… Programme targets women’s economic independence through vocational training, mentorship, enterprise support and distribution of 1,000 business tools.
In a move to deepen women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc has launched the “Give Her Power” initiative and signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key partners to provide vocational skills training, mentorship and startup support for women. The initiative, unveiled to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, aims to equip women with practical tools and financial knowledge needed to build sustainable businesses and strengthen their economic independence.
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Fidelity Bank Plc has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment with the signing of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with several partner organisations at the launch of its “Give Her Power” initiative.
The initiative, unveiled as part of activities commemorating International Women’s Day 2026, is designed to equip Nigerian women with practical skills, mentorship opportunities, tools and financial knowledge required to build sustainable businesses and achieve financial independence.
The partnerships bring together a diverse network of organisations including LUSH Hair, Barbergirl Academy School of Barbering, Dee ‘n’ Ell the Shoe Architect, Inter-Bau Foundation, IVM Innoson, National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) and One Universe.
The collaboration is anchored on Fidelity Bank’s HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, a structured platform created to provide vocational training, enterprise support and sustainable livelihood opportunities for women across multiple sectors.
Speaking during the launch event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, noted that the HerFidelity initiative reflects the bank’s unwavering commitment to empowering women to build thriving businesses and achieve financial independence.
According to her, empowering women remains both a social responsibility and a strategic economic investment.
“At Fidelity Bank, we strongly believe that empowering women is not only a social responsibility but also a powerful economic strategy. Through the ‘Give Her Power’ initiative and the HerFidelity Apprenticeship Programme, we are equipping women with practical tools, vocational skills and financial knowledge that will help them transition from effort to earnings and from hustle to sustainable enterprise,” she said.
Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe explained that the initiative will roll out a range of empowerment programmes throughout the month of March. These include the distribution of 1,000 sewing and grinding machines to support women-led micro businesses and vocational training in areas such as automobile mechanics, interior decoration, barbing, hair making and shoe making.
The programme will also feature professional headshot sessions to help women strengthen their personal and professional brands, mentorship sessions with leading female entrepreneurs, and hands-on skill acquisition training in areas such as makeup artistry, nail care and traditional headgear tying.
She further emphasised that empowering women economically creates broader societal impact.
“When women are economically empowered, the benefits extend far beyond individuals. It strengthens families, grows businesses and uplifts communities. Research suggests that advancing women could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP, highlighting the need to deliberately create platforms that support women in building sustainable enterprises,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, commended Fidelity Bank for its leadership in promoting entrepreneurship and supporting women across the country.
“This initiative aligns strongly with the Lagos State Government’s commitment to building an inclusive economy where women have access to the skills, mentorship and financial opportunities needed to thrive,” she said.
According to her, women remain major drivers of commerce and enterprise across Lagos, from traditional marketplaces to emerging digital sectors.
Similarly, the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Bolaji Cecilia Dada, praised the bank for championing financial inclusion and economic independence for women.
“Empowering women economically is one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty and strengthen communities. We commend Fidelity Bank for this forward-thinking initiative and for demonstrating how collaboration between the private sector and government can create meaningful opportunities for women,” she said.
Representatives of the partner organisations also expressed appreciation to Fidelity Bank for the collaboration, noting that the partnership will significantly expand vocational training opportunities and strengthen entrepreneurship among women.
The “Give Her Power” initiative is expected to empower hundreds of women through skill development, mentorship and startup support, while reinforcing the role of women as key contributors to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Fidelity Bank Plc is a leading commercial deposit money bank serving over 10 million customers through its digital banking platforms, 255 business offices across Nigeria, and its United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited.
The bank has received several local and international recognitions, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award at the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application by Global Business Outlook; and Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider by Global Brands Magazine. It was also named Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and Export Financing Bank of the Year at the BAFI Awards.
