In this interview, we have Anastasia Braitsik, a global leader in SEO, content marketing, and data analytics, to discuss the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN) and its initiatives to empower women in Nigeria’s OOH advertising industry. We will cover WOHAN’s mission, strategies to foster inclusivity, the atmosphere at their recent event, and key takeaways from the occasion.
Can you briefly explain the mission of the Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network (WOHAN)?
WOHAN’s mission centers on fostering inclusivity, professional advancement, and leadership opportunities specifically for women in Nigeria’s Out-of-Home (OOH) advertising industry. It aims to create a supportive environment where women can thrive, lead, and redefine industry standards.
How does WOHAN plan to foster inclusivity within Nigeria’s OOH advertising industry?
WOHAN plans to foster inclusivity by actively encouraging women to seek leadership and elective positions within the Out-of-Home Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN) and participate in committees that shape the industry’s future. Their programs also include mentorship and community support to help women overcome professional barriers.
What was the atmosphere like at the recent International Women’s Day celebration organized by WOHAN?
The atmosphere at the event was electric, filled with ambition, determination, and an unshakable resolve to reshape the landscape of OOH advertising. The exquisite venue and the confident presence of attendees reinforced WOHAN’s mission.
How did the ambiance and venue reflect WOHAN’s mission of creating a supportive environment for women?
The ambiance and venue exuded elegance and confidence, reflecting WOHAN’s aim to create a supportive environment. From the moment attendees stepped in, the setting underscored the importance of a space where women can flourish and lead.
What was the main purpose of the event besides celebrating International Women’s Day?
Beyond celebrating International Women’s Day, the main purpose of the event was to call women to action, urging them to take their rightful place in leadership roles and participate in shaping the future of the OOH industry.
How do you think encouraging women to seek leadership and elective positions in OAAN can impact the OOH industry?
Encouraging women to seek leadership and elective positions in OAAN can significantly impact the OOH industry by bringing diverse perspectives, fostering innovation, and promoting gender equality within the sector.
Who delivered the keynote address at the event?
The keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Fadekemi Alonge, a distinguished OOH practitioner and a Board of Trustee member of OAAN.
What were the key points mentioned by Mrs. Fadekemi Alonge in her speech?
Mrs. Fadekemi Alonge emphasized the necessity for women to recognize their worth, uphold integrity, and embrace diligence as pathways to professional excellence. She highlighted responsibility, hard work, and transparency as essential for sustained success and urged women to adopt forward-thinking strategies.
What were some common challenges discussed by attendees at the event?
Attendees discussed challenges such as overcoming industry barriers and the critical role that mentorship and community support play in facilitating their professional journeys.
How has mentorship and community support helped women in their professional journeys within the OOH industry?
Mentorship and community support have been vital in helping women overcome professional barriers, providing guidance, encouragement, and the necessary resources to advance in their careers within the OOH industry.
Why is it significant to have supportive male allies present at such events?
Having supportive male allies is significant because gender inclusivity is about collaboration rather than competition. Their presence reinforces the notion that both men and women must work together to foster equality and drive change.
How do you view gender inclusivity in the context of collaboration rather than competition?
Gender inclusivity as collaboration means harnessing the strengths and perspectives of both men and women to achieve common goals. It’s vital for fostering an inclusive and innovative industry.
What was the central theme of Adeola Odesanya’s speech during the event?
The central theme of Adeola Odesanya’s speech was “Accelerate Action,” which she emphasized as a call for immediate and decisive steps toward driving meaningful change in the OOH industry.
Why is the theme “Accelerate Action” meaningful for women in the OOH industry?
The theme “Accelerate Action” is meaningful because it encourages women to be proactive and consistent in their pursuit of leadership, pushing for faster and more significant changes in the industry.
What vision does WOHAN have for empowering women in OOH advertising?
WOHAN envisions empowering women by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities aimed at breaking barriers and fostering equality, ensuring women are leading voices in the industry’s evolution.
What specific resources and opportunities does WOHAN provide to help women thrive?
WOHAN provides career talks, mentorship programs, and hands-on experiences designed to bridge the gap and create a pipeline of talents ready to advance in OOH advertising.
What is the ambitious initiative set to launch in 2025 by WOHAN?
The ambitious initiative set to launch in 2025 is an outreach program targeting young women in schools, aimed at introducing them to the world of OOH advertising and grooming the next generation of female professionals.
How does WOHAN plan to attract young women in schools to the OOH advertising industry?
WOHAN plans to attract young women through career talks, mentorship programs, and hands-on experiences, inspiring them to consider and pursue careers in the OOH advertising industry.
How is WOHAN preparing for its second anniversary in terms of institutionalizing its efforts?
WOHAN is preparing for its second anniversary by setting structures in place, including establishing a fully functional secretariat to drive its operations effectively, ensuring long-term sustainability.
What role will the proposed secretariat play in supporting WOHAN’s operations?
The secretariat will support WOHAN’s operations by providing a well-equipped administrative hub that facilitates mentorship, training, and advocacy initiatives.
Why did WOHAN ask its members for annual financial contributions?
WOHAN asked for annual financial contributions to maintain a well-equipped administrative hub, crucial for supporting the network’s initiatives and ensuring sustained efforts.
How will a well-equipped administrative hub benefit WOHAN’s activities?
A well-equipped administrative hub will benefit WOHAN’s activities by enhancing the effectiveness of mentorship, training, and advocacy efforts, fostering a more structured support system for members.
How was the evening a celebration of resilience, ambition, and collective power among women?
The evening celebrated resilience, ambition, and collective power through inspiring speeches, networking opportunities, and a shared commitment to driving change and supporting each other.
How did the event go beyond speeches and commitments to inspire attendees?
The event inspired attendees by providing a platform for meaningful discussions, fostering connections, and emphasizing tangible actions women can take to advance in the OOH industry.
What lasting impact did Adeola Odesanya hope to impart with her charge to the attendees?
Adeola Odesanya hoped to encourage attendees to transform the night’s conversations into concrete actions, supporting one another and dismantling barriers to redefine the future of OOH advertising in Nigeria.
