Empowerment

TD Africa to Empower 400 Young Women with Tech Skills

by Women Times on October 27, 2024

At least 400 young Nigerian women are about to get a digital boost as TD Africa flags off registration for TecHERdemy.

TecHERdemy is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative designed by Sub-Saharan Africa’s leading distributor of tech solutions, TD Africa, to empower young Nigerian women with the requisite skills to thrive in the dynamic digital age.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, TecHERdemy will provide 400 women the opportunity to participate in a comprehensive six-month training program focused on in-demand tech fields like cybersecurity, data science, artificial intelligence (AI), and software development.

The move, which is in tandem with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) annual “Girls in ICT” awareness program, provides a launchpad for fresh graduates, especially serving Corps members, to kickstart their careers in the tech space by helping the young women further understand what a career in tech today really means.

The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs. Uju Kennedy, in a tweet said: “Another great opportunity from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs for our women in Nigeria to benefit from in collaboration with TD Africa. This is an opportunity for young women interested in tech skills such as Cybersecurity, Data Science, AI and Software Development. Kindly take hold of this opportunity and apply.”

According to Mrs. Chioma Chimere, Coordinating Managing Director of TD Africa, women need to be aware of what is most important for their future.

Her words: “At TD Africa, we believe that technology is a powerful tool for social and economic progress. However, we also recognise the glaring gender gap in the tech industry. By investing in the education and empowerment of young Nigerian women, we are nurturing future tech leaders who will contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.”

Beyond the comprehensive training, TecHERdemy offers participants unique opportunities for growth and career advancement with exposure to global brands like Cisco, Microsoft, and Huawei. Trainees will have the chance to secure instant job placements or internships after completion of the program through a high-level engagement with the hundreds of corporates within TD Africa’s ecosystem.

This initiative is a testament to TD Africa’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable tech landscape. It aims to help bridge the gender gap in the dynamic tech sector and create a brighter future for generations to come.

Interested participants can apply and learn more at https://tdafrica.com/TecHERdemy.

Empowerment

Polaris Bank Provides Free Breast Cancer Screening for 250 Nigerian Women

by Women Times on October 10, 2024

Polaris Bank, Nigeria’s leading digital retail commercial Bank, has announced the sponsorship of free breast cancer screening for 250 Nigerian women, in commemoration of 2024 October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This initiative underscores Polaris Bank’s unwavering commitment to women’s health and is part of the Bank’s long-standing efforts and intervention to support breast cancer awareness behavioral change, advocacy and prevention in Nigeria.

For over a decade, working with its NGO Partner, Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.P.E), Polaris Bank has been a leader in breast cancer advocacy, behavioral change communication, funding support and the screening of more than 20,000 women across the country. This year’s sponsorship further supports the Bank’s mission to ensure that more women, particularly those with limited access to healthcare, have the opportunity for early detection, which is vital for successful treatment and survival.

“Breast cancer continues to pose a significant threat to women, not just in Nigeria, but globally. As a responsible corporate organization, we understand the importance of early detection, and we are committed to empowering women with access to this life-saving screening. Our partnership with C.O.P.E. is integral to making this service accessible to more women,” the Bank stated.

Aligned with United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which focuses on preventing needless suffering from preventable diseases and premature death, Polaris Bank is taking a crucial step by funding free breast cancer screenings for women in underserved regions.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), early detection of breast cancer increases survival rates and reduces treatment costs, making Polaris Bank’s initiative a vital contribution towards improving health outcomes and reducing breast cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.

This year’s screening programme reflects Polaris Bank’s broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda, which focuses on key areas like health, education, and youth/women empowerment; and community development. The Bank has consistently invested in causes that positively impact the lives of Nigerians, and this screening effort is yet another testament to its commitment to improving public health.
In addition to the screenings, the Bank continues to champion breast cancer awareness through education, advocacy, behavioural change and outreach, encouraging women to engage in regular self-examinations and seek medical attention promptly. This holistic approach to advocacy aims to build a healthier society where early detection becomes the norm.

The 2024 free screening intervention, marks another milestone in the fight against breast cancer, as the brand remains at the forefront of efforts to combat the disease, ensuring that Nigerian women have access to the critical health resources they need.
In over decade, Polaris Bank’s footprint in the fight against cancer in Nigeria, has been described by commentators as phenomenal:

In collaboration with the Care Organisation Public Enlightenment (C.O.PE) Foundation, Polaris Bank has sponsored treatment for over 30 indigent cancer patients and provided free breast cancer screenings for over 20,000 women, including its own female staff and customers. The Bank has also donated three state-of-the-art breast cancer screening machines, improving the quality of diagnosis and clinical practices nationwide. To further raise awareness, Polaris Bank organized a 10-kilometer walk with over 2,500 participants to draw attention to the breast cancer crisis.

The Bank, as part of its ongoing commitment to health awareness and community support, previously organized an impactful event for breast cancer survivors themed ‘Celebrating Our Pink Heroes’ at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos. The event brought together over 50 survivors and featured music, networking, and educational and experience sharing sessions. Same exercised was repeated just last year Oct with in Ikoyi with added spice where another 50 breast cancer survivors were treated to a full spa and wellness session involving sauna bath, manicure, pedicure, healthy meals, movie and experience sharing sessions.

It provided a meaningful platform for survivors to share their experiences, raise awareness about breast cancer, survival techniques and encourage positivity among their community. The initiative also sought to educate the public and demystify myth by reducing the stigma associated with the cancer, reinforcing Polaris Bank’s dedication to social responsibility and health advocacy.

The Bank had in making life more beautiful to breast cancer survivors had in 2019, presents over a 100 units of Prosthetic bra to cancer survivors registered under the Bank’s NGO Partner @copebcnigeria C.O.P.E.
Polaris Bank, in partnership with C.O.P.E, hosted a special full spa outing for some breast cancer survivors. The event strengthened the bond between the Bank and Cancer Survivors as it offered therapeutic services such as; steam baths, massages, manicures, pedicures, and a healthy meal, along with a health talk. Experiences were also shared amongst the survivors.

In addition, Polaris Bank part financed the establishment of arguably sub-Saharan best Cancer Hospital, Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and Specialist Hospital (MRCC).

Overall, the Bank’s initiatives reflect its dedication to responsible business practices, integrating social and environmental considerations into its operations, and ensuring a net positive impact on both society and the environment.

Women interested in taking part in the free screening exercise should visit our website or click the link below, or follow us on our social media pages @polarisbankltd for more information and registration details:

https://www.polarisbanklimited.com/breast-cancer-screening-2024/ and thereafter visit the C.O.P.E. Center at 39B, Adeniyi Jones Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Screening is scheduled for third and fourth Saturday of October, 2024 and every third Saturday of every other month.

Polaris Bank was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022, and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

Empowerment

Fidelity Bank Trains 1,276 Women in Digital and AI Skills

by Women Times on August 30, 2024

Fidelity Bank Plc, a leading financial institution, partnered with ImpactHER to host another round of free digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills training for businesswomen. The partnership is in line with its commitment to empowering women with relevant entrepreneurship skills.

The training, organized by ImpactHER, was held from Monday, August 19 to Friday, August 23, 2024, and successfully trained 1,276 women entrepreneurs in digital and AI.

Situating the importance of the training within Fidelity Bank’s strategy, Osita Ede, Divisional Head, Product Development at Fidelity Bank Plc said, “Available data points to the fact that women-led small businesses account for over 40% of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria. This underscores the critical role female entrepreneurs play in driving economic growth.”

“At Fidelity Bank, we believe that empowering female entrepreneurs with the relevant skills to run successful businesses would go a long way in helping individuals to grow, businesses to thrive and economies to prosper in line with our mandate.”

The online training, delivered by ImpactHER, covered various topics related to leveraging technology for successful businesses. These included “Getting Started with Email Marketing,” “How to Harness AI for Content Creation as a Small Business Owner,” and “Branding and Positioning.”

Efe Ukala, Founder of ImpactHER, explained the importance of providing free training: “Statistically, women and girls are 25% less likely to leverage digital technology for basic purposes, 4 times less likely to know how to program computers, and 13 times less likely to file for technology patents. This highlights the importance of equipping African women with digital skills that can be leveraged to scale their businesses. Data shows that Africa can add 180 billion dollars to its GDP by 2025 if we close the e-commerce digital gap. By offering this training at no cost and collaborating with supporters like Fidelity Bank to reach more women, we’re working to make these vital skills accessible to women entrepreneurs who can drive this economic growth.”

This collaboration demonstrates Fidelity Bank and ImpactHER’s commitment to providing free, high-quality training to women entrepreneurs. By combining ImpactHER’s expertise and Fidelity Bank’s network and support for small businesses, the program aims to create lasting impact in the business community.

Participants praised the free program’s practical approach and the immediate applicability of the skills learned. The success of this initiative paves the way for future collaborations aimed at empowering more women entrepreneurs across Nigeria through free, accessible training programs. The August 2024 cohort brings the number of women entrepreneurs trained under the partnership to 5,719.

Ranked as one of the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank is a full-fledged commercial bank with over 8.3 million customers serviced across its 251 business offices in Nigeria and the United Kingdom as well as on digital banking channels.

The bank has won multiple local and international awards including the Export Finance Bank of the Year at the 2023 BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, the Best Payment Solution Provider Nigeria 2023 and Best SME Bank Nigeria 2022 by the Global Banking and Finance Awards; Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2023; and Best Domestic Private Bank in Nigeria by the Euromoney Global Private Banking Awards 2023.

Empowerment

LG Electronics Empowers Parents and Kids with Valuable Tech Skills, Insights at Summer Treat

by Women Times on August 10, 2024

As part of an effort to introduce parents and children to opportunities available with technology, LG Electronics, a global leader in consumer electronics, has successfully hosted an online webinar titled “Summer Treats: Prepping Kids for Summer Holiday,” which was well-attended and focused on providing valuable insights and tips for parents to prepare their children as they observe summer break.

The webinar achieved its aim of empowering Nigerian parents by showcasing creative activities that they can engage their children in, with an emphasis on introducing them to the opportunities and benefits that are available to them early in tech, AI, and coding spaces during the summer holiday period.

Prominent women leaders in society and technology, which includes esteemed speakers such as Dr. Anire Okogun, Vice President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa Nigeria Chapter (CBW-Africa); Amarachi Onyemaobi, President of GirlsInTech Nigeria; Damilola Emuze, Head of Operations at The Bulb Africa; and Hajia Bolanle Muse, President of Commonwealth Business Women Africa Nigeria Chapter (CBW-Africa), shared interesting insights during the webinar.

Some of the takeaways from the Webinar include.”

– The need to get children introduced to technology, AI, Coding, etc., at an early age because the future will revolve around technology.

– Getting children to embrace technology gives them a strong foundation in problem-solving.

– Enables the children to imbibe the doctrine of critical thinking.

– We are in the era of AI taking over jobs and it is only those with tech skills will get jobs in the future.

– Every profession now requires some technology; hence, children should be encouraged to embrace it early.

Questions were entertained by the speakers, who gave satisfactory answers that further put spice to the Webinar. 10 attendees also won prizes during the Webinar, as they got some questions asked on the points raised by the speakers correctly.

“We were thrilled to see the overwhelming response to our Insider Community webinar,” said the Managing Director, LG Electronics Mr. Hyoung Sub Ji. “By equipping parents with the right tools and knowledge, we aim to empower them to become more involved in their children’s education and create meaningful and memorable learning experiences over the summer break.”

The Insider Community initiative by LG Electronics strives to create a platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration among women, professionals, and experts. Through webinars, forums, and online resources, the community fosters an environment where Nigerians can gain valuable insights and support each other in navigating challenges across the board.

As part of this initiative, LG Electronics is offering free coding classes for kids, empowering them with the skills needed to thrive in today’s technology-driven world. Additionally, LG is providing parents with valuable insights and tools to help them better support their Children’s educational journey.

The conversation was professionally moderated by Oluyemisi Dada, broadcast media executive and anchor from the CBN on TVC News.

By providing these valuable resources, LG Electronics aims to make a positive impact on the lives of families and contribute to the development of the next generation of innovators and leaders. Furthermore, LG’s revolutionary smart home solutions can improve summer learning and offer a fun-filled time at home for the youngsters. More unique events are in the pipeline to improve the lives of the LG Insider Community.

Empowerment

First Lady to Empower 37,000 Women with 50k Each

by Women Times on August 10, 2024

As part of an effort to recapitalise and support businesses through her Renewed Hope Initiative Women Economic Empowerment, Nigeria’s First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, has vowed to empower 1,000 petty traders in each state of the federation (36 States), including the Federal Capital Territory, with N50, 000 each.

Tinubu, represented by the Wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, revealed this on Friday in Enugu, when she declared open this year’s August Meeting organised by the Wife of the Enugu State Governor, Mrs Nkechinyere Mbah.

According to her, a total of 37,000 petty traders across the country will benefit from the initiative as a way of cushioning the effect of the economic difficulty on women.

She said “Our women will be supported with N50,000 each to recapitalise and support their businesses. Through the Renewed Hope initiative, we are working tirelessly toward a better life for families.

“The scope of our programmes covers education, social investment programme, agriculture, health and economic empowerment.

“In economic empowerment, we have provided women with ICT training to improve digital skills.

“In education, we have provided scholarship to our children and youths across the country with opportunity to study abroad.

“Also in agriculture, we have supported our women farmers with fertilizers and farming implements.

“Under our social investment programme, assorted food items are moving from one state to another.”

The president’s wife said that the August Meeting had made a significant impact over the years and provided a vital platform for mothers, daughters and sisters to address pressing societal issues.

She pointed out that the annual tradition of Igbo women gathering had helped to mobilise women for community building, political participation, empowerment and community development.

She described the theme of the meeting, “Eliminating abuse to foster a healthy society,” as a clarion call to action, adding that abuse in all forms must be eradicated.

“Every individual has the right to safety, free from physical, domestic, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial, material, modern slavery and discrimination.

“We must speak up against abuse, try to dialogue responsibly and work together to foster a sense of empathy, compassion towards one another,” she said.

Earlier in an address of welcome, Mbah said that August Meeting is a cherished tradition in Enugu State that gathers and unites women from all corners of the state to share knowledge, experiences, and aspirations.

According to her, the meeting is not just a social event but a powerful platform for women’s empowerment, advocacy, and community development.

She further said that through her Custos Care Foundation, women across the three senatorial zones of the state had been empowered while the issue of maternal and child mortality were being addressed.

“In line with our commitment to uplift the lives of our women, we are pleased to announce that empowerment packages will be given to indigent women during this year’s meeting.

“The packages are designed to provide support and resources to those who need them most, helping them to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their families and society,” she said.

The event was attended by the Wife of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Mrs Bianca Ojukwu, different women groups and women delegations from 17 Local Government Areas.

Highlights of the colourful event included march past by various women groups and cultural dances.

(NAN)

Empowerment Uncategorized

Zoho Partners with She Code Africa to Empower and Upskill Women Through Specialised Training on Zoho Creator

by Women Times on July 22, 2024

The upskilling sessions will be provided as part of the ‘Young Creators Program’ (YCP) run by Zoho Creator. As part of the program, Zoho will host 30 female trainers from the SCA Academy and will conduct a three-day in-depth training session about building enterprise-grade applications with low-code technology. The training will take place at the Zoho office in Lagos, Nigeria. The trainers will also receive free access to the Creator platform for one year, along with training material.

“At Zoho, we believe in supporting local communities by upskilling and hiring local talent, empowering local businesses with our technology, and promoting responsible and sustainable development. Our growth strategy, known as transnational localism, embodies these values. In continuation of this commitment to support progress at the grassroots, we are partnering with She Code Africa to equip Nigerian students with critical tech skills,” said Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria.

“The ‘Young Creators Program’ aims to bridge the technical skill gap and support talent-building for our youth who will be the next generation of leaders and professionals. We are glad to partner with Zoho to help our trainers learn the latest advancements in low-code technology, and then pass on the knowledge to our other students,” said Maryblessing Okolie, Community Manager.

Launched globally in 2022, the Young Creators Program is a training program aimed at equipping future business leaders with advanced digital skills and fostering innovation in technology. The program brings value by providing access to Zoho Creator’s powerful platform to help participants build custom applications in a simple and seamless manner without extensive programming knowledge. Beyond skill development, the program boosts confidence, fosters personal growth, and opens doors to further opportunities in the technology industry. The program has trained more than 2000+ students on Zoho Creator globally, enabling participants to earn program completion certificates and exciting prizes.

Empowerment

FirstBank Partners International Women’s Society to Empower Women

by Women Times on June 14, 2024

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has partnered with the International Women’s Society (IWS) to empower over 250 widows, in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that beneficiaries at the Lagos event, tagged “IWS Widows Feast and Empowerment Programme”, received various essential tools, equipment and grants. The items distributed were sewing machines, freezers, coolers, hair dryers, cake mixers, industrial cooking gas, generators, and freezers to help the widows establish and sustain their businesses.

Ms Lande Atere, Chief Customer Experience Officer, FirstBank, said that the financial institution had been partnering with IWS for over a decade. According to her, the bank has been empowering women-owned Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with funding and skills acquisition.

“As an organisation that strategically prioritises financial inclusion, we will continue to support IWS in creating entrepreneurial opportunities and promoting self-reliance and vocational skills among women,” Atere stated.

Mrs Adebanke Adeola, Chairperson of the International Women’s Society (IWS) Widows Trust Fund (WTF), appreciated FirstBank for supporting the society in empowering and feasting with the widows. Adeola mentioned that the bank provided Point of Sale (POS) machines to improve the benefiting widows’ access to financial services and income generation opportunities.

Also, some beneficiaries would receive extra working capital through the generosity of the financial institution and other sponsors.

“This partnership, along with generous sponsorships from other companies and individuals, enables us to continue our mission and expand our impact. The programme, organised yearly, aims to help widows achieve financial independence and self-sufficiency,” Adeola said.

Culled from NAN

Empowerment

ASR Africa, BUA Foods Donate Food, Grant to Widows in Lagos

by Women Times on June 14, 2024

Celebratory cheers filled the air at the International Women Society’s (IWS) Skill Acquisition Centre in Lagos State on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 as Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative for Africa (ASR Africa), donated BUA Foods products as a palliative to widows.

The palliative, comprising IRS Pasta, IRS semolina, and BUA Rice – and N10 million grant were donated by ASR Africa during the 2024 Widows Feast and Empowerment programme organised by the IWS in Lagos State.

While speaking to journalists at the sideline of the event, the widows expressed their heartfelt appreciation to ASR Africa and BUA Foods’ chairman, for the donation of essential food items, hailing the quality of BUA Foods’ products.

They were delighted that the IRS Pasta, IRS semolina, and BUA Rice donated to them would provide vital sustenance and access to nutritious meals for them and other family members.

ASR Africa, supported by BUA Foods, donated food and N10 million grant to bring relief to many widows facing economic hardship in commemoration of the 2024 International Widows’ Day.

“In our role as a company, we believe that our responsibility extends beyond business. It is about making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around us.”

“Our commitment to corporate social responsibility drives us to engage in initiatives like this, where we can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most,” the Managing Director of BUA Foods, Ayodele Abioye, said.

Many widows highlighted the positive impact the donation of BUA Foods products would have on them.

Expressing her gratitude, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Khadija Rufai, said, “We are overwhelmed with gratitude for ASR Africa for this generous donation of food items to us.

“This donation will alleviate significant pressure on my household, allowing me to focus on my children’s well-being and education.”

Another widow, Mrs Adebimpe Lanre, said, “This donation of BUA Foods’ product by ASR Africa is a lifesaver for many of us. It will make a huge difference in our households, allowing us to focus on other important needs.”

“Since I lost my husband, I’ve had to be resourceful in providing for my family. I know how nutritious and delicious BUA Foods’ products are and I am delighted to be going home with some, especially the IRS spaghetti, today,” a widow who is a resident of Lagos, Mrs Catherine, said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Ubon Udoh, said the N10 million grant was part of ASR Africa’s ongoing efforts to invest in social development as one of its primary focus areas.

He mentioned that “the grant is a testament to the commitment of the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group to improve the livelihoods and welfare of Nigerians”.

He added that “the grant, which will be distributed to widows in partnership with IWS, is aimed at bringing relief to the beneficiaries while ensuring its relevance and sustainability”.

Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Widows’ Trust Fund of IWS, Mrs. Adeola Adebanke, also expressed her utmost joy and satisfaction toward the food donation and grant to the organisation by the Chairman of ASR Africa and the BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu.

She prayed that the Chairman would continue to make giant strides and break new boundaries.

Empowerment

Kaduna State Government, Google and Partners Launch First Hausa-Language AI learning Series to Empower Women

by Women Times on May 1, 2024

A new initiative aimed at empowering women in Northern Nigeria through AI education was launched today. Google, in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, and Data Science Nigeria, introduced the AI for Beginners Learning Video Series. This series presents Artificial Intelligence concepts in Hausa, making complex technology more accessible and culturally relevant for the region.

In Northern Nigeria, various challenges can impact access to tech education and career opportunities. These include diverse socio-cultural dynamics, infrastructural limitations, and language barriers. The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series, through its engaging animations and culturally relevant imagery, is designed to make complex digital concepts more accessible and relatable, fostering inclusivity and participation in the growing tech sector.

The launch event, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall in Kaduna, was a celebration of technology, education, and the immense potential of Northern Nigeria’s women. His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor, delivering a keynote address that underscored the government’s commitment to digital transformation and economic growth.

“AI is not just the future; it’s the present,” Governor Uba Sani declared. “By equipping our people, especially our women, with AI skills, we’re not only paving the way for a more prosperous and innovative Northern Nigeria, but also laying the foundation for Kaduna to become a thriving tech hub.”

“We believe that technology can be a powerful force for change and are committed to making learning resources available in local languages to empower more people,” said the Director of Google West Africa during the launch event held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Murtala Muhammad Square, Kaduna. He added, “This series marks a new milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance AI knowledge across Northern Nigeria, fostering a broader understanding and application of AI technologies that drive innovation and create new job opportunities.”

“By making AI education accessible in Hausa, we’re opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and social impact,” added Dr. Bayo Adekanbi, CEO/Founder of Data Science Nigeria. “These women are the future leaders and innovators of Northern Nigeria, and AI is the tool that can amplify their potential.”

The event also featured speeches from representatives of NITDA and the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, who underscored the national significance of the initiative and the government’s support for fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem.

The AI for Beginners Learning Video Series is now available on YouTube via the Data Science Nigeria platform, on the NITDA education portal, and for download. To further aid in accessibility, the series has also been deployed on USB drives for distribution and direct peer-to-peer copy at all primary and secondary schools, including public video content copying centres across Kaduna State.

Empowerment

At Polaris Bank IWD Webinar, Experts Advocate for More Empowerment Initiatives for Women

by Women Times on March 18, 2024

…as CEO, Kayode Lawal highlights the indispensable contributions of women to societal progress, economic development

Polaris Bank’s International Women’s Day (IWD) webinar themed: ‘Empowering Voices: Women Leading Change,’ offered a dynamic platform for insightful conversations. The 2024 International Women’s Day (IWD) theme “Inspire Inclusion,” recognizes that despite progress made, women face significant obstacles to achieve equal participation in the economy.

Held on March 12, 2024, at the Bank’s Victoria Island, Lagos headquarters, the webinar featured a distinguished panel of experts who discussed various aspects of women’s empowerment and inclusivity. The event witnessed participation from customers and staff alike. The two guest speakers, who focused on inclusion in the workplace and inclusive health, did a phenomenal job.

The two panelists drawn from diverse fields, delved into crucial topics such as; self-esteem, mental wellness, workplace policies, and the importance of inclusive infrastructure. They emphasized the need for collaborative efforts from all segments of society to support women in realizing their aspirations.

Ms. Solape Akinpelu, CEO and co-founder of HerVest, a fintech company, highlighted the significance of inclusivity and called for concerted action to dismantle societal narratives that undermine women’s capabilities. She stressed that women are not helpless and advocated for proactive measures to counter sub-conscious biases.

On her part, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, CEO of Healthy Living Services Nigeria Ltd., provided valuable health tips for women to balance their professional and family lives; while prioritizing their well-being. Dr. Nwakwesi underscored the pivotal role of women in maintaining family health and urged them to shield themselves from undue pressures.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Kayode Lawal emphasized the indispensable contributions of women to societal progress and economic development. He reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and empowers women to excel.

Reflecting on the global theme of IWD 2024, “Inspire Inclusion,” Lawal highlighted the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected. He reiterated Polaris Bank’s dedication to providing a conducive work environment for its female workforce, free from biases and discrimination.

In her own contribution, Bukola Oluyadi who has oversight on Sustainability in Polaris Bank, emphasized the importance of connecting with women in the workplace. According to her, when women feel appreciated and encouraged to bring their best to the table, it enhances their sense of value and contribution.

The webinar concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize inclusivity and collaborate towards creating equitable opportunities for women in all spheres of life.

Polaris Bank, was adjudged Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022 and 2021 in Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.