{
  "id": 18723693,
  "title": "Ekiti women seek inclusive workplaces, equal opportunities in public service",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/07/ekiti-women-seek-inclusive-workplaces-equal-opportunities-in-public",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-07T13:22:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily Post Nigeria",
    "slug": "daily-post-nigeria",
    "url": "https://dailypost.ng/2026/11/07/ekiti-women-seek-inclusive-workplaces-equal-opportunities-in-public-service/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ekiti State Women in Management (EKWIM) has urged for more equitable workplaces, equal prospects and inclusive leadership to boost women's involvement in decision-making within the state's public sector. During their 2026 Annual Public Lecture in Ado-Ekiti, the group also introduced a fresh executive committee and welcomed new members. The State Head of Service, Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, echoed these sentiments in her presentation, titled \"Breaking Barriers and Navigating the Double Bind in the Workplace.\" She emphasized that competent officers should be allowed to make substantial contributions to the public service without being hindered by gender prejudices and unreasonable demands. Olomojobi noted that women frequently encounter challenging situations, as they are expected to display confidence and authority, yet risk being labeled as aggressive or unlikable when they do so. She stressed that evaluations should be based on merit, experience, integrity, and performance, rather than stereotypes or personal perceptions. She recommended that women enhance their technical expertise, communication abilities, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, document their accomplishments, seek mentorship, and respond to criticism professionally. However, Olomojobi cautioned that severe incidents of harassment, discrimination, and victimization should not be left to individuals to manage alone. She urged EKWIM and other organizations to promote mentorship, track workplace advancements, and reinforce anti-discrimination, harassment, and bullying policies. In a goodwill message, a former Commissioner for Women Affairs and ex-Head of Service, Dr Olapeju Babafemi, advocated for gender inclusion, equal opportunities, and supportive workplace regulations to advance women's leadership. She praised EKWIM for empowering female officers and mentoring emerging leaders. Babafemi applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s administration for advancing gender inclusion by placing women in decision-making roles within the public service. Reflecting on the lecture's theme, Babafemi highlighted that women in leadership roles often confront conflicting expectations to be assertive yet accommodating, ambitious yet humble, and competent without seeming intimidating. She stated that overcoming these barriers necessitates more than individual resilience, as it demands fair promotion chances, inclusive leadership, supportive policies, and workplace cultures that prioritize merit over gender prejudices. Babafemi urged women to acknowledge their value, maintain integrity, support one another, and utilize their influence to create opportunities for others. Former EKWIM Coordinator, Dr Oyeyemi Kayode-Ojo, in his closing remarks, mentioned that double standards often lead to firmness being misconstrued as arrogance and gentle demeanor being regarded as weakness. He encouraged women not to let such stereotypes deter them from pursuing leadership roles but to exhibit competence, establish strategic connections, and support one another. According to him, women can be firm and caring, decisive and kind, while remaining dedicated to their professional and personal obligations.",
  "summary": "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 […] Ekiti women seek inclusive…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}