Wema Bank hosted a grand event for International Women’s Day 2025, highlighting financial inclusion, gender equality, and women empowerment

[dropcap]W[/dropcap]ema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 with an inspiring event at its Head Office in Lagos.

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The event, held on March 11, brought together influential women from diverse industries to discuss “Harnessing Innovation & Technology to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women”, aligning with the global IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action.”

The event underscored the importance of innovative financial solutions in closing the gender gap in banking and economic opportunities.

Highlights of the celebration included the graduation ceremony for the Big Sister Programme Cohort 2 under the Women Network, captivating music and poetry performances, and the HeForShe 2025 Awards, which recognised outstanding male employees who have actively contributed to advancing gender equality.

A panel session, moderated by renowned media personality Olive Emodi, featured industry leaders such as Dr. Nneka Okekearu (Director, Enterprise Development Centre, Pan-Atlantic University), Solape Akinpelu (CEO, Harvest), and Tochi Ginigeme (Lead, Deal Matchmaking, Impact Investors Foundation).

The discussion provided valuable insights on overcoming barriers and leveraging technology for women’s financial empowerment.

Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwayemisi Olorunshola, Chairman of Wema Bank, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to gender equality, stating:

“As the first female Chairman of Wema Bank, my career reflects the power of decisive action in advancing women’s empowerment. Achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5—Gender Equality—requires collective effort to ensure women thrive without discrimination.”

Moruf Oseni (FCIB), MD/CEO of Wema Bank, also highlighted the bank’s longstanding commitment to inclusion and support for women:

“Since our founding in 1945, Wema Bank has championed empowerment. Over the last eight decades, our women-focused initiative, SARA by Wema, has banked over 400,000 unbanked women, disbursed over ₦75 billion in low-interest loans, created 900 jobs, and generated over $4 million in sales for women entrepreneurs. We don’t just talk about action—we take it.”

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As Wema Bank approaches its 80th anniversary on May 2, 2025, it remains committed to fostering an inclusive financial ecosystem where women thrive, paving the way for a future where gender equity is the standard.