Women accountants push for greater leadership opportunities

National Chairperson, SWAN, Blessing Osakwe-Ogo

The Society of Women Accountants of Nigeria has called for greater leadership opportunities and professional advancement for women in the accounting profession, stressing the need to strengthen gender inclusion and expand women’s participation in economic development.

The society said it would continue to promote women’s leadership through professional training, institutional partnerships and engagement with accounting organisations across Africa.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by SWAN on Wednesday, containing the National Chairperson’s report for the financial year ended 31 August, 2026, presented by its National Chairperson, Blessing Osakwe-Ogo, at the society’s Annual General Meeting.

The meeting was held on 19 October, 2026, during the 56th Annual Accountants’ Conference in Abuja.

Osakwe-Ogo said, “We will continue to create opportunities for women accountants to learn, connect, lead and thrive, while nurturing young people, strengthening partnerships and responding to emerging professional and societal needs.”

She explained that the society’s activities during the year focused on professional development, gender equality and expanding opportunities for women to participate in leadership.

According to her, SWAN strengthened its collaboration with the Paradigm Leadership Support Initiative to promote gender inclusion and equal opportunities beyond the accounting profession.

“These partnerships strengthen our contribution to broader conversations on women’s participation, leadership and equal opportunities beyond the accounting profession,” she stated.

The chairperson disclosed that SWAN had also strengthened its engagement with professional organisations across Africa, particularly through its position as Deputy Chair of PAFA Women in Accounting in Africa.

She said the society participated in International Women’s Day activities in Nigeria and South Africa, contributing to discussions on women’s empowerment, professional advancement and leadership.

“SWAN continues to contribute to advancing women in the accountancy profession across Africa through collaboration, knowledge-sharing and the promotion of women’s leadership,” she added.

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On professional development, Osakwe-Ogo disclosed that the society introduced its first fee-paying webinar and upgraded its technical team to provide more practical and interactive training for members.

She said the initiatives were intended to equip women accountants with skills relevant to changing professional and business requirements.

The society also inaugurated two chapters in Awka, Anambra State, and Minna, Niger State, to expand its membership network and create additional opportunities for professional participation and leadership.

On financial sustainability, the chairperson reported an increase in the society’s funds and a broader revenue base, partly supported by income-generating activities.

However, the report did not disclose the amount generated or the percentage increase in its financial resources.

Osakwe-Ogo also disclosed that SWAN extended its career-awareness programmes to boys alongside girls, arguing that achieving gender equality required the participation of both sexes.

The society supported school libraries and undertook visits to orphanages and a correctional centre as part of its community outreach.

Other activities included a book launch honouring its founding members, professional engagements with institutions and a members’ excursion to Abeokuta, Ogun State, aimed at strengthening networking and professional relationships.

Looking ahead to the 2026/2027 financial year, Osakwe-Ogo identified stronger chapters, professional development, financial sustainability and greater national and international visibility as priorities.

Also speaking, the initiator of SWAN, Omoresan Adegite, said the organisation was established to enable women to contribute meaningfully to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, its parent professional body.