IWD: Dr Ogaji tasks Women on Leadership Roles

IWD: Dr Ogaji tasks Women on Leadership Roles 

International Women's Day (IWD) is a global day to celebrate women's achievements, advocate for their rights, educate and create awareness on women’s empowerment.

The theme for 2025 International Women's Day #Accelerate Action# "Step Forward in Solidarity for International Women's Day" focused on women empowerment, health, decision making, leadership, Education, training, and etc.

To this end, the Media had a chat with Dr. Joy Ogaji, the CEO/Executive Secretary of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), she emphasized the need for women to be proactive and willing to make sacrifices to secure l

eadership roles. Highlighting lack of women in leadership roles in the power sector, including the board of the Association. She used the opportunity to narrate her nine-year experience and her role in increasing women representation in the power sector, and the need to prove their capabilities.

She shares her experiences of managing 28 power stations and the importance of delivering results to create opportunities for other women.

Dr. Ogaji who talks about the excuses women often give for not taking up leadership roles, such as health issues or other commitments also stresses the importance of women being available, ready, and willing to take on leadership roles.

 While speaking on her efforts to mentor and train women in the power sector, she mentions the challenges of retaining women in training programs due to flimsy excuses and advised them to have career plans and seek mentors to help them achieve their goals.

Dr. Ogaji discussed the cultural stereotypes that limit women's opportunities and the need to break these stereotypes. She shares her personal experiences of balancing professional and domestic responsibilities while emphasizing the importance of women being career-focused and not letting societal expectations hold them back.

In her words:

 “I encourage women to look beyond cultural norms and pursue their dreams. I grew up in the family of six boys to become CEO. Though I faced financial challenges during my education and I overcome them through hard work and determination.

I started a business to fund my education and founding a school while still a student. This shows the importance of having a dream and working towards it despite obstacles.

My advice for women on career development is that they should have a career plan and seek mentors to help them achieve their goals.

 I transitioned from the oil and gas sector to the power sector. You can see the importance of training and retraining. So, I urge women to look for opportunities to transition to valuable career paths

I mentor and offer guidelines for women who are interested in retraining and transitioning to new career paths.” Dr Ogaji said.

Dr. Ogaji is the publisher and author on various platforms and print globally, with numerous publications to her credit, including; "Woman, the Frontline Soldier" which reflects the heroic exploits of women in the society. "The Husband Material" which provides guidance on raising boys to be good husbands and men, “The Waiting Room”,a book that establishes the fact that waiting is a fact of life. The book goes on to establish what you should do while you wait.

Her passion for the youth and human development has led her to engage in numerous initiatives aimed at empowering the younger generation.