Vanessa 
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment through a thought-provoking seminar held in celebration of International Women’s Day (IWD). Themed “Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities,” the event brought together industry leaders, professionals, and advocates to discuss strategies for advancing gender inclusivity across all sectors.
Speaking at the seminar, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director of Polaris Bank, delivered a message on behalf of the Managing Director and the bank’s leadership. She emphasized the significance of IWD, stating, “Today is not just about celebrating women’s achievements but also about taking decisive steps toward breaking systemic barriers that hinder progress.”
Reinforcing the bank’s commitment to action, Mrs. Ozomah highlighted that gender inclusivity is a core value at Polaris Bank. “Real progress happens when organizations move beyond conversations and actively implement policies that support women’s growth,” she stated.
The seminar featured powerful discussions from esteemed speakers who shared practical strategies for breaking barriers, fostering leadership, and enhancing financial inclusion for women.
Women Supporting Women: A Call for Unity
Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, a Non-Executive Director at Polaris Bank, urged women to lift each other up rather than compete. She outlined eight key steps for accelerating women’s empowerment, including:
Achieving economic independence
Taking leadership roles
Advocating for gender-friendly workplaces
Mentoring and uplifting others
Practicing self-care
Creating safe spaces for women
Collaborating for strength in unity
Embracing digital skills for career growth
She concluded with a powerful message: “The change starts with us, let’s keep pushing boundaries and supporting one another.”
Character, Purpose & Financial Independence
Another speaker, Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, a Non-Executive Director at Polaris Bank, stressed the importance of character and resilience in achieving success. She encouraged women to invest in themselves and their financial independence, emphasizing, “Success is built on integrity, resilience, and continuous learning.”
She further urged women to focus on collaboration rather than competition, stating, “There is room for everyone at the top. We must support and uplift each other.”
Mastery, Networking & A Shift in Mindset
Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi, Executive Director of Muazu Africa, highlighted the power of networking and personal growth. “Relationships open doors. Nurture connections and push beyond your comfort zone to grow,” she advised.
She also challenged women to embrace digital literacy and take control of their destinies. “The ‘Cinderella Complex’ must end, women don’t need to be saved; they need to lead their own lives,” she stated.
Action Over Talk: A Rallying Call for Change
Ndidi Ukaonu, MD/CEO of Parthian Partners, issued a strong call to action, emphasizing that now is the time to move beyond conversations and implement real change. She challenged attendees to define their legacy, saying, “What are you known for? How are you contributing to change?”
Encouraging women to embrace their power, she declared, “Stop waiting for permission to be great. The world is waiting for you to step up, the time is now.”
Polaris Bank: Driving Lasting Change
Polaris Bank continues to champion gender equality by fostering conversations that lead to real transformation. Through initiatives like this seminar, the bank remains committed to ensuring women are not just heard but also empowered to lead.
