How LASWA Boss Grew Gender Equality, Inspired Marine Amazons.
How LASWA Boss Grew Gender Equality, Inspired Marine Amazons.
By Lanre Moore
Under the leadership of General Manager Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) has made notable progress in promoting gender equality within its ranks.
Prior to Mr Oluwadamilola’s emergence as GM, the number of female staff in LASWA was four which has now risen to twenty two with many of them in managerial roles, reflecting a deliberate effort to foster diversity and inclusion in the Lagos water transport sector.
Another significant aspect of this initiative is the very deliberate integration of young women into the LASWA Marine Guards Corps, a safety unit previously dominated exclusively by men. This move not only challenged the traditional gender roles but also underscores LASWA’s commitment to providing equal opportunities across all operational areas.
The integration of women into various roles within the agency has led to notable improvements in the service delivery, operational efficiency, and overall organisational growth through the active contributions of female staff.
In addition to increasing female representation, LASWA has taken proactive measures to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. In February 2025, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA) in collaboration with LASWA conducted an enlightenment session for LASWA staff to prevent domestic and sexual abuse at workplace encouraging staff to report any form of abuse and to uphold workplace dignity.
These efforts by LASWA align with broader trends in various sectors aiming to enhance gender balancing and inclusion.
By actively promoting gender equality and creating an inclusive environment, the LASWA GM not only enriched the organizational culture but also sets a precedent for other agencies in Lagos to emulate. Indeed, the LASWA boss is ahead of global and national expectations on gender equality and empowerment, a sociopolitical process clearly showcasing his visibility as a sensitive and caring leader needed in our democratic process.
