The United Bank for Africa (UBA) hosted its first Business Series of 2025, coinciding with International Women’s Day, focusing on the impact of women and the importance of mutual support in breaking barriers and achieving gender equality. The event, titled “Against All Odds: The Impact of Women,” featured prominent female leaders from various sectors, including finance, technology, and entertainment, who shared their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing women in today’s world. The overarching message resonated with the need for women to actively support and uplift each other, dismantling the prevalent narrative of competition and instead fostering a culture of collaboration and mentorship.
Mrs. Angela Emuwa, Chairman of the Board of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, highlighted the crucial role of networks like GAIA Africa in providing support and guidance for women in leadership positions. She emphasized the importance of “keeping the ladder down” for other women to climb, contrasting this with the detrimental notion that women in power often obstruct the progress of others. Emuwa’s experience underscored the transformative power of mentorship and the collective strength that arises from women supporting each other’s professional journeys. This sentiment echoed throughout the event, with other speakers reiterating the need for women to create spaces where they can share experiences, offer guidance, and collectively address the systemic challenges they encounter.
Flora Fabyan, Managing Director of BOI Investment & Trust Company Limited, expressed concern over the persistent undercurrent of negativity and self-sabotage amongst women. She lamented the prevalence of harmful stereotypes and biases that women often perpetuate themselves, such as questioning the competence or commitment of female colleagues due to potential family responsibilities. Fabyan urged women to be more mindful of their language and actions, recognizing the impact that such negativity can have on the overall progress of women in the workplace. She called for active mentorship and sponsorship, highlighting the need for women in leadership positions to champion the advancement of other aspiring female leaders.
The panelists stressed that supporting other women is not simply about offering superficial encouragement, but about providing constructive feedback and addressing weaknesses head-on. Mrs. Eniola Fadayomi, Board Chairman of Africa Prudential Plc, pointed out that true support involves identifying areas where women can improve and encouraging them to develop their skills and capabilities. This approach empowers women to overcome their limitations and achieve their full potential, fostering genuine growth and progress rather than simply offering empty platitudes. This emphasis on constructive criticism and skill development resonated with the broader theme of empowering women with the tools they need to succeed.
Nancy Isime, a Nollywood actress, offered a broader perspective on support, stating that it should not be confined to gender. She urged everyone to celebrate the successes of others, regardless of gender, and to avoid the pitfalls of envy and competition. Isime’s message highlighted the universal need for encouragement and support, emphasizing that a collaborative and inclusive environment benefits everyone. This sentiment broadened the conversation beyond gender dynamics, emphasizing the importance of creating a culture of support and mentorship within all professional spheres.
Faraja Kotta Nyalandu, Founder/CEO of Shule Direct of Tanzania, emphasized the profound impact that empowering women has on families, communities, and society as a whole. She reiterated the well-known adage that “the hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world,” underscoring the crucial role women play in shaping future generations. Nyalandu called for greater access to education and opportunities for women and girls, recognizing that their empowerment is essential for driving positive change and progress. She urged society to provide women with the platforms and space they need to thrive, emphasizing that if these are not readily offered, women will actively strive to create them for themselves.
Alero Ladipo, UBA’s Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. She emphasized UBA’s dedication to creating an environment where women are empowered to excel and lead across various sectors. Ladipo acknowledged the significant progress that has been made in promoting gender equality while recognizing that there is still much work to be done. She reiterated UBA’s commitment to accelerating this progress and fostering a future where women are fully empowered to reach their full potential. This concluding statement reinforced UBA’s commitment to promoting gender equality, aligning the event with the bank’s broader values and initiatives.
