Wema Bank Set to Host IWD 2026 Event Focused on Women Empowerment
As the world prepares to commemorate International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, Wema Bank has announced plans to host its annual IWD Grand Event on March 4, 2026.
The bank, Nigeria’s oldest indigenous financial institution and pioneer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, said this year’s event is inspired by the global IWD theme, “Give To Gain.” The 2026 edition will focus on the sub-theme, “When Women Gain, We Grow,” highlighting the importance of investing in women and recognising the far-reaching impact of empowering them.
According to the bank, the event aims to promote a culture of supporting and celebrating women while showcasing the transformative effect of deliberate efforts toward gender inclusion.
Speaking on the upcoming celebration, Wema Bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Moruf Oseni, reaffirmed the institution’s long-standing commitment to advancing gender equality.
“Wema Bank has never been one to pay lip service when it comes to gender inclusion; we walk the talk with pride. A society where women are left out is one that is crippled. As a Bank, we have made it a priority to provide tailored opportunities for women, celebrate their growth and support their journey toward building a society where every woman can thrive,” Oseni said.
He noted that the launch of the bank’s women-focused proposition, SARA by Wema, in 2019 was a strategic step toward promoting Sustainable Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) on gender equality.
Describing this year’s theme as personal to the bank, Oseni added that Wema Bank has witnessed firsthand the immense potential women bring both personally and professionally when given the right support.
“Our goal is for every participant at this grand event to experience a positive transformation in mindset and action, encouraging greater commitment to supporting women in everyday actions and large-scale initiatives alike, as we collectively bridge the gender equality gap,” he stated.
The 2026 IWD event will bring together leading women from diverse industries alongside everyday women navigating personal and professional realities. The gathering is expected to provide opportunities for networking, knowledge-sharing and collaboration.
Highlights of the event include the SARA Gives to Empower Her Award, which will offer grants to women who have made significant impact in supporting other women; the He For She Award, recognising male employees who champion women beyond financial support; and the Wema Knight Gives Initiative, through which staff members will give back to women across Nigeria.
The event will also feature the launch of the Wema Bank Girl Child Journal, a reflective publication compiling insights and advice for the girl-child from 80 contributors across various sectors.
Interested participants can attend either physically or virtually by registering at wemabank.com/iwd.
