….advocates “Evolution, Not Revolution” for Gender Equality
Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku has passionately advocated strategic gender equality and announced the launch of a comprehensive mentorship program within the organization.
In a powerful address during the International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 celebration in Lagos with the theme: “Accelerate Action Through Career Development & Strategies for Women Entrepreneurship”, Mrs. Kuku emphasized that true equality is about providing equal opportunities for both men and women, not granting preferential treatment.
“We’re not talking about a revolution that tears things down,” she stated, “but an evolution that lifts everyone up.”
She firmly rejected the notion of special privileges, such as allowing women to leave work early, stressing that performance and deliverables should be the primary focus, regardless of gender.
“If you’re looking for a seat at the table, you need to be as rugged as the next person,” Mrs. Kuku asserted, urging women to be strategic in their decision-making and to focus on demonstrating their value.
“Ask for things because you have shown that you deserve it. The key word today is deserving.”
She highlighted the economic imperative of gender equality, citing studies that demonstrate the detrimental impact of excluding women from the economy.
“When we exclude women from the economy, we’re essentially crippling our global economic engine,” she explained. “Companies with diverse leadership consistently outperform their less diverse competitors.”
Mrs. Kuku also addressed the challenges faced by women, including the “motherhood wage penalty” and the societal expectations that can hinder their career advancement.
She referenced a World Bank/IFC study that revealed women’s loan repayment patterns, underscoring the need to recognize and value homemaking as a legitimate career.
“In as much as being a homemaker is a career, you need to take it as one and know that that is a sit at the table that you need to take with dignity and you need to take just as serious as being in a corporate environment.”
To foster career growth and advancement within FAAN, Mrs. Kuku announced the immediate launch of a mentorship program.
“I am pleased asking that you engage with the Director of Human Resources. I have, I will, and I want you to push in. So also set up a mentoring program within FAAN”.
The program, open to both men and women, will focus on closing career gaps through capability building and on-the-job shadowing, connecting mentees with established leaders.
Mrs. Kuku concluded urging a call to action, appealing to attendees to, advocate gender equality through networking and collaboration, support women empowerment legislation by leveraging their voices.
Others include to arm themselves with information to understand and address gender inequality, focus on developing marketable skills and helping others do the same.
She stressed, “Every small action counts, the future is equal, and it starts with us.”
Expressing optimism that significant progress can be achieved within a decade if concerted efforts are made today.
The celebration featured a special guest speaker on health matters, panel session, short drama and musical interlude.
The IWD 2025 event organized by FAAN brought together females from FAAN, security agencies like the police, air force, quarantine services, NDLEA, customs and few males.
