• Canon concludes the ‘Women Who Empower‘ initiative with an exclusive media event at Lagos, Nigeria on July 24.
• 15 participants from WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers) showcase their creativity in an exhibition.

Canon, a global leader in imaging solutions, successfully concluded “Women Who Empower,” an initiative in collaboration with WISCAR (Women in Successful Careers).

A month-long program, which aimed to empower women in the print and imaging sectors, culminated in an event held on July 24th at Radisson Blu Ikeja, Lagos was attended by participants, and guests including media, industry leaders and senior executives from Canon and WISCAR.

The program consisted of three modules: printing, photography, and content creation, each designed to equip the 15 participants with valuable skills and knowledge.

The content creation curriculum was led by Daniel Ehimen, Canon Ambassador, Nigerian cinematographer & director.

The photography curriculum and the printing module was led by Emmanuel Oyeleke, Nigerian Lifestyle photographer, and a Canon ambassador.

As demonstrated by Canon’s various diversity and inclusivity programs, this initiative also aligns with its corporate philosophy ‘Kyosei,’ which means living and working together for the common good.

Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, founder & chairperson WISCAR said,

“Our partnership with Canon has been a resounding success, empowering women in the print and imaging industries. This collaboration serves as a powerful blueprint for partnerships that break down barriers, drive meaningful change, and pave the way for a more inclusive future in the print and imaging industries. At WISCAR, we believe in the transformative power of empowering women and girls, and this partnership aligns perfectly with our values of inspiring, educating, and mentoring women to reach their full potential. By working together, we have made a tangible impact on the lives of women in Nigeria, and we look forward to continuing this important work, creating a ripple effect of positive change that resonates throughout the industry and beyond.”

Somesh Adukia, managing director- Canon Central & North Africa, added,

“Canon is guided by an unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. These core values are not just aspirations, but the very foundation upon which we build a thriving and innovative future. We believe in creating an environment where everyone can thrive, and collaborating with partners like WISCAR reinforces this commitment. Together, we are shaping a more inclusive and groundbreaking future in the imaging industry.”

The event culminated in a captivating portfolio exhibition, where participants brought their remarkable achievements and newfound skills to life.

The exhibition captivated audiences with its blend of evocative photographs, rich in storytelling and dynamic video content, each a vibrant reflection of the participants’ unique talents and passions.

Among the many talented individuals, two standout participants received special recognition for their exceptional dedication, creativity, and progress.

Joy Ngwolo and Obianuju Lilian Ikegbune were honored for their outstanding contributions to the program.

Joy Ngwolo a PR professional and photographer, reflecting on her journey, shared:

“Prior to ‘Women Who Empower’ photography classes, my camera skills were limited by a basic understanding. The program’s comprehensive training has been transformative, equipping me with a solid grasp of photographic techniques and the science behind them. The resulting improvement in my image quality is remarkable. I highly recommend these classes to anyone seeking to elevate their photography to the next level. I’m incredibly grateful to Canon & WISCAR for this invaluable experience.”

Obianuju Lilian Ikegbune expressed her gratitude, stating, As a Public Relations and Marketing Communications Strategist, I was drawn to the Canon x Wiscar Women Who Empower Program for its focus on empowering women in the thriving creative industry. I gained valuable knowledge on storytelling techniques like the ‘rule of thirds,’ camera handling fundamentals, and key considerations for brand storytelling, which will undoubtedly set me apart in the professional arena. I am incredibly grateful to Canon and WISCAR for offering this program, the chance to learn from industry leaders like Emmanuel and Ehimen, and the opportunity to connect with a network of fellow creatives.”

Led by renowned Nigerian cinematographer, director, and Canon Ambassador Daniel Ehimen, spearheaded an intensive content creation course, equipping participants with essential videography skills.

The course delved into the fundamentals of videography, camera mastery, the art of storytelling, and provided invaluable hands-on experience with personalized feedback.

Renowned Nigerian lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador Emmanuel Oyeleke led a captivating photography course, focusing on the core principles of photography with a storytelling emphasis. Participants actively engaged in numerous sessions and practical exercises, gaining a thorough understanding of photography fundamentals, and solidifying their behind-the-lens capabilities.

Expanding participants’ knowledge base further, Emmanuel also led a comprehensive printing workshop. This session explored various printing solutions for photography portfolios and delved into the intricacies of photo studio setups, ensuring participants are well-equipped for all aspects of their photographic journey.

The ‘Women Who Empower’ campaign marked a significant milestone in empowering women in the printing and imaging sectors.

As Canon continues to champion diversity and inclusion, initiatives like ‘Women Who Empower’ demonstrate the power of partnerships in driving positive change.

With plans for future collaborations and programs, Canon remains committed to its mission of empowering individuals and communities through innovation and creativity.

Canon which has more than 63% of women occupying leadership roles in the Middle East and Africa HQ, has been championing empowerment initiatives for many years as demonstrated by its various diversity and inclusivity programs.

• This initiative strives to empower women in the print and imaging sectors, steadfast in its commitment to Canon’s corporate philosophy ‘Kyosei’ and fostering gender equality in workplace leadership roles.
• Renowned Nigerian creative professionals and Canon ambassadors Daniel Ehimen & Emmanuel Oyeleke will conduct sessions on content creation, photography, and printing, igniting inspiration and expertise.

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging and print solutions, has announced the launch of the Women Who Empower 2024 programme in Nigeria in collaboration with Women in Successful Careers (WISCAR).

This  initiative aims to uplift and support women in the imaging and print industries through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and networking events, tailored to promote the growth and advancement of women in these fields.

Aligned with this year’s International Women’s Day theme of “Inspire Inclusion”, the initiative aims to empower women by providing a platform to showcase their work, enabling access to necessary tools, and helping them excel through investment and training programmes.

“We are thrilled to partner with WISCAR in Nigeria to unlock the potential of women in the imaging and printing industries in Africa. This collaboration exemplifies Canon’s unwavering commitment to leveraging our resources for the greater good. Skills development and empowerment of women are not just beneficial but critical for the advancement of our society and economy,” says Somesh Adukia, managing director of Canon Central and North Africa.

“By joining forces, we can create meaningful opportunities for women to thrive professionally, contribute to gender equality, and drive economic growth. Together, we are poised to make a significant impact on the advancement of women in our communities and beyond.”

Mrs. Amina Oyagbola, founder & chairperson WISCAR says,

“WISCAR is excited to partner with Canon to empower women in the imaging and print industries. This collaboration underscores our commitment to providing women with the resources and opportunities they need to succeed in their professional endeavours. Together, we will pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable society in Nigeria.”

The programme will commence on 23rd May 2024 with a series of workshops which includes three modules: printing, photography, and content creation. Each module has four sessions, two theory and two practicals, allowing participants to select one or more areas of interest.

These classes include technical instruction, foundational theory, and a month of supervised Canon equipment practice in the chosen field.

Led by renowned Nigerian cinematographer, director, and Canon Ambassador Daniel Ehimen, the content creation course will offer participants essential skills in videography.

The course will cover videography principles, camera mastery, storytelling, and practical application with feedback.

The photography course led by Emmanuel Oyeleke, a renowned Nigerian lifestyle photographer and Canon Ambassador, will focus on the fundamentals of photography, with an emphasis on storytelling.

Through numerous sessions and practical exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of photography basics and hone their skills behind the lens. The printing workshop, also led by Oyeleke, will offer a comprehensive understanding of printing solutions for photography portfolios and photo studio setups.

Canon will provide all resources, comprising imaging and printing equipment. Upon completion of the workshops, participants will receive certificates and valuable feedback from the trainers.

The company looks forward to collaborating with WISCAR and other organisations to nurture the progress of women in the photography industry.

This initiative aligns with Canon’s corporate philosophy and its commitment to advancing gender equality in the workplace.

The Annual Conference will feature renowned speakers, policymakers, and thought leaders whose discussions will serve to further the organization’s commitment to closing the gender gap and empowering the next generation of professional women for leadership.

The event which spotlights recommendations for sustainable national development will create an avenue for attendees to engage in open dialogue and networking. As usual, the conference will be kick-started with the organization’s flagship 1km mentoring walk on Saturday, the 3rd of December at the scenic Eko Atlantic City. 

Commenting on WISCAR and its mission for women empowerment, Amina Oyagbola, Founder and Chairperson of WISCAR, said “WISCAR is a formidable network of female professionals who are equipped to lead, socially innovate, and take critical decisions to contribute to the development and facilitation of a new chapter of experience in the workplace.

As a country with a significant female population, there is a crucial need to build a generation of women for leadership and foster collaboration between the genders to sustain a buoyant and vibrant economy.

Our annual conference is a platform for networking and capacity building, unearthing useful recommendations that will influence required legal and policy changes for gender equality, inclusive growth, and sustainable national development.”. 

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, renowned author, and women’s rights advocate, is set to headline the conference as its keynote speaker and will be the 11^th recipient of the Distinguished WISCAR Award.

She will be supported by other distinguished speakers on the keynote panel including Adia Sowho, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria; Tosin Oshinowo, Director, CmDesign Atelier; and Hawwah Gambo, journalist and 2023 House of Representative candidate. The panel will be moderated by Tunji Lardner, Journalist and Public Servant.

Goodwill messages will be delivered by Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, a past distinguished WISCAR award recipient; Beatrice Eyong, The United Nations Women Representative to Nigeria and the Economic Community of West Africa State; and Ben Llewelyn-Jones, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria. The event would be anchored by Habiba Balogun, Organisational Development Consultant and formally opened by the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babjide Sanwo-Olu. 

Fabia Ogunmekan, Executive Director WISCAR, also reiterated the importance of WISCAR in proffering practicable solutions to national challenges.

She said, “The central mission of the WISCAR is to develop women to build a better nation. Our annual leadership and mentoring conference will be leveraged to galvanize action for women’s leadership and active participation in all spheres of the nation’s development.

Through it, WISCAR aims to entreat society to take a deeper reflection into the subtle and outspoken ways women have been excluded, weigh the losses against the gains, and be restless and relentless for change, while stepping up to play a part in making this change for a more equal and equitable world happen.”.