Union Bank of Nigeria is charting a new course in the financial services industry by championing gender inclusion and implementing forward-thinking policies that prioritize women’s empowerment both within its workforce and across the broader Nigerian society.
Honoured recently as the ‘Family-Friendly Bank of the Year’ by The New Telegraph, Union Bank is redefining what it means to support women at work. The Bank has continued to set the pace with robust initiatives and partnerships aimed at creating equitable opportunities for women at all levels.
At the heart of its gender-focused drive is the Alpher initiative, a multifaceted platform designed to support female students, entrepreneurs, and professionals. Alpher provides tailored financial services, business and career development tools, and unique lifestyle benefits that empower women to reach their full potential.
Union Bank’s strategic involvement in the Women and Youth Entrepreneurship Development Centre (WYEDC) of the Nigerian British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has further amplified its impact. Through this collaboration, numerous women entrepreneurs have graduated from the programme, gained vital skills, and accessed grant funding to scale their businesses.
The Bank is also leading by example in employee welfare. It has introduced a five-month fully paid maternity leave policy, which includes the option of additional annual leave—an approach that supports the physical and emotional well-being of working mothers. This landmark policy reflects the Bank’s alignment with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-Being).
Internally, the Women Empowerment Hub (WeHub) serves as a vibrant support network for female staff, hosting thought leadership events and mentoring sessions to advance careers and address critical issues such as the digital gender divide.
Further supporting working parents, Union Bank has established a state-of-the-art Crèche at its Marina, Lagos Head Office. Complete with lactation rooms and modern child care facilities, this move underscores the Bank’s commitment to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) by enabling women to effectively balance family responsibilities with professional aspirations.
From progressive policies to transformative partnerships, Union Bank continues to reinforce its commitment to gender inclusivity, setting new standards in Nigeria’s corporate landscape. As the Bank blazes the trail in creating a more inclusive and empowering future for women, it also sets a compelling example for other institutions to follow.