Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity As Strategic Growth Driver At IWD 2026
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Polaris Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing gender equity as a strategic growth priority, using its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration to spotlight sustained investments in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and leadership development.
The event, themed “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage,” aligned with the global IWD theme “Give to Gain,” which calls for accelerated gender equality through collaboration, generosity, and purposeful investment in women. Speakers at the engagement emphasized that intentional contributions to women’s advancement can serve as a catalyst for broader institutional and economic progress.
Speaking at the forum, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, Kayode Lawal, underscored the measurable benefits of investing in women, describing gender equity as both a moral obligation and a sound business strategy.
He noted that empowering women remains central to the Bank’s long-term agenda, reflected in its targeted financing programmes, enterprise advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives designed to support women-led businesses.
Lawal also highlighted the Bank’s ongoing advocacy for breast cancer awareness, including screening and early detection campaigns, as well as its continued support for girl-child education and inclusive workplace policies. He added that the Bank’s flagship women-focused proposition, Polaris Pearl, continues to provide tailored financial solutions and growth platforms for female professionals and entrepreneurs.
Delivering keynote insights at the event, the immediate past Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank, Tomi Somefun, described gender equity as a critical lever for organisational performance. She urged institutions to move beyond symbolic commitments to structured actions that enable women to contribute fully to decision-making, innovation, and long-term resilience.
Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi challenged members of Generation Z to adopt a more strategic approach to value creation. She noted that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth, encouraging professionals to view “giving” as an investment capable of delivering tangible returns over time.
In her remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the Bank’s empowerment initiatives extend beyond ceremonial observance. She cited programmes such as the Polaris Women Connect platform, which is designed to prepare female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge sharing, and exposure to industry leaders.
Earlier, the Group Head, Customer Experience and Value Management, Bukola Oluyadi, set the tone for the engagement by stressing the importance of collaboration and intentional support systems in driving collective success.
The Bank also showcased its measurable impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside sustained investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.
Polaris Bank reaffirmed that its commitment to gender equity is anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies that position women as key drivers of economic transformation.
