Women in Management, Business, and Public Service has issued a strong condemnation of the escalating attacks faced by women in leadership positions across Nigeria, citing two recent high-profile incidents as evidence of systemic bias and hostility.
In a statement released on Friday, WIMBIZ expressed deep concern over the treatment of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who has faced “severe institutional pushback” after raising concerns about misconduct.
The organization highlighted the lack of a fair hearing and the imposition of “punitive measures” that effectively silence the senator.
Furthermore, WIMBIZ strongly denounced the “violent siege” of Ikeja Electric by Nigerian Air Force personnel, where CEO Mrs. Folake Soetan was subjected to “intense intimidation and harassment.”
The organization condemned the “flagrant abuse of power” that saw officers ransack offices and destroy property.
WIMBIZ emphasized that these incidents reflect a broader pattern of undue scrutiny, intimidation, and violence faced by women in leadership roles across various sectors in Nigeria.
The statement read “Women in Management, Business, and Public Service (WIMBIZ) is deeply concerned about the recent incidents that highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women in leadership across Nigeria.
The past 24 hours have brought to light two alarming cases that exemplify the systemic obstacles, bias, and hostility women continue to endure when they step into positions of power and influence.
“First, we are troubled by reports of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan – a female senator facing severe institutional pushback after raising concerns about misconduct.
She has not been given a fair hearing and no investigation conducted as far as public knowledge is concerned. But she has been met with punitive measures that effectively silence her and compromise her ability to serve.
Second, we strongly condemn the violent siege on Ikeja Electric yesterday by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in a flagrant abuse of power. Reports confirm that uniformed officers ransacked its offices, destroyed property, and terrorized staff—including its CEO – Mrs. Folake Soetan, who was subjected to intense intimidation and harassment simply for doing her job.
These incidents are reflective of a broader reality: women in leadership positions across Nigeria—whether in politics, business, or public service—are too often subjected to undue scrutiny, intimidation, and, in extreme cases, physical harm. The underrepresentation of women in leadership, combined with the persistent gender biases they face, continue to hinder our national progress.
WIMBIZ unequivocally condemns all forms of harassment, discrimination, and violence against women and calls for:
1. Fair hearing for Senator Natasha Apkoti-Uduaghan
2. An immediate and independent investigation into the assault on Mrs. Folake Soetan, with swift legal and disciplinary actions against those responsible.
3. Institutional safeguards that ensure all individuals—regardless of gender—can seek redress without fear of retribution.
4. Stronger protection for women in leadership, reinforcing the importance of due process, fairness, and accountability in all sectors.
5. A renewed national commitment to gender equity, ensuring that women can lead and contribute to Nigeria’s development without fear of bias, intimidation, or harm.
International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 will be celebrated globally on Saturday, March 8, under the theme “Accelerate Action.” This theme emphasises the urgent need to take decisive steps toward achieving gender equality, addressing the slow pace of progress, and empowering women and girls worldwide.
A nation cannot progress while half of its population is systematically undermined. WIMBIZ remains committed to advocating for an environment where women are not just included but are safe, respected, and empowered to lead.”
