The Society of Women in Taxation (SWIT) Kwara State Chapter made a significant stride towards its mission of empowering women in the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) as it hosted an investiture ceremony in Ilorin. Comprising female members of CITN, SWIT’s objectives include aiding CITN in achieving its goals, empowering women to alleviate poverty and enhance income, and educating both women and the public about taxation’s importance.
This investiture marks a significant step toward the advancement and empowerment of women in the field of taxation.
In a captivating address, the Chairman of the Occasion, Acting Vice Chancellor of Kwara State University, Prof. Shaykh Luqman Jimoh, underscored the importance of newly appointed executives staying committed to their mission.
He highlighted mentorship and networking as crucial avenues for women’s leadership roles and called for concerted efforts to challenge gender inequality in the workplace.
Guest Speaker Hakeem Ajombadi, Ph.D., from the University of Birmingham, UK, provided insight into the barriers and challenges women encounter in advancing their careers within the tax profession. He shed light on social norms, gender roles, discrimination, and gender bias, as well as the lack of female mentors and role models. Ajombadi emphasized career development strategies like empowerment, self-advocacy, networking, and skill development, aiming to tackle unconscious bias and advocate for equal representation.
In discussing the role of Federal and State governments in advancing women’s career growth within the tax profession, Ajombadi suggested strategies such as public awareness campaigns, training and capacity building, financial support for education and training, collaborations with the private sector and NGOs, and networking through professional associations.
Mrs. Oluwakemi Obakemi, the newly inaugurated Coordinator, expressed gratitude to all who contributed to the program’s success in her acceptance speech.
Dignitaries in attendance included Prof. Muritala Awodun, Former Chairman of KWIRS, Mrs. Sade Omoniyi, KWIRS Chairman, members of NAWOJ, secondary schools, and the Taxation Club.
