By Ayomide Otitoju
Wema Bank, Nigeria’s leading innovative financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced its plans and activities for Women’s Month in March 2025, reinforcing its commitment to gender equality and inclusion.
A key highlight of the month-long celebration is the Wema Bank International Women’s Day (IWD) 2025 Event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 11, in Lagos. Themed “Harnessing Innovation & Technology to Accelerate Financial Inclusion for Women,” the event will bring together influential female leaders from key industries to discuss the role of technology in advancing financial access for women. This aligns with the global IWD 2025 theme, “Accelerate Action.”
Beyond panel discussions, the event will feature the Big Sister Project under the Wema Women Network, recognizing beneficiaries of the bank’s women-focused mentorship program. Additionally, the HeForShe Awards will honor male employees who have demonstrated exceptional commitment to promoting women’s empowerment within the organization.
In celebration of Women’s Month, Wema Bank has also curated initiatives aimed at rewarding and supporting women across Nigeria. These include:
Wema Bank 5 for 5 Promo Season 4 Women’s Month Draw, where 131 female customers will receive a total of ₦11 million in cash prizes.
The Wema Women Network (WWN) Outreach Initiative, which will engage young female secondary school students in mentorship and empowerment programs.
Other targeted activities aimed at fostering personal and professional success for women.
Speaking on the bank’s commitment to gender empowerment, Wema Bank MD/CEO, Moruf Oseni (FCIB), emphasized the need for technology-driven solutions to bridge the gender gap. He highlighted the bank’s dedication to women-focused financial initiatives, including SARA by Wema, and its strategic efforts to create opportunities for women in key sectors.
“In an increasingly digital world, sustainable development must prioritize solutions that leverage technology and innovation. As Nigeria’s oldest indigenous and most innovative bank, our commitment to women’s empowerment goes beyond mere advocacy—we are actively creating tangible impact,” Oseni stated.
He further noted that between 2019 and 2023, Wema Bank:
Provided over ₦50 billion in financing for women entrepreneurs.
Disbursed $2.4 million in partnership with the Islamic Development Finance under the BRAVE Women project.
Empowered over 2 million women through skills development, business support, and market access programs.
“With this futuristic approach, we aim to accelerate action for sustainable women’s empowerment, encouraging individuals and institutions to replicate the Wema model for greater impact,” he added.
International Women’s Day, commemorated annually on March 8, serves as a global platform to celebrate women, advocate for gender equality, and drive inclusion. Wema Bank, ahead of its 80th anniversary, continues to set the benchmark in gender empowerment, challenging other institutions to take active roles in fostering meaningful change.
The Wema Bank IWD 2025 Event and other Women’s Month initiatives further cement its reputation as a leading advocate for gender inclusivity and empowerment in Nigeria’s financial sector.
