WIMBIZ, short for Women in Management, Business and Public Service, is a non-profit organization that was established in 2001 with the aim of empowering and promoting women in leadership positions in Nigeria. This organization has become a prominent force in the Nigerian business landscape and has impacted the lives of many women in the country.
The establishment of WIMBIZ can be traced back to a group of successful and determined women who saw the need to create a platform that would bridge the gap between women and leadership positions in Nigeria. These women, who were all professionals in their respective fields, noticed the lack of representation of women in top management positions and decided to do something about it.
The idea for WIMBIZ was first conceived by Mrs. Aishah Ahmad, who at the time was the Head of Consumer Banking at Diamond Bank. She shared her vision with her friend and colleague, Mrs. Osayi Alile, who was the Head of Corporate Communications at the same bank. Together, they formed a team of like-minded women and began to work towards the establishment of WIMBIZ.
The team included Mrs. Adeola Azeez, Mrs. Funke Adekoya, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru, and Mrs. Ozzy Nwachukwu. They were all successful professionals in their various fields and brought their wealth of experience and expertise to the table. The team held several meetings and brainstorming sessions to map out a plan for the organization.
Finally, in January 2001, WIMBIZ was officially launched with its first conference themed “Women in Leadership: The Imperative for National Development”. The conference was held at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos and was attended by over 300 women from different sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The conference was a huge success and marked the beginning of WIMBIZ’s journey towards achieving its mission of empowering women and promoting gender inclusivity in leadership positions. The organization has since then organized annual conferences, workshops, and seminars, which have featured renowned speakers and experts from various fields.
One of the major achievements of WIMBIZ is the establishment of the WIMBIZ Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), which provides financial support to women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The fund has helped many women-owned businesses to grow and expand, thereby contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy.
WIMBIZ has also partnered with various organizations, both local and international, to provide training and mentorship programs for women in leadership positions. These programs have equipped women with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in their respective fields.
Over the years, WIMBIZ has grown in size and scope, with chapters in different cities across Nigeria and a membership of over 10,000 women. The organization has also expanded its reach to include women in public service, as well as young women through its Next Generation Mentoring Program.
In recognition of its impact and contributions, WIMBIZ has received several awards and recognition, both locally and internationally. The organization has also been featured in various publications and media platforms, further solidifying its position as a leading women empowerment organization in Nigeria.
In conclusion, the establishment of WIMBIZ is a remarkable story of determination, vision, and collaboration. The organization has played a significant role in promoting gender inclusivity and empowering women in Nigeria. As WIMBIZ continues to grow and expand its reach, it is clear that its impact will be felt for generations to come.
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