MAN Expo 2018: Championing Equity for Women in Manufacturing Industry

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria held their manufacturing and equipment expo which co-located with Nigerian raw material Expo at the prestigious Landmark event centre, Lagos from 13-15 march 2018. The event attracted a lot of key players in the industry.
Day two of the event focused on female entrepreneurs with the theme: “The Women entrepreneurs’ in Manufacturing (WEIM), Amazons in manufacturing (AIM); the experience on the journey and the future of WEIM.

The session chaired by Ngozi Ukachukwu, Managing Director, Gific Printing Solutions Limited, led other discussants into the journey of Amazons in Manufacturing.
MD/CEO Afriq Products Limited, Mrs Eyamba Dafinone, did the presentation and abstract.

She talked about the challenges of women in the industry, she stated that women should be encouraged to join the manufacturing industry and that the government and the banks need to do more to allow for more inclusion of women into the industry.
She stressed that the major reason for failure in the manufacturing industry is bad government policies, high interest rates, shortage of power supply and importation.
She advised aspiring women to take risk as it is the only way to succeed in the industry and advised for more participation in politics and challenging Nigeria’s political leaders.

Speaking in the same vein, another discussant, Kofo Akinkugbe, The CEO of secureID, the foremost indigenous smartcard producer in Pan-Africa, stated that despite the fact that the industry is men dominated, women can still strive to be seen.
She shared her experience of the journey into the industry, and urged women to rise against all odds and shine.
Another discussant, Adenyo Idachaba, Founder Mitimeth talked about the different opportunities that abound in the manufacturing industry. She stressed that more women need to be drawn into the industry. She also observed that the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria is doing everything possible to encourage women and giving a listening ear to their plights.

The last discussant, Munirat Shonibare, CEO, IO Furniture Limited, told women to leave marital excuses and take the manufacturing bull by the horn.
She urged men to support their wives who are in the industry to make the job easier for them. She urged women to see opportunities when they come and grab them as they pass by. She also shared her experience in the industry, the ups and downs, the risks and the gains.
The discussion was followed by a networking session.

-Maha Olatokunbo

March 15, 2018