MEDays 2024: Africa’s Future Can Be Bright with Women in Charge

Rabat – At the ongoing MEDays in Tangier, all the talk today was on women in leadership at Thursday’s flagship conference.

Once set aside, women’s role is now seen as crucial for growth and progress. Yet, the path remains bumpy. Experts, leaders, and activists are asking tough questions to bring about transformative solutions. How can workplaces truly support women? What policies will bring lasting change?

Today’s conference, “Women in Leadership: Driving Change for a Balanced World,” provided an opportunity for leaders from all over Africa to discuss women’s value in leadership within businesses. Studies confirm this: businesses with women in leadership positions do well.

However, gender stereotypes, limited opportunities, and lack of representation in key sectors are just some of the hurdles that are holding them back.

African women face hurdles that are holding them back.

But this is not just a women’s issue. Everyone should assume responsibility because supporting women benefits everyone.

At the same time, representation in key positions is vital. Olufunmi Adepoju, Managing Partner at PearlMutual Consulting, shared a poignant story in an interview to Morocco World News (MWN). In Nigeria, a young girl said she wanted to be a president’s wife—not the president. Why? She had never seen a woman lead. “Once she sees it, she can aspire to it,” Adepoju said.

Olufunmi believes that pop culture also plays quite a role in pushing the male-domination narrative. Movies, books, and TV rarely show women as leaders. “This shapes young minds, limiting their dreams. Change starts with showing women in leadership roles, from classrooms to boardrooms,” she said.

Olufunmi Adepoju believes that pop culture also plays quite a role in pushing the male-domination narrative.

The leadership journey begins early. Girls are often told what they “should” or “shouldn’t” do, and they’re steered away from ambition. This mindset follows them into adulthood, denting their confidence and career choices.

In workplaces, women still face bias. Some are seen as less committed to their jobs because of motherhood responsibilities, and others are penalized for not working late hours or overtime. As Adepoju noted, offering remote work options or adapting schedules can make a big difference.

On the other hand, Oluwatosin Olaseinde, CEO of Monafric Ltd, believes financial literacy would set apart women and young girls in the corporate world. Calling it “a tool of empowerment,” she talked about how teaching young girls how to manage money early on can open doors to leadership. It’s more than financial literacy – it’s about building confidence.

She also expressed the importance of negotiation and strategic decision-making. These skills are critical for women looking to thrive in male-dominated fields. “We must give women the tools they need to succeed,” she said.

Oluwatosin Olaseinde (on the right) believes financial literacy would set apart women and young girls in the corporate world.

The discussions at MEDays are just the start. Leaders agree that progress requires bold steps. Organizations need to celebrate women’s achievements. Policies must be in place to ensure women not only reach leadership roles but thrive in them.

MEDays continue tomorrow with a full schedule of inspiring conferences and roundtables.

The day kicks off at 10:50 a.m. in the Marrakech Room, where healthcare leaders will discuss key lessons from past crises, explore models for effective global health governance, and examine strategies to empower the Global South in producing medicines and medical equipment.

In the afternoon, attention will shift to Morocco’s role in African solidarity and global diplomacy. The panel will discuss the royal engagement in the continent’s socio-economic development, which key projects illustrate Morocco’s commitment to Africa and the advantages it boasts as an international investment magnet.