, championed by the National Pension Commission (NPC) Director-General, Omolola Oloworaran, aims to equip women with the necessary tools and support system to ascend to leadership positions within the sector. Oloworaran’s message resonated strongly with the theme of International Women’s Day 2025, "Accelerate Action," emphasizing that women must actively pursue leadership roles through demonstrated competence and excellence, rather than passively awaiting opportunities. This proactive approach challenges the status quo and calls for a paradigm shift in how women navigate their careers within the pension industry.
The WOPEN initiative addresses a critical gap in the representation of women at the top echelons of the pension sector. Despite their vital contributions to the industry’s sustainability, women remain significantly underrepresented in leadership positions. Oloworaran stressed that true inclusivity is not about filling quotas, but about ensuring that the most capable and qualified women occupy positions of influence. This focus on meritocracy underscores the importance of skill development, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence as pathways to leadership. The WOPEN platform provides avenues for mentorship, coaching, and networking, empowering women to hone their skills, gain valuable insights from experienced professionals, and build a robust network of support.
Beyond individual empowerment, WOPEN fosters a culture of collaboration and mutual support among women in the pension industry. Oloworaran encouraged an end to unhealthy competition and advocated for a mindset of collective upliftment. She emphasized that as women rise, they have a responsibility to extend a hand and elevate others, creating a network of empowered women who champion each other’s success. This emphasis on mentorship and collaboration forms the cornerstone of WOPEN’s mission, creating a supportive ecosystem where women can share their experiences, learn from each other, and build lasting professional relationships.
The call for inclusive leadership extends beyond women, encompassing male allies who play a crucial role in dismantling systemic barriers and creating a more equitable workplace. Oloworaran challenged the sole male attendee at the launch event to become an advocate for gender inclusivity, emphasizing that true leadership involves creating spaces that accommodate and empower both men and women. This call for allyship underscores the importance of shared responsibility in achieving gender equity, recognizing that transformative change requires the active participation of everyone, regardless of gender.
WOPEN’s specific goals include achieving a more balanced representation of men and women in leadership positions within the pension industry, ultimately aiming for a 50/50 ratio. This ambitious goal reflects a commitment to dismantling the historical underrepresentation of women in leadership and fostering a more inclusive and representative industry. To achieve this, WOPEN focuses on equipping young women with the necessary skills and experience to pursue leadership roles. This involves encouraging them to take on challenging projects, providing access to mentorship and sponsorship opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
The need for structural changes within organizations to support women’s advancement was also highlighted. Yetunde Oni, Managing Director of Union Bank, emphasized the importance of HR policies that accommodate the unique needs of women without compromising performance or business objectives. She cited the example of improved maternity leave policies as a concrete step towards creating a more supportive and inclusive workplace. This underscores the importance of organizational policies and practices in fostering gender equity, recognizing that individual efforts must be complemented by systemic changes to create lasting impact. Blessing Ogwu, CEO of UBA Pension Custodian, further emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship in empowering women to thrive within the sector, highlighting the practical tools and strategies that women can leverage to advance their careers.
In conclusion, the launch of WOPEN signifies a pivotal moment in the pursuit of gender equity within the Nigerian pension industry. By focusing on competence, collaboration, and advocacy, WOPEN empowers women to actively pursue leadership roles, dismantle systemic barriers, and create a more inclusive and representative sector. The initiative’s emphasis on mentorship, networking, and skill development provides women with the tools and support they need to thrive and excel in their careers. The call for male allyship and the focus on structural changes within organizations further underscores the collective responsibility in achieving true gender equity. WOPEN’s ambitious goal of a 50/50 gender balance in leadership positions sets a clear target for the industry and serves as a powerful call to action for sustained and meaningful progress.
