IWD 2026: Polaris Commits ₦1bn to Women Entrepreneurs, Positions Gender Equity as Growth Engine
In a bold shift from rhetoric to results, Polaris Bank has declared gender equity not just a moral obligation but a powerful engine for economic growth—backing its position with over ₦1 billion in funding for women entrepreneurs and a renewed commitment to inclusive leadership at its 2026 International Women’s Day celebration.
Polaris Bank marked International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026 by positioning gender equity as a strategic growth driver, committing over ₦1 billion to women-led businesses while expanding initiatives in financial inclusion, leadership development, and female empowerment through its Polaris Pearl platform.
By Charity Uwakwe
Polaris Bank Positions Gender Equity as Growth Strategy at IWD 2026
Polaris Bank has reinforced its commitment to advancing gender equity as a critical driver of business growth and economic transformation during its 2026 International Women’s Day (IWD) event.
Aligned with the theme, “Give to Gain,” the event underscored a strong call to action—accelerating gender equality through intentional investment, collaboration, and sustained support for women. Speakers emphasized that meaningful contributions today will yield long-term collective progress.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO, Kayode Lawal, highlighted the Bank’s strategic focus with the theme, “Gender Equity as a Business Imperative: The Give to Gain Advantage.”
He stated that “investing in women delivers measurable returns for institutions and economies,” stressing that women empowerment remains a cornerstone of Polaris Bank’s long-term vision.
According to him, the Bank continues to support women-led businesses through targeted financing, enterprise advisory services, and capacity-building programmes designed to scale impact.
Lawal further noted the Bank’s ongoing advocacy in “breast cancer awareness, early detection, and screening,” alongside sustained investments in girl-child education and inclusive workplace policies.
He added that the Bank’s flagship initiative, “Polaris Pearl,” provides tailored financial solutions and growth platforms for women professionals and entrepreneurs.
“Inclusive systems ultimately build stronger institutions and societies,” he said, calling for more deliberate cross-sector collaboration.
Delivering keynote remarks, Tomi Somefun, immediate past MD/CEO of Unity Bank, described gender equity as “a critical lever for organisational performance,” urging institutions to move beyond symbolic gestures to structured and measurable action.
She noted that enabling women to contribute fully enhances decision-making, drives innovation, and strengthens long-term resilience.
Also speaking, social entrepreneur Belinda Nkechi Indinmachi challenged Gen Z professionals to adopt a more strategic approach to value creation.
She advised that “purposeful contribution and long-term thinking are essential for sustainable career and business growth,” encouraging young professionals to see giving as an investment with tangible returns.
In her remarks, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Corporate & Investment Banking, Abimbola Ozomah, reiterated that the Bank’s commitment to women empowerment goes beyond ceremonial observance.
She explained that initiatives like the “Polaris Women Connect” platform are intentionally designed to prepare female professionals for leadership through mentorship, knowledge-sharing, and industry exposure.
Earlier, Bukola Oluyadi, Group Head, Customer Experience & Value Management, set the tone for the event, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and strong support systems in achieving collective success.
The event also highlighted Polaris Bank’s measurable impact, including the disbursement of over ₦1 billion in funding to female entrepreneurs, alongside ongoing investments in financial literacy and enterprise development.
Polaris 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.
