Wema Bank, Nigeria’s most innovative financial institution and the pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has unveiled a series of activities to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and financial inclusion for women.
A key highlight of the bank’s celebration is the Wema Bank IWD 2025 Event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, 2025, in Lagos. Themed “Harnessing Innovation & Technology to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women,” the event will bring together influential women across various industries to discuss the role of technology and innovation in driving sustainable financial empowerment for women.
As part of its commitment to celebrating and supporting women, Wema Bank will reward 131 women with a total of N11 million in cash prizes through the Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 Women’s Month Draw. The bank has also outlined a series of initiatives aimed at providing mentorship and professional support for women, including:
– The Big Sister Project: A mentorship program under the Wema Women Network (WWN) that recognizes outstanding beneficiaries and provides professional guidance.
– HeForShe Awards: A recognition initiative celebrating male employees who have contributed significantly to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace.
– WWN Outreach Initiative: A program targeting young female students at the secondary school level, equipping them with essential skills for future success.
Speaking on the bank’s commitment to gender inclusion, Wema Bank’s MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni (FCIB), emphasized the need for technology-driven solutions to accelerate sustainable women empowerment. He highlighted Wema Bank’s past initiatives, including the SARA by Wema women-focused proposition, and the bank’s over N50 billion in financing and $2.4 million disbursed under the BRAVE Women Project between 2019 and 2023.
“With over 2 million women reached through skills development, business support, and market access programs, we remain intentional about creating spaces where women can thrive,” Oseni stated. “As we approach our 80th anniversary, our mission to empower lives remains unwavering, and we challenge other institutions to accelerate action for women’s empowerment.”
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on March 8, serves as a global platform to advocate for gender equality and women’s inclusion. Wema Bank’s month-long celebration aligns with the 2025 global IWD theme, “Accelerate Action,” positioning the bank as a trailblazer in gender empowerment.
With its innovative approach and impactful initiatives, Wema Bank continues to set a standard for financial institutions, proving that empowering women is not just a commitment but a continuous journey toward a more inclusive future.