From John Silas
As International Women’s Day (IWD) approaches, Wema Bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous bank and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has announced plans for its 2026 IWD Grand Event scheduled for March 4, 2026.
Inspired by the global IWD 2026 theme, “Give To Gain,” the Bank’s celebration will focus on the theme, “When Women Gain, We Grow.” The event will highlight not only the importance of investing in women but also the far-reaching impact of every effort made to advance gender inclusion, with the overarching goal of fostering a culture that supports and celebrates women.
Announcing the initiative, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, reaffirmed the Bank’s unwavering commitment to promoting women’s inclusion.
According to him, “Wema Bank has never paid lip service to gender inclusion. We walk the talk with pride. A society that leaves women behind is one that limits its own potential. As a Bank, we remain steadfast in providing tailored opportunities for women, celebrating their growth, and supporting their journeys toward building a society where every woman can thrive. This vision inspired the launch of our women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, in 2019, and continues to drive our efforts in advancing the fifth Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 5) on gender equality.”
Oseni added that this year’s theme resonates deeply with the Bank’s experience. “As an institution that consistently invests in women, we have witnessed firsthand the immense potential women bring—both personally and professionally. This year’s celebration is about reinforcing why giving to women is not optional but essential. It is about spotlighting impact, celebrating progress, and inspiring action. Our goal is for every participant to leave transformed in mindset and commitment, ensuring that greater priority is placed on supporting women in everyday actions and large-scale initiatives alike, as we collectively bridge the gender gap.”
The 2026 IWD event will bring together leading women from diverse industries alongside everyday women navigating life’s realities. It aims to provide a platform for networking, knowledge-sharing, access to opportunities, and meaningful dialogue on shared and unique experiences—demonstrating the powerful outcomes that emerge when individuals, institutions, and societies invest in women.
Highlights of the event include the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, which will offer grants to women who have significantly impacted other women; the employee-focused He For She Award, recognising male staff members who have actively supported women beyond financial contributions; the Wema Knight Gives initiative, through which staff will give back to women across Nigeria; and the unveiling of the Wema Bank Girl Child Journal, a reflective compilation of real-life insights and advice from 80 notable contributors across various fields.
Interested participants can register to attend physically or virtually via the Bank’s website at wemabank.com/iwd.
