Lafarge Africa Plc, a leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, celebrated International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 11, 2025, with a powerful event themed “Bold and Built: Mastering the Art of Balance to Thrive at Work and at Home.” The event, held at The Hall Conference Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to promoting gender inclusion, workplace diversity, and women’s empowerment.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Lolu Alade Akinyemi, Group Managing Director and CEO of Lafarge Africa, emphasized the company’s commitment to gender equality. “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. 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,” he stated.
The event featured enlightening panel discussions, keynote speeches, and interactive sessions aimed at fostering professional growth and personal well-being. Dr. Omobola Johnson, Senior Partner at TLCOM, offered valuable insights on work-life balance, highlighting the importance of prioritization and long-term perspective.
Mr. Tonye Cole, Co-founder of Sahara Energy, addressed systemic challenges women face, including inheritance rights, workplace biases, and leadership opportunities. He stressed the importance of inclusive policies, advocacy, and the role of male allies in driving gender equality, noting that women bring unique perspectives to decision-making.
The event also spotlighted the Green Women’s Network (GWN), a Lafarge Africa initiative aimed at ensuring women have a voice, mentorship, sponsorship, and tools to advance their careers. Viola Graham-Douglas, Communications, Public Affairs, and Sustainability Director, described GWN as a movement committed to creating real change for women at Lafarge Africa.
In addition to insightful discussions, the event featured skill-building workshops on makeup, traditional headgear tying, cocktail making, perfume oil creation, and a fashion showcase, among other activities.
Lafarge Africa’s IWD celebration underscored the company’s determination to foster an inclusive and empowering workplace where women can thrive and excel.
