To foster a more inclusive and equitable society, women directors have advocated policies to promote gender equality as well as robust frameworks to leverage opportunities in emerging technologies.
They made this known in Lagos yesterday at the Women Directors Conference, organised by the Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria, with the theme: ‘Leading in a Disruptive Age: Opportunities in Emerging Technologies, DEI and ESG.’
President/Chairman of the Governing Council, CIoD, Tijjani Borodo, said these technologies hold immense potential to transform industries, create new business models, and improve people’s lives.
However, he said, if not well managed and properly utilised or if boards of companies do not recognise and edge against the disruptions, it could lead to the collapse of organisations.
The CIoD boss said that as the world grapples with pressing challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, inequality and corporate misconduct, companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.
He stressed that women directors could play a crucial role in driving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within their organisations by understanding the risks and opportunities associated with ESG factors, and champion Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, to break down barriers, create opportunities for under-represented groups, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society.
In her keynote address, the co-founder of Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr Awele Elumelu, said the forum was for more women to explore and tap into the opportunities that come with emerging technologies.
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Being aware of the barriers and challenges ahead, Elumelu, who is also the Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, urged women directors to embrace it and continue to upskill and reskill themselves to meet up with the current trends.
During the sessions, where panelists spoke on the sub-theme, ‘AI-driven Strategies for Enhancing Board Diversity and Decision-making’, Senior Advisor to the Group President, Dangote Industries Limited, Fatima Abdurrahman, urged that boards should use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve their governance processes.
She said this could be achieved by ensuring that board members are educated AI-wise through training and re-training.
She said companies must review their current policy and make their operations robust to accommodate emerging technologies.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Digital Jewels, Doyin Odunfa, who noted that AI is a tool that helps organisations to perform optimally, urged that governance should strike a balance and lead the course to achieve growth.
Also, a tech transformation expert, Folusho Gbadamosi, urged that women must not be afraid of technology; rather, they should keep evolving and learning to get updated.
