The Ekiti State Women in Management (EKWIM) has called for fairer workplaces, equal opportunities and inclusive leadership to advance women’s participation in decision-making in the state’s public service.
The group made the call at its 2026 Annual Public Lecture in Ado-Ekiti, where it also inaugurated a new executive committee and inducted new members.
The State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, reinforced the message in a paper she delivered at the forum titled: “Breaking Barriers and Navigating the Double Bind in the Workplace”.
She said qualified officers should be allowed to contribute meaningfully to the public service without being constrained by gender stereotypes and unfair expectations.
The Head of Service explained that women often face conflicting demands, as they are expected to show confidence and authority yet risk being labelled aggressive or difficult when they do.
Olomojobi stressed that employees should be assessed on competence, experience, integrity and performance, not on stereotypes or personal assumptions.
She encouraged women to strengthen their technical knowledge, communication, strategic thinking and leadership skills, document their achievements, seek mentorship and respond professionally to criticism.
The Head of Service cautioned, however, that serious cases of harassment, discrimination and victimisation should not be left to individuals to handle through personal resilience alone.
She urged EKWIM and other institutions to promote mentorship, monitor workplace progress and strengthen policies against discrimination, harassment and bullying.
In a goodwill message, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and former Head of Service of the State, Dr Olapeju Babafemi, advocated gender inclusion, equal opportunities and supportive workplace policies to advance women’s leadership.
The former commissioner commended EKWIM for empowering female officers and mentoring emerging leaders.
She lauded the outgoing Coordinator, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo, for her achievements over a five-year tenure.
Babafemi also applauded Gov. Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for promoting gender inclusion, particularly by appointing women to decision-making positions in the public service.
Reflecting on the lecture’s theme, the former Head of Service observed that women in leadership often face conflicting expectations to be assertive yet accommodating, ambitious yet modest, and competent without appearing intimidating.
She said overcoming such barriers requires more than individual resilience, as it calls for fair promotion opportunities, inclusive leadership, supportive policies and workplace cultures that prioritise merit over gender stereotypes.
Babafemi urged women to recognise their worth, uphold integrity, support one another and use their influence to create opportunities for others.
In her keynote address, the outgoing Coordinator of EKWIM, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo said double standards often cause firmness to be mistaken for arrogance and gentleness for weakness.
The outgoing coordinator urged women not to let such stereotypes discourage them from pursuing leadership positions but to demonstrate competence, build strategic relationships and support one another.
According to her, women can be firm and compassionate, decisive and kind, while remaining committed to their professional and family responsibilities.
Kayode-Ojo recalled that EKWIM was inaugurated on March 11, 2021, by Erelu Bisi Fayemi, wife of the then governor, alongside Babafemi, who was Head of Service at the time.
The outgoing coordinator said the organisation was established to mentor female officers for leadership positions and promote improved service delivery.
She said EKWIM had since developed its vision and mission statements and a constitution, and organised public lectures, school outreach programmes, webinars and International Women’s Day activities.
According to Kayode-Ojo, the organisation has also supported public servants facing difficult circumstances.
The outgoing coordinator attributed EKWIM’s growth to the support of successive administrations and public service leaders, particularly the governor’s wife, Prof. Olayemi Oyebanji.
She thanked Gov. Oyebanji, former Gov. Kayode Fayemi and Erelu Fayemi for their support.
Kayode-Ojo urged the newly inducted members to see EKWIM not merely as a social organisation but as a platform for service, mutual support and collective responsibility.
She charged them to uphold integrity, good character and excellence in their professional and personal conduct.
Describing her tenure as memorable, the outgoing coordinator expressed confidence in her successor.
She urged members to sustain the foundation already laid, strengthen sisterhood and work collectively towards women’s leadership and the development of the state’s public service.
Earlier, a panel discussion moderated by Mrs Yewande Adesua, Project Coordinator of the Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment, examined women’s health, public service administration, entrepreneurship and legal rights, particularly property ownership.
On health, Mrs Martins Adetoye, a retired professional and friend of EKWIM, encouraged participants to take personal responsibility for their wellbeing.
The retired professional advised them to adopt healthy lifestyles, undergo regular medical check-ups and better understand their bodies and health needs.
On property ownership, Mrs Yetunde Kolawole advised women to seek legal guidance before buying land or buildings.
She emphasised verifying property documents and ensuring that the names of intended beneficiaries or joint owners are correctly stated, to prevent future disputes.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Mrs Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, highlighted the importance of delegation and succession planning in leadership.
According to the permanent secretary, effective leaders should share responsibilities and prepare others to assume key positions, ensuring continuity and preventing institutional failure.
The Executive Secretary of the Education Trust Fund, Mrs Bosede Jegede, encouraged women to embrace entrepreneurship by developing business initiatives and exploring opportunities for economic independence.
In her acceptance remarks, EKWIM’s new Coordinator, Dr Olabisi Ogunmodede, pledged to build on her predecessor’s achievements, describing the existing foundation as solid.
The new coordinator thanked the outgoing executive committee for its dedication and promised to promote inclusiveness, integrity and effective service delivery.
She also thanked the organisation’s mentors and members for the confidence reposed in her, stressing that its success depends on collective commitment, cooperation and active participation.
Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Mrs Bunmi Abereola thanked the organisation for the opportunity and pledged that they would abide by its rules and regulations.