*IWD: POLARIS BANK CANVAS FOR INCLUSIVENESS*

*IWD: POLARIS BANK CANVAS FOR INCLUSIVENESS*

By prince Benson Davies

As the world joined to celebrate women on International Women’s Day, Polaris Bank organized a webinar to commemorate the day and drive discourse on the theme “Inspire Inclusion.”

The event was held at the bank’s headquarters on March 12, 2024, and featured a panel of experts who delved into different areas of women’s empowerment and inclusivity.

The webinar drew lively participation from both customers and staff members of the bank, as well as two guest speakers who focused on inclusion in the workplace and inclusive health.

The panelists touched on vital topics such as self-esteem, mental wellness, workplace policies, and the significance of inclusive infrastructure.
They stressed the need for collective efforts across society to support women in achieving their goals.

In his opening remarks, Polaris Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the valuable contributions of women to societal progress and economic development.

He reiterated the bank’s commitment to ensuring an inclusive workplace culture that values diversity and empowers women to excel.

Drawing from this year’s IWD theme, “Inspire Inclusion,” Lawal emphasized the importance of creating a culture where everyone feels valued and respected.
He reaffirmed Polaris Bank’s dedication to providing a supportive work environment for its female workforce, free from biases and discrimination.

In her part, Bukola Oluyadi, who oversees sustainability at Polaris Bank, highlighted the significance of connecting with women in the workplace.
She emphasized that “when women feel appreciated and encouraged to showcase their best, it enhances their sense of value and contribution.”.

Also speaking, Akinpelu, CEO and co-founder of HerVest, a fintech company, stressed the importance of inclusivity and called for collective action to challenge societal narratives that undermine women’s abilities.

She emphasized that women are not powerless and advocated for proactive measures to combat subconscious biases.

In a similar vein, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi, CEO of Healthy Living Services Nigeria Ltd., shared useful health tips for women to balance their professional and family lives while prioritizing their well-being.
Dr. Nwakwesi underscored the crucial role of women in maintaining family health and encouraged them to protect themselves from undue pressures.

The webinar wrapped up with a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize inclusivity and work together to create equal opportunities for women in all aspects of life.

Polaris Bank is a reputable bank and it’s quality has seen it get recognized as Nigeria’s Digital Bank of the Year in 2023, 2022, and 2021 at Business Day’s Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards.

*PHOTO SPREAD*
L-R: Guest Speaker, Solape Akinpelu; Polaris Bank’s Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal; another Guest Speaker, Dr. Ifeyinwa Nwakwesi; and Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management at the International Women’s Day (IWD) Webinar hosted in Lagos recently by Polaris Bank.