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Women are the driving force behind sustainable development, innovation, and economic growth, and there is an urgent need to close the gender gap in our workplace.
This is according to Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), in a keynote address at an event with the theme “The Nigeria for Women Farming, Health, Empowerment, Justice, Entertainment, and Fund Raising Programme/Project (EMPOWERHER), which took place at State House Banquet Hall.
In attendance were: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Her Excellency, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Executive Governors of States and their Representatives; Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. (Barr.) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye.
During his keynote address, Alawuba said equipping women with the tools to participate fully in all sectors of society, from Agriculture to Technology, from Leadership to Entrepreneurship; ensuring they have access to healthcare, legal recourse, and educational opportunities.
He further emphasized that a woman with access to resources, education, and justice becomes a powerful force for change, lifting her family, her community, and her nation.
“When women are empowered, entire communities are lifted out of poverty. When women have access to education, healthcare, and justice, they become change agents for their families and society at large,” said Alawuba.
“Studies show that when women control resources, they reinvest 90% of their income in their families, compared to 30-40% for men. Imagine the ripple effect that our collective efforts can create!’’ said Alawuba
Closing this gap is critical for boosting food security, reducing poverty, and driving inclusive growth.
According to the National Bureau of Statistics, women make up 49.3 percent of Nigeria’s population, and an estimated 70% of women in rural areas are engaged in Agriculture.
Studies show that if we close the gender gap in the workforce, global GDP could increase by as much as $12 trillion by 2025.
Across its 24 countries of presence, United Bank for Africa (UBA) have actively embraced the potential and leadership of women, as it is truly leading the charge for gender equality in the corporate world.
The pan-African lender has close to 50% female representation on its Board, 40% of Senior Management roles held by women and an impressive 59% of its Graduate Management Trainees being female.
At the grass root level, the Bank has ensured that 78% of its Working Capital Loans are empowering women, most especially those who live in the rural areas.
“This unwavering commitment underlines our role as a foremost pan-African Global Banking Group dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment and fulfilling the promise of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, i.e. achieving Gender Equality and empowering all women and girls,” said Alawuba.
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