Gen.W: How UBA is Championing the Evolved Woman to Reshape Leadership, Business and Innovation

Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, recently hosted a landmark edition of its quarterly Business Series under the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman.” Marking International Women’s Month, the hybrid event brought together accomplished female leaders and entrepreneurs to celebrate women breaking barriers, creating opportunities, and defining success on their own terms. Through personal stories, practical insights, and expert discussions, it showcased the evolving role of women as drivers of leadership, enterprise, innovation and sustainable impact across Africa and beyond. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports that in cementing its drive to empower women, the bank through Gen.W platform proffers a new lifestyle and business offering designed to support women in building careers, creating businesses, and accessing practical resources

When Africa’s Global Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, recently opened its doors on a certain Thursday for the latest edition of its quarterly Business Series, the message was clear: the era of the evolved woman has arrived.

 The hybrid event, held at UBA House, Marina, Lagos, and streamed live to a global audience, brought together accomplished female leaders and entrepreneurs to explore how African women are reshaping leadership, business, and innovation.

Under the theme “Gen.W: The Evolved Woman,” the session marked International Women’s Month with a bold statement about female empowerment and sustainable impact. It was a celebration of women who are not merely participating but creating, leading, and defining success on their own terms.

Taking Charge and Making Voices Heard

UBA’s Group Head, Customer Experience, Michelle Nwoga, set the tone for the event during her opening remarks, highlighting the essence of the evolved woman. “The evolved woman is one who is taking charge, volunteering, and making her voice heard above the noise,” she said, emphasising that leadership today requires proactivity and self-awareness.

Moderating the session was popular media personality and actor Tobi Bakre, who reflected on the modern understanding of female leadership. “When I think about the evolved woman, I personally do not see a checklist or a finish point. In my opinion, it is a woman who is grounded in her own self-worth and gives room for other women to be grounded in theirs, choosing herself daily and ultimately letting other women around her know and believe that they belong here too,” he said.

Women Creating Their Own Tables

The event featured panel conversations with some of Nigeria’s leading female entrepreneurs, including Joycee Awosika, founder of ORÍKÌ Group; media personality and digital entrepreneur Tomike Adeoye; founder of Fine-Funky, Olufunke Davies; and award-winning broadcaster Ayo Mario-Ese. Each panellist shared insights from their journeys, shedding light on the struggles, breakthroughs, and evolution of female business leadership.

Joycee Awosika, an energy economist and promoter of African heritage, described the evolved woman as one who is self-aware and unapologetically assertive. “That woman does not need to ask to sit at the table; she is creating her own table and adding value. As your company is growing, you must grow too, and always do an audit of where you need to become a better leader,” she noted.

Tomike Adeoye echoed this sentiment, stressing that women today are no longer constrained by traditional expectations. “The question of what a woman is bringing to the table has now become obsolete. She is now bringing her own table. She is more vocal about her struggles, setting the standards, and she is not ready to give up on her dreams,” Adeoye said.

Owning Your Story and Making an Impact

Ayo Mario-Ese, reflecting on the challenges many women face in sharing their achievements, urged women to own their narratives. “A lot of women are doing phenomenal work and are sometimes afraid of showcasing what they are doing. As an evolved woman, you have to find out what you are comfortable doing, create your unique offering, and also be open to collaboration,” she explained.

For Olufunke Davies, innovation and relatability have been key drivers in her entrepreneurial journey. “Creating unique designs that are affordable remains my driving force and something that has helped me grow as an evolved woman,” she shared. “I have ventured into a lot of businesses before finding my niche. It is important to do your research, streamline, and think about relatability. But the important thing I will say is start where you are, as it is a progression.”

Building Communities and Lifting Others through Gen.W 

The Group Head, Brand, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, commended the panellists and attendees for their participation. She emphasised that empowerment is most effective when women support one another. “Raising each woman up is actually not that hard; everyone has their community as well as their story. As women, we need to take position so that we can give to others,” Ladipo said.

She also highlighted UBA’s Gen.W platform, a lifestyle and business network designed specifically for the evolved woman. “Through expert insights, real stories, and practical resources, the platform connects women building brands, creating businesses, growing careers, and leading across industries. They also have access to discounted products and loans. The best part: it is open to every woman. No UBA account needed. This is Gen W, for the evolved woman,” she explained.

Inspiring a New Generation of Leaders

By hosting events such as the UBA Business Series and sustaining platforms like Gen.W, the bank continues to reaffirm its commitment to female empowerment. These initiatives provide mentorship, knowledge exchange, and practical guidance to women who aspire to lead, innovate, and make a lasting impact.

The stories and experiences shared during the session underscored a larger narrative: African women are no longer waiting for opportunities—they are creating them, defining success, and lifting others as they rise. In doing so, they are not only transforming businesses but also shaping a future where women’s leadership and enterprise are celebrated and valued across the continent and beyond.

As the session concluded, the message was clear: the evolved woman is not defined by limitations but by vision, resilience, and a commitment to impact. With platforms like Gen.W, UBA is ensuring that these women have both the tools and the stage to thrive.