Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has strongly condemned the growing attacks on women in leadership roles across Nigeria, citing two recent high-profile incidents as clear evidence of systemic bias and hostility. The organization expressed deep concern over the mistreatment of female leaders, underscoring the need for urgent reforms to ensure a safer and more supportive environment for women in positions of power.
In a statement released on Friday, WIMBIZ condemned the “severe institutional pushback” faced by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has raised concerns about misconduct. The organization emphasized that the senator has not received a fair hearing and is instead being subjected to punitive measures that effectively silence her.
Additionally, WIMBIZ denounced the violent siege of Ikeja Electric by Nigerian Air Force personnel, where CEO Mrs. Folake Soetan was subjected to intense intimidation and harassment. The organization condemned the “flagrant abuse of power” that saw officers ransack offices, destroy property, and terrorize staff, all while Mrs. Soetan was simply doing her job.
WIMBIZ highlighted that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of systemic hostility, discrimination, and intimidation faced by women leaders across various sectors in Nigeria. The organization reiterated that such challenges hinder national progress and reinforce gender biases that must be addressed.
The statement read:
“Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) is deeply concerned about the recent incidents that highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in leadership across Nigeria. The past 24 hours have brought to light two alarming cases that exemplify the systemic obstacles, bias, and hostility women continue to endure when they step into positions of power and influence.
“First, we are troubled by reports of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, a female senator facing severe institutional pushback after raising concerns about misconduct. She has not been given a fair hearing, and no investigation has been conducted, yet she has been met with punitive measures that effectively silence her and compromise her ability to serve.
“Second, we strongly condemn the violent siege on Ikeja Electric by Nigerian Air Force personnel in a flagrant abuse of power. Reports confirm that uniformed officers ransacked offices, destroyed property, and terrorized staff—including its CEO, Mrs. Folake Soetan, who was subjected to intense intimidation and harassment simply for doing her job.”
These incidents are part of a disturbing trend where women in leadership positions—whether in politics, business, or public service—are often subjected to undue scrutiny, harassment, and, in extreme cases, physical harm. WIMBIZ emphasized that such actions undermine the progress of women in leadership and perpetuate harmful gender biases that hinder Nigeria’s growth.
In response, WIMBIZ called for immediate action, including:
- A fair hearing for Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
- An independent investigation into the assault on Mrs. Folake Soetan, with swift legal and disciplinary actions against those responsible.
- Institutional safeguards to ensure all individuals, regardless of gender, can seek redress without fear of retribution.
- Stronger protection for women in leadership roles, reinforcing the importance of due process, fairness, and accountability in all sectors.
- A renewed national commitment to gender equity, ensuring that women can lead and contribute to Nigeria’s development without fear of bias, intimidation, or harm.
As International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 approaches on Saturday, March 8, under the theme “Accelerate Action,” WIMBIZ underscores the urgent need to address the slow pace of progress toward gender equality. The organization remains committed to advocating for a nation where women are safe, respected, and empowered to lead.
WIMBIZ concluded the statement by emphasizing that no nation can progress if half of its population is systematically undermined. The fight for gender equity is not just about inclusion; it is about creating a secure and empowering environment for women to thrive in leadership roles.
