Guinness Nigeria Plc has marked this year’s International Women’s Day with a panel session focused on mentorship, inclusion, and collective empowerment as key drivers of sustainable value creation.

A statement from the firm stated that the event, held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, brought together corporate leaders, development experts, and employees to discuss strategies for strengthening leadership opportunities for women and building more inclusive institutions.

The session, themed “Give to Gain: How We Create Value by Lifting Women,” celebrated women within the organisation while reinforcing a broader call for institutions to intentionally create inclusive systems where opportunities are shared and leadership pathways expanded.

Speaking during the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Guinness Nigeria Plc, Girish Sharma, said empowering women remains both a social responsibility and a business necessity.

“Empowering women is not only the right thing to do, but it is also essential for building stronger organisations and communities.

At Guinness Nigeria, we believe that when opportunities are shared, and people are supported to grow and lead, businesses and societies thrive together,” he said.

The session opened with a keynote address by Olufunke Amobi, Executive Director, Operations at Stanbic IBTC Bank, and continued with a panel discussion featuring IT professional Folorunsho Aliu, UN Women National Consultant Hansatu Adegbite, and Human Resources Director at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Ayodeji Ajibola.

In her keynote address, Amobi described mentorship as a key driver of leadership development, while noting encouraging progress in women’s representation across Nigeria’s corporate landscape.

“There are rooms for women to thrive everywhere in Nigeria, and we must continue to claim our place with confidence and preparation,” Amobi said.

“When women are supported to grow, they not only lead organisations; they expand possibilities for others and create a cycle of impact that strengthens industries and communities alike.”

Discussions during the session explored the role of empathy in leadership, the importance of institutional gender inclusion, and strategies for overcoming structural barriers that limit women’s advancement.

Panelists encouraged organisations to embed inclusive policies, support mentorship structures, and create workplaces where diverse perspectives are recognised and valued.

The conference concluded with renewed commitments from the leadership of Guinness Nigeria Plc to deepen inclusive workplace practices, strengthen mentorship opportunities, and amplify women’s voices across all organisational levels.

By creating a platform for open dialogue and shared learning, the company’s International Women’s Day celebration reinforced its commitment to building a workplace culture where mentorship, empathy, and opportunity serve as catalysts for collective growth and long-term value creation.