TD Africa Limited, Africa’s leading technology distribution company, flagged off the pilot edition of its Women Empowerment Scheme today, in Lagos. The event which was held at Yudala Heights, TD Africa’s head office in Victoria Island, Lagos, saw the gathering of the wives of junior staff across the organization, from domestic to operations.
The event started with a tour of the 8-story facility housing Technology Experience Centre (TEC), the newly named Chioma Ekeh Auditorium (cE’s auditorium), and TD Africa’s sales floor, before proceeding finally to the Conference Room on the 6th floor where the event held.
CEO’s Address
Addressing the women in a general session, Mrs. Chioma Ekeh, CEO of TD Africa and the convener of the WES program emphasized that the initiative is not to incite a violent revolution against husbands, but rather an avenue to support the latter’s efforts in securing the future and the success of the family.
“TD Africa is a family of “Simbas” as we call ourselves, and your husbands are part of us. However, no family is complete without the other half. Therefore, as our courageous Pride marches forward, we invite you along to own your space”, she urged.
Speaking to press members at the event, Mrs. Ekeh explained the motivation behind TD Africa’s Women Empowerment Scheme,
“I was spurred by the realization that we’ve only been mining half of the 100% available to us. Going by one rough estimate here, women constitute around 50% of the Nigerian population. Why, therefore, would we not activate that and get them to reach their full potential? So, this program is only one way of ensuring this “, She revealed.
She continued, saying, “Empowering a woman is empowering a community – it is empowering a society, and at large, the entire economy. Because that one woman will teach many people from the family the social network. So, it would only be a shame if we did nothing about a huge asset that we have at hand.”
First Steps
Following the general session, the women have invited to the first phase of the program; a one-on-one session with a panel comprising, Mrs. Cozy Ijogun – MD Sales, Mrs. Chime Chimere – Coordinating MD, Mr. Ayodeji Awodele – Training & Development lead and Mrs. Foluke – HR.
Reacting to the Scheme, one of the invited women, Mrs. Lilian Gabriel expressed her delight at the opportunity to learn vital business tips, as well as network with other women with similar interests.
