IWD: Polaris Bank to deepen gender equality

Polaris Bank has reiterated its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment at this year’s International Women’s Day event.

According to a statement from the bank on Sunday, the commitment was made at its IWD Seminar ‘Accelerating Action: Breaking Barriers & Creating Equal Opportunities’.

The event provided a platform for thought leaders, professionals, and advocates to emphasise the urgent need to accelerate action towards gender equality by breaking barriers and creating equal opportunities for women across all sectors.

Speaking at the event, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Mrs Abimbola Ozomah, highlighted the importance of the day.

“International Women’s Day is a moment to recognise the remarkable achievements, contributions, and struggles of women throughout history and across all sectors of society. However, it is also a call to action. This year’s theme, ‘Accelerate Action’, urges us to take swift and decisive steps toward achieving gender equality by breaking down systemic barriers and biases that hinder women’s progress,” she said.

Reinforcing Polaris Bank’s commitment to gender inclusivity, Ozomah stated, “At Polaris Bank, we believe that real progress happens when organisations go beyond conversation and actively implement policies that support women’s growth. Empowering women and ensuring their inclusion in every sphere of society is at the core of our values. This seminar is part of our broader mission to create an inclusive and equitable society for all.”

The seminar featured an insightful conversation with industry experts who shared practical strategies for overcoming systemic barriers, fostering leadership opportunities, and enhancing financial inclusion for women.

In her experience-sharing session, a non-executive director with Polaris Bank, Ayaba M. Ayo-Joseph, advocated that women should be supportive of each other, stating, “We as women should help each other and not bring each other down. These efforts should not be restricted to just International Women’s Day or a day just in March. This should be practised all the time.”

She concluded her session with a powerful reminder to womenfolk, saying, “The change we wish to see starts with us. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries and support each other as we go.”

Another non-executive director at Polaris Bank, Mrs Subulade Giwa-Amu, stated the role of character and purpose in achieving success, saying, “Success is built on character, resilience, and purpose. Challenges will arise, but integrity is the key to overcoming them.”

She also highlighted the importance of financial independence and self-investment, adding, “Financial independence starts with vision and focus. Work-life balance is essential, but prioritisation is crucial at different stages of life.”

She further advised women to continuously invest in themselves, saying, “Invest in yourself; continuous learning and personal growth are non-negotiable for success.”

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Parthian Partners, Ndidi Ukaonu, called for action over conversation, saying, “It’s time to move beyond discussions about gender equality and start implementing real change.”

She encouraged individuals to define their impact and take ownership of their success, challenging them to ask, “What am I known for? What legacy am I building? How am I contributing to change?”

She also reinforced the need for confidence and taking initiative, saying, “Stop waiting for permission to be great—own your power and walk in it.” Closing with a rallying call, she urged participants to “accelerate action, break barriers, and create opportunities. The world is waiting for you to step up. The time is now.”