Lafarge Reaffirms Commitment To Women Empowerment
By Frederick Wright
Lafarge Africa Plc, manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has emphasised its commitment to gender inclusion, workplace diversity, and women’s empowerment.
Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lafarge Africa, Mr. Lolu Alade Akinyemi, who made this commitment at the International Women’s Day, said: “At Lafarge, we are very proud of our strides and commitment to gender equality. It’s not a cliché, with every opportunity we walk the talk. We have set clear targets for gender diversity, particularly in managerial positions, and we continue to make great strides to ensure women have equitable opportunities to thrive.”
Senior Partner, The Venture Capital Firm TLCOM, Dr. Omobola Johnson, in a fireside chat, shared invaluable insights on work-life balance and career growth, emphasizing the importance of long-term perspective in managing responsibilities.
“You can have it all, but not at the same time. Work-life balance is not something you achieve daily—it is something that balances out over time. Prioritization is key: ask yourself, ‘Will I regret doing this or regret not doing it?’ and let that guide your decisions,” she advised.
Co-founder, Sahara Energy, Mr. Tonye Cole, delivered a keynote speech addressing the systematic challenges women face in society, particularly regarding inheritance rights, workplace biases, and leadership opportunities. He emphasized the need for inclusive policies, proactive advocacy, and the critical role of male allies in driving gender equality. Cole underscored that diversity is not just a corporate metric but a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.
“You need to have more women in the boardroom, in decision-making. They make a big difference as to how it is done. The lens that women look out of is totally different. It took a woman to point out to me as CEO that we were doing something wrong, and I didn’t believe it—until I saw the reality,” he stated.
The event featured a distinguished panel discussion moderated by Olanike Olakanle, Head of Internal Control and Audit, Lafarge Africa, with panelists including Elenda Osima-Dokubo, Non-executive Director, Lafarge Africa, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara International;; Uzoma Dozie, Founder, Sparkle; and Adejumobi Mofe-Damijo, Head CSR/GLO Foundation; Morenike Molehin, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Oak and Teak Interiors;
A significant moment in the event was the session on Strengthening the Green Women’s Network (GWN), Legacy led by Viola Graham-Douglas, Communications, Public Affairs and Sustainability Director. According to her, “GWN is a movement that ensures women have a voice, a seat at the table, and the tools to thrive in their careers. It is about mentorship, sponsorship, and creating real change. We are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact, so every woman in Lafarge Africa knows she is valued and supported.”
