In a concerted effort to empower women in the security profession, thought leaders, including government officials, communication experts, and top security professionals, convened at the Women In Security (WIS) Sub-Saharan conference. Hosted by ASIS International, Chapter 206 in Lagos, the conference, themed “Empowering Women in Security: Navigating Security Leadership,” provided invaluable career growth insights with a global perspective.
Speakers unanimously emphasized the need for women in security to be intentional about embracing personal development, networking, analytical skills, preparedness, effective communication, and identifying opportunities. These keys were highlighted as essential in navigating the dynamic security landscape and ascending the career ladder.
Mrs. Joko Olanitori, Chairman of ASIS International Chapter 206, Lagos, expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Women in Security conference since its introduction in 2021. She emphasized the timeliness of the conference theme, citing the increasing need for leadership empowerment, skills, and innovative tools, especially in the face of rising insecurity crises globally.
“With the dynamic information landscape and the complexity of security leadership, exacerbated by conflicts in 32 countries and ongoing crises in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, the role of Women In Security is more crucial than ever,” Mrs. Olanitori explained. The convergence of technologies such as AI, biotechnology, and smart materials further blurs the boundaries between physical, digital, and biological spheres, presenting new security challenges.
Keynoting the event, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Police Affairs, Honourable Mrs. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, shared her excitement about the increasing interest of women in the security profession. She advised participants to remain prepared for challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-affirmation and the acknowledgement of one’s strengths, values, and abilities.
Mrs. Bolatito Kudirat Sure-Olufe, Director of Training at the Department of State Security Services (DSS), Headquarters, Abuja, encouraged women in the security sector to debunk age-old myths associated with their profession. She emphasized the importance of personal development and positioning while rejecting stereotypes that undermine the capabilities of women in security.
Renowned communication strategist and CEO of Red For Africa, Mr. Adebola Williams, provided valuable insights on relationship building and emotional intelligence for career growth. He encouraged participants to be intentional about nurturing relationships, taking advantage of unexpected opportunities, and having mentors for future opportunities.
Addressing equality and equity, Mrs. Allanna Rigby, Partner/Head of Data Analytics at Control Risks, urged women to embrace challenging tasks in their organizations and become advocates for themselves.
Earlier in his welcome address, ASIS Senior Regional Vice President, Mr. Balogun Musa, emphasized the global significance of ASIS International as a leader in security education and networking. He underscored the pride of the West and Central African Region (Region 11A) in hosting the annual Women In Security event, describing it as a unique opportunity for participants to connect with security professionals, policymakers, strategists, and stakeholders aligned with ASIS International’s vision of fostering a safer and more prosperous Africa.
Closing the conference, Mrs. Tanwa Ashiru, the chairperson of WIS Lagos 2023, expressed delight at the growing enthusiasm among women in the industry to learn and actively participate in such conferences. “I am excited to see more women in security coming out to learn more. The level of engagement and participation by the attendees is impressive,” she remarked.
The Women In Security conference proved to be a pivotal platform, fostering empowerment, skill-building, and a sense of community among women in the security profession, equipping them to thrive in an ever-evolving security landscape.
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