LLA, Providus bank partners to drive financial inclusion, women leadership

Leading Ladies Africa (LLA), a nonprofit and media organisation dedicated to women’s empowerment, has convened its first-ever Women in Finance Breakfast Forum to drive conversations on financial and product inclusion for women.

Held in collaboration with Regal by Providus Bank and First Bank of Nigeria, the gathering brought together female leaders, policymakers, government officials, and civil society groups to explore strategies for advancing gender-inclusive leadership in the financial sector.

The event served as a platform to foster dialogue and develop a framework for promoting financial inclusion, equity, and economic justice for women within the industry.

In her address, Founder of LLA, Francesca Uriri, reaffirmed the organisation’s dedication to championing gender-inclusive leadership and equal opportunities for African women and girls.

“Our mission has always been clear: to drive gender equity, economic justice, and leadership for African women through strategic programs, corporate engagements, content creation, advocacy, and communication campaigns. Today’s forum is another step forward in that journey,” she stated.

Uriri noted that Nigeria’s finance sector ranks among the highest globally in terms of women in leadership, referencing a report by Women’s World Banking and the IMF. She described this progress as a testament to the strides women have made in breaking barriers and redefining leadership.

During a panel discussion focused on dismantling gender norms, The Chief Customer Experience Officer at Interswitch, Oremeyi Akah, highlighted the importance of education and mentorship in empowering women.

“Providing access to education and creating an environment that does not segregate or limit women is key. We must encourage young girls to pursue knowledge and ensure that our educational curriculum supports inclusivity,” she said.

She further advocated for the recognition and celebration of female leadership, introducing the acronym ‘RISE,’ Recognize, Include, Support, and impart Equality, to drive meaningful change.