Business News of Wednesday, 11 March 2026

Source: www.punchng.com

Union Bank empowers disabled women through mentorship, training

Union Bank Union Bank

Union Bank of Nigeria has officially launched its ‘Give to Gain’ campaign, a strategic initiative dedicated to advancing gender equity by providing targeted support for women living with disabilities and those raising children with disabilities, in a move to mark International Women’s Month 2026.

The campaign, titled ‘Give to Gain: Creating Pathways for Inclusion and Endless Opportunities’, underscores the bank’s commitment to fostering social and economic advancement for these often marginalised groups. By moving beyond general advocacy, the initiative focuses on creating deliberate systems of support to help these women thrive in entrepreneurship, education, and professional careers.

The campaign’s launch was marked by a flagship event held in Lagos. The gathering served as a vital platform, bringing together women with disabilities, caregivers, advocacy organisations, and key stakeholders to facilitate dialogue, mentorship, and the sharing of essential resources.

The Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, Olufunmilola Aluko, while reflecting on the importance of the targeted approach, emphasised that inclusivity must be an active, calculated decision. “At Union Bank, inclusion is not an abstract ideal; it is a deliberate choice. While many conversations around women’s empowerment are important and necessary, women living with disabilities and women raising children with disabilities are too often left out entirely,” said Aluko, who further noted the broader impact of these efforts, stating that this year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain’, reflects exactly what the bank believes: that when they intentionally open access, support, and opportunity to these women, the value created extends to families, communities, and society at large.

To ensure these commitments translate into lasting change, the bank has outlined a multi-faceted approach throughout March and beyond. Through its women-focused banking proposition, Alpher, and various strategic partnerships, the bank is delivering tailored business sustainability training specifically designed for women living with disabilities and caregivers. Additionally, the bank is initiating mentorship programmes focused on building confidence and capability while collaborating with educational institutions to provide necessary learning materials to female students with disabilities.

The initiative also extends within the bank, with the activation of WeHub, the employee-led women’s network, which is tasked with strengthening an inclusive corporate culture and supporting professional growth across the organisation.

The campaign aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, specifically Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 10 on reduced inequalities. By focusing on those who have historically faced the greatest barriers to entry, Union Bank aims to ensure that every woman has a sustainable seat at the economic table.