The idea of the ‘’girlchild’’ as the bedrock of wealth creation and sustenance draws attention to the significant role that women and girls play in the economic advancement of any society. A lot of females who receive equal opportunity, education, and empowerment make substantial contributions to the generation and maintenance of wealth in diverse ways. Like I said in part one, “The girlchild is the best and biggest afterthought by God”. Now I can even say that though arguable, they are smarter than the male child. I have yet to see any of the wealthiest or most successful men in the world who didn’t have a girlfriend, wife, mother, or female friend contribute to their success story, directly or indirectly.
The girlchild can and has contributed immensely to inventions, innovations, education, entrepreneurship, family life, and community development. I defined the key terminologies in part one of this write-up to help give proper context. Women and girls bring distinct viewpoints and ideas to the table, which spurs creativity and the creation of new goods and services. Societies can and have gained from the inventiveness and problem-solving abilities of girls by encouraging them to pursue careers in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and other fields dominated by men.
Putting money into girls’ education guarantees that they will have the know-how to launch enterprises, engage in the workforce, and make wise financial decisions. Girls with more education have a higher chance of landing better employment and making more money, which can support economic growth in general.
Women and girls have been known to generate wealth not only for themselves but also for their families and communities when they are provided with the tools and encouragement needed to launch and expand their enterprises. It has been demonstrated that women-owned enterprises affect regional economies. A lot of families and communities would not have experienced growth if not for them.
They are continually essential in managing household finances and resources. Once empowered, they go on to make wise financial decisions, and as natural caregivers, a lot of them are inclined to financial literacy, thus assisting their families in building wealth and securing a better future. The assertion that” Stronger, more resilient communities result from empowered women and girls” shows itself to be true when you compare the Western world to Africa. It will state the obvious that When girls are educated, healthy, and financially independent, they can support sustainable development initiatives, advocate for social change, and enhance society as a whole.
Numerous notable women have made significant contributions to wealth creation and sustenance all over the world. Here are just a few examples:
1. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is a Nigerian-American economist and international development expert who currently serves as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). She is the first woman and the first African to hold this position. Okonjo-Iweala has had a distinguished career in various international organizations, including the World Bank, where she served as Managing Director, and as Nigeria’s Finance Minister. She is known for her expertise in economic development, finance, and trade, and has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to Nigerian and global economics.
2. Oprah Winfrey: A media mogul, television host, actress, producer, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey has built a multi-billion-dollar media empire. She is known for her successful talk show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” as well as her production company and OWN television network.
3. Indra Nooyi: Former CEO of PepsiCo, Indra Nooyi is a trailblazing businesswoman who transformed the food and beverage company into a global powerhouse during her tenure. She is known for her strategic leadership and focus on sustainability and diversity.
4. Sara Blakely: Founder of Spanx, Sara Blakely revolutionized the shapewear industry with her innovative products and marketing strategies. She started Spanx with just $5,000 in savings and grew it into a billion-dollar business.
5. Alice Walton: Heiress to the Walmart fortune, Alice Walton is one of the richest women in the world. She is known for her philanthropic work and contributions to the arts, including the founding of the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
6. Thasunda Brown Duckett: Thasunda Brown Duckett is the CEO of TIAA, a leading financial services company. She is a prominent figure in the finance industry and is known for her strategic leadership and commitment to financial empowerment and inclusion.
7. Ursula Burns: Ursula Burns is a pioneering businesswoman who served as the CEO of Xerox, becoming the first black woman to head a Fortune 500 company. She is known for her leadership and strategic vision in the technology and business services industry
8. Folorunso Alakija: Folorunso Alakija is a Nigerian businesswoman, philanthropist, and one of the richest women in Africa. She is the founder of Famfa Oil Limited, a Nigerian oil exploration company, and has diversified investments in real estate, fashion, and printing industries.
9. Stella Okoli: Stella Okoli is the founder and CEO of Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical companies. She is a trailblazing entrepreneur known for her contributions to the healthcare industry and her commitment to quality healthcare products all over Nigeria.
6. Ibukun Awosika: Ibukun Awosika is a renowned entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker who serves as the chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Limited. She is a trailblazing businesswoman known for her leadership in the banking sector and her advocacy for entrepreneurship and women empowerment.
In conclusion, investing in the education, economic empowerment, and social well-being of girls is essential in acknowledging their significance as the bedrock of wealth creation and sustenance. Encouraging and supporting women to realize their full potential can open up a world of opportunities and promote sustainable economic growth for countries in Africa and around the world.
SAVING THE CHILD 