Zenith Bank: Powering Women, Expanding Opportunity, Driving Lasting Impact

Omolabake Fasogbon writes on the contributions of Zenith Bank Plc towards women’s empowerment

On one warm Monday morning in Lagos last month, the atmosphere at The Civic Centre in Victoria Island was partly celebration, reflection and quiet determination.

This was as women from across industries, backgrounds, and generations gathered for a reaffirmation of their place, their power, and their possibilities. The event was Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day seminar with the theme, “Take It, You Own It.”

From the moment the doors opened, it was clear there was a deliberate statement. One that spoke to ambition, resilience, and the responsibility of institutions to create space for women to thrive.

Inside the hall, conversations flowed easily between seasoned executives and young professionals, entrepreneurs and creatives, each woman carrying her own story of struggle and triumph. There was laughter, but also an unmistakable sense of purpose. For many in attendance, this was a validation.

In her welcome remarks, the Group Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, captured the spirit of the moment with striking clarity.

She spoke about intentionality as a commitment to ensuring that women are not merely included in the system, but empowered to shape it.

Umeoji explained that the International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. According to her, ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while the theme ‘Take It, You Own It’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead.

She said Zenith Bank remains deliberate about building environments where women are supported to grow, thrive, and shape outcomes, not only within our institution but across the communities and industries we serve.

Recommitting to Gender Equity, Empowerment

According to the Zenith Bank CEO, the annual International Women’s Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recommit, “ourselves to the ideals of gender equity, empowerment, and inclusive progress.”

“But beyond that, it is also a practical reminder that progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose action over intention, outcomes over applause, and when there is a genuine commitment to delivering results. That is why we do not treat today as merely ceremonial. We see it as a platform for interaction, reflection, learning, and renewed commitment.

“This year’s global theme, “Give to Gain,” speaks to a simple truth: sustainable progress follows purposeful investment in women. When you give—whether through mentorship, opportunity, resources, or advocacy — the impact extends far beyond the individual.”

Umeoji pointed out that women lift families, strengthen communities, and expand economic potential for institutions.

According to her, it means removing barriers, building systems that reward competence, and fostering a more equitable society. Additionally, it means valuing women’s contributions and opening doors for the next generation of leaders.

“Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, captured it well when he said, ‘There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.’ This means that any society that neglects women effectively forfeits a significant portion of its productive capacity.

“Despite this, significant gender disparities persist globally, often to the disadvantage of women. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 report, only 68.8 percent of the global gender gap has been closed. At the current pace, it could take approximately 123 years to achieve full gender parity.

“Here in Nigeria, the situation is even more urgent. We have closed only 64.9 percent of the overall gender gap, leaving a gap of 35.1 percent that still needs to be addressed. In addition, there is a 19.3 percent disparity in labour force participation between men and women in the country.

“These figures cannot be ignored, particularly because the economic benefits of closing this gap are profound. The World Bank suggests that closing gender gaps in employment and entrepreneurship could boost global GDP by more than 20 percent. Similarly, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that achieving gender parity could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP.

“At the country level, McKinsey’s analysis indicates that closing gender gaps in Nigeria’s economic participation could increase GDP by as much as 19 percent, translating to roughly $90 billion in additional value,” she added.

She pointed out that the projections reflect the immense value women possess, the contributions they already make, and the progress they continue to drive every day.

“From micro-entrepreneurs in local markets to female executives in boardrooms, women are playing a critical role in our economy. Estimates show that out of approximately 53 million women in Nigeria, over 23 million operate micro-enterprises, contributing directly to household income and job creation.

“It is encouraging to see this reality increasingly recognised and reinforced at the highest levels of leadership. Her Excellency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through her Renewed Hope Initiative, continues to champion women’s empowerment—supporting female entrepreneurs and expanding access to education, technology, and other critical sectors of the economy. These efforts reflect a strong national commitment to advancing women’s development, and we commend her impactful contributions.

“Our theme for this year’s International Women’s Day seminar is “Take It, You Own It.” We chose this theme because every woman possesses inherent capabilities and strengths. It is essential to recognise, own, and confidently deploy them to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

“Opportunities lead to success only when they are claimed. Knowledge becomes impactful only when it is applied. And legacy is ultimately measured by how many lives you have empowered.

“To truly “take it and own it,” you must first build the capabilities required to take your seat at the table, create value, and add value. Be intentional about your growth. Be deliberate about your progress. And always be willing to support others in achieving their full potential.

“This philosophy resonates with the famous words of Shirley Chisholm, who said, ‘If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.’ Let me repeat that: If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring a folding chair.

“This is more than a quote—it is a mindset and a call to action for all women. Do not wait to be invited. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to claim your place and make a difference. Position yourself boldly, confidently, and intentionally to leverage opportunities as they arise. That is the true spirit of “Take It, You Own It.”

Zenith Bank Women Empowerment

Umeoji pointed out that, “at Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about fostering a work environment where every individual is empowered to succeed. This commitment has been embedded in our culture of excellence since the bank’s inception and is reflected in our operations and philosophy.

“As a result, we have maintained a diverse and inclusive workforce, with approximately 50 percent female representation across the bank. Our leadership has ensured that women are empowered to head key departments and occupy senior management positions.

“Opportunities are provided based on merit, free from bias, enabling women to turn their aspirations into reality. This foundation continues to define who we are. It is evident in our policies, succession planning, training programmes, and work-life integration initiatives. It has also contributed to high levels of staff loyalty and retention.

“Beyond our internal structures, Zenith Bank has developed programmes and initiatives aimed at empowering women externally. Through various interventions, we support women in acquiring skills, building businesses, and contributing meaningfully to the economy.

 “Through initiatives such as the Z-Woman Programme, the SME Grow My Business platform, and our learning series, we provide financial support, mentorship, and capacity-building opportunities for female entrepreneurs. We continue to expand access to finance for women-led businesses while strengthening policies that support work-life balance.

“For 17 years, Zenith Bank has remained the sole sponsor of the Nigerian Women’s Basketball League. Several players from this league are members of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, which won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in 2025. The bank proudly celebrated this achievement with financial rewards.

“Through the Pad-Up Initiative, we provide a one-year supply of sanitary pads to schoolgirls in underserved communities across Nigeria, alongside education on menstrual hygiene. These initiatives are not mere gestures—they are deliberate investments in protecting the dignity, health, and future of the girl child.”

Zenith Bank and Ford Foundation

But perhaps the most powerful expression of this commitment was when the bank extended its focus beyond boardrooms and conference halls into the heart of communities across Nigeria. At another gathering in Lagos, this time in partnership with the Ford Foundation, the spotlight shifted from established leaders to women whose stories are rarely told—yet whose impact is undeniable. They were called “Sheroes.”

No corporate titles or polished resumes were defining them. Instead, there were stories of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to others. A roasted corn seller in Abuja who had quietly supported families in her community.

A market woman in Port Harcourt whose influence extended far beyond her stall. A visually impaired academic pursuing a doctorate while mentoring others. A retired nurse empowering young people in her village. Nineteen women in total, each representing a different corner of Nigeria, each embodying resilience in its purest form.

The inaugural ‘Woman of Power Award,’ organised by Zenith Bank and the Ford Foundation, was about visibility. It was about bringing into the national consciousness the everyday women who hold communities together, often without acknowledgment or reward.

As the awardees took the stage one after another, there was a palpable shift in the room. They shared stories of perseverance against odds—against systemic barriers, cultural expectations, and economic hardship.

In her remarks at the event, Zenith Bank’s Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, emphasised the bank’s commitment to creating platforms that recognise and support women across all levels of society—not just those in visible positions of influence, but also those working quietly at the grassroots.

The Ford Foundation’s Regional Director, Dr. Catherine Aniagolu, added another layer of insight, describing the initiative as an “eye-opener.” Her team’s journey across Nigeria, she noted, revealed a vast reservoir of untapped and often unrecognised human potential among women.

Conclusion

Over the years, Zenith Bank has consistently positioned itself as more than a financial institution. From supporting female entrepreneurs with access to finance to creating internal structures that promote gender inclusion and leadership, the bank’s approach has been both strategic and sustained. It is in the young entrepreneur who gains confidence after attending an IWD seminar. The market woman whose story is finally told and celebrated. The professional who finds mentorship and support within the institution and the communities that benefit from the ripple effects of empowered women.

These stories may not always make headlines, but they form the foundation of real change. Equally important is the bank’s growing emphasis on sustainability—an area where gender inclusion plays a critical role. Zenith Bank’s sustainability initiatives recognise that economic growth cannot be separated from social equity. In a world where conversations about gender equality often remain abstract, this intentionality matters to the woman in the marketplace striving to support her family. It matters to the young professional navigating her career. It matters to the community leader working tirelessly to uplift others. And it matters to a nation seeking inclusive growth and sustainable development.