Bank’s partnership with MMCIN tackles hidden challenges facing vulnerable communities in IDP camps
For many women and girls displaced by violence in Benue State, survival has become a daily struggle marked by uncertainty, loss and difficult choices. Beyond the trauma of fleeing their homes, thousands now contend with challenges that often remain invisible — lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, limited reproductive health information and increased vulnerability to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Amid these realities, Zenith Bank Plc has stepped forward with an intervention aimed at restoring dignity, improving health outcomes and creating safer environments for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Through a partnership with the Marymine Mother’s Care Initiative Network (MMCIN), the bank recently supported the launch of the “Protect the Dignity of Our Females” project, an initiative designed to improve menstrual hygiene management and increase awareness about sexual and gender-based violence among women and girls living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps across Benue State.
The intervention goes beyond the distribution of sanitary materials. It addresses critical issues that are frequently overlooked during humanitarian crises, where displaced women and girls often face heightened risks while struggling to access basic necessities.
For women living in overcrowded camps, the absence of menstrual hygiene supplies can affect their health, education, confidence and ability to participate fully in community life. Similarly, difficult living conditions can expose vulnerable groups to abuse, exploitation and other forms of violence.
By supporting the initiative, Zenith Bank is helping beneficiaries gain access to essential hygiene materials while equipping them with knowledge about menstrual health, personal safety and available support systems.
The programme provides educational sessions aimed at breaking myths and misconceptions surrounding menstruation, while encouraging conversations that enable survivors and those at risk of violence to seek assistance without fear or stigma.
For many beneficiaries, the support represents more than receiving hygiene products. It serves as a reminder that their wellbeing, safety and future remain important despite the difficult circumstances they have experienced.
Building dignity through targeted social investment
Zenith Bank’s intervention reflects a broader understanding of empowerment — one that goes beyond financial support to include healthcare, protection of rights and opportunities for vulnerable groups to rebuild their lives.
The initiative aligns with key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 3 on Good Health and Well-being, Goal 5 on Gender Equality and Goal 10 on Reduced Inequalities.
By addressing menstrual health challenges and raising awareness about gender-based violence, the programme contributes to stronger and more resilient communities where women and girls can live with greater confidence and security.
Across Nigeria, millions of people continue to experience displacement due to insecurity and conflict. While government institutions and humanitarian organisations remain central to providing relief, private-sector partnerships have become increasingly important in bridging gaps and delivering targeted solutions.
Zenith Bank’s collaboration with MMCIN demonstrates how corporate organisations can complement humanitarian efforts by responding directly to the needs of affected communities.
Every sanitary kit provided, every awareness session organised and every girl empowered represents a step towards restoring confidence and preserving dignity.
For women and girls in Benue’s IDP camps, the message is clear: they have not been forgotten. Their health matters, their safety matters and their dreams remain valuable.
Zenith Bank’s wider commitment to women empowerment
The Benue intervention is part of Zenith Bank’s broader commitment to supporting women through strategic initiatives focused on inclusion, entrepreneurship, healthcare, education and community development.
Over the years, the bank has invested in programmes designed to create opportunities for women both within the organisation and across society.
At the Zenith Bank 2026 International Women’s Day seminar themed “Take It, You Own It,” the Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaora Umeoji, emphasised the importance of intentional action in advancing gender inclusion.
She explained that women should not merely be included in existing systems but empowered to influence decisions and shape outcomes.
According to Umeoji, the annual celebration provides an opportunity to “pause, reflect, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of gender equity, empowerment, and inclusive progress.”
“But beyond that, it is also a practical reminder that progress does not happen by accident. It happens when people choose action over intention, outcomes over applause, and when there is a genuine commitment to delivering results. That is why we do not treat today as merely ceremonial. We see it as a platform for interaction, reflection, learning, and renewed commitment,” she said.
Umeoji noted that empowering women has wider social and economic benefits because women strengthen families, communities and institutions.
“Removing barriers, building systems that reward competence, and fostering a more equitable society means valuing women’s contributions and opening doors for the next generation of leaders,” she stated.
Quoting former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, she said: “There is no tool for development more effective than the empowerment of women.”
She added that societies that fail to invest in women risk losing a significant part of their productive capacity.
“Despite this, significant gender disparities persist globally, often to the disadvantage of women. According to the World Economic Forum’s 2025 report, only 68.8 percent of the global gender gap has been closed. At the current pace, it could take approximately 123 years to achieve full gender parity,” she said.
“Here in Nigeria, the situation is even more urgent. We have closed only 64.9 percent of the overall gender gap, leaving a gap of 35.1 percent that still needs to be addressed. In addition, there is a 19.3 percent disparity in labour force participation between men and women in the country.”
Umeoji further highlighted the economic importance of reducing gender inequality.
“These figures cannot be ignored, particularly because the economic benefits of closing this gap are profound. The World Bank suggests that closing gender gaps in employment and entrepreneurship could boost global GDP by more than 20 percent. Similarly, the McKinsey Global Institute estimates that achieving gender parity could add up to $12 trillion to global GDP,” she said.
“At the country level, McKinsey’s analysis indicates that closing gender gaps in Nigeria’s economic participation could increase GDP by as much as 19 percent, translating to roughly $90 billion in additional value,” she added.
Creating opportunities inside and outside the workplace
Speaking on Zenith Bank’s internal commitment to women development, Umeoji said the organisation has consistently promoted an inclusive workplace where employees are supported to achieve their potential.
“At Zenith Bank, we are deliberate about fostering a work environment where every individual is empowered to succeed. This commitment has been embedded in our culture of excellence since the bank’s inception and is reflected in our operations and philosophy,” she said.
“As a result, we have maintained a diverse and inclusive workforce, with approximately 50 percent female representation across the bank. Our leadership has ensured that women are empowered to head key departments and occupy senior management positions.”
She explained that the bank’s policies, succession planning, training programmes and work-life integration initiatives are designed to support professional growth.
Beyond its internal structures, Zenith Bank has introduced several initiatives focused on empowering women entrepreneurs and supporting vulnerable groups.
Through programmes such as the Z-Woman Programme, the SME Grow My Business platform and its learning series, the bank provides financial support, mentorship and capacity-building opportunities for female entrepreneurs.
Umeoji also highlighted the bank’s support for women in sports, noting that Zenith Bank has remained the sole sponsor of the Nigerian Women’s Basketball League for 17 years.
Several players from the league have gone on to represent D’Tigress, Nigeria’s national women’s basketball team, which won the FIBA Women’s AfroBasket Championship in 2025. The bank celebrated the team’s achievement with financial rewards.
She also spoke about the Pad-Up Initiative, through which Zenith Bank provides a one-year supply of sanitary pads to schoolgirls in underserved communities across Nigeria while educating them on menstrual hygiene.
“These initiatives are not mere gestures — they are deliberate investments in protecting the dignity, health, and future of the girl child,” she said.
Recognising women who drive social change
Zenith Bank has also created platforms to celebrate women whose contributions often go unnoticed.
The bank, in partnership with the Ford Foundation, held the inaugural “Woman of Power Award,” an initiative designed to recognise women making meaningful contributions in their communities.
At the event, Zenith Bank Executive Director, Adobi Nwapa, emphasised the importance of creating visibility for women across different levels of society — including those working quietly at the grassroots.
She noted that recognising these women helps highlight the impact of their efforts and encourages more support for women-led change.
A commitment to a more inclusive future
As displaced women and girls in Benue continue the difficult journey of rebuilding their lives, interventions such as Zenith Bank’s “Protect the Dignity of Our Females” project demonstrate the power of compassion translated into action.
By investing in menstrual health, safety and empowerment, the bank is helping vulnerable communities regain confidence and hope.
The initiative reinforces a simple but important message: dignity can be restored, opportunities can be created and lives can be transformed when society chooses to act.
Through sustained investments in healthcare, education, youth development, environmental sustainability and community welfare, Zenith Bank continues to demonstrate that responsible corporate leadership extends beyond financial performance — it is also about creating lasting social impact.