“We cannot ignore the fact that it does exist,” Tomike Adeoye, the Host of the Y! Women conversations says.

This March, we celebrate Women’s History Month, and both YNaija and Knorr commemorated the month with a roundtable conversation on issues that affect Nigerian women.

One of the conversations in the series, hosted four women, leaders in their respective fields, braving the storm and asking the right questions.

Over soup, cooked by Chef Emeka and spiced with top brand, Knorr, the women discussed what tokenism looks like in every context.

The conversationalist included, Funmi Abiola, Head, Marketing, Massilia Motors; Ezinne Ezeani, Founder, SheCan Nigeria; Fiyin Tuoyo, East and West Africa, GlaxoSmithKline; Elizabeth Onyeama, Advanced Weight Loss Practitioner.

Knowing the Nigerian woman is still miles apart from being considered equal with the Nigerian on certain levels, Tomike argued that the Nigerian woman should not be placed in certain positions just because the organisation wants to look a certain way.

“There is no way that woman will grow if she is just used to fill positions. You are just going to remain there, giving nothing, once they are done with you, they dump you,” Elizabeth sas.

In a slightly contrary opinion, Funmi says “It depends on the perspective. What if we look at it at giving an opportunity to a woman to show that she does have a role to play. If you place me as a figure head, I will show you I have something great to offer.”

Ezinne says tokenism will not stop and women should to take front seats. Not wait for men to start the race before they join the line up.

“Because a woman feels she will be judged if she steps forward, she then takes the back seat. How then do we discuss equality if women continue to do this?” she says.

“As parents, we need to teach our kids that success is not dependent on gender. Also, men need to be part of the inclusion conversation.” Fiyin says.

“You cannot tell me that a woman cannot do it, because I have seen women do great things,” Funmi says.

Over the second meal, prepared by Chef Emeka, Lamb chops, mashed potatoes, green peas made naturally tasty by Knorr, Tomike argued that men and women function differently. However, when society puts that as priority in giving opportunities, it becomes a problem, because women will be foregrounded.

The conversation continues and we #ChooseToChallenge, let us consciously tackle tokenism.

Everyone has a role to play.