A diverse group of secondary school students attended the IWD seminar hosted by Polaris Bank in Lagos. With their International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar, “Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities,” Polaris Bank has reiterated its dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
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Thought leaders, experts, and activists used the occasion to highlight how vital it is to move faster towards gender equality by removing obstacles and giving women equal chances in all fields. Speaking at the ceremony, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, emphasised the significance of the day while extending wishes from the Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Management, and Staff.
On International Women’s Day, we honour the outstanding accomplishments, contributions, and hardships of women throughout history and in all spheres of society. It is a call to action, though. The topic for this year, “Accelerate Action,” exhorts us to eliminate systemic prejudices and hurdles that impede women’s advancement in order to move quickly and decisively towards gender equality.
“At Polaris Bank, we believe that real progress happens when organisations go beyond conversation and actively implement policies that support women’s growth,” Mrs. Ozomah said, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to gender inclusion. Our beliefs are centred on empowering women and making sure they are included in all aspects of society. Our larger goal is to build a society that is fair and inclusive for everyone, and this seminar is a part of that goal.
The session included a thought-provoking discussion with professionals in the field who offered doable tactics for breaking down structural obstacles, creating leadership roles, and improving women’s financial inclusion. Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, a non-executive director at Polaris Bank, promoted female camaraderie during her experience-sharing session, saying, “As women, we should support each other and not bring each other down.” These initiatives shouldn’t be limited to a single day in March or International Women’s Day. You should always practise this.
She also discussed eight strategies for accelerating women’s empowerment initiatives. Women’s economic independence, taking on leadership roles because we need more women in leadership roles, promoting gender-neutral workplaces, mentoring others to inspire others, taking care of oneself, establishing safe spaces for women, working with other women to strengthen unity, and being tech-savvy to use technology for advancement.
“The change we wish to see starts with us,” she said, closing her session with a potent reminder to women. Let’s continue to push the envelope and encourage one another along the way. “Success is built on character, resilience, and purpose,” said Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, a non-executive director at Polaris Bank, regarding the importance of character and purpose in attaining success. There will be difficulties, but the secret to conquering them is integrity.
“Financial independence starts with vision and focus,” she added, underscoring the significance of self-investment and financial independence. Prioritisation is important at different phases of life, but work-life balance is also vital. “Invest in yourself, continuous learning, and personal growth are non-negotiable for success,” she added, advising women to consistently invest in themselves.
She advocated cooperation over rivalry in her speech on women’s empowerment, saying, “There is room for everyone at the top.” Women should encourage and support one another instead of needlessly competing. The importance of connections and personal growth was reaffirmed by Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi, Executive Director of Muazu Africa: “Relationships are invaluable.” Show appreciation, cultivate relationships, and create a network that will lead to opportunities.
By stating, “Do the hard things, growth comes from embracing challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, and pushing beyond limitations,” she also promoted personal development. “Mastery is power,” she added, underscoring the significance of mastery.
Continue to improve your abilities, adopt new technology, and hone your knowledge to stay ahead of the curve. urging a change of perspective, particularly among the schoolgirls in attendance from the five chosen schools in Lagos State. She said, “The ‘Cinderella Complex’ has to stop—women need to take control of their own lives and not need to be saved.”
Ndidi Ukaonu, MD/CEO of Parthian Partners, urged action over discourse, saying, “It’s time to start implementing real change and move beyond discussions about gender equality.” She pushed people to ask themselves, “What am I known for?,” in order to define their influence and accept responsibility for their accomplishments.
