Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment through its impactful International Women’s Day (IWD) Seminar, themed “Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities.” The event served as a powerful platform for thought leaders, professionals, and advocates to push for urgent action in dismantling systemic barriers and fostering equal opportunities for women across various sectors.
In her opening remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mrs. Abimbola Ozomah, delivered a message on behalf of the Managing Director/CEO, Management, and Staff of the Bank, emphasizing the significance of the occasion. “International Women’s Day is not just about celebrating women’s achievements—it is a call to action. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerating Action,’ underscores the urgency of breaking down biases and fostering an environment where women can thrive,” she stated.
Reiterating Polaris Bank’s dedication to gender inclusivity, Mrs. Ozomah affirmed: “At Polaris Bank, we go beyond conversations—we actively implement policies that support women’s advancement. This seminar is part of our broader commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable society.”
Empowering Insights from Women Leaders
The seminar featured thought-provoking discussions from industry leaders who shared practical strategies for overcoming barriers, promoting leadership, and enhancing financial inclusion for women.
Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, a Non-Executive Director at Polaris Bank, emphasized the need for women to uplift one another. “We must be each other’s strongest allies—not just on International Women’s Day, but every single day,” she urged. She outlined eight key actions to drive women’s empowerment:
- Economic independence through financial literacy
- Stepping into leadership roles
- Advocating for gender-friendly workspaces
- Becoming mentors to uplift others
- Prioritizing self-care
- Creating safe spaces for women
- Strengthening collaboration over competition
- Leveraging technology for growth
She concluded with a compelling message: “The change starts with us. Let’s continue to break barriers and uplift one another.”
Mrs. Subulade Giwa-Amu, also a Non-Executive Director at Polaris Bank, underscored the role of resilience and integrity in achieving success. “Success is built on character and purpose. Challenges will arise, but integrity is the key to overcoming them,” she noted. She also stressed the importance of financial independence, stating: “Women must invest in themselves—continuous learning and personal growth are non-negotiable.”
Encouraging collaboration over competition, she remarked: “There is enough room at the top for everyone. Women must support and uplift each other instead of competing unnecessarily.”
Beyond Barriers: A Call to Action
Tolulope Makinwa-Adeniyi, Executive Director of Muazu Africa, highlighted the power of networking and self-development. “Relationships are invaluable—nurture connections, express admiration, and build a network that will open doors for you,” she advised. She also called for a mindset shift among young girls, asserting: “The ‘Cinderella Complex’ must end—women don’t need to be saved; they need to take charge of their own destinies.”
Ndidi Ukaonu, MD/CEO of Parthian Partners, urged women to move beyond discussions and take bold steps toward real change. “The time for conversation has passed—now is the time for action,” she declared. She challenged attendees to define their impact, asking, “What are you known for? What legacy are you building?”
She closed with a rallying call: “Stop waiting for permission to be great. Own your power and step forward. The world is waiting for you to rise.”
Polaris Bank: Championing Lasting Change
Polaris Bank remains steadfast in its mission to drive gender equity beyond rhetoric. Through initiatives like the IWD seminar, the bank continues to create opportunities, amplify women’s voices, and foster an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead.
With this seminar, Polaris Bank is not just acknowledging the need for change—it is actively driving it. The message is clear: the time for action is now.
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