Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has expressed deep concern over fresh attacks targeting women in leadership roles. Within 24 hours, two troubling incidents have highlighted the ongoing bias, hostility, and systemic challenges women face in positions of authority.
The first case involves Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who raised concerns about alleged misconduct. Instead of receiving fair treatment, she encountered institutional resistance. Authorities failed to launch a public investigation, yet she has faced punitive measures that appear designed to silence her voice and weaken her ability to serve.
In the second case, Nigerian Air Force personnel raided Ikeja Electric’s office. According to reports, the uniformed officers destroyed property and intimidated staff. They also harassed the company’s CEO, Mrs. Folake Soetan, for simply carrying out her duties. WIMBIZ described the attack as an alarming abuse of power.
A Pattern of Gender-Based Suppression
These incidents are not isolated. They reflect a broader pattern of discrimination and intimidation against women in leadership across Nigeria. Female leaders often face extreme scrutiny, targeted hostility, and sometimes physical threats, all of which undermine their roles and contributions.
WIMBIZ warned that such treatment discourages women from seeking leadership positions. It also reinforces gender imbalance and weakens national development efforts.
WIMBIZ Calls for Immediate Measures
WIMBIZ issued a five-point call to action:
1. Grant Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan a fair hearing.
2. Launch an independent investigation into the Ikeja Electric incident.
3. Punish the perpetrators through legal and disciplinary channels.
4. Establish safeguards that protect individuals, regardless of gender, from retaliation.
5. Reinforce gender equity as a national priority.
Women’s Rights Are National Priorities
As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day 2025 under the theme “Accelerate Action,” WIMBIZ urges Nigeria to make meaningful progress. Gender equity must go beyond promises, it must reflect in how women are treated, protected, and empowered.
“A nation cannot grow when half of its people are silenced,” WIMBIZ stated. “Women deserve more than inclusion. They deserve safety, respect, and the freedom to lead.”
About WIMBIZ
WIMBIZ is a Nigerian non-profit organization committed to advancing women in management, business, and public service. With over 24 years of impact, the group has empowered more than 344,000 women. Its network of 2,886 accomplished women actively contributes to programs that promote gender inclusivity and leadership development.
