Women have been charged to be value-oriented and impactful in achieving their goals of a better society.

The charge came at a programme held in Lagos, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Initiative for Social Impact and Sustainable Development (ISISD).

The event which was held virtually with the theme: “Becoming a Woman of Value: Sharing  Perceptions and Lessons” had in attendance women from all walks of life.

Jinadu

Speaking during the programme, one of the facilitators, Mrs Folasade Jinadu, Head, of Talent and Career Management, at Premium Trust Bank, noted that a woman of value is one who knows her worth, exudes it, and gets inspired in spite of challenges in pursuant to her goal.

Jinadu highlighted characterises of a woman of value to include one who has self-awareness, self-respect, emotional intelligence, self love and ambition.

“To be a woman of value you must answer the question: who are you? When you have self-awareness, it will help you in your relationship with others,” she said.

Speaking further, the human resource expert explained that becoming a woman of value is a journey from where one is currently to one’s desired destination.

According to her, a woman of value must be able to lead herself before leading others.

“You become a woman of value by standing up for your values. You have something to offer and you can express it. However, you bow to a superior opinion. You stand for what you believe in as a woman of value. You must have your own guiding principles and be open-minded,” she said.

Jinadu added that a woman of value “contributes to the lives of people around her while not appearing superior to them. She does not belittle others and does not allow anyone to bring her down. She contributes meaningfully at the table and she is a confident woman who stands up for herself and others.”

Apansile

In her speech, the Chief Nursing Officer of the Lagos State Government, Mrs. Folawe Apansile, enjoined women to take cognisance of their health and be intentional in their diet and well-being.

Apansile, who is also a marriage counsellor said women must exercise to keep fit always.

” A woman of value is intentional about her health. You cannot be valuable when you are not healthy. You must be concerned about your health, exercise regularly, go for medical check-ups and take charge of your mental health. Be happy with yourself and do not let anyone decide your happiness for you,” she said.

Similarly, the former chairperson, of the National Association for Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Lagos, Sekinah Lawal counselled women on the use of drugs. She advised women to desist from self-medication and take their health seriously.

In her contribution, Mrs. Boade Akinola urged women not to stop learning and to choose their friends intentionally. “Learning is a continuous process, women must not stop learning. Have people of value as friends. Choose your friends wisely and you will be respected if not, there will be a problem of acceptability,” she advised.

Professor Helen Bodunde, Department of Communication and General Studies, Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta, Ogun State, advised women in the area of effective communication. She explained that a woman of value is one who knows how to communicate appropriately using words. “You must understand language skills and how to use it appropriately. You must have listening ears. Anger should be far from you in any engagement. As a woman of value, you must be a woman who reads a lot and relates with what happens around her. Have records of events which will help you to know when to intervene.”

Earlier in her welcome address, Funmi Falobi, the ISISD Coordinator stated that the theme: “Becoming a Woman of Value” became imperative as a result of happening around the world and the role women play in contributing to the growth and development of society.

“We all know women are the backbone of families and communities. They provide care, support, and nurturing to their families and are essential to the development of children. Women also play a significant role in community building and often take on leadership roles in organisations. We can simply say, they offer value. Adding that they can only play these many roles when they value themselves, and walk it,” she said.