Rashidat Adebisi, the Chief Client Officer of AXA Mansard Insurance Plc, has called on organizations to go beyond token representation and actively implement policies that support women’s advancement into leadership positions. Speaking at an event organized by the Society for Women Accountants of Nigeria (SWAN), the female arm of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Adebisi emphasized the need for companies to embrace evolving workplace trends that foster inclusivity and equal opportunities.
She pointed out that organizations that fail to adapt to modern workforce dynamics risk being left behind in today’s highly competitive and digital-driven economy. Businesses must create environments that promote productivity by integrating inclusive workplace policies. Highlighting data from a 2021 KPMG report, she noted that women occupied only 24% of board seats in Nigeria’s top 30 capitalized companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. This statistic underscores the urgent need for policies that bridge the gender gap in executive leadership.
Beyond gender disparity, Adebisi identified other barriers that hinder workplace inclusivity, including ageism, BSc-HND discrimination, and a lack of accessibility for professionals with disabilities. She explained that age-related biases often prevent experienced professionals from advancing in their careers, while the preference for university graduates over polytechnic graduates continues to limit opportunities for many skilled individuals. Additionally, the absence of inclusive infrastructure poses challenges for professionals with disabilities. She urged companies to focus on competency-based hiring and foster work environments that empower employees from diverse backgrounds.
Adebisi also emphasized the benefits of a multigenerational workforce, where Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z all contribute unique strengths. Baby Boomers and Generation X bring decades of experience and industry knowledge, while Millennials and Generation Z drive digital innovation and agile business practices. She advised businesses to create structures that encourage collaboration between these generations to maximize productivity and problem-solving capabilities. However, she acknowledged that despite these opportunities, many companies still struggle with communication gaps, a sense of belonging, and varying work expectations across different age groups.
Her advocacy aligns with global trends pushing for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in corporate spaces. With increasing awareness, more organizations are being urged to dismantle workplace biases and embrace fair representation in leadership. As businesses navigate the future of work, integrating gender diversity and inclusivity will be critical in fostering innovation and driving long-term success.
