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FEATURE
ABIOLA BAUWAH
Regional CEO, West Africa 1
Perseverance, commitment, dedication and the ability to embrace a new path. These have been some of the distinct qualities that got me to the top. As an Actuarial Science graduate who loved figures, my focus was to excel in the Insurance Industry but it wasn’t meant to be. I would say that I was probably destined to work in the banking industry. I had a positive energy towards my job and driven by the cause to achieve more each day.
I never allowed myself to be carried away by excuses because of my gender. These days it is prevalent at the work place where women come with a lot of excuses why they cannot make it to an event or leave work early for vary- ing reasons. Admitting that some are genuine, rising to the top has to be more than that. In all my dealings, I carry colleagues along. I make sure we share a common vision and values before embarking on any strategy.
Listening became an attribute too. after conver- sations with colleagues, whether young or old, I play it back in my mind to make an informed decision. And above all I have been soft-heart- ed. Compassion for colleagues without compro- mising on my principles and values has played a major role. When people feel loved, they pay you back with their dedication.
In UBA Ghana for instance, there are a few more women than men and this simply happened based on the competence level of the women though the equal opportunity for all we operate. I believe in equality rather than equity. I think women should be encouraged to acquire every skill available to them, just as the men do, then we can continue to aspire for the same roles at work, in the community and everywhere. However, if women continue on the path of equity, we will always be treated secondary to the male child. There are equal opportuni- ties for all at UBA. We have as many Heads of Department being women just as we have for men, but the skill is always considered first before the gender.
72 | The Lion King | Commemorative Edition | January - April 2019
