Bashirat Odunewu, Group Executive, Energy and Infrastructure, FirstBank; Cecilia Akintomide (OON), Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Folake Ani-Mumuney, Chairman, FBNInsurance Brokers/Group Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FirstBank; Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; Fiona Ahimie, Managing Director, FBNQuest Securities Ltd; Oluwande Muoyo, Independent Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings; Ijeoma Nwogwugwu, Managing Director, ARISE News Channel Africa; Otunba Debola Osibogun, Non-Executive Director, FBNHoldings and Oyinkan Adewale, Independent Non-executive Director, FBNQuest Merchant Bank in a group picture at the Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Foundation, Nigeria Chapter, meeting hosted by FirstBank, to promote female leadership in management.
As part of celebrations to mark the 2023 International Women’s Day (IWD), Interswitch hosted its employees to an engaging evening of networking, discussions and product exhibitions.
In line with the 2023 IWD theme, ‘Embrace Equity’, the event line-up included a panel discussion that dissected ways in which individuals, organisations, businesses and governments could support the push for gender balance in today’s world.
Speaking on the essence of the celebration, Chief Human Resources Officer, Interswitch Nigeria, Franklin Ali, said: “International Women’s Day is not only an opportunity for us to reflect on the progress we have made towards gender equality but also to celebrate and appreciate the phenomenal women in our organisation who have contributed immensely to the growth of Interswitch through their unwavering commitment.
“Achieving gender equity is not only a plus for the society as a whole, but also an imperative for sustainable business growth. It is important to note that a diverse and inclusive workplace leads to better decision-making and increased innovation, which in turn improves our customer experience.”
Speakers on the panel also recognised that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for the growth of female employees and the business at large.
“By creating a work environment where everyone feels valued and included, organisations can tap into the full potential of its employees and better serve its customers,” Founder and CEO, Gush Lifestyle, Deborah Odim, said.
According to Founder and CEO, Healthtracka, Ifeoluwa Dare-Johnson, 70 per cent of women make up the global healthcare workforce, while only 6.7 per cent of funding goes to female-owned healthcare businesses, undermining their capacity to build businesses.
