At the Duchess International Magazine IWD Conference 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya, Yinka Odeajo, the Managing Partner of Custodian Global Consult, delivered a poignant speech on the significance of financial empowerment for women and girls in contemporary society. He underscored the catalytic influence of social media as a vehicle for advancement and encouraged women to leverage these resources for entrepreneurial pursuits and professional endeavors, instead of turning to detrimental activities such as commodifying their physical selves.
Odeajo kicked off his speech by shedding light on the ever-changing digital environment, emphasizing how social media platforms have opened up unparalleled possibilities for women to engage, educate, and prosper. He urged the audience to support initiatives that empower women and girls to embrace these technological advancements, enabling them to develop new abilities, connect with experts in their fields, and discover entrepreneurial prospects. Through harnessing the power of social media for constructive and beneficial endeavors, women can attain economic self-sufficiency and enhance their independence both in their personal lives and professional careers.
In his discourse, Odeajo delved into the societal pressures that frequently compel women to partake in deleterious actions in order to secure their livelihoods. He recognized the financial adversities and structural disparities that may push women into making such decisions but encouraged them to contemplate alternative avenues. Women and girls need not resort to commodifying themselves in order to thrive he articulated, stating that there exist myriad other avenues to attain economic security and prosperity. Such attainment commences with a shift in mindset and a dedication to leveraging the influence of social media.
Odeajo concluded by outlining practical steps for women to begin their journey towards financial empowerment. He recommended investing time in learning new skills, building a strong personal brand, and finding mentors who can guide them through the complexities of online business. His message was one of hope and encouragement, advocating for a future where women and girls are not only financially empowered but also respected and valued for their talents and contributions to society.
