Empowering Women: The Power of Giving and Gaining Together

Witnessing women breathe out a sigh of relief is an impressive sight. This isn't just the exhale after a hectic meeting or a quiet respite between tight deadlines; rather, it's the relief that stems from feeling acknowledged and valued.

Such was the ambiance as female employees at Unilever Nigeria gathered to commemorate International Women’s Day, themed #InHerElement. The event was meticulously organized to emphasize a singular goal: to create an environment where women could confidently exist as their true selves.

The space exuded an air of quiet confidence. Headshot sessions captured the essence of women embracing their identities, while massage sessions provided rare pockets of tranquility. Laughter flowed freely among coworkers as makeup artists added finishing touches. For a few hours, these women ceased multitasking and were simply present in the moment.

As the program progressed, discussions turned richer and more profound.

On the panel were influential figures whose journeys have significantly influenced their respective fields: Adenike Ogunlesi, Non-Executive Director at Unilever Nigeria and founder of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; award-winning writer and producer Jade Osiberu; and Ifedayo Durosinmi-Etti, Founder of Herconomy. With Zainab Obagun, Head of Corporate Affairs, as the moderator, the conversation felt less like a formal panel and more like a collective sharing of experiences.

Ogunlesi emphasized the importance of structure, referring to it as "the invisible backbone of success." She spoke of her own upbringing, crediting her mother for fostering her creativity and instilling within her the belief to pursue her dreams unapologetically. Her central message resonated deeply: a woman’s decisions, particularly as a mother, play a crucial role in shaping her children's self-esteem and futures.

The guiding principle she advocated, "Give to Gain," was not merely a conceptual statement but an actionable philosophy. Ogunlesi had established systems in her life long before her reality aligned with her aspirations. She reminded attendees that intentional growth is paramount.

Osiberu shared insights on resilience, reflecting on her decade-long experience in the creative sector. She highlighted the importance of perseverance and discussed how lasting success is rooted in consistency.

Durosinmi-Etti concluded with a poignant reminder of responsibility: recognizing and honoring the opportunities afforded to us by others is essential. True advancement comes from elevating others with integrity and excellence.

Tobi Adeniyi, Managing Director of Unilever, reaffirmed the company's dedication to ensuring that women not only occupy spaces but also wield influence. He highlighted the ongoing progress of the Shakti Women’s initiative.

Yet, beyond the speeches and topics of discussion, what lingered in the air was a potent mix of reassurance, motivation, and determination. "Being in her element" isn’t synonymous with perfection; rather, it signifies a harmonious relationship between aspirations and actions, principles and choices, identity, and personal evolution.

In a creative activity, women united to produce their own candles, with each person pledging to continue giving back, embodying the mantra that giving leads to gaining.