Yewande Adewusi, Alitheia Capital COO & Operating Principal at SheRise Roundtable 2025
At Alitheia Capital, we are committed to fostering gender inclusion and diversity in leadership and across value chains. GAIA’s recent She Rise Roundtable 2025 in collaboration with BetaGlass brought together industry leaders to discuss actionable strategies for empowering women in the workplace. Moderated by our COO & Operating Principal, Yewande Adewusi, the conversation highlighted key insights on leadership, mentorship, and policy reforms essential for driving meaningful change.
The Gender Leadership Gap: Why It Still Exists
Despite making up nearly half of the global workforce, women are still significantly underrepresented in senior leadership positions, particularly in industries like banking, oil & gas, and technology. According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report (2023), it could take up to 131 years to achieve true gender parity. This staggering statistic highlights the urgent need for change.
Boards play a critical role in shaping workplace culture and ensuring that diversity is not just a talking point but a fundamental aspect of decision-making. Companies must be intentional about gender inclusivity in leadership to drive long-term economic and social progress.
Actionable Steps:
- Establish clear diversity policies at board levels.
- Train leadership teams on inclusivity and unconscious bias.
- Implement structured mentorship programs.
Strategies for Women in the Workplace
To thrive in leadership, women must position themselves as subject matter experts while leveraging mentorship and sponsorship for career growth. Companies, in turn, must provide platforms that amplify women’s voices in decision-making processes.
Key Quotes:
- “There will never be an opportunity I won’t reach for.” – Olufunmilola Adefope, Board Member, Beta Glass
- “Make sure you stand out, not just because you’re female, but because you know your job.” – Folake Soetan, CEO, Ikeja Electric
- “Reliability is key—when people know they can count on you, you accelerate in your career.” – Yewande Adewusi, COO, Alitheia Capital
Overcoming Challenges in Male-Dominated Industries
Women in industries such as Oil & Gas, Power, and Technology face unique challenges, including bias and underrepresentation. Companies must take deliberate steps to promote inclusivity and career advancement.
Innovative Approaches:
- Set diversity targets for leadership roles.
- Provide public speaking training for women to boost confidence and visibility.
- Offer flexible work environments to retain female talent.
Case Study: Ikeja Electric successfully increased female workforce representation from 10% to 30% by actively identifying, mentoring, and encouraging women to pursue leadership roles.
The Role of Public Policy in Gender Inclusion
While private sector initiatives are crucial, public policies must also support gender inclusion. Governments play a critical role in setting the legal and regulatory framework that promotes inclusivity, equal pay, and career advancement for women. Without strong public policies, private sector efforts may be fragmented and unsustainable.
Women have a critical role to play to drive lasting change and should have an active role in shaping public policy. A society that encourages more women to pursue careers in governance, advocacy, and policy-making ensures that gender-inclusive reforms remain a priority at the national and corporate levels
Key Insights:
- Women need allies in both the private and public sectors.
- Data-driven advocacy is essential for influencing policy reforms.
- Representation matters—when women lead, they inspire and create pathways for others.
Practical Steps for Organizations to Advance Women’s Leadership
- Set Clear Diversity Targets: Commit to increasing female representation in leadership and track progress.
- Provide Leadership Training & Mentorship: Develop structured talent-building programs.
- Encourage Public Speaking & Confidence Building: Equip women with the skills to articulate ideas confidently.
- Redesign Work Policies for Inclusivity: Implement flexible working conditions to support work-life integration.
- Shift the Narrative from Exclusion to Value: Women should not have to justify their place in leadership—their value should be self-evident.
Shaping the Table
Gender inclusivity in leadership isn’t just about giving women a seat at the table—it’s about ensuring they have a voice in shaping it. Achieving gender equality requires a collective effort from individuals, businesses, and policymakers. By fostering mentorship, enacting inclusive policies, and creating opportunities for women to lead, we can accelerate progress.
At Alitheia Capital, we are committed to driving this change. As we move forward, let’s remember: Women should not have to prove they belong at the table; they should be shaping the table.