IWD: Lafarge reaffirms commitment to women empowerment, gender equality and inclusion

Lafarge Africa Plc, a leading innovative and sustainable building solutions company and manufacturer of a range of cement brands, has reiterated its commitment to gender inclusion, workplace diversity, and women’s empowerment.

Speaking at an event to mark this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) held in Lagos, Lolu Alade Akinyemi, the group managing director (GMD) and chief executive officer (CEO) of Lafarge, reinforced the company’s commitment to gender inclusion.

The theme of the event was “Bold and built: Mastering the art of balance to thrive at work and at home”.

“At Lafarge, we are very proud of our strides and commitment to gender equality. It’s not a cliché, with every opportunity we walk the talk,” Akinyemi said.

“We have set clear targets for gender diversity, particularly in managerial positions, and we continue to make great strides to ensure women have equitable opportunities to thrive.”

Omobola Johnson, the senior partner at The Venture Capital Firm TLCOM, in a fireside chat, shared invaluable insights on work-life balance and career growth, emphasising the importance of long-term perspective in managing responsibilities.

“You can have it all, but not at the same time. Work-life balance is not something you achieve daily—it is something that balances out over time,” Johnson said

“Prioritisation is key: ask yourself, ‘Will I regret doing this or regret not doing it?’ and let that guide your decisions.”

Tonye Cole, co-founder of Sahara Energy, addressed the systematic challenges women face in society, particularly regarding inheritance rights, workplace biases, and leadership opportunities.

Cole noted the need for inclusive policies, proactive advocacy, and the critical role of male allies in driving gender equality.

He underscored that diversity is not just a corporate metric but a catalyst for innovation and sustainable progress.

“You need to have more women in the boardroom, in decision-making. They make a big difference as to how it is done. The lens that women look out of is totally different,” he said.

“It took a woman to point out to me as CEO that we were doing something wrong, and I didn’t believe it—until I saw the reality.”

The event brought together accomplished leaders, professionals, and executives who shared their experiences, discussed workplace challenges, and explored strategies for achieving career success while maintaining personal well-being. With engaging panel discussions, insightful keynote speeches, and interactive sessions, the gathering provided a platform for knowledge-sharing and professional development.

The event featured a panel discussion moderated by Olanike Olakanle, head of internal control and audit, Lafarge Africa, with panelists including Elenda Osima-Dokubo, non-executive director, Lafarge Africa, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Founder, House of Tara International; Uzoma Dozie, Founder, Sparkle; and Adejumobi Mofe-Damijo, head CSR/GLO Foundation; Morenike Molehin, founder and chief executive officer of Oak and Teak Interiors.

A significant moment in the event was the session on strengthening the green women’s network (GWN), legacy led by Viola Graham-Douglas, communications, public affairs and sustainability director.

According to her, “GWN is a movement that ensures women have a voice, a seat at the table, and the tools to thrive in their careers”.

“It is about mentorship, sponsorship, and creating real change. We are committed to expanding our reach and deepening our impact, so every woman in Lafarge Africa knows she is valued and supported,” she added.

The well-attended event also featured personal testimonials from female employees who shared their career journeys, emphasizing the role of organizational support in their professional growth.

Other activities during the event include skill-building workshops on makeup and beauty techniques, traditional headgear tying, cocktail and mocktail making, and perfume oil and body mist creation. Additionally, engaging activities such as a fashion showcase and spoken word performance beautified the event.