Vital Voices Global Partnership and Women in Management, Business, and Public Service have disclosed that they would jointly host the Supporting Public Advocacy for Regional Competitiveness Program and Forum in Lagos, Nigeria.
According to a statement issued by both organisations, the one-day forum for women will highlight businesswomen’s advocacy efforts for increased economic empowerment across four African countries, including Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, and host Nigeria.
Senior Program Manager, Africa of Vital Voices Global Partnership, a Washington DC, United States-based organisation, Celena Green, said this year’s SPARC Forum in Lagos would discuss the importance of women’s leadership in Africa’s economic growth, and the advocacy efforts that women’s business organisations are undertaking to promote greater investment in women.
It would also highlight the improvements in the business environment that will provide equal opportunities for women’s economic participation.
‘‘Research has shown that gender equality is not only the right thing to do, but also good for business. Companies and governments that diversify their procurement see improved savings and efficiencies by opening the process to new players. Companies that have greater diversity in management and leadership also see greater returns, allowing them to be more prosperous, create jobs, and contribute to development and poverty alleviation.”