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Tag: gender equity

  • Zenith Bank hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar themed, “Take It, You Own It”

    Zenith Bank hosts 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar themed, “Take It, You Own It”

    Zenith Bank Plc will commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day with a renewed call to purposeful action and leadership. As part of preparations to celebrate this significant occasion, the Bank is set to hold its annual International Women’s Day Seminar on Monday, March 9, 2026, at The Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Aligned with the global theme ‘Give to Gain” which underscores the principle that sustainable progress is achieved when individuals and institutions invest intentionally in women, Zenith Bank’s 2026 IWD seminar is themed “Take It, You Own It.” The theme reflects the Bank’s belief that while institutions must give through enabling environments and equitable systems, women must also step forward to claim space, own their value, and lead with confidence. It is both an affirmation and a challenge: embrace opportunity, empower yourself and others, and take ownership of your growth journey.

    Building on the success of previous seminars, including the 2025 edition themed “Winning On All Fronts”, Zenith Bank’s 2026 programme is designed to deepen meaningful engagement around women’s empowerment, leadership, and sustainable impact. Over the years, the Bank’s International Women’s Day initiatives have brought together women leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and emerging talents for dynamic dialogue, inspiration, and shared learning around gender equity, professional growth, and inclusive opportunity.

    More than a commemorative gathering, the 2026 seminar is designed as a convergence of influence, insight, and inspiration, bringing together accomplished women and progressive leaders across business, governance, creative industries, technology, and social impact.

    Speaking ahead of the Seminar, the Group Managing Director/CEO, Dame Dr. Adaora Umeoji, OON, who will deliver the welcome address, said “The International Women’s Day is a reminder that progress requires intentionality. ‘Give to Gain’ speaks to the responsibility institutions have to create real opportunities, while our theme ‘Take It, You Own It’ challenges women to step forward boldly and lead. At

    Zenith Bank, we are 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.”

    The seminar will include segments focused on leadership insight, professional empowerment, wellbeing, and collaboration, offering attendees opportunities to engage deeply with thought leadership and practical strategies for advancing equity.

    With a carefully curated programme spanning keynote addresses, panel conversations, Q&A sessions, and creative interludes, Zenith Bank’s 2026 International Women’s Day Seminar promises to be a catalyst for meaningful action.

    Through its alignment with “Give to Gain” and its bold seminar theme, “Take It, You Own It,” Zenith Bank reaffirms its belief that when institutions give intentionally and women lead confidently, entire ecosystems rise. As conversations around inclusion continue to shape the future of business and society, the Bank remains resolute in its mission to foster platforms where women’s potential is recognised, amplified, and fully owned

  • Access Bank named only Nigerian Company on Forbes 2024 World’s Best Employers List

    Access Bank named only Nigerian Company on Forbes 2024 World’s Best Employers List

    In reflection of its dedication to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises employee empowerment, inclusivity, and gender equity, leading full-service commercial bank, Access Bank PLC has been named as the only Nigerian company on the 2024 World’s Best Employers List by Forbes.

    As one of only 13 African companies to receive this distinction amongst the 850 ranked on the list, Access Bank sets a high standard within the African banking industry, underscoring its commitment to equitable growth and opportunities for all.

    Access Bank’s leadership expressed pride in the Forbes recognition, viewing it as an affirmation of the institution’s inclusive, growth-oriented environment. Emeka Dibia, Head of Human Resources (Nigeria), said, “Our people are the foundation of our success. At Access Bank, we strive to create an environment that nurtures talent, encourages professional growth, and emphasises well-being. This recognition from Forbes reflects our continuous efforts to foster a culture that prioritises our employees’ satisfaction, growth, and long-term potential.”

    Forbes, in partnership with market research firm, Statista, surveyed over 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries to compile the list. Participants represented multinational companies operating in at least two of the six continental regions: Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, North America, and Oceania. Employees rated their companies on factors such as salary, talent development, diversity, and remote work options, with additional input drawn from industry knowledge and connections.

    Survey responses were analysed and tallied – along with data from the previous three years – with a heavier weight put on the more recent data and on the evaluations from current employees.

  • AVCA’s Sustainable Investing in Africa Summit: Mobilising private capital to drive sustainable growth

    AVCA’s Sustainable Investing in Africa Summit: Mobilising private capital to drive sustainable growth

    The African Private Capital Association’s (AVCA) third Sustainable Investing in Africa Summit (SIAS) convened more than 150 global leaders, investors, changemakers, and ecosystem builders to catalyse sustainable investment in Africa. The one-day summit delved into innovative strategies to mobilise local and global capital, advocating for urgent action on climate change and setting the agenda for inclusive growth across the continent. 

    In her opening remarks, Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, CEO, AVCA, addressed Africa’s capacity to originate innovative solutions despite facing challenges. She said: “Africa is rich in creativity, resilience, and potential. However, we face legacy issues such as infrastructure deficits and low financial inclusion. We are witnessing a seismic shift that brings together capital, knowledge, and the brightest minds to align on sustainable pathways to development. Together, we have the opportunity to be  catalysts for transformative change.”

    A critical theme across all panels was the importance of mobilising domestic capital to complement foreign direct investment (FDI) flows to Africa. Zee de Gersigny, Head, Venture and Early Stage Financing Vehicles, FSD Africa Investments, noted that African domestic investors, particularly pension funds and financial institutions, held around $2 trillion in collective assets which could be mobilised to invest in renewable energy, education, broadband connectivity and water sanitisation among others. Panellists pointed to key markets including Kenya and South Africa where regulatory reforms have enabled pension funds to invest in non-traditional asset classes such as infrastructure.

    Speakers noted that Africa is a key region where impact investments can yield healthy returns. However, to stimulate investment at the pace and scale needed for Africa to meet the sustainable development goals (SDGs), investors need to re-imagine what successful investment in Africa looks like. Tom Hall, Head, Social Impact and Philanthropy, UBS, said: “The power of partnerships is crucial in mobilising capital efficiently, and we need innovative blended finance solutions that we can scale. By aligning financial returns with transformative impact, we can channel significant resources to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges.”

    ‘Tokunboh Ishmael, Co-founder and Managing Director, Alitheia Capital, said: “It’s important to redefine “returns” to value impact alongside financial gains, rather than comparing African investments to those in Silicon Valley”. Runa Alam, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Development Partners International, added: “Impact for us is defined by job creation, gender equity and financial inclusion. We hold financial returns and impact as equally important because we need to do both in Africa.”

    Speakers also noted that concerns over liquidity and exit options were key barriers to private investment in Africa. Albert Alsina, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Mediterrania Capital Partners, said: “Barriers to exits stem from opaque markets, even for strong-performing companies in Africa”. Panellists agreed that strengthening public markets and secondary markets would help overcome the perception that there is a lack of exit options in Africa. 

    Ross Ferguson, Senior Private Sector Adviser, UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, proposed that public entities could play a much more active role derisking public markets in Africa. He pointed to Mobilist, a UK government programme, that invests equity capital in emerging and frontier market companies to help them list on public markets and stock exchanges. 

    The event concluded with a call for partnerships, collaboration, and innovation to ensure Africa meets the SDGs and drives lasting impact beyond 2030. 

  • ONE reacts to latest UNAIDS report on global AIDS epidemic

    ONE reacts to latest UNAIDS report on global AIDS epidemic

    Today, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) launched its 2023 report showing that AIDS can be ended by 2030.

    New data from the report ‘The Path that Ends AIDS’ highlights that 630,000 people died from this preventable disease in 2022, equivalent to more than one life claimed every minute. Significant progress has been made to combat HIV/AIDS, with the number of new HIV infections globally in 2022 dropping to its lowest point in decades. 

    Yet that progress is at risk: in some regions and countries new HIV infections are rising and funding for HIV from both international and domestic sources in 2022 fell to 2013 levels to US$20.8 billion, far short of the US$29.3 billion needed by 2025. 

    In response to the UNAIDS report, Tom Hart, President of the ONE Campaign, said:

    “This is a stark reminder that the world could end AIDS if it chose to. We have the tools, resources, and know-how to make it happen but there’s not the will to see it through. The global community is still taking their foot off the accelerator, leaving the most vulnerable to pay the highest price for this lack of ambition. 

    “However, it is encouraging to see that more countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa, are making serious progress in the fight against AIDS. But until local progress is matched by global determination, where people live will continue to determine whether they live.

    “There is a clear path to ending AIDS as a public health threat by the end of the decade. Making that a reality will depend upon renewed political commitment and investment from all governments.”

    • ONE is calling for a greater focus on sustainability and a renewed political commitment from all governments, including the United States as PEPFAR looks to be reauthorised this year. ONE is also calling on donors to ensure sustainable financing of the HIV response, invest in health systems and help make gains in notoriously challenging areas like ending stigma and discrimination and advancing gender equity.
    • 630,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses in 2022, a 69% decrease from the peak in 2004. 
    • 29.8 million people were accessing antiretroviral therapy in 2022, up from 7.7 million in 2010.
    • 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV, a 59% decrease since the peak in 1995
    • 39 million people globally were living with HIV in 2022
    • 85.6 million people have been infected with HIV and 40.4 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic
    • Botswana, Eswatini, Rwanda, the United Republic of Tanzania, and Zimbabwe have already achieved the “95-95-95” targets. That means 95% of the people who are living with HIV know their HIV status, 95% of the people who know that they are living with HIV are on lifesaving antiretroviral treatment, and 95% of people who are on treatment are virally suppressed. Sixteen additional countries, eight of them in sub-Saharan Africa, the region which accounts for 65% of all people living with HIV, are also close to reaching these targets.
    • ONE’s updated health topic page shows the latest data and trends in the HIV response.
  • MTN Shuga Naija Returns for Season 5

    MTN Shuga Naija Returns for Season 5

    …Places spotlight on female equity through Talent Accelerator Program 

    The MTV Staying Alive Foundation has unveiled an exciting fifth season of the multi-award-winning TV drama MTV Shuga Naija alongside a Talent Accelerator Program which will invest in female creatives within the Nigerian film industry. 

    The announcement, which was made today, Monday, 17 October 2022, is in partnership with Unitaid, The Global Innovation Fund, and Paramount. The new season of MTV Shuga Naija will promote HIV prevention and self-testing, and COVID-19 including vaccine uptake, while tackling gender-based violence and promoting gender equity. Together with on-the-ground activities, the program will target young people aged 15 to 24 years. The campaign has also announced the kick-off of the MTV Shuga Naija online auditions for aspiring talents to join the MTV Shuga Naija alumni. Online submissions will close on 24 October 2022 and aspiring talent can visit www.casting.ng/mtvshugaauditions to audition.  

    The new MTV Shuga Naija season will experience a revamp from past seasons that fans know and love, from addressing gender issues in the media to investing specifically in growing female-led companies in the Nigerian film industry. 

    The MTV Staying Alive Foundation will launch a Talent Accelerator Program, which will offer internship and mentorship programs for emerging female creatives in different areas of production, to accelerate advancement towards “gender-aware” media, through the production of MTV Shuga Naija and the strengthening of local capacity. The Talent Accelerator Program will support the pathway for gender-transformative, high-quality content production and give more young females an opportunity to take on senior roles in future seasons of MTV Shuga Naija. 

    Considering this, the fifth season of the TV drama will be produced by 1Pod Pictures, a female-led production company, founded by Directors, Isioma Osaje and Temidayo Makanjuola. Pre-production is already in progress, with the series to be broadcast in Q2 of 2023. Adesua Etomi-Wellington who played Sheila on MTV Shuga Naija season 2 and Down South will star in the new season alongside Tomiwa Tegbe and Sharon Jatto.  

    MTV Shuga Naija fuses critical storylines with health messaging to positively shift viewer attitudes and behaviour. The campaign will use real-life experiences and immersive storylines to challenge myths and stigma around HIV and AIDS, and promote HIV prevention, highlighting the importance of regular self-testing as well as modern contraception. The new season will also encourage conversations centered around gender-based violence among young people and how to seek help; as well as raising awareness of the risks of getting infected with COVID-19 and passing it to higher-risk age groups, and the importance of vaccination. 

    Anita Aiyudu, Country Manager, MTV Shuga Naija commented: “Since the first MTV Shuga season was created in 2009, we have worked with a range of local media production companies and tested various gender-based storylines in our content across regions. With this campaign in Nigeria, we have created a strategic approach to promote female-led production companies through our Talent Accelerator Program, which will guide emerging female creatives to hone their craft and make a name for themselves, while encouraging dialogue on real issues affecting young people. We are excited about the huge potential for the project and really grateful to our partners for making it happen.” 

    Monde Twala, Board Member, MTV Staying Alive Foundation (SAF) and Senior Vice President, Paramount Africa, further stated: “MTV Shuga has birthed a paradigm shift in the entertainment and media industry. Through this series, we have engaged the teeming youths of Africa on the importance of several issues, ranging from reproductive and sexual health to human rights and even the importance of vaccination. Our Talent Accelerator Program geared towards impacting the female creatives in the industry is a step in the right direction for us, even as we intensify our efforts in encouraging gender diversity in the industry, and we know that with the collaboration of our partners, this project will not only be a success but become one of the long-lasting legacies that will resonate in generations to come.” 

    Speaking on Global Innovation Funds objective to promote innovations that increase the agency of women and girls, Rachna Nag Chowdhuri, Managing Director for Grants and Impact said: “It’s great to see MTV Shuga Naija returning for another season. Our work focusing on Innovating for Gender Equality prioritises those approaches which make the biggest impact on gender norms at scale. This series is a great example of that – it has a fantastic track record of tackling issues most important to young men and women, the evidence that it makes a positive difference to sexual health behaviours, gender-based violence and norms around gender equality, and the platform to reach millions of young women at a crucial stage in their lives. We are also excited that MTV Shuga is not just promoting gender equality through its content, but also within the media industry by cultivating local female-led production companies.” 

    Speaking on supporting the campaign, Dr. Philippe Duneton, Executive Director, Unitaid, a global health organization that funds promising innovations, such as HIV self-tests and new HIV prevention tools, which have the potential to make sweeping improvements in global health commented: “Gender inequality is one of the main socioeconomic factors contributing to inequities in global health responses. Unitaid is proud to support MTV Shuga Naija in its innovative and holistic approach to empower young women with critical health information through their programming while promoting greater career opportunities for women in the entertainment industry.” 

    Adesua Wellington also shared her excitement on the return of a new season: “I’m thrilled that “Sheila” is back on the new season of MTV Shuga Naija. Being part of this year’s cast is an opportunity for me to impact the lives of younger audiences through storytelling and I can’t wait to see the magic we create.” 

    MTV Shuga Naija will broadcast on MTV Base, (DSTV channel 322), NTA, and past seasons can be streamed on Netflix, YouTube and Facebook Watch.