The initiative, themed “Give to Gain: Creating Pathways for Inclusion and Endless Opportunities,” aligns with the global campaign message “Give to Gain.” It highlights the lived experiences of women with disabilities and calls attention to the need for stronger systems of social and economic support that enable them to thrive.
Throughout March, the bank is implementing a series of targeted programmes designed to expand access to opportunities, promote inclusion, and create sustainable pathways for empowerment. A key highlight of the campaign was a flagship engagement event held at The Stable, the bank’s multipurpose venue in Surulere, Lagos, which brought together women with disabilities, caregivers, advocacy groups, and partner organisations for discussions, mentorship sessions, and knowledge sharing.
Beyond the event, the bank is also undertaking outreach initiatives to disability support centres and partnering with educational institutions to provide learning materials to female students with disabilities. The campaign further includes specialised mentorship programmes intended to strengthen confidence and skills in education, entrepreneurship, and career development.
Through its women-focused banking platform, Alpher by Union Bank, and collaborations with strategic partners, the bank will also deliver business sustainability training tailored specifically for women living with disabilities and those raising children with disabilities.
Internally, the bank is leveraging WeHub, its employee-led women’s network, to promote an inclusive workplace culture and enhance professional development opportunities for female employees.
The bank noted that the initiatives reflect its broader commitment to supporting underserved communities and align with global development priorities such as **United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 10 on reducing inequalities.
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| L-R: Chief Talent Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Omayuli Wale-Ajayi; Head, Corporate Banking, Union Bank of Nigeria, Ali Kadiri; Head, Retail and SME Business, Union Bank of Nigeria, Vivian Imoh-Ita; Founder/Executive Director, Deaf International Foundation, Funmilola Ogunro; MD/CEO, Union Bank of Nigeria, Yetunde Oni; SouthWest Coordinator, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Adenike Olorundare; Women Leader, Lagos Chapter, Nigeria Association of the Blind, Olubukola Salako; Executive Director, Corporate Bank & Business Banking Lagos & West, Union Bank of Nigeria, Taiwo Shote; Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, Union Bank of Nigeria, Olufunmilola Aluko; Regional Executive, Business Banking SouthWest and Lagos, Union Bank of Nigeria, Emmanuel Aihevba, and Lead Innovation, Events and Platform Management, Union Bank of Nigeria, Chiamaka Moses during the Bank’s commemoration of International Women’s Day 2026 at the Stable, Surulere, Lagos recently. |
Speaking on the campaign, Olufunmilola Aluko, Chief Brand and Marketing Officer at Union Bank, emphasised the importance of ensuring that women with disabilities are not excluded from conversations around empowerment.
She said, “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. This year’s theme, ‘Give to Gain,’ reflects exactly what we believe: that when we intentionally open access, support, and opportunity to these women, the value created extends to families, communities, and society at large.”
According to the bank, the campaign signals a broader commitment to deepening inclusion by ensuring that women who have historically faced the greatest barriers are not only recognised but supported with lasting opportunities for growth and participation in the economy.