Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to advancing gender equity as a strategic business priority, spotlighting sustained investments in women’s empowerment, financial inclusion, and leadership development at its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
Aligned with this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” the event underscored the importance of intentional contribution, collaboration, and sustained investment in women as critical drivers of economic growth and societal progress.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the theme “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage,” noting that investing in women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies alike.
He emphasized that empowering women remains a core pillar of the bank’s long-term strategy, demonstrated through targeted financing, enterprise advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives tailored to support women-led businesses.
Lawal also pointed to the bank’s continued advocacy in breast cancer awareness, screening, and early detection, as well as its contributions to girl-child education 
inclusive workplace policies. He added that Polaris Bank’s flagship proposition, Polaris Pearl, continues to offer bespoke financial solutions and growth platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs.
Delivering keynote insights, Tomi Somefun described gender equity as a critical lever for organizational performance, urging institutions to move beyond rhetoric toward structured and measurable action. She stressed that enabling women to fully contribute enhances decision-making, innovation, and long-term resilience.
Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi challenged Gen Z professionals to adopt a strategic approach to value creation, noting that purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth.
In her remarks, Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the bank’s focus on women empowerment extends beyond symbolic gestures. She noted that initiatives such as the Polaris Women Connect platform are designed to equip female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and industry exposure.
Earlier, the Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, Bukola Oluyadi, set the tone for the engagement, emphasizing the role of collaboration and intentional support systems in achieving collective success.
The event also highlighted Polaris Bank’s measurable impact in advancing women’s economic participation, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside ongoing investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.
The bank reaffirmed that its commitment to empowering women is anchored on deliberate action and inclusive growth strategies that position women as key drivers of economic transformation.
By Lekan Olofinsusi
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