In line with its gender-inclusion policy, Wema Bank Plc through its female proposition, Sara by Wema, has launched the Big Sister Project to support its female staff in the area of equity in the workplace and improve their lives.
This was launched by the bank in commemoration of the 2023 International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Embrace Equity’ on Wednesday, March 8th at Civic Centre, Lagos.
Speaking during the launch of the Big Sister project, the Chief Compliance Officer of the bank who is also the Chairperson of the Wema Women Network, Mrs Toyin Karieren, said the project would support its female women in the area of equity in the workplace.
According to her, the project would create an ecosystem of equity for the female workers through mentorship, empowerment, and training programmes. The idea, she said, was to build a more inclusive and supportive workplace.
Mrs. Karieren said 40 female staff of the bank who are the first beneficiaries of the project were divided into a six group of four attached to different coaches from across the world who took them through an intensive six-week training on diverse topics.
The first 40 beneficiaries of the Big Sister Project were celebrated and presented with certificates of participation at the event.
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc, Mr Moruf Oseni while also speaking at the event reiterated the bank’s commitment to promoting gender equality and creating opportunities for women to grow and achieve success in their careers.
According to him, Wema Bank is an equal opportunity employer committed to equity in the work place, promotion of women’s rights and women empowerment.
He said, “Equity in the workplace will happen when intention is matched with action. We are matching intention with action in Wema Bank through so many mechanisms.”
Oseni said the Wema Women Network formed by the women bankers has been championing the eradication of barriers and impediments to women’s career growth, as well as providing mentoring, training to members to upscale their skills.
In addition, he said the bank does not discriminate in the recruitment, promotion and advancement of all capable employees, noting that women are adding value to the bank.
The event had a guest speaker, Mrs Audrey Joe-Ezigbo, Co-Founder and DMD, Falcon Corporation, who challenged women everywhere to work towards equity in the corporate world. She advised women not to settle for the second fiddle role but to strive to break barriers holding them down in their various work places.
According to her, studies had shown that corporate performance was better when more women were represented in leadership positions in an organisation.
Also, the event had a panel session on the topic, “Achieving Growth For Women In Career and Business” which had Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, Disability Rights Advocate, Tosin Olaseinde, Founder of Money Africa and Ladda, and Fela Durotoye, Founder/CEO GEMSTONE Leadership Group as the panellists.
Their discussion centered on the topic of equity and achieving economic growth for women in their careers and businesses, where they urged corporate organisation to provide a level playing field for women and their male counterparts in the corporate world.
To climax activities for the International Women’s Day event, the bank rewarded two loyal customers of Sara by Wema. Mrs Abimbola Olufumilola Payne was awarded for being the Oldest Female customer while Sarah Anuoluwapo was awarded the Most Engaging Customer.
Sara by Wema, the bank’s women’s proposition, has been designed to grow with women and has proven to be the best solution, with tailored offerings ranging from health plans to business financing and advisory services.