Amid uncertainties and challenges that women go through in life, there are enormous possibilities for women who dare to dream big and stay focused on achieving their goals.
This was the focus of discussion at the 11th edition of Inspiring Change Conference 2024 with the theme: “Enormous Possibilities: Navigating Uncertainty With Confidence.”
The event, organised to commemorate International Women’s Day with the theme “Inclusiveness,” was held recently at Wisdom Arena, Agege, Lagos.
It featured seminars, interactive sessions, panel discussions, ESOB Heroes awards, and over #500,000 seed funds were given to budding entrepreneurs.
In her remark, the Founder/Convener of Inspiring Change Conference, Adesunmbo Adeboye, advised women to refuse to be docile but rather discover their God-endowered potential, trust Him, and be determined to shine despite the uncertainties around them.
She noted that this is the time for women to cheer up and take up leadership positions competently in their various industries despite the obvious limiting factors and gender biases.
“Women should not be limited in their pursuit of excellence in life, marriage, ministry, and business because of the difficult times we are in, as God has promised us that amid challenges, we will shine as light.
“This is the time women need to arise and take up the opportunities around them, think deep on the inside, see what God has put inside of you as innate talent, and shine brighter,” she said.
She further stressed that despite the uncertain times, women are to trust God and anchor their lives on his promises, and they will not be shamed.
Earlier, the Founder, Managing Director,/Chief Executive Officer of No Left-Overs Nigeria Limited, Mrs. Ayodeji Megbope, said that she prayed and asked God what to do after she resigned from her well-paying job. God led her to sell moi moi, and that obedience has led to the White House in the United States and other choice places around the world.
She opined that although prayer gives someone the arsenal of new ideas, continuous self-development and getting skilled will set one apart from the crowd.
She appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the issue of multiple taxation for small business owners who, aside from contending with the challenges arising from the current unfavorable economy, are also being subjected to heavy taxation capable of sending out of market these set of business owners.
She said, “Our message to the President is to create an enabling environment for small business owners to conveniently operate by reducing the taxes on our businesses as multiple taxation is killing our businesses.
“Once the tax agents all over the place see that a business is growing, the next thing is that they would pounce on the business owner, which should be the other way around.
“Women business owners are working hard, operating under a very harsh economy in Nigeria of today, and are expected to be encouraged,” she said.
She called on women not to be discouraged by withdrawing but to realise that the marketplace is warfare and consequently be ready to follow due process, adding that learning a skill and developing it will make women achievers and assist them in achieving their lofty dreams.