Former Chairperson of FBN Holdings, Ibukunoluwa aAwosika, has advised women accountants to strategically challenge the status quo to ascend to the boardroom in their workplaces and professional organisations.

Ms Awosika, also an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, gave the advice at the 2024 Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria Day Out With A VIP on Saturday in Lagos.

The theme of the programme is “Shattering glass ceiling: Owning your career path and leading with authenticity in today’s workforce as an entrepreneur.

She said that female accountants must be intentional, apply wisdom, and dare to confront barriers to shatter the glass ceiling standing between them and leadership positions.

“Women accountants need to display competence and position themselves for leadership roles at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, other professional bodies, and their workplaces,” she stated.

According to her, boardroom politics is not for the weak, weary and incompetent.

To compete effectively, she noted that female accountants must elevate their standards to meet international benchmarks and enhance their knowledge.

She also encouraged SWAN members to build sustainable relationships with a focus on mutual support, noting that operating in silos diminishes their power.

According to her, women often compete with male counterparts who have long positioned themselves for leadership roles.

To stand out in the boardroom, Ms Awosika advised women to approach their careers differently and exceptionally.

She stated, “The boardroom is a position of power; you need to break the ceiling to reach the top.’’

She highlighted the importance of being hard-working, smart, courageous, and wise in challenging authority.

“Speak the truth with humility and stay updated with current trends,” she advised.

Ms Awosika asserted that women, known for their integrity and fairness, have an advantage in the accounting profession and can rise to the top if well-positioned.

Also, in a presentation on planning for retirement, Grand Patron of SWAN, Onome Adewuyi, emphasised that the best time to plan for retirement is the moment one starts earning.

She encouraged women accountants to explore opportunities in the money market, capital market, and real estate to build generational wealth.

She advised, “Save diligently and convert your savings into investments that will benefit you in retirement.”

SWAN’s national chairperson, Hilda Okor, welcomed the speakers, expressing gratitude for their insights.

“This programme allows our members to draw strength, knowledge, and mentorship from distinguished women. The knowledge we shall all take away will be the beginning of greater heights,” she said.

SWAN is a national body dedicated to serving all female members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

The society assists the institute in the protection of the charter, status, and interests of the female members and promoting and maintaining high standards of efficiency and professional conduct of its members.

(NAN)