Empowering Women in Finance: A Call for Inclusive Leadership and Economic Justice
The inaugural Women in Finance Breakfast Forum, hosted by Leading Ladies Africa in partnership with Regal by Providus Bank and FirstBank of Nigeria, served as a powerful platform to advocate for women’s leadership and economic empowerment within the financial sector. The event brought together a diverse group of female leaders, policymakers, government officials, and civil society groups, all united in their commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape for women. Francesca Uriri, the founder of Leading Ladies Africa, emphasized the organization’s dedication to advancing gender-inclusive leadership, equity, and socioeconomic justice for African women and girls. The forum aimed to initiate crucial conversations and develop tangible strategies for dismantling gender barriers and promoting financial inclusion.
The first panel discussion, "Women’s Economic Power: Dismantling Gender Norms and Stereotypes," delved into the systemic challenges and promising opportunities women encounter within the financial industry. Moderated by Ifeoma Uddoh, CEO of Shecluded, the panel featured prominent voices such as Uche Uzoebo, Managing Director/CEO of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities; Oremeyi Adeola Akah, Chief Customer Experience Officer of Interswitch; and Chinasa Collins Ogbuo, Advocacy Lead of Enhancing Financial Inclusion & Advancement, Nigeria. The panelists highlighted the critical need to challenge deeply ingrained gender norms and stereotypes that limit women’s economic potential.
Akah underscored the importance of education and mentorship in empowering women, emphasizing the need for curricula that do not perpetuate gender segregation. She advocated for a world that recognizes, includes, supports, and imparts equality for women, encapsulating her vision in the acronym "RISE." Uzoebo echoed the power of mentorship, sponsorship, and collaboration among women, urging intentional support and encouragement for fellow women in professional spaces. She envisioned a future where women are confident in their capabilities and men recognize them not as threats but as valuable partners. The panelists’ insights underscored the transformative potential of education, mentorship, and allyship in dismantling societal barriers and unlocking women’s economic power.
The second panel discussion, "Women’s Leadership and Career Development," shifted focus to practical strategies for advancing women’s careers in finance and cultivating leadership skills. Featuring Rita Amene, Divisional Head of Commercial Banking at Providus Bank; Olufunke Amobi, Deputy Head of Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC of Nigeria; Henrietta Bankole-Olusina, Vice President of Africa Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors; and Chinwe Bode-Akinwande, Head of Sponsorships, Partnerships, and Events at FirstBank of Nigeria, the panel explored actionable steps to empower women in their professional journeys. The discussion emphasized the importance of mentorship, networking, and skills development in navigating the complexities of the financial sector.
The forum served as a crucial platform for advocating increased representation of women in leadership positions within the finance industry. The panelists stressed the need for organizations to create inclusive work environments that support women’s career progression. They discussed the importance of providing access to professional development opportunities, mentorship programs, and flexible work arrangements to enable women to thrive in their careers. The speakers also highlighted the importance of creating a culture of allyship, where both men and women actively support and advocate for gender equality in the workplace.
The Women in Finance Breakfast Forum marked a significant stride in the movement towards greater gender equity within the financial sector. By bringing together key stakeholders, the event facilitated dialogue, fostered collaboration, and spurred action towards creating a more inclusive and equitable financial landscape for women. The insights shared, the strategies proposed, and the commitments made hold the potential to transform the industry and empower women to achieve their full economic potential. The forum underscored the urgent need for continued efforts to dismantle systemic barriers, challenge entrenched norms, and create a future where women are equally represented and empowered in the financial world.
The forum’s success lies not only in the insightful discussions but also in the tangible commitments made by participating organizations. Partnerships with institutions like Regal by Providus Bank and FirstBank of Nigeria signal a growing recognition of the importance of investing in women’s economic empowerment. These collaborations hold the potential to translate dialogue into action, paving the way for concrete initiatives that support women’s financial inclusion and leadership development. The forum serves as a call to action for other organizations to join the movement and contribute to building a more equitable and prosperous future for women in finance.
