Women Leadership in Emerging Democracy: My NAFDAC Experience

Abstract

I am highly honoured to be invited to discuss the emergence of women in African social, political and economic leadership, with emphasis on how the previously endemic problem of fake drugs and other food and drug malpractices in Nigeria was transformed under my leadership.

Women in leadership positions, especially in developing countries, have the responsibility and the potential to influence their society through leadership, particularly when they are enabled. Enabled women are empowered to aspire, attain and perform well in leadership positions while still carrying out the home front roles. Women are enabled when they are educated, exposed and economically emancipated. Throughout the ages and in all countries, women in leadership positions have impacted positively on the society. The history of mankind is replete with such women. The last century saw the emergence of great women leaders in various spheres of human endeavours, notably among who are Mother Theresa of Calcutta, a woman of total compassion and inner strength with the capacity to provide pure love to everyone. She opened orphanages, hospitals, and food centers to cater for the poorest of the poor. Her work is a perfect example of unpaid and invaluable work that changed the world. The love for this great saint, cuts across all religions and races. She is my role model.