March 09, (THEWILL) – Zenith Bank Plc has urged women to get inspiration from countless women of history in Africa, especially Nigeria, who shattered the glass ceiling and marginalisation to be successful.
Assistant General Manager, Zenith Bank Plc, Okpala Avenue, Enugu, Nkiru Kingsley-Osualla, made the call while addressing women from all walks of life at the bank’s zonal office in the state.
According to Kingsley-Osualla, these successful women have passed through cultural biases, political imbalances, discrimination and stereotypes but never gave up their dreams and aspirations.
Speaking during an on-site seminar organised by Zenith Bank Plc in commemoration of the 2024 International Women’s Day to engage female entrepreneurs in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Kano and Ibadan, Kingsley-Osualla said the bank is concerned about inspiring, motivating and increasing women’s productivity for nation-building.
“According to the United Nations theme for this year’s International Women’s Day, “Invest In Women: Accelerate Progress” and the campaign theme, “Inspire Inclusion”, today, we are celebrating women who have been successful in all spheres of lives – politically, economically, socially, culturally and all human fields despite all odds,” she said.
The team head, who urged women to invest more in themselves, said the United Nations’ theme emphasises the critical role of investing in women’s education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and leadership development to accelerate progress towards gender equality.
“By investing in women, we not only enhance their opportunities and livelihoods but also drive positive social and economic outcomes for communities and nations,” she added.
Kingsley-Osualla, who spoke about the various bank packages to support the girl child and women in society, urged them to leverage the Z-Woman loan products, adding that there are other packages for them to grow their businesses, including affordable loans at very low rates that will help their businesses.
Speaking, the Facilitator, Dr Lois Onyike, said, “We should speak against child marriages, teenage pregnancy and child abuse and stop the vices which are becoming rampant. These children are not mature or ripe enough to have babies, they are like babies carrying other babies. It has led to diseases, infant mortality or untimely death.”
Speaking further, Onyike, who is a Nutritionist, said, “Most of my mates, who had children early at 23 years old, despite the support, it was not easy then talk less of now. Today, society is faced with inflation, poor nutrition, low income, unemployment, hunger and poverty. Families are worse hit.”
She urged the women to support the voiceless women in society and not relent in the fight against their marginalisation.
About the Author
Janefrances Ebere Chibuzor is a Tourism Writer at THEWILL
