NOVA Merchant Bank, a leading bank in Nigeria, has made a commitment to advance gender equality by assisting women who embrace digital skills, particularly in our rapidly changing global environment.
This pledge was announced during the recent 2023 NOVA International Women’s Day (IWD) conference hosted at the Bank’s Lagos headquarters.
The IWD conference, which brings together women from throughout NOVA to debate gender equality challenges and give answers, is a component of the Bank’s women empowerment project, which launched in 2020.
In keeping with the global theme, DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality, this year’s event showcased notable women who have distinguished themselves in their varioud sectors by utilizing technology and creative solutions to produce value in Nigeria and Africa.
The Chief-Host and Executive Director of NOVA Merchant Bank, Mrs. Funke Okoya who welcomed participants at the conference, said, “Given the country’s transition to cashless policy, NOVA believes that women can play a significant role in providing innovative ideas to capitalise on the benefits of this disruption by leveraging innovation and technology.” She added that NOVA will continue to push for the capacity development of women in Nigeria in tech and drive initiatives that advance women’s cause.
Reiterating the bank’s stance on women empowerment was the Chief Information Officer, NOVA Merchant Bank, Mrs. Mabel Irona-Nduka, who said, “NOVA will continue to lead the many voices committed to women empowerment by making deliberate efforts to close the gender gap in traditionally male dominated roles like information Technology and most especially, at leadership levels.”
Also speaking was the Guest Speaker at the event, Dr. Ola Brown, who is the Founding Partner, Health Cap Africa said, “Having tech savvy women in leadership roles means making more profits especially in a hyper-competitive industry such as banking where we must leverage and utilize all legitimate and innovative alternatives to optimize profit irrespective of gender, and this is where embracing equity is important.”
According to Brown, women must trust in their own abilities to support quotas in all fields, including technology, politics, and their respective careers.
In addition, the Managing Director/CEO, Digital Jewels Africa, Mrs. Adedoyin Odunfa who spoke on protecting the rights of women and girls in the digital space, said, “50 percent of women online have suffered some form of online violence and harassment from the responses and nuances.” She noted that it is critical to teach women and girls digital skills and how to deal with online violence, and also put policies in place to protect women’s rights in the digital space.”
NOVA Merchant Bank Ltd is an investment grade rated bank in Nigeria that provides a comprehensive suite of financial products for financial intermediation, corporate and investment banking, asset and securities management, trade services, cash management, transaction, and digital banking.
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